Entry Level Graphics Cards Pricing Could Rise 15 Percent

Many entry-level desktop graphics cards use low cost DDR3 memory to keep retail prices down, but it appears that might be in jeopardy. Digitimes today reported that DDR3 memory prices have risen more than 10% in recent months and it appears that graphics card manufacturers are ready to pass that higher cost along to consumers by raising prices. AMD Radeon HD 5450, 6450, 6570, 6670, 6770, 7450, and 7750 cards along with NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS, 210, GT 545, GT 610, GT 620, and GTX 630 video cards use DDR3 memory. Most of these cards are below $100, so any price increases won’t be huge. With Intel Haswell processors coming out soon with better integrated graphics, this could really hinder low-end discrete video card sales.