Who here's terrified of their graphics card dying?

With graphics card prices so inflated nowadays, I think the next card I buy will actually be a downgrade from my current one.

How do you guys see this price surge playing out?
Do you think it's just another bubble that'll eventually burst and send prices plummeting?
Or you do think these inflated prices are here to stay and it'll become the new 'normal'?

With graphics card prices so inflated nowadays, I think the next card I buy will actually be a downgrade from my current one.

How do you guys see this price surge playing out?
Do you think it's just another bubble that'll eventually burst and send prices plummeting?
Or you do think these inflated prices are here to stay and it'll become the new 'normal'?

Depends. The biggest issue the supply chain. IF that is able to resume and go back to full capacity, we should see everything stabilize. But if there continues to be a break down of the supply chain, then we won't see a reprieve for awhile.

My best advice is don't buy a card unless you absolutely need it. If it's do or die. And honestly, looking at possibly buying a prebuilt system and pulling the gpu out of that might become more of the option to avoid scalpers. But I haven't done full research to even know if that's viable at this junction. There's simply way too much up in the air at this point.

Edit: I want to make it clear that under no circumstance should anyone buy ANY product for thousands of dollars above it's MSRP. Especially a piece of hardware that ages just as fast as a car.

The supply chain won’t improve any time soon, if anything it’s more likely to get worse. AMD just launched some more cards and the chip for those are being made by the same company making the chips for Xbox Series, PS5, Nvidia and Apple. And Apple have effectively a guaranteed supply as they are TMSC’s biggest customer.

The way I see it is that if you require a new card for job reasons like content creation then you should try to get one. If you just want an upgrade, consider sticking with what you have and wait for the market to sort itself out - demand is just as much an issue as material shortages. Maybe just skip
This gen of cards and get a bigger leap next time. f you just want to mine cryptocurrency then I don’t have any polite words.

Don’t bother with a new graphics card if it dies. Get an Xbox Series S for little more than the cost of a ‘new’ GTX 1050 Ti and sign up for Game Pass ;)

My laptop (I've had it from new since 2016) is rocking an i7-6700HQ 2.6GHz processor and a GTX 960M graphics card. The ony maintenance I've done since I bought it is adding RAM and an SSD, along with an internal clean and thermal paste reapplication last year. For a five-year old machine that sees consistent work and gaming use it's holding up well for now and still is able to play most new non-AAA releases as and when I want to.

I had been planning to build a desktop PC this autumn... needless to say those plans have been put on hold.

I was planning to buy a new gaming PC with a decent GPU... well, waited too long and now its basically impossible to get even a potato GPU.

Adjacent point, but with the news of the PS Store going offline for older devices, I'm now terrified of catastrophic PS3, PSP, and Vita failure. I already got the YLOD once, but I was able to re download everything. If it happens again, though...

Don’t bother with a new graphics card if it dies. Get an Xbox Series S for little more than the cost of a ‘new’ GTX 1050 Ti and sign up for Game Pass ;)

That's a really good point you made regarding Xbox.

Back when the next gen consoles launched I thought to myself why would anyone get an XSX/XSY when a mid teir computer is just about better in every single way? Whelp now they look real compelling.

Both Xboxes are still sold out everywhere where I live though, but at least they are being sold at MSRP when they get restocked.

Adjacent point, but with the news of the PS Store going offline for older devices, I'm now terrified of catastrophic PS3, PSP, and Vita failure. I already got the YLOD once, but I was able to re download everything. If it happens again, though...

I think you’ll still be able to download everything you already bought even with the online storefronts closed. Cutting everyone off from their previous purchases would be criminal.

That's a really good point you made regarding Xbox.

Back when the next gen consoles launched I thought to myself why would anyone get an XSX/XSY when a mid teir computer is just about better in every single way? Whelp now they look real compelling.

Both Xboxes are still sold out everywhere where I live though, but at least they are being sold at MSRP when they get restocked.

Yep, you’d really struggle to build a PC as powerful as an Xbox Series X for under £1200 at the moment... probably more!

Even a mid-range PC as capable as a Series S would probably cost you over £700... and it wouldn’t be anywhere near as tiny, convenient or quiet!

That's a really good point you made regarding Xbox.

Back when the next gen consoles launched I thought to myself why would anyone get an XSX/XSY when a mid teir computer is just about better in every single way? Whelp now they look real compelling.

Both Xboxes are still sold out everywhere where I live though, but at least they are being sold at MSRP when they get restocked.

Mid-tier computer? Exactly what is "mid-tier" in this scenario? XD Even before prices shot up (I got my PC last year), an Xbox Series X comparable PC was well over twice as much as the XSX. More likely triple.

IMO it would have been more sound, even before these price hikes, to get the Series X than a comparable PC unless you absolutely needed a PC for some extraneous reason (and thereby making the point moot).

At least, that was the situation in America at that time, less than a year ago.

It's hard to compare consoles to PCs. Flat price aside, there's much more to consider when trying to go pound for pound.
PC, imo, offers way more flexibility and freedom than a console. Now is a console bad as a replacement until you can get one? No, not at all. It's a good alternative to keep yourself busy.

In terms of pricing, again it depends. You can build a really good PC (high mid to low high) depending on the parts (GPU price gouging not withstanding) for a reasonable price. But will it be more than a box? Yes. Honestly, right now, prices are too terrible for all other parts. They are abit higher than they were in 2019, but not terrible. Certainly not seeing the giant markup like GPUs. CPU prices are hit or miss. Also side note: If you wanted a small PC like the box, could always build ITX :p

Don’t bother with a new graphics card if it dies. Get an Xbox Series S for little more than the cost of a ‘new’ GTX 1050 Ti and sign up for Game Pass ;)

You know, you bring up a good point. Now is actually a REALLY good time for someone to be new to gaming.

They Can just Buy an xbox game pass, or PS NOW, and bam! They got more games than they know what to do with!

You know, you bring up a good point. Now is actually a REALLY good time for someone to be new to gaming.

They Can just Buy an xbox game pass, or PS NOW, and bam! They got more games than they know what to do with!

My point isn’t very good to someone who is heavily invested in PC gaming and has a huge library of games... unless they are all Play Anywhere games that they bought from the Windows Store that are also available on Xbox!

Having said that, I am someone who WAS heavily invested in PC gaming, but for various reasons I sold my PC and gave away nearly all my gaming accounts with it.

I only bought an Xbox to play the few online crossplay games I play with a friend (who uses an Xbox One S) that I had on the Windows Store - Forza Horizon, Halo and Minecraft. Unfortunately, the last two were not Play Anywhere so I would have had to buy them again, but they are on Game Pass so I signed up for that... and have been enjoying many other games I might never have considered getting before, playing comfortably on my sofa using a tiny little device that makes hardly a whisper!

I invariably used a game pad when playing on PC anyway, except for the few strategy games I played, and the occasional point’n’click adventure game etc. I have a Mac for those I have left to play though, if I can ever pull myself away from my shiny new toy.

It's hard to compare consoles to PCs. Flat price aside, there's much more to consider when trying to go pound for pound.
PC, imo, offers way more flexibility and freedom than a console. Now is a console bad as a replacement until you can get one? No, not at all. It's a good alternative to keep yourself busy.

In terms of pricing, again it depends. You can build a really good PC (high mid to low high) depending on the parts (GPU price gouging not withstanding) for a reasonable price. But will it be more than a box? Yes. Honestly, right now, prices are too terrible for all other parts. They are abit higher than they were in 2019, but not terrible. Certainly not seeing the giant markup like GPUs. CPU prices are hit or miss. Also side note: If you wanted a small PC like the box, could always build ITX :p

It is hard to compare consoles to PCs but for me personally, the 2 biggest factors are 1. Price of games and 2. Flexibility of PCs

1. Price of games is a huge factor. Now I am not super familiar with the Xbox game store, but I am confident in saying Steam/Epic/GOG etc store is cheaper. I regularly pick up titles at 50%+ discount on Steam (In fact I rarely buy games than aren't at least 30% off). Even factoring buying pre-owned games I still don't think it's close.
If you don't buy many games a year, this may be a non-factor. But for people who buy 10+ titles a year, the difference quickly adds up.

2. Flexibility is another factor. Certain genres of games just play better with a mouse and KB - I can't even imagine trying to play a game like Company of Heroes using a controller. I can also use emulators to play old out of print games (not to mention download them in the first place). Microsoft going full on pro-consumer means PCs can play pretty much any Xbox game, but obviously not vice versa.
PS5 is a whole different story due to it's trump card: platform exclusives.

I appreciate that Xbox offers a lot of conveniences and simplifications, and I think the hardware price is very appealing.
But given the choice between owning a budget PC and an Xbox, OR, sacrificing the Xbox for a more capable PC; I'd choose the latter option always.
Even if someone gifted me an Xbox, I'd still play most games on PC due to the reasons above. I'd get the Game Pass though.

It is hard to compare consoles to PCs but for me personally, the 2 biggest factors are 1. Price of games and 2. Flexibility of PCs

1. Price of games is a huge factor. Now I am not super familiar with the Xbox game store, but I am confident in saying Steam/Epic/GOG etc store is cheaper. I regularly pick up titles at 50%+ discount on Steam (In fact I rarely buy games than aren't at least 30% off). Even factoring buying pre-owned games I still don't think it's close.
If you don't buy many games a year, this may be a non-factor. But for people who buy 10+ titles a year, the difference quickly adds up.

2. Flexibility is another factor. Certain genres of games just play better with a mouse and KB - I can't even imagine trying to play a game like Company of Heroes using a controller. I can also use emulators to play old out of print games (not to mention download them in the first place). Microsoft going full on pro-consumer means PCs can play pretty much any Xbox game, but obviously not vice versa.
PS5 is a whole different story due to it's trump card: platform exclusives.

I appreciate that Xbox offers a lot of conveniences and simplifications, and I think the hardware price is very appealing.
But given the choice between owning a budget PC and an Xbox, OR, sacrificing the Xbox for a more capable PC; I'd choose the latter option always.
Even if someone gifted me an Xbox, I'd still play most games on PC due to the reasons above. I'd get the Game Pass though.

Game Pass for PC is brilliant. So many good games for the price of a couple of beers a month. Get Game Pass Ultimate if you also have an Xbox, and you also get EA Play included... and if the murmurings I’m hearing are true, maybe soon Ubisoft Plus too.

I went for Game Pass Ultimate even though I don’t have a PC anymore because it includes Live Gold, which is normally £6.99 a month on its own. For just £4 more it’s a no-brainer really.

It's hard to compare consoles to PCs. Flat price aside, there's much more to consider when trying to go pound for pound.
PC, imo, offers way more flexibility and freedom than a console. Now is a console bad as a replacement until you can get one? No, not at all. It's a good alternative to keep yourself busy.

In terms of pricing, again it depends. You can build a really good PC (high mid to low high) depending on the parts (GPU price gouging not withstanding) for a reasonable price. But will it be more than a box? Yes. Honestly, right now, prices are too terrible for all other parts. They are abit higher than they were in 2019, but not terrible. Certainly not seeing the giant markup like GPUs. CPU prices are hit or miss. Also side note: If you wanted a small PC like the box, could always build ITX :p

It's a good alternative to keep yourself busy.

*me ignoring my $2K PC in favor of my $500 Xbox* 🤣

It is hard to compare consoles to PCs but for me personally, the 2 biggest factors are 1. Price of games and 2. Flexibility of PCs

1. Price of games is a huge factor. Now I am not super familiar with the Xbox game store, but I am confident in saying Steam/Epic/GOG etc store is cheaper. I regularly pick up titles at 50%+ discount on Steam (In fact I rarely buy games than aren't at least 30% off). Even factoring buying pre-owned games I still don't think it's close.
If you don't buy many games a year, this may be a non-factor. But for people who buy 10+ titles a year, the difference quickly adds up.

2. Flexibility is another factor. Certain genres of games just play better with a mouse and KB - I can't even imagine trying to play a game like Company of Heroes using a controller. I can also use emulators to play old out of print games (not to mention download them in the first place). Microsoft going full on pro-consumer means PCs can play pretty much any Xbox game, but obviously not vice versa.
PS5 is a whole different story due to it's trump card: platform exclusives.

I appreciate that Xbox offers a lot of conveniences and simplifications, and I think the hardware price is very appealing.
But given the choice between owning a budget PC and an Xbox, OR, sacrificing the Xbox for a more capable PC; I'd choose the latter option always.
Even if someone gifted me an Xbox, I'd still play most games on PC due to the reasons above. I'd get the Game Pass though.

I understand this 100%. I love my PC. I've built 4 now and it's always a treat to complete a build. Plus I started using Linux, so I'm always learning something new about my computer XD. So yeah, like a mini adventure every day.

Honestly, for me, the only reason I even have consoles is for the exclusives, which frustrates me to no end. Plus they just have too much junk on them.

@GamerAim, you would :p

I've got the worst-case-scenario-budget on the side if everything goes to shit and if that won't do, I can resume my Uncharted marathon and maybe even complete Spider-Man on PS4. I also bought a modded XBOX360 Slim to kick back in Burnout and Army of Two so I'd say I got it all covered!

I've got the worst-case-scenario-budget on the side if everything goes to shit and if that won't do, I can resume my Uncharted marathon and maybe even complete Spider-Man on PS4. I also bought a modded XBOX360 Slim to kick back in Burnout and Army of Two so I'd say I got it all covered!

I've kept all my old parts from previous builds. So if I absolutely need to, I can always regress to older hardware. I recommend saving older parts to anyone who wants to have backups for that 'just-in-case' moment. Plus it helps troubleshoot issues if something stops working.

I've kept all my old parts from previous builds. So if I absolutely need to, I can always regress to older hardware. I recommend saving older parts to anyone who wants to have backups for that 'just-in-case' moment. Plus it helps troubleshoot issues if something stops working.

Not much of an option for me really, since I gave away or sold anything that still had some life in it from my previous builds. And I believe I'm far too spoiled at this point to revert to older components, never thought I'd ever be :/

Not much of an option for me really, since I gave away or sold anything that still had some life in it from my previous builds. And I believe I'm far too spoiled at this point to revert to older components, never thought I'd ever be :/

I think if I hadn't lost pcs/consoles growing up for one reason or another, I'd be the same way. But those events have caused me to always have backups. I also wouldn't like having to revert, but definitely would if the need was there. I think that comes from me just not caring that much. Like sure the performance increase is nice, but I just want to play the game x.x

Fun fact: When I first started playing WoW (Cata) I played on a 13" Mac laptop. Graphics on low, load times were like 2-5min long, and I couldn't go to SW or Org because I lagged so hard XD.

I honestly didn't even think of this despite having just upgraded my hardware at the end of 2020. I guess I'm actually lucky that way because I still got my older GPU lying around which I could use as back-up if my current one would lose it for some reason. But honestly, I never had a faulty GPU before, so I'm not expecting that to be a thing for me. So, I'm not really worrying about that.

As far as the hardware price inflation goes, I really couldn't say what's what because I'm not very knowledgeable about appropriate hardware prices anyway since the only time I ever look at prices and recent hardware releases is when I actually plan to upgrade or replace something, and that's very rarely. lol
In my uninformed opinion, I'm assuming the prices will go down eventually once the hardware demand caused by pandemic-induced homestuckness and scalpers will ease up, although I don't think that's gonna be anytime soon.

- Matt