AI arguably helps GPUs reach new heights, but there’s a chance it could also spark another graphics card shortage. While crypto-bros and oddball digital currencies now feel like a bad fever dream, the emerging AI query craze also guzzles high-performance gaming PC parts, and the AMD Radeon RX 9700 XTX apparently fits the bill. Yes, I’m tired at the thought of the tech industry hoarding gaming products for non-gaming purposes too, and it feels like regular PC players can’t catch a break.
The 2020s kicked off with something I like to call the great graphics card shortage, and if you tried to build the best gaming PC possible during the pandemic, you’ll remember it well. For those of you who are out of the loop, the shortage was effectively caused by both cryptomining enthusiasts grabbing gaming GPUs to generate digital currency and a component deficit. That latter factor slowed the production of vital parts semiconductors, which slowed down the flow of AMD and Nvidia graphics card stock. Ultimately, the scarcity situation drove up prices, and AI might prompt tech history to repeat itself.
