NVIDIA Reportedly Shifts VRAM Sourcing Burden to AIB Partners Amid Memory Crunch

NVIDIA is reportedly ceasing its practice of bundling Video RAM (VRAM) with Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) sold to its Add-in Board (AIB) partners, compelling these manufacturers to source the memory independently. This unconfirmed but widely circulated leak, initially reported by Golden Pig Upgrade and picked up by tech publications like Tom's Hardware and TechPowerUp, signals a significant shift in NVIDIA's supply chain strategy. The move is believed to be a direct response to an intensifying global memory shortage and soaring GDDR prices.

The alleged change comes as the entire industry grapples with a severe memory crunch, heavily influenced by the surging demand for AI-related hardware. NVIDIA's competitor, AMD, has already informed its supply chain of an impending 10% price increase across its entire GPU product line due to these rising memory costs. For NVIDIA, this strategy could allow the company to prioritize VRAM allocation for its high-demand server products, such as "Rubin CPX" and "Vera Rubin," and ensure smoother supply for its own GeForce RTX 50-series Founders Edition GPUs.

This new approach is expected to place considerable pressure on AIB partners, who will now be responsible for negotiating directly with memory manufacturers like Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung. Smaller AIBs, in particular, may face challenges in securing sufficient capacity at competitive prices, potentially impacting their profit margins and market competitiveness. Industry observers recall past tensions between NVIDIA and its partners, with some drawing parallels to EVGA's departure from the GPU market.

The rumored shift has sparked concerns within the enthusiast community regarding potential GPU price increases for consumers and possible inconsistencies in VRAM quality or availability across different AIB models. While NVIDIA typically maintains strict specifications for its GPUs, the change in sourcing could introduce new variables into the market. Many view this as further evidence of NVIDIA's increasing focus on the lucrative AI sector, with the consumer gaming market becoming a secondary priority.