Budget GPUs face severe shortages in second half of 2026, warns ZOTAC parent company

PC Partner Group, the parent company behind ZOTAC, INNO3D, and Manli, has issued a warning about an impending shortage of entry-level graphics cards. According to the company, the most severe supply constraints and a sharp rise in average selling prices are expected to hit in the second half of 2026.

The GPU market is already under pressure from AI-driven demand, which continues to push DRAM prices upward. While high-VRAM models are affected more heavily, lower-end cards have not been spared either. The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti with 16 GB of memory, for instance, has already reached prices above $800 at major retailers, signaling a significant blow to the mid-range segment. However, PC Partner Group suggests that the worst is yet to come—and it will target the entry-level market.

Budget cards like the RTX 3050, RTX 5050, and the newly launched RX 9050 are already selling above their manufacturer-suggested retail prices. Despite this, they remain relatively affordable compared to the 60- and 70-series models. For millions of gamers who can still build a PC amid rising RAM and SSD costs, the entry-level segment has been the last affordable option. If PC Partner Group's forecast holds true, that option may soon become scarce.

The company's warning comes as a stark reminder that the GPU market's volatility is not limited to high-end products. With AI demand showing no signs of slowing, and DRAM prices continuing to climb, the entire graphics card stack—from flagship to budget—faces upward price pressure. The second half of 2026 could mark a turning point where even the most cost-conscious gamers find themselves priced out of the market.