A Major Shift in the NVIDIA Graphics Card Supply Chain
A significant change may be coming to how graphics cards are built and sourced. According to a new rumor from a well-known hardware leaker, NVIDIA is planning to stop its long-standing practice of bundling memory chips with its GPU cores when supplying its board partners.
This potential shift would represent one of the most substantial changes to the graphics card manufacturing process in years. For decades, partners like ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte have purchased a complete package from NVIDIA that included both the graphics processor and the compatible, pre-selected GDDR memory. If the rumor is accurate, this model is coming to an end.
From Simple Bundles to Complex Sourcing
Under the current system, a board partner ordering a batch of, for example, RTX 5090 GPUs would receive the main processor along with the exact GDDR7 memory chips needed to build the card. This streamlined the process, ensured compatibility, and provided partners with a predictable cost structure.
The new model would require these companies to negotiate directly with memory manufacturers like Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix to secure their own GDDR6X or GDDR7 supply. This adds layers of complexity, forcing partners to manage volatile memory prices, secure reliable allocations, and ensure the chips meet NVIDIA’s strict performance specifications on their own.
A Threat to Smaller GPU Brands
While large partners like ASUS and Gigabyte have the purchasing power and established relationships to navigate this change, the impact on smaller brands could be severe. The leaker, Golden Pig Upgrade Pack, specifically noted that smaller companies are already being “ignored” when they try to arrange memory allocations.
This could squeeze these smaller players out of the market, reducing competition and consumer choice. It brings to mind the comments from EVGA when it famously exited the GPU market, citing a difficult and often tense relationship with NVIDIA. This change would make an already challenging business even harder for those without massive scale.
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For consumers, this could lead to greater price volatility and potentially higher costs for graphics cards, as partners pass on the increased sourcing risks and expenses. It’s a stark reminder of the complex, high-stakes supply chain that powers the PC components we use every day.
Source: Golden Pig Upgrade