The price increases in the graphics card market are now threatening not only the high-end segment but also entry-level models. Statements from PC Partner Group indicate that access to affordable graphics cards will become even more difficult in the near future.

PC Partner Group, the umbrella organization for brands such as ZOTAC, INNO3D, and Manli, predicts a significant shortage, particularly in the entry-level GPU segment. The company states that this situation will cause average sales prices to rise rapidly in the second half of 2026.

Price Increase Imminent for Entry-Level Graphics Cards

The underlying cause of this price fluctuation in graphics cards is the increased DRAM costs due to the high demand for artificial intelligence technologies. This rise in memory prices has forced manufacturers to make price adjustments multiple times throughout the year.

Entry-level models like the RTX 3050, RTX 5050, and the newly released RX 9050 are currently selling for more than their recommended retail prices. While these cards are more accessible than higher-VRAM capacity models, supply problems are negating this advantage.

The fact that mid-range models like the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB are reaching prices above $800 highlights how severe the overall market situation has become. With the impact of RAM and SSD prices, the total cost of building a PC continues to push the budgets of many users.

Is the era of affordable PC building coming to an end?

If PC Partner Group’s predictions come true, the entry-level graphics card segment will face a significant contraction. This means that millions of users who want to build an affordable gaming PC will run out of options.

This uncertainty in the sector indicates that hardware manufacturers are under cost pressure and price stability cannot be achieved in the short term. What do you think about whether the dream of building an affordable PC is over?