Graphics card prices on the rise: what to do in 2026?
Graphics card prices on the rise: what to do in 2026?
The graphics card market is facing a new period of tension in 2026. After several months of relative calm, prices are rising again for both major manufacturers. For those considering building or upgrading their PC, the question of the right time to buy arises again. Here's an overview of the situation and some tips for making the right choice.
A GPU market under pressure
Since the beginning of the year, prices for NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards have been gradually increasing. AMD started the trend in January, followed by NVIDIA a few weeks later. The increases observed at retailers are generally between 10 and 15% depending on the models and periods.
This phenomenon is not new, but it occurs in a particular context. NVIDIA's Blackwell generation is now well established, with the RTX 5070, 5070 Ti, 5080, and 5090. On AMD's side, the Radeon range has also been renewed at the high end of the market. This move upmarket mechanically leads to a repositioning of prices upwards.
Another point to watch: the difference between recommended prices and actual prices. A model announced at a certain official price is often displayed much higher in stores, due to insufficient stock or demand. This difference particularly penalizes the most sought-after cards.
What impact on the mid-range?
Good news for most gamers: the mid-range remains the most relevant segment in terms of price-performance ratio. Cards intended for 1080p and 1440p gaming continue to offer an excellent compromise, even if their prices have also increased slightly.
For 1080p gaming, affordable models remain perfectly suited for the vast majority of recent titles. To comfortably switch to 1440p, you need to aim a notch higher. Upscaling technologies like DLSS from NVIDIA and FSR from AMD also extend the lifespan of a card by reducing the computing load while maintaining a clean image.
| Intended Use | Resolution | Recommended Segment |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive gaming, esport | 1080p | Entry / Mid-range |
| Single-player games, versatility | 1080p / 1440p | Mid-range |
| Demanding games, ray tracing | 1440p and above | Mid / High-end |
Should you buy now or wait?
In a rising market, waiting is not always the best strategy. When prices go up rather than down, postponing a purchase can result in a higher bill a few months later. Conversely, rushing to buy an overpriced model compared to its recommended price also makes no sense.
The right approach is to think in terms of budget and actual use, not specifications. There's no need to aim for a high-end card to play in 1080p: the price difference is not justified. It's better to define your target resolution, the type of games played, and then choose the card that meets that need without overpaying.
- Identify your screen resolution and favorite games.
- Set a realistic budget before comparing models.
- Monitor the differences between recommended prices and in-store prices.
- Consider upscaling technologies, which extend the lifespan of a card.
The choice of a pre-built PC
Given fluctuating component prices, opting for a pre-built configuration offers a tangible advantage. The price of the machine includes a graphics card adapted to the rest of the configuration, which avoids unpleasant surprises regarding compatibility or imbalances between components.
At DSGate, PCs are assembled in France and designed to offer a coherent balance between processor, graphics card, and memory, depending on the target budget. It's a simple way to free yourself from price variations on individual parts while starting with a solid foundation.
Want to see which configuration matches your budget and games? Discover DSGate's assembled gaming PCs, categorized by price range, at dsgate.fr.