#gpu pricing

[sillythoughtsaboutstupidthings]

GPU Industry Rant

I'm angry, angry about graphics cards.

Why?

Because what used to be a fun exercise in trying to find the best value or trying to find a good deal at a shoestring budget has turned into "how long do I need to wait to find something that isn't awful value".

It used to be that you could get a reasonably decent new gaming GPU for about $100-$150 and every new generation there'd be new cards in that price range that were a decent bit better. You used to be able to get a genuinely good gaming GPU at $150-250 with significant improvements every generation.

What used to be

It has soon been 4 years since the release of the GTX 1650, and about 3.5 years since the 1660 Super and 1650 Super. These three cards represent the last time there was a step forward at these two price points.

In 2016 we had the GTX 1050ti at $150, the RX 470 at $180 and the RX 480 at $200 ($250 for the 8GB model). The 1050ti was pretty awful value compared to the 25% faster RX 470, but it still beat previous generation $200 cards by a few percent. The GTX 1650 then at $150 just about matched the RX 470 in 2019, still not a great value improvement, especially since AMD released the slightly faster RX 570 at $170 in 2017, but at least you paid slightly less for about a match in performance. The GTX 1650 Super half a year later was about similar, matching or slightly beating the RX 580 (which in turn was a bit faster than the 480 and slightly cheaper) at $160, making for a small step up in performance compared to the RX 570. The 1660 Super at around the same time set you back $230 while providing about 25% more performance than a 1650 Super or RX 580, making it on par with 2016′s $450 GTX 1070, quite an improvement in value.

As for cards below $150, we've had nothing since the GT 1030 ($70 2017), RX 550 ($80 2017) RX 560 ($100 2017) and GTX 1050 ($110 2016).

Since then we've had

the GTX 1630, a card that costs $150 while performing somewhere between a 1050 and 1050ti, making it uncompetitive against the bad value 1050ti from 2016. The only way to make the 1630 look good is if you compared it to the 950 from 2015. The RX 6400, $160 for a card that gets beaten by the 1650 by a slight margin while also having issues in older PCs due to limited x4 PCI-E bandwidth. The RX 6500XT a $200 card that gets handily beaten by the 1650 Super with the same PCI-E issue as the 6400. The RTX 3050 a $250 (in theory at least) card that very slightly beats the 1660 Super. You're pretty much paying at least $20 more for unusable raytracing and the privilege of being able to use DLSS.

Cope

Some youtubers a while back went on about how "the age of the APU" is coming or something like that. Arguing that anything up to about $150 will be made obsolete by integrated graphics. They were technically correct, but only if you compare the latest and greatest iGPU in laptop CPUs, the Radeon 680M to the GTX 1630, which as I mentioned earlier is worse than a 1050ti, a $150 GPU that's coming up on its 7th birthday in a few months. Presumably the same 680M and possibly a 12CU RDNA 3 GPU will make it into some Ryzen 7000G APUs later this year, but even then I think top iGPU (which will be included in a CPU that'll be more expensive that it would've been to buy a cheap CPU + GPU combo back in the day) only might match RX 6400 performance or maybe 1650 performance, certainly not 1650 Super performance and absolutely not what ought to have been $150 performance this generation (which is to say something closer to the RTX 3050).

Hope

At least the used market is back to relatively normal, so if you want RX 6500XT performance but don't feel like paying $200 for it you can just buy a used RX 580 for like $90 or if you want better you can go for a 1660 Super for about $130 (both "buy it now" prices on ebay). The prices of these used cards are scaled quite appropriately from what new card pricing for the same performance levels ought to be.

The downside of buying older cards is that they don't always age that well. The GTX 9 and 10-series have aged like fine milk in the latest games (which is to say that relative performance to the 20 and 16-series is down by a lot) and AMD dropped support for their 2012-2015 lineup in 2021.

Additional notes

It is worth mentioning that the RX 6600 is currently available at $250 in the US when on a small discount and provides a good 25% performance uplift compared to the RTX 3050/GTX 1660 Super, however this pricing is not universal, the same card on German amazon is €280 or $300, on canadian amazon the best I found was 270 USD. Here in Sweden some part of increased prices is definitely due to inflation, 1660 Supers used to be around 2700 SEK, now an RX 6600 is at best 3200 SEK which is a pretty big change, sure it currently translates to just below $250 before our 25% sales tax, but that doesn't make it feel any better.

[wifihunters]

merry christmas to me i have now checked off "built new pc from scratch and didn't Fuck It Up" from my life achievements

[tau1tvec]

I’ve been thinking about building a second PC, especially with my 12yo getting more into gaming, but I’d rlly like to try an AMD build, bc my last one ran gr8 til the card died, but it’s been a while.

Would anyone with a Ryzen be willing to tell me whether they’re as good as everyone says? 🤔

[kulvefaggoth]

i think my geriatric gpu is finally shitting the bed and i'm just... not financially able to buy another one lmao

[layalu]

aw i dont have enough vram for dragon's dogma 2 😔

[nitrozem]

I got my eye on a 7050ti gpu, gotta save up but I should have enough by fall (hopefully) just a pain in the ass to slot the bigger ones into the pc cause my dumb cpu fan gets way to close to the gpu shroud

I need my Dad to help me cause of the extra crap i need to do to screw that shit in lol

[ttngummybear]

I keep looking at my build list over and over... I feel like a dog with a treat balanced on its nose.

[scalpelsister]

got myself my ssd and gpu 😊

[severalowls]

Realising that besides swapping out the RAM for much larger quantities, this computer is now over five years old, going to snoop at what shit costs these days, throwing up blood, and then getting annoyed that apparently every modern case design has its "front" USBs on top which is fucked up because that's where cats go. It's traditional.

[crowcryptid]

wait I just realized I’m officially done paying for that damn gpu

I’m free from nvidias shackles and also free from having to text my brothers every week lol

[zenjestrr]

ok you know it's time to start looking to upgrade your rig when the most recent gaming release sets your preset graphics to fucking LOW and lags out half the time during the intro

[rivaiin]

i finally sold my old tablet that i didnt use anymore and got 85€ for it so guess who has money to get armored core now. hehe

[tcypionate]

trying to find pc cases that have regular hdmi (not usb c) ports, is not decked the fuck out with rbg leds and doesnt have a clear panel is surprisingly difficult

[ttngummybear]

I'm almost to my goal to get the PC I've been dreaming of btw :3

[literallybyronic]

apparently i'm not allowed hotsampling and path tracing at the same time

[phonemantra-blog]

The Ultimate Showdown: 3090 vs 4080 - Unleashing the Power of Next-Gen Graphics Cards The world of modern computing and gaming heavily relies on graphics cards to deliver immersive experiences and handle graphics-intensive tasks. Graphics cards play a crucial role in rendering high-quality visuals, enabling smooth gameplay, and enhancing content creation workflows. [caption id="attachment_60633" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] 3090 vs 4080[/caption] The release of NVIDIA's GeForce 3090 has generated significant excitement within the gaming and professional communities. With its impressive specifications and cutting-edge features, the 3090 has set a new standard for high-performance graphics cards. Moreover, the anticipation for the upcoming GeForce 4080 is palpable, as enthusiasts eagerly await the next leap in graphics card technology. In this article, we will explore the basics of graphics cards and delve into a comprehensive comparison between the NVIDIA GeForce 3090 and the rumored GeForce 4080, analyzing their specifications, performance, features, cooling solutions, power requirements, and pricing. Let's uncover the true potential of these next-gen graphics cards and help you make an informed decision. Understanding the Basics Graphics cards, also known as video cards or GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), are essential components in modern computer systems. They are responsible for rendering and displaying images, videos, and animations on computer monitors. A graphics card consists of several key components that determine its performance and capabilities. The most crucial component is the GPU, which is responsible for processing and rendering graphics. The GPU's architecture, clock speed, and number of cores directly impact the card's performance. Another essential component is the VRAM (Video Random Access Memory), which stores the data required for rendering images and textures. Higher VRAM capacity allows for smoother performance at higher resolutions and better handling of complex scenes. Cooling systems, such as fans and heatsinks, are crucial to prevent the GPU from overheating during intense usage. Efficient cooling solutions ensure optimal performance and longevity of the graphics card. Power requirements are also important considerations, as high-performance graphics cards demand substantial power to operate. Adequate power supply units are necessary to ensure stability and avoid any performance issues. The NVIDIA GeForce 3090 The NVIDIA GeForce 3090 is a flagship graphics card that has garnered immense attention since its release. It boasts impressive specifications and features that cater to both gamers and content creators. With its Ampere architecture and 10,496 CUDA cores, the 3090 offers unparalleled performance in gaming and professional applications. It delivers exceptional frame rates, allowing gamers to experience smooth gameplay even at 4K resolutions. One of the standout features of the 3090 is its support for real-time ray tracing, a rendering technique that simulates how light interacts with objects in a scene. This technology enhances the visual realism of games and other graphical applications. Additionally, the 3090 leverages DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), an AI-powered feature that uses machine learning to upscale lower-resolution images to higher resolutions without significant loss in quality. This results in improved performance and visual fidelity. To ensure optimal performance and prevent overheating, the 3090 is equipped with a robust cooling system comprising multiple fans and a large heatsink. This allows for sustained high-performance usage without thermal throttling. Considering its high-end specifications and advanced features, the NVIDIA GeForce 3090 is positioned as a premium graphics card with a corresponding price tag. However, for enthusiasts and professionals who demand the best performance and cutting-edge technologies, the 3090 offers excellent value for their investment. The Rumored NVIDIA GeForce 4080 The rumored NVIDIA GeForce 4080 has generated significant anticipation among the graphics card community. While official details are scarce, speculations suggest that the 4080 will bring substantial improvements over its predecessor, the 3090. It is expected that the 4080 will feature a new architecture, potentially named "Hopper," which promises enhanced performance and efficiency. With advancements in manufacturing processes and architecture design, the4080 is rumored to offer even more CUDA cores and higher clock speeds, resulting in a significant boost in performance compared to the 3090. In terms of features, the 4080 is expected to further refine and improve upon technologies like ray tracing and DLSS. It is speculated that the 4080 will introduce advancements in ray tracing capabilities, allowing for even more realistic lighting and reflections in games and other graphical applications. Furthermore, the 4080 might leverage AI-powered rendering techniques to enhance image quality and performance through improved DLSS implementations. This could result in smoother gameplay at high resolutions and improved efficiency in content creation workflows. Similar to the 3090, the cooling system of the 4080 is expected to be robust and efficient, ensuring optimal performance and preventing thermal throttling. The exact cooling solution is yet to be confirmed, but NVIDIA is known for prioritizing effective cooling in their high-end graphics cards. As for pricing, it is important to note that the 4080's price range is purely speculative at this point. However, considering the advancements and potential performance gains, it is reasonable to expect the 4080 to be priced higher than the 3090, targeting enthusiasts and professionals who require top-of-the-line graphics performance. Overall, the rumored NVIDIA GeForce 4080 promises to be a significant upgrade over the 3090, offering improved architecture, enhanced performance, and advanced features. However, until official details are released, it is essential to treat these speculations with caution and wait for official announcements from NVIDIA. Comparing the 3090 and 4080 Now let's dive into a detailed comparison between the NVIDIA GeForce 3090 and the rumored GeForce 4080. This comparison will help you understand the potential differences in specifications, architecture, performance, features, cooling solutions, power requirements, and pricing. When it comes to specifications, the 3090 boasts impressive numbers with its Ampere architecture, 10,496 CUDA cores, and substantial VRAM capacity. However, the rumored 4080 is expected to surpass these specifications, potentially offering even more CUDA cores, higher clock speeds, and a larger VRAM capacity. In terms of architecture, the 3090 utilizes Ampere, while the 4080 is rumored to introduce the new "Hopper" architecture. The architectural improvements in the 4080 are likely to result in enhanced performance, efficiency, and advanced features. Performance-wise, while we don't have official benchmarks for the 4080, it is reasonable to expect a significant performance boost compared to the 3090. The speculated improvements in CUDA cores, clock speeds, and architectural enhancements suggest that the 4080 will deliver even better gaming experiences and faster rendering in content creation tasks. Both the 3090 and the 4080 are expected to support advanced technologies like ray tracing and DLSS. However, the 4080 might introduce further advancements in these areas, potentially offering more realistic lighting, reflections, and AI-powered rendering techniques. When it comes to cooling solutions, the 3090 is equipped with a robust cooling system comprising multiple fans and a large heatsink. The cooling solution for the 4080 is yet to be confirmed, but it is safe to assume that NVIDIA will prioritize effective cooling to ensure optimal performance and prevent overheating. In terms of power requirements, high-end graphics cards demand substantial power. While the exact power requirements of the 4080 are unknown, it is advisable to have a compatible power supply unit to meet the demands of these high-performance cards. As for pricing, the 3090 is positioned as a premium graphics card with a corresponding price tag. The rumored 4080 is expected to be priced higher due to its potential performance gains and advanced features. It is important to consider your budget and requirements when deciding between these two cards. Ultimately, the choice between the 3090 and the rumored 4080 will depend on your specific needs, budget, and the official specifications and benchmarks of the 4080. It is recommended to wait for official announcements from NVIDIA and comprehensive reviews before making a decision. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: What are the key differences between the NVIDIA GeForce 3090 and the rumored 4080? A: The key differences are expected to be in the architecture, performance, features, and potentially the cooling solutions and power requirements. Q: Will the 4080 be a significant upgrade over the 3090 in terms of performance? A: While it is speculative, the 4080 is expected to offer a notable performance boost compared to the 3090. Q: How do ray tracing and DLSS technologies differ between the two cards? A: Both cards support ray tracing and DLSS, but the 4080 might introduce advancements and improvements in these technologies. Q: What are the cooling solutions offered by the 3090 and the rumored 4080? A: The 3090 features a robust cooling system, while the cooling solution for the 4080 is yet to be confirmed. Q: Can the power requirements of these high-end graphics cards be met by standard power supplies? A: It is advisable to have a compatible power supply unit to meet the power demands of these high-performance cards. Q: How do the prices of the 3090 and the expected 4080 compare, and is the potential performance gain worth the additional cost? A: The 4080 is expected to be priced higher than the 3090, and the potential performance gain will depend on individual needs and budget. Q: Which card is better suited for gaming, and which one excels in content creation tasks? A: Both cards are capable of delivering excellent gaming and content creation performance, but the 4080 might offer further enhancements in these areas. Q: When can we expect the official release of the NVIDIAGeForce 4080? A: The official release date of the NVIDIA GeForce 4080 has not been confirmed yet. It is advisable to stay updated with official announcements from NVIDIA for the latest information on its release. Conclusion: The NVIDIA GeForce 3090 and the rumored GeForce 4080 represent the pinnacle of graphics card technology, offering incredible performance and advanced features. The 3090 has already proven itself as a powerhouse in the market, delivering exceptional gaming experiences and efficient content creation workflows. While the 4080 is still shrouded in rumors and speculation, the expectations are high for its release. With potential improvements in architecture, performance, and features, the 4080 has the potential to surpass the already impressive capabilities of the 3090. When considering a graphics card, it is important to assess your specific needs, budget, and the official specifications and benchmarks of the 4080 once they are released. Both the 3090 and the 4080 cater to enthusiasts and professionals who demand top-tier performance and cutting-edge technologies. Ultimately, the choice between the 3090 and the 4080 will depend on your individual requirements and the value proposition offered by each card. It is recommended to wait for official information and comprehensive reviews before making a decision. Whichever card you choose, the NVIDIA GeForce series continues to push the boundaries of graphics card technology, enabling stunning visuals, immersive gaming experiences, and efficient content creation workflows.