Brace Yourself: GPU Prices Are on the Rise!

In shocking news for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike, GPU prices are spiraling out of control once more. Central Computers, one of Silicon Valley's last dedicated computer shops, recently alerted subscribers about a limited stock of AMD graphics cards. But hold onto your wallets—prices have skyrocketed! A Radeon RX 9070 XT that should cost $600 is now listed at an eye-watering $850, marking a ludicrous $250 markup.

A Terrifying Trend: Price Hikes Everywhere!

It’s not just Central Computers facing price woes. A quick glance at major US retailers and eBay reveals that the dreaded GPU shortage has made a comeback. Many AMD graphics cards are now seeing price increases of $100, $200, or even $280! To put things in perspective, the Nvidia RTX 5080 is currently retailing for over $1,500—an incredible $500 above its recommended price. As for the RTX 5090, the most powerful consumer GPU? Forget about finding it for its $2,000 MSRP; expect to shell out $3,000!

A Closer Look at Current GPU Prices for April 2025

Check out these alarming trends in GPU pricing from the past month: | Item | MSRP | Average eBay Price | Best Retail Price | |---------------------------|--------|---------------------|-------------------| | AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT | $599 | $957 | $880 | | AMD Radeon RX 9070 | $549 | $761 | $835 | | Nvidia RTX 5090 | $1,999 | $3,871 | $3,140 | | Nvidia RTX 5080 | $999 | $1,533 | $1,390 | | Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti | $749 | $1,052 | $825 | | Nvidia RTX 5070 | $549 | $715 | $610 |

It's Not Just Tariffs: The Complex Causes Behind the Crisis

While tariffs are often blamed for such dramatic price hikes, the truth of the matter is more nuanced. Even in March, retailers had begun inflating prices for entry-level AMD models, despite only a handful of cards being traded on eBay—less than 1,100 Nvidia GPUs and merely 266 AMD GPUs were listed in the last 30 days.

Upcoming Tariff Changes: Prepare for More Pain!

Things might get even worse. As of May 2nd, new tariff regulations will eliminate the de minimis exemption, meaning even small shipments valued at $800 or less will face taxes. Retailers like Shein and Temu are already raising prices in anticipation, hinting that the GPU market may soon see further increases.

Diving Deeper into AMD GPU Prices for April 2025

Here’s a detailed breakdown of AMD GPU prices as of April 25th, illustrating just how steep the markups have become: | Item | MSRP | Newegg Price | Micro Center Price | eBay Price | Units on eBay | |----------------------------|--------|--------------|--------------------|-------------|----------------| | PowerColor Reaper 9070 XT | $599 | $699 | $799 | $755 | 6 | | Sapphire Pulse 9070 XT | $599 | $879 | $849 | $879 | 39 | | XFX Swift 9070 XT | $599 | $839 | $829 | $949 | 2 | | ASRock Steel Legend 9070 XT| $599 | $699 | $699 | $892 | 32 | | Gigabyte Gaming 9070 XT | $599 | $659 | N/A | $913 | 32 |

What’s Next for GPU Buyers?

Amid this tumultuous landscape, should we continue tracking GPU prices? As someone who previously monitored prices during the pandemic when GPUs were sometimes worth triple their MSRP, it’s crucial to ask: How can buyers navigate this turbulent market? Are you ready to stake your claim again or are you waiting for prices to stabilize?