Now is actually a good time to buy a GPU, but there may be a small shortage looming due to issues with GDDR6X memory supplies. This shortage is expected to be short-lived, as GDDR7 memory production is ramping up sooner than anticipated, especially benefiting the RTX 50-series.
However, there’s some bad news regarding the GDDR6X memory shortage. According to ChannelGate (first reported by IT Home), the production of Nvidia graphics cards could be hindered in August due to a shortage of this type of memory, affecting models like the RTX 4070 to the RTX 4090. Fortunately, some RTX 40-series cards using GDDR6 VRAM are unaffected.
Reports suggest that a batch of GDDR6X memory from Micron failed quality checks and may need to be replaced, causing potential delays in the production of Nvidia’s RTX 40-series cards. AMD’s RDNA 3 cards are not impacted since they use GDDR6 memory, with a potential switch to GDDR6X in RDNA 4.
While some shortages may arise in August, Nvidia is reportedly managing supply and demand in China, where the market might be most affected. Despite this, it’s still a good time to buy a GPU as prices are at their lowest and the next generation is on the horizon, albeit possibly delayed.
On a positive note, SK Hynix’s announcement about the upcoming GDDR7 memory reveals promising advancements, with volume production scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2024. GDDR7 offers impressive speed improvements over GDDR6, hinting at performance enhancements for future GPUs like Nvidia’s RTX 50-series.
While the launch date for the RTX 50-series remains uncertain, it is expected to arrive towards the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025, possibly leveraging the benefits of GDDR7 memory for enhanced performance.
