If you’re considering upgrading your GPU, think again. The end of the current GPU generation is looming large, with Nvidia’s 4000-Series graphics cards reaching the end of the line. With that in mind, now is the worst time to upgrade your GPU for a couple of reasons.
Nvidia Is Removing RTX 4000-Series GPUs
Starting with its supremely powerful, top-of-the-line RTX 4090, Nvidia is beginning to phase out its GPUs in preparation for the launch of its new 5000-Series cards.
As first spotted on Gazlog through Chinese sources, Nvidia is set to end RTX 4090 production at the end of October 2024—that’s about one month from the time of writing.
As expected, the sudden leak has seen a run on RTX 4090 GPUs, with VideoCardz reporting a run on RTX 4090 stocks and steadily increasing prices. Some German retailers are already asking for prices between €2,304 ($2,561) and €2,668 ($2,965)—more than $1,000 than MSRP.
In time, Nvidia will begin to phase out its other GPUs, which will have the same effect: increasing prices and demand before its new graphics cards launch.
RTX 5000-Series GPUs Will Launch Soon
The other side of the RTX 4090 phase-out coin is that Nvidia’s is quite clearly gearing up to launch a new GPU generation.
Now, the rumors around the RTX 5000-Series are swirling, and no specific information has been revealed, but the RTX 5090 is likely to be the first unit in the new line. XDA-Developers reports that the RTX 4090 will feature upgrades in key areas:
- PCIe 5.0 interface
- Potentially up to 36GB GDDR7, though 24GB is more likely
- Enormous boost to 24,576 CUDA cores
- 128MB L2 cache
- 2.9GHz boost block
- Substantial 512bit memory bus
Again, XDA has pieced together this information from series of leaks. In that, the information must be taken with a pinch of salt, but the leakers have good reputations for previous accuracy.
So, if you’re in the market for a new GPU—just hold off for a little longer and check out how to pick up a new GPU at launch while you wait. AMD is also rumored to launch new Radeon RX 8000 GPUs in 2025, though there is a vanishingly small amount of information on these.
It’s time to begin the patient wait for the RTX 5000-Series GPUs to launch, so keep your cash in your pocket for now.