It's not just the higher-end market, which is prone to price hikes, but the entry-level segment will be reportedly more affected.

ZOTAC's Parent Company Warns About The GPU Shortages In The Entry-Level Segment This Year

The graphics cards have been witnessing new price surges all of a sudden. However, this was inevitable as AI demand keeps pushing DRAM prices upwards. The already expensive graphics cards are now more expensive than ever, and we see new price-hike records every then and now.

While the GPUs with higher VRAM capacity are affected more, those with lower VRAM capacities aren't spared either. After witnessing the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB touching $800+ at major retailers , it was clear that the mid-range segment has been impacted the most, but a new report suggests that the worst is yet to arrive- for a different segment.

As per PC Partner Group, the founding company of the ZOTAC, INNO3D, and Manli brands, the entry-level GPU segment is expected to witness "even more" severe shortages. The company says this will be seen very soon, as the average selling price will skyrocket in the second half of 2026. We are already in the second half, and if their forecast comes out to be true, then prepare for a dying affordable segment as well.

Entry-level cards like RTX 3050, RTX 5050, and the newly launched RX 9050 are already selling above their MSRPs. However, they are still quite affordable compared to the 60 and 70 class cards. The entry-level market is the only hope for millions of gamers who can still make gaming possible in this age, where RAM and SSD prices drive up the overall PC cost to insanity.

PC Partner Group has blamed the rising memory costs, which isn't a surprise anymore. This has forced vendors to implement new price adjustments multiple times this year. It appears that the stability we were waiting for doesn't exist, and affordable PC building is about to die.

News Source: Videocardz

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