🤯 Tech Prices Explode! 💸 What’s Happening?

AI

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GPU Manufacturers Re-evaluate Priorities Amidst Memory Shortages
GPU manufacturers are shifting their strategic focus away from models like the RTX 5070 Ti, recognizing increased profitability potential with higher-end cards. This shift is driven by the ongoing memory shortage and the ability to direct resources toward more expensive GPUs.

Memory Shortage Dominates PC Industry Outlook Through 2026
The artificial intelligence-driven memory shortage is the defining trend for the PC industry through 2026 and beyond, significantly impacting component availability and pricing. This shortage is particularly pronounced in RAM, evidenced by the dramatic price surges seen in DDR5 kits.

Graphics Card Prices Soar Due to Component Constraints
Current street prices for popular graphics cards, such as the RTX 5070 Ti ($1,050 - $1,100) and RTX 5080 ($1,500 - $1,600), are substantially higher than their original MSRPs, reflecting inflated costs due to component shortages and scalpers capitalizing on the demand.

Lower-End GPUs Offer More Stable Pricing Options
Despite overall price increases, lower-end GPUs, including the RTX 5070 ($560 - $570) and Radeon RX 9070 ($599), remain relatively more affordable, providing consumers with options that are closer to their original MSRPs.

SSD Prices Skyrocket, Driven by Scalper Activity and Supply Constraints
Solid-state drive prices have experienced a dramatic increase, primarily driven by scalpers and limited supply, with capacities like 1TB and 2TB costing three to four times more than they did in August 2025 – a stark contrast to the availability and pricing of DDR5 RAM kits.

Premium SSDs Command Significant Markups
Even high-capacity SSDs like the SiliconPower and Western Digital models are facing substantial price increases, with a 1TB M.2 SSD currently priced between $120 and $150, and a 2TB drive around $230.

External Hard Drives Remain Relatively Accessible, Though Prices Have Increased
Larger external hard drives, like those from SiliconPower and Crucial, remain reasonably available, though prices have risen compared to earlier in 2025, with a 6TB WD Red NAS drive now $160 and a 4TB Seagate IronWolf NAS drive around $100.

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This article is AI-synthesized from public sources and may not reflect original reporting.