Recent reports have surfaced regarding Nvidia’s upcoming RTX 50 series graphics cards, with a particular focus on the mid-range RTX 5060 Ti 16GB variant, which may be discontinued. This potential decision is attributed to the troubling rise in RAM prices that has affected the broader tech industry.
In a surprising turn of events, Nvidia has ceased supplying memory components to its graphics processing unit (GPU) board partners. Instead, the company is providing only the GPU cores, leaving board partners to source the necessary memory independently. This shift comes in the wake of a dramatic 500% rise in RAM prices, largely driven by the burgeoning demand from generative AI, which has significantly consumed global memory and storage resources. Concurrently, prices for solid-state drives (SSDs) have surged by over 100%, compounding the financial pressures facing both manufacturers and consumers.
The implications of these price hikes extend beyond Nvidia’s immediate product lineup. As the demand for high-performance computing continues to grow—with AI data centers leading the charge—the market for essential components is becoming increasingly strained. Companies like Nvidia must navigate not only the challenges of manufacturing but also the fluctuating costs of materials essential to the production of their GPUs.
Nvidia’s RTX 50 series is expected to include multiple variants, with the release of the RTX 50 Super Series slated for the second half of 2026. This anticipated lineup will reportedly feature the RTX 5080 Super, RTX 5070 Ti Super, and RTX 5070 Super. As manufacturers position themselves for these new releases, the ongoing cost pressures may lead to pricing strategies that could affect consumer adoption and sales forecasts.
Industry experts are closely monitoring these developments, as the potential discontinuation of the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB could signal a shift in Nvidia’s approach to mid-range GPUs. This could open the door for competitors to capture market share in a segment already grappling with the impacts of rising component costs. The tech community awaits further clarification from Nvidia, especially regarding how these changes will affect their overall product strategy and consumer offerings.
As the landscape of PC gaming and high-performance computing evolves, the ramifications of these price increases and product adjustments will be felt widely. The upcoming years will be crucial for Nvidia as it seeks to maintain its dominant position in the GPU market amidst these significant challenges. Stakeholders will be paying close attention to how the company adapts to the changing economic environment and whether they can continue to deliver cutting-edge technology at competitive prices.
