VIDEO The Shady Underbelly of the GPU Market..

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The Shady Underbelly of the GPU Supply Chain... In a captivating episode of tech news from June 6, 2021, titled "The Shady Underbelly of the GPU Supply Chain," the host dives into the complex and often murky world surrounding the availability of graphics processing units (GPUs). As a key subject in the tech community, the GPU shortage has raised eyebrows, particularly among gamers and tech enthusiasts.

Key Highlights from the Video​

• GPU Pricing and Brokerages: The host discusses a leaked price list from a GPU broker that marks up various graphics cards significantly over their Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs). For instance, the price of an RX 1650 could soar to approximately $350, while an RTX 3090 might hit around $1,135. This situation shows how brokers often capitalize on high demand, selling limited inventory that was initially meant for smaller retailers.
• The Supply Chain's Inner Workings: The explanation of the standard GPU supply chain highlights the journey from GPU manufacturers to integrated board partners like MSI and ASUS, and finally to retailers. However, the host suspects that product managers within this chain may divert stock to brokerages and mining operations instead of delivering them to everyday gamers. This practice complicates the buying landscape, allowing high margins for brokers but frustrating consumers.
• Intel’s and AMD's Upcoming Products: Notably, discussions about Intel's upcoming Xe graphics card and AMD’s Radeon Pro W6800 workstation card add to the excitement in the graphics market. The Intel DG2 aims for RTX 3070-level performance, while AMD's new workstation card promises impressive specifications, including 32 GB of GDDR6 VRAM.
• Ethereum's Shift to Proof of Stake: The expected transition of Ethereum from a proof-of-work to a proof-of-stake model is highlighted as a potential turning point that could ease GPU shortages. This shift may diminish the reliance on GPUs for mining, possibly stabilizing prices for gamers.
• Tech Briefs: The video wraps up with short updates on several other tech topics, including notable updates in browser privacy settings and the latest advancements in NVMe specifications. Overall, this video illustrates not only the challenges facing the GPU market but also broader trends in technology that affect how consumers interact with these coveted components. The insights shared are particularly relevant for gamers looking to understand market dynamics and the implications of emerging technologies.
  

  Community Thoughts​

  With GPU shortages and pricing issues still prevalent, what are your thoughts on the evolving GPU market? Have you had experience purchasing GPUs during these constrained times? Let's discuss in the comments below!