Asus is the first manufacturer to announce price increases for PC components. Affected are graphics cards and also motherboards. However, Asus is unlikely to be the last manufacturer to raise prices in 2021.
Asus is the first manufacturer to announce price increases for certain hardware products in 2021. Among other things, the prices for the new graphics cards of the RTX 3000 series and also current gaming motherboards will be increased.
This is what Asus says: Juan Jose Guerrero, Technical Product Marketing Manager at Asus, writes (via Techpowerup.com):
We have an announcement regarding MSRP price changes that will take effect at the beginning of 2021 for our award-winning series of graphics cards and motherboards. Our new MSRP reflects increased costs for components, operating costs, and logistical activities, as well as a continuation of import tariffs.
We have worked closely with our supply and logistics partners to minimize the price increases. ASUS greatly appreciates your ongoing support as we navigate this time of unprecedented market change.
Especially the prices for the new graphics cards of the RTX 3000 series are increasing significantly. For example, the GeForce RTX 3090 now costs 1979 US dollars instead of 1799 US dollars.
Asus’ decision is not surprising
Asus’ decision to raise the prices of its products is not surprising. And anyone looking at the current hardware market would not be surprised if other hardware manufacturers also raise prices.
The price increases are generally met with displeasure by interested parties: User John writes in the Techpowerup Forum:
Are we all becoming scalpers now? Will we rush to buy things to resell them in six months? This is ridiculous.
Scalpers, bots, miners, sellers, and now the manufacturers themselves.
John_ via Techpowerup.com
PC Hardware: Why are prices rising in 2021?
There are several reasons for the price increases. Here are three we want to mention.
- On December 31, 2020, the exceptions to US tariff regulations that had been imposed on products from China expired. Major hardware manufacturers, many of which have a large part of their production in China, are now raising prices (via Newyorktimes.com)
- Certain components are currently only available in limited quantities. This includes DDR6 memory, which is used in graphics cards. In late 2020, a power outage at the manufacturer Micron brought down one-tenth of the global production (via heise.de).
- The ongoing Corona epidemic is another reason impacting production and the revenues of manufacturers.
RTX 3080 Availability – Are there better prospects in 2021?
2020 actually offered a lot of exciting gaming hardware for normal players and enthusiasts. However, low availability and bots ruined business for many hardware fans. Meanwhile, you can buy the RTX 3080 on Ebay for double the price.
The fact that some manufacturers are now raising prices for their products is initially not good news for PC gamers considering upgrading their PCs in 2021.
On the other hand, Microsoft and Sony have at least stated that they will be able to deliver their PS5 and Xbox Series X/S again starting in 2021. AMD and Nvidia have also promised that the stock of graphics cards will recover.
