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As Cryptocurrency Values Plummet, Graphics Card Pricing Improves Dramatically (hothardware.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the cause-and-effect dept.

MojoKid writes: In recent months, the cryptocurrency industry has taken a sharp downturn in valuations of virtually all major currencies, from Bitcoin to Ethereum. As a result, cryptocurrency mining itself has become significantly less lucrative for the average miner. In addition, demand on GPUs from the major OEM suppliers like NVIDIA and AMD, has fallen off dramatically as well. Cryptocurrency miner demand for graphics cards has fallen so much so, that pricing of board partner brands like EVGA, Asus, MSI, Gigabyte and others, has returned basically to MSRP levels. This is compared to the sharp price gouging that was going on earlier in 2018 and late last year, when demand was far out-stripping supply. In fact, reports are emerging now that another approximate 20 percent price drop could be coming to GPUs this month, especially as NVIDIA is expected to launch its next generation gaming graphics card very soon. Whether or not this is indicative of some sort of cryptocurrency bubble burst remains to be seen. However, for now, gamers and PC enthusiasts are likely breathing a sigh of relief, as better supply/demand dynamics are clearly in sight.

3 of 242 comments (clear)

  1. "Price Gouging"? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This is compared to the sharp price gouging that was going on earlier in 2018 and late last year, when demand was far out-stripping supply.

    So which one is it: price gouging, or legitimate supply and demand?

    Price gouging only occurs in two cases. When prices are raised artificially regardless of how low demand may be, or (more controversially) when it's an essential human need like water and there is a disaster or other emergency. Of course in the latter case a judgment call needs to be made about whether shortages are more desirable.

  2. MSRP should have gone down too! by Mishotaki · · Score: 5, Insightful

    MSRP of the release price of a 2 year old card is not what i call a good price... we're still being gouged by the overpriced video cards that made their MSRP stay the same for so long..

  3. Re:PoW-based public blockchains should be outlawed by religionofpeas · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Should we also outlaw video games which are also wasting energy in huge amounts ? Think of the planet, and play a board game instead.