GPU Prices (Finally) Dropping

If you’re like me and have less interest in using a GPU for cryptocurrency than video games, you’ve surely lamented the absurd prices of high end graphics cards over the last few years. Thankfully, prices are finally starting to drop on GPUs due to a variety of factors.

The Crypto-Elephant in the Room

For starters, the market for cryptocurrencies like BitCoin and Etherium is starting to cool down. This has been gradual, as the initial rush for the currencies was exponential, but now more reasonable expectations for the technology have led to most currency miners backing off somewhat on their investments in expensive mining rigs.

Supply is Meeting Demand

GPU manufacturers are finally starting to meet up with demand on their shipments. High end graphics cards are not easy or cheap to produce, and so the initial gold rush for cryptocurrency largely wiped out back inventory of premium GPUs. However, enough time has now passed that manufacturers are filling shipments again, which is great for consumers.

ASICs on the Horizon

Seeing the potential in the market, computer parts manufacturers have promised to deliver dedicated mining rigs, called ASICs, by the end of 2018. In preparation for this, most major mining operators are pulling back in their GPU purchases, consolidating their funds for the release of dedicated platforms for their trade. This is only good news: miners will be happy to have more specialized set ups and gamers will be able to affordably acquire high-end GPUs without taking out a small loan.

Bottom Line

Don’t feel the pressure to buy a new GPU right away. If you really want one, now isn’t a bad time, as most high-end cards are going for right around MSRP now, which is fantastic. However, as supply continues to catch up to demand and the release of ASICs rigs grows nearer, we will likely see further discounts on GPUs when the mining bubble moves on. Less likely, but more helpful for consumers, would be if the cryptocurrency bubble burst altogether.

While some gamers and PC enthusiasts have fingers crossed, that eventuality seems to be less likely the longer BitCoin and the like persist. Either way, we’ll very likely continue to see price drops on graphics cards for the foreseeable future.