US PC Maker Warns Retail GPU Prices to Climb Significantly Amid Supply Constraints
A US custom builder cites supply constraints and rising component costs as drivers for sustained, significant increases in graphics card pricing.
Key points
- StinceBuilt warns retail GPU prices will climb significantly due to supply constraints.
- AMD reportedly increased GDDR6 VRAM costs for board partners, per Board Channels.
- Leaker MegaSizeGPU claims Nvidia discontinued RTX 5090 chip allocations for AI cards.
A US-based custom PC builder, StinceBuilt, warned on X that retail graphics processing unit pricing is expected to climb significantly. The company stated it is starting to see increasing supply constraints on graphics cards, suggesting these elevated prices could persist for an extended period.
This warning coincides with reports of rising component costs and potential flagship discontinuations. According to Wccftech, citing the Board Channels forum, AMD has increased the cost of GDDR6 video RAM sold to board-making partners. Bench Life noted that costs for other components, including main circuit boards, are also rising.
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Supply Chain and Component Costs
The reported price increases stem from multiple upstream factors affecting hardware manufacturers. Wccftech reported that AMD raised the price of GDDR6 VRAM for its partners. Bench Life observed that this VRAM cost hike is not the only pressure point. The cost of other essential graphics card components, such as the primary circuit board, is also increasing. These combined cost pressures suggest manufacturers will likely pass expenses on to consumers.
Flagship GPU Availability
Compounding the pricing concerns are rumors regarding Nvidia’s high-end product lineup. VideoCardz highlighted a post by leaker MegaSizeGPU claiming Nvidia will no longer allocate GB202 Blackwell chips for the RTX 5090. Instead, the leaker stated all this silicon is being directed toward RTX Pro AI graphics cards. This would effectively end production of the RTX 5090, with its theoretical successor, the RTX 6090, potentially not arriving until 2028.
Current market conditions may already reflect this shift. In the US, major retailer Newegg does not sell the RTX 5090 directly. Consumers can only purchase the card from third-party sellers, often based in Asia. This scarcity supports the narrative that Nvidia is limiting chip allocations for its consumer flagship in favor of professional AI hardware.
What should you do?
Monitor supply chain reports and component pricing trends before making high-end GPU purchases. Verify availability through multiple retailers and be cautious of third-party sellers with limited recourse. Consider delaying purchases if you are not in immediate need, as prices may continue to rise. Watch for official statements from vendors regarding product discontinuations or supply chain adjustments.
What to do and how to stay safe: Nvidia
- Check multiple reputable retailers for current pricing and stock levels of desired GPUs.
- Review official vendor announcements for any changes to product roadmaps or availability.
- Avoid purchasing from third-party sellers with unclear return policies or international shipping complications.
- Delay non-essential high-end GPU purchases until market stability is confirmed.
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Why are GPU prices expected to rise?
A US PC maker cites supply constraints, while reports indicate rising costs for VRAM and circuit boards.
Is the RTX 5090 being discontinued?
Leaker MegaSizeGPU claims Nvidia stopped allocating GB202 chips for the RTX 5090, diverting them to AI cards.
When will the RTX 6090 be released?
A recent rumor suggests the RTX 6090 may not land until 2028, though this is unconfirmed.
