Setting up a computer is no longer what it used to be. Since 2020, component prices have been rising, and the graphics card has become the most expensive and difficult part to get. First it was due to cryptocurrency mining, then the lack of chips and now artificial intelligence.
The truth is that if we talk about GPUs, Nvidia is the main protagonist and it has been learned that the company would be preparing a significant cut in the production of its GPUs by 2026. The figures speak of a reduction of up to 40% at some times of the year.
The leaks suggest that the decision, as expected, has a very clear meaning. Jensen Huang’s company has to choose where it puts its resources, and everything indicates that it is prioritizing the most powerful and profitable models, leaving in the background some more affordable graphics cards that, sadly, tend to be users’ favorites.
During the first half of 2026, according to sources in the production chain in China, the number of GeForce RTX 50 cards manufactured will be between 30% and 40% lower than in the same period of 2025..
Nvidia prepares the perfect recipe for a historic price increase in 2026
The main reason for all this has a name and surname: memory. The shortage of certain types of memory is forcing Nvidia to make decisions. There isn’t enough for all the models, so it’s time to share.
In recent years, Nvidia has been directing its strategy towards AI, and gaming has taken a backseat. The production cut fits perfectly into that vision of fewer cards for gaming, more chips for businesses and data centers.
With this as a basis, the models that would suffer the most from this adjustment would be the RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB and the RTX 5070 Ti. They are cards designed for players who want good performance without going to the highest range. Precisely for this reason, they are in high demand. Reducing its production frees up memory to manufacture more expensive models, like the RTX 5080, which leave more profit margin.
However, the problem is clear. If there are fewer GPUs in stores and people still want to buy, prices go up.
What are your options in this scenario?
If you are already thinking about updating your graphics and find a reasonable price, it may be a good idea not to give it too much thought. If production drops in 2026 and demand remains the same, rest assured that everything will be through the roof.
Another option is to look at alternatives. AMD and Intel also make graphics cards and, although they don’t always compete on equal terms, they can become perfect options.
Furthermore, the situation does not seem like it will stabilize in the short term. Rincón de Varo, an influencer specialized in technology, warns that it could spread, since the industry giants They do not have the production capacity to supply the artificial intelligence industry and users.
Today, AI data centers are not just about GPUs
But be careful because this also extends to RAM and storage. The real need now is these two legs to process millions of data. OpenAI, for example, signed agreements with Samsung and SK Hynix that could capture up to 40% of the world’s DRAM.
On the other hand, the strategy of these manufacturers is clear and they do not want to repeat past mistakes. Before, when overproduction caused prices to fall, many suffered losses. Now, they adjust the offer, prioritize corporate clients and leave the home user waiting at the end of the queue.
The upshot is that while a 2TB SSD isn’t going to double in price overnight, it will almost certainly go up quite a bit in the coming months. And the same thing happens with RAM, both DDR4 and DDR5. Analysts are clear and recommend that you do not wait a single second longer.