PC gamers hunting for NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB may soon face supply shortages due to rising GDDR7 memory costs, adding another twist to an already turbulent GPU market. Here’s what’s driving the shortage and what it means for your next build.
Table of Contents
What’s Causing the Shortage?
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Memory Type | GDDR7 (2GB modules) |
| Primary Cause | Rising DRAM prices across multiple types including GDDR7 |
| Timeline | Expected in coming days/weeks |
| Market Effect | Potential price increases on current models |
| Related Issue | 3GB GDDR7 shortage may delay RTX 50 SUPER series to Q3 2026 |
The 8GB vs 16GB Battle
Ironically, while the 16GB model faces supply constraints, NVIDIA has been intentionally limiting the 8GB variant’s supply after weak sales, as gamers increasingly prefer the 16GB version for modern gaming demands. Recent games are consuming close to or above 8GB of VRAM even at 1080p settings, making the budget option less appealing.
Board partners have been instructed to manage RTX 5060 Ti supply based on market demand, with pricing controls to prevent underpricing the unpopular 8GB model.
Broader GPU Market Implications
The memory shortage extends beyond consumer GPUs. Industry sources suggest 3GB GDDR7 modules are being reserved for RTX 5090 Laptop and RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell products, which generate significantly higher profit margins. This prioritization reflects how AI’s insatiable demand for memory is reshaping the entire semiconductor supply chain.
For gamers eyeing upgrades, the message is clear: if you’re considering the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, acting sooner rather than later may save you from inflated prices or limited availability.
The situation highlights a critical inflection point where VRAM capacity has become non-negotiable. As game developers continue pushing graphical boundaries, the industry’s shift toward higher-capacity cards appears inevitable—even if supply chains aren’t quite ready.
FAQs
Why is the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB facing supply issues?
Rising costs of 2GB GDDR7 memory modules used in the card are creating supply constraints.
Should I buy the 8GB or 16GB RTX 5060 Ti?
The 16GB version offers better future-proofing as modern games increasingly exceed 8GB VRAM requirements.
