The graphics card market is facing a new storm. Due to a global shortage of DRAM memory, Radeon GPU prices have started to rise — some models have already seen increases of more than 10%.
In response, AMD has promised to do everything possible to protect gamers’ wallets and prevent further price hikes.
The Impact of the Memory Shortage
VRAM is one of the most expensive components in any graphics card. Right now, memory chip manufacturers are prioritizing supply for AI data centers, leaving the consumer market with limited availability and skyrocketing prices.
This situation has forced AMD and its partners to make certain adjustments. It’s estimated that the cost has increased by around $10 per 8 GB of VRAM.
Recent models like the Radeon RX 9070 XT have seen price jumps of up to 17%, while mid-range variants are not far behind, rising between 10% and 14%.
| Graphics Card | Price Variation | Architecture |
|---|---|---|
| Radeon RX 9070 XT | Up to 17% | RDNA 4 |
| Radeon RX 9070 | Up to 15% | RDNA 4 |
| Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB | Up to 14% | RDNA 4 |
| Radeon RX 9060 XT 8GB | Up to 10% | RDNA 4 |
| Radeon RX 7900 XTX | Up to 10% | RDNA 3 |
| Radeon RX 7900 XT | Up to 4% | RDNA 3 |
| Radeon RX 7800 XT | Up to 6% | RDNA 3 |
| Radeon RX 7600 XT | Up to 13% | RDNA 3 |
David McAfee, AMD’s Vice President of Ryzen, stated that the company sees memory management as a central part of its strategy. AMD aims to maintain competitive pricing through partnerships with DRAM manufacturers to secure enough supply and reduce the impact on GPU prices.
However, this challenge will not be easy. With key memory producers shifting focus away from consumer markets and the growing demand for AI hardware, analysts believe prices might not stabilize until 2028.
Despite this, AMD has vowed to fight for gamers and maintain its value-driven philosophy. But the reality remains — building a gaming PC is becoming a more expensive investment, at least for now.
