Most NVIDIA and AMD GPUs are now cheaper than launch

For a long time, buying a graphics card felt like bad timing no matter when you tried. Prices were inflated, stock was unpredictable, and “MSRP” sounded more like a suggestion than a rule.

That phase is ending.

Across both NVIDIA and AMD’s last two generations, the majority of GPUs are now selling below their original launch prices. Not on flash sales. Not with rebates. Just… regularly.

And that shift says a lot about where the PC hardware market is headed next.

The GPU price reset is real

What we’re seeing now isn’t a temporary dip – it’s a structural correction.

Retail data shows that most RTX 40-series and RX 7000-series cards have slipped under their launch MSRP. In some cases, the difference is minor. In others, it’s meaningful enough to change buying decisions entirely.

This is happening for a few reasons at once:

• Demand from crypto mining is effectively gone
• Production has stabilized after supply chain chaos
• Competition between NVIDIA and AMD is finally showing up in pricing
• Gamers are holding off – and manufacturers noticed

The result? Retailers are adjusting prices to match reality, not hype.

NVIDIA: Still premium, but no longer untouchable

NVIDIA’s latest lineup has always leaned premium, especially in the mid-to-high end. But even here, cracks are showing.

Cards like the RTX 4070 and RTX 4060 Ti are now commonly found at or below launch pricing. That’s notable, because these models were widely criticized early on for poor value.

What changed?

• Slower-than-expected upgrades from RTX 30-series owners
• Stronger price pressure from AMD
• A growing secondhand market competing with new cards

NVIDIA isn’t suddenly becoming budget-friendly, but the days of automatic overpricing are fading.

AMD’s strategy is paying off

AMD, on the other hand, looks far more comfortable in this environment.

Most RX 7000-series cards dropped below MSRP faster and stayed there. In the mid-range especially, AMD now dominates the price-to-performance conversation.

That’s important for gamers who care less about brand loyalty and more about:

• Rasterization performance
• VRAM capacity
• Long-term value

AMD’s pricing is forcing direct comparisons – and often winning them.

What this means for PC gamers

If you’ve been waiting to upgrade, this is the most buyer-friendly GPU market we’ve seen in years.

Why now makes sense:

• Launch hype has faded
• Prices are stable, not volatile
• Performance differences are well-documented
• There’s no immediate “must-wait” next-gen announcement

You’re no longer paying a panic premium.

Price vs value: The new GPU reality

Here’s a simplified look at how things stack up right now:

The biggest shift? Value matters again.

Is it worth buying a GPU now?

For most gamers – yes.

Not because prices are at historic lows, but because they finally make sense relative to performance. Waiting for “the perfect moment” usually means missing months of actual gaming.

If your current GPU is holding you back, today’s market no longer punishes you for upgrading.

FAQ

Sources: tomshardware.com