RAM Shortage May Kill Nvidia’s Cheapest 4K GPU in 2026
• Asus reportedly placed GeForce RTX 5070 Ti add-in cards into end-of-life, which could drain 16GB VRAM stock. • Global memory makers (Samsung, SK Hynix, Micron) are prioritizing AI datacenter DRAM, squeezing consumer VRAM supply. • Nvidia says demand for GeForce RTX GPUs is strong but memory supply is constrained and it’s working with suppliers. • Lower-VRAM 8GB cards (and prioritized top-tier SKUs) may be more available, pushing prices higher for 16GB-capable GPUs.
What’s happening
Reports from Hardware Unboxed and retailer signals indicate Asus is moving its GeForce RTX 5070 Ti add-in cards to end-of-life, meaning current stock could be the last available for some time. The 5070 Ti is one of Nvidia’s more affordable cards equipped with 16GB of VRAM — a spec increasingly required for stable 4K gaming.
Why memory supply matters
Major memory manufacturers — Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron — have shifted production priorities toward high-end DRAM and HBM for AI data centers. That change is tightening supply for GDDR/consumer memory, which GPUs rely on for higher-resolution textures and ray tracing workloads.
Who said what
Hardware Unboxed published the initial report and linked to statements from Asus. An Asus representative told Gizmodo it “cannot confirm the news put out by Hardware Unboxed” and cautioned that no U.S. PR rep would discuss distribution for Nvidia’s overall strategy.
Nvidia confirmed the broader pressure in an emailed statement: “Demand for GeForce RTX GPUs is strong, and memory supply is constrained. We continue to ship all GeForce SKUs and are working closely with our suppliers to maximize memory availability.”
Which GPUs are most at risk
The RTX 5070 Ti (16GB) is the headline casualty. The RTX 5060 Ti — which ships in both 8GB and 16GB flavors — may see the 16GB variant deprioritized in favor of 8GB models. Reporting from HKEPC (via VideoCardz) suggests Nvidia is prioritizing lower-VRAM SKUs and top-tier cards like the RTX 5080/5090 for broader availability.
What this means for gamers and prices
Fewer 16GB cards on shelves will likely drive retail prices higher for remaining stock and could make mid-range 4K-capable GPUs harder to find. Scalpers could amplify the shortage, and users planning 4K builds should expect limited options or higher costs in early 2026.
What to watch next
Follow updates from Hardware Unboxed (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yteN21aJEvE), HKEPC/VideoCardz reporting (https://videocardz.com/newz/nvidias-new-geforce-rtx-50-allocation-scheme-prioritizes-the-top-sku-in-each-memory-tier), and official statements from Asus and Nvidia for inventory and allocation changes. If you need a 4K-capable card soon, consider buying now or choosing a higher-end SKU that Nvidia appears to be prioritizing.
