Nvidia is reportedly adjusting its production strategy for the RTX 50 series graphics cards for 2026, prioritizing lower-VRAM models such as the RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti 8GB. This shift is attributed to increasing memory chip costs and an ongoing memory shortage, which have impacted GPU manufacturing expenses. While reports suggest a reduction in shipments for higher-VRAM RTX 50 series cards, Nvidia has stated that demand for GeForce RTX GPUs remains strong, memory supply is constrained, and it continues to ship all GeForce SKUs while working to maximize memory availability.
Reported Production Strategy Adjustment
Reports, including those citing industry sources like Board Channels, indicate that Nvidia plans to rebalance its RTX 50 series GPU supply strategy for 2026. The company is said to be focusing production on the RTX 5060 8GB and RTX 5060 Ti 8GB graphics card models. This focus is reportedly due to these 8GB models requiring fewer GDDR7 memory modules—four modules compared to eight for 16GB models—making them more cost-effective to produce under current market conditions.
Conversely, shipments of higher-end models, specifically the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5060 Ti 16GB GPUs, are reportedly being scaled back. Some reports also suggest a potential reduction in the supply of other RTX 50-series cards, including the 5070 and 5070 Ti. The RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti 8GB series are reportedly positioned as primary sales drivers, particularly within the Chinese market, aiming to ensure a consistent supply to partners and retailers.
Factors Influencing the Shift
The primary factor cited for this reported production adjustment is the ongoing increase in memory chip prices and a broader memory shortage. This shortage has reportedly persisted for several months, driven in part by high demand from AI data centers. The rising costs directly affect overall GPU manufacturing expenses. This strategic adjustment aims to manage these manufacturing costs and fulfill obligations to partners and retailers, potentially mitigating significant price increases for the more affordable card models.
Industry reports suggest that memory prices remain elevated and could potentially continue to rise, indicating the possibility of additional cost increases for even lower-VRAM models in the coming quarters.
Nvidia's Statement and Market Overview
In response to reports, Nvidia has affirmed that demand for GeForce RTX GPUs is strong and that memory supply is constrained. The company stated that it continues to ship all GeForce SKUs and is collaborating with suppliers to maximize memory availability.
Current market observations indicate price increases for existing higher-end NVIDIA RTX 50 series models. The RTX 5090, RTX 5080, and RTX 5070 Ti models have been observed selling above their Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at various retailers. Some high-end cards, such as the RTX 5090, have been noted selling for over $3,500, with specific models reportedly exceeding $5,000. The RTX 5080 has also been reportedly difficult to find below $1,500. Additionally, models such as the RTX 5070 and certain RTX 5060 Ti variants, which were previously available below MSRP, have also experienced price hikes attributed to memory shortages.
Other Strategies Under Consideration
Nvidia is also reportedly exploring additional strategies to address market demands. These include increasing production of older GPUs, such as the RTX 3060 8GB, and potentially re-introducing other older variants with updated technologies like DLSS support.