Nvidia has introduced two new graphics cards, the RTX 4080 and RTX 4090. However, given the current electricity prices, MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann doubts whether these graphics cards are really needed at this time.
Every user who wants to game sensibly needs graphics cards. GPUs are also among the most expensive components when you want to assemble a computer. Nvidia has now presented its latest graphics cards during a stream.
What exactly has Nvidia presented? With the GeForce RTX 4080 and RTX 4090, Nvidia has finally heralded the latest generation of GeForce graphics cards. Prices start at 1099 euros and go up to nearly 2000 euros. In return, Nvidia promises an average of double the performance of the previous 3000 generation.
However, after the presentation, I am skeptical whether many gamers really wished for these graphics cards. Especially in light of the current situation with high inflation and rising electricity prices.
High prices may have crossed a line for many gamers
What is my first problem? On the one hand, Nvidia is setting the prices for its new graphics cards much higher than the previous generation. Anyone wanting a GeForce RTX 4080 with 12 GB of video memory will have to pay at least 1099 euros starting in November 2022.
With custom models, meaning tailored models from manufacturers like ASUS, Gigabyte, and others, prices are likely to be higher. In comparison, the 3080 cost “only” 729 euros at launch.
Why is the price a problem? Of our readers on MeinMMO, about 20% are willing to spend more than 1000 euros on a graphics card. This is mainly because hardware prices have been far too high for months. The majority of our users are not willing to pay more than 800 euros for a graphics card.
For me, prices have crossed a pain threshold, and I count myself among many who are not willing to spend significantly more than 1000 euros for a single graphics card—regardless of how much performance I might get in the end.
Especially when today, for “good gaming,” you theoretically only need a GeForce Now or Xbox Game Pass subscription and a stable internet connection, for which you theoretically only need a phone and a decent controller alongside the subscription.
High electricity prices deter me from purchasing an RTX 4000
What is my second problem? On the other hand, RTX 4080 and RTX 4090 do not fit into the current reality for me when I look at rising inflation and high electricity prices, and I could still buy a very fast RTX 3080 for the half price of an RTX 4080. Even with the first rumors that electricity consumption could significantly increase with RTX 4000, some users had already feared that gaming could eventually become a true luxury good with rising prices.
Instead of going higher, further, and faster, I would have wished for an efficient graphics card. A graphics card that addresses the current needs of gamers and does not ultimately make gaming a luxury good, as some fear. Gaming should be fun and not a struggle for the best hardware.
In terms of efficiency, especially the competition AMD has significantly caught up in recent years. Nvidia has long been the manufacturer providing the more efficient graphics cards for me. Nowadays, everything is just “only” getting faster.
My wish to manufacturers: A graphics card that conserves my wallet in the long run and doesn’t make me pay twice: first for the purchase of the graphics card and a second time with a high electricity bill.
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