Gaming hardware news: memory crisis hits GPUs and RAM

Gaming hardware news: memory crisis hits GPUs and RAM


No single flagship launch this week, but there’s a trend affecting anyone about to build or upgrade a PC: the global memory crisis (DRAM/GDDR) keeps pushing graphics card and RAM prices up. Here are the four stories that matter most for your next purchase.

NVIDIA: RTX 50 Super slips toward 2027 as RTX 5090 hits record prices

Multiple outlets (TweakTown, VideoCardz) report that NVIDIA has told partners the RTX 50 Super refresh is delayed indefinitely, with rumors now pointing to a reveal as late as CES 2027. The reason cited is rising GDDR7 memory costs, compounded by the global DRAM shortage. Meanwhile, TechTimes reported this week that RTX 5090 pricing has climbed above $4,300 at some retailers amid tight stock.

What it means for your next purchase: if you were holding out for the Super refresh to get a better deal, the wait just got longer with no confirmed date. With the high end spiking, it makes more sense to shop the current lineup for value than to wait on an unannounced refresh. Check our GPU comparison by budget to see what’s worth buying today.

AMD: Radeon prices rising 10-15% this summer

VideoCardz reports that AMD has told board partners (Sapphire, ASUS, XFX and others) to expect GDDR6-equipped GPU and memory bundle prices to rise 10-15% this quarter, passing rising memory costs on to the Radeon RX 9000 lineup. TechTimes corroborates the same figures citing supply-chain sources.

What it means for your next purchase: if you’ve been eyeing an RX 9070 XT or RX 9060 XT, today’s price is likely better than what you’ll see in a few weeks — the increase rolls out in stages from manufacturer to retailer. Compare NVIDIA and AMD options in our NVIDIA vs AMD comparison before the hike fully lands.

Intel: Arc B580 drifts above its launch price

The Arc B580, Intel’s budget 12GB GPU, launched at a $249 MSRP, but Digital Trends and recent retailer listings put street prices closer to $299 or higher — the same memory pressure squeezing NVIDIA and AMD.

What it means for your next purchase: it’s still, by far, the only card with 12GB of VRAM under $300 — no NVIDIA or AMD card in that price range matches that memory. But the gap is narrowing, so if you wanted an entry-level GPU with generous VRAM for 1080p, deciding soon is worth it. Our guide on how much VRAM you need in 2026 can help confirm whether it’s enough for you.

RAM keeps climbing: DDR5 kits still well above 2025 prices

Tom’s Hardware, PC Gamer and other memory-focused outlets have been documenting week after week that DDR5 kits remain several times above year-ago pricing, with manufacturers — including Corsair, one of the most visible names in gaming memory — warning the trend isn’t reversing anytime soon. The cause cited across the board is the same: the industry is shifting manufacturing capacity toward AI datacenter memory.

What it means for your next purchase: if you’re building a new PC and already know how much RAM you need, buying the kit now instead of waiting reduces the risk of paying more next month. Check our how much RAM do you need for gaming guide before picking a capacity.

Sources

  • VideoCardz — “AMD reportedly tells AIBs to expect 10% higher Radeon GPU and memory bundle prices in July”
  • TechTimes — “AMD Radeon GPU Prices Could Jump 10–15% This Summer as GDDR6 Memory Costs Surge”
  • TweakTown — “GeForce RTX 50 SUPER Series ‘delayed indefinitely’ as NVIDIA informs its partners”
  • VideoCardz — “NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 SUPER series now rumored early 2027”
  • TechTimes — “GPU Memory Crisis Prices RTX 5090 Above $4,300 as Nvidia Offers Paper Cards”
  • Digital Trends — “Prices for Intel’s Arc B580 are already shooting through the roof”
  • Tom’s Hardware — “Framework warns of even more rising RAM and SSD prices through 2026 as memory crisis persists”
  • PC Gamer — “Here’s why RAM prices are skyrocketing and SSDs and GPUs could soon follow suit”

Note: several figures in this roundup (delays, price-hike percentages) come from industry rumors and trade-press reporting, not confirmed manufacturer announcements — we’re flagging them as trends to watch, not settled facts.