Tech News                                                       

Modern graphics cards rely on high-speed VRAM such as GDDR6 and the newer GDDR7. As memory prices continue to increase worldwide, manufacturers are paying significantly more before a graphics card even reaches retailers.

The explosive growth of artificial intelligence has dramatically changed how memory is allocated across the semiconductor industry.

Large AI data centers are purchasing enormous quantities of DDR5 memory, HBM (High Bandwidth Memory), NAND flash, and other memory products. Although gaming GPUs don't use the exact same memory technologies as AI accelerators, they still depend on the same manufacturing ecosystem.

Memory vendors must decide where to invest production capacity, packaging resources, and wafer allocation. Since AI products generally offer higher profit margins, consumer graphics products naturally receive lower priority.

The result is a tighter supply chain for gaming hardware and increased manufacturing costs for GPU partners.

Graphics memory has become one of the most expensive components inside a modern graphics card.

Gaming systems require DDR5 system memory, SSDs rely on NAND flash, graphics cards use GDDR memory, and AI accelerators consume massive amounts of HBM. While these products serve different purposes, they all compete for the same semiconductor investment and production resources.

Does VRAM Really Account for Most of a GPU's Cost?

You've probably seen claims online that VRAM represents around 80% of a graphics card's manufacturing cost.

That figure should be viewed as an estimate rather than a universal rule. Manufacturers rarely disclose complete bill-of-material (BOM) information, and the actual percentage varies depending on several factors, including:

Even though the exact percentage differs between products, industry reports consistently point toward the same conclusion: memory is becoming one of the largest cost drivers behind modern graphics cards.

As GDDR6 and GDDR7 prices continue to rise, both NVIDIA and AMD board partners face increasing production costs.

Should You Upgrade Your Graphics Card Right Now?

There isn't a single answer that fits everyone.

If your workload includes AI applications, video editing, 3D rendering, or professional content creation, upgrading sooner may still make sense. Waiting doesn't necessarily guarantee lower prices while memory supply remains constrained.

For gamers, however, buying the newest flagship GPU isn't always the smartest investment.

Choosing hardware that matches your display resolution and performance expectations often delivers much better value than chasing the highest-end model available.

At the same time, supporting components shouldn't be overlooked. A quality ATX 3.1 power supply, efficient airflow, and proper cooling can help modern high-performance GPUs operate more reliably over the long term.

Build a Strong Foundation Instead of Chasing Every Upgrade

Graphics card pricing is likely to remain volatile as long as AI continues consuming large amounts of global memory capacity.

Rather than spending the largest portion of your budget on the newest GPU during an expensive market cycle, consider investing in components that improve your system's longevity.

A spacious PC case with excellent airflow makes it easier to cool today's larger graphics cards, while a fully modular power supply simplifies cable management and provides stable power for future upgrades.

Whether you're replacing your GPU today or planning to keep your current card for another generation, building on a reliable platform helps maximize both performance and long-term value.

Q1: Why are graphics card prices still so high?

Memory supply remains under pressure as AI data centers continue purchasing large volumes of DRAM and related memory products. This has increased production costs across the graphics card industry.

No. Flagship models typically feel the greatest impact because they use larger amounts of faster VRAM, but mainstream graphics cards using GDDR6 or GDDR7 are also affected.

Q3: Should I wait before buying a new GPU?

It depends on your needs. If your current graphics card still performs well, waiting could be reasonable. If you need more performance for professional workloads, upgrading now may still be worthwhile despite current pricing.

Q4: Do higher GPU prices affect other PC components?

Not directly. Cases and power supplies aren't experiencing the same memory-related cost increases, but since graphics cards have become more expensive, investing in durable supporting components can provide better long-term value across multiple upgrade cycles.

Modern graphics cards rely on high-speed VRAM such as GDDR6 and the newer GDDR7. As memory prices continue to increase worldwide, manufacturers are paying significantly more before a graphics card even reaches retailers.





AI Demand Is Changing the Memory Market

The explosive growth of artificial intelligence has dramatically changed how memory is allocated across the semiconductor industry.

Large AI data centers are purchasing enormous quantities of DDR5 memory, HBM (High Bandwidth Memory), NAND flash, and other memory products. Although gaming GPUs don't use the exact same memory technologies as AI accelerators, they still depend on the same manufacturing ecosystem.

Memory vendors must decide where to invest production capacity, packaging resources, and wafer allocation. Since AI products generally offer higher profit margins, consumer graphics products naturally receive lower priority.

The result is a tighter supply chain for gaming hardware and increased manufacturing costs for GPU partners.







Why VRAM Matters More Than Ever

Graphics memory has become one of the most expensive components inside a modern graphics card.

Gaming systems require DDR5 system memory, SSDs rely on NAND flash, graphics cards use GDDR memory, and AI accelerators consume massive amounts of HBM. While these products serve different purposes, they all compete for the same semiconductor investment and production resources.







Does VRAM Really Account for Most of a GPU's Cost?

You've probably seen claims online that VRAM represents around 80% of a graphics card's manufacturing cost.

That figure should be viewed as an estimate rather than a universal rule. Manufacturers rarely disclose complete bill-of-material (BOM) information, and the actual percentage varies depending on several factors, including:





GPU tier



Memory capacity



GDDR generation



PCB complexity



Cooling solution



Power delivery design



Manufacturer margins

Even though the exact percentage differs between products, industry reports consistently point toward the same conclusion: memory is becoming one of the largest cost drivers behind modern graphics cards.

As GDDR6 and GDDR7 prices continue to rise, both NVIDIA and AMD board partners face increasing production costs.





Should You Upgrade Your Graphics Card Right Now?

There isn't a single answer that fits everyone.

If your workload includes AI applications, video editing, 3D rendering, or professional content creation, upgrading sooner may still make sense. Waiting doesn't necessarily guarantee lower prices while memory supply remains constrained.

For gamers, however, buying the newest flagship GPU isn't always the smartest investment.

Choosing hardware that matches your display resolution and performance expectations often delivers much better value than chasing the highest-end model available.

At the same time, supporting components shouldn't be overlooked. A quality ATX 3.1 power supply, efficient airflow, and proper cooling can help modern high-performance GPUs operate more reliably over the long term.



Build a Strong Foundation Instead of Chasing Every Upgrade

Graphics card pricing is likely to remain volatile as long as AI continues consuming large amounts of global memory capacity.

Rather than spending the largest portion of your budget on the newest GPU during an expensive market cycle, consider investing in components that improve your system's longevity.

A spacious PC case with excellent airflow makes it easier to cool today's larger graphics cards, while a fully modular power supply simplifies cable management and provides stable power for future upgrades.

Whether you're replacing your GPU today or planning to keep your current card for another generation, building on a reliable platform helps maximize both performance and long-term value.



Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why are graphics card prices still so high?

Memory supply remains under pressure as AI data centers continue purchasing large volumes of DRAM and related memory products. This has increased production costs across the graphics card industry.

Q2: Are only high-end GPUs affected?

No. Flagship models typically feel the greatest impact because they use larger amounts of faster VRAM, but mainstream graphics cards using GDDR6 or GDDR7 are also affected.

Q3: Should I wait before buying a new GPU?

It depends on your needs. If your current graphics card still performs well, waiting could be reasonable. If you need more performance for professional workloads, upgrading now may still be worthwhile despite current pricing.

Q4: Do higher GPU prices affect other PC components?

Not directly. Cases and power supplies aren't experiencing the same memory-related cost increases, but since graphics cards have become more expensive, investing in durable supporting components can provide better long-term value across multiple upgrade cycles.











If you've been shopping for a graphics card recently, you've probably noticed prices remain stubbornly high. While many people blame GPU manufacturers, the reality is much more complicated. One of the biggest reasons behind today's pricing is memory.

Why Graphics Card Prices Keep Rising: It’s Not Just About the GPU

Build Guides                                                    

The AMD Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D has officially joined AMD's X3D lineup, giving gamers another compelling option for high-performance gaming on the AM5 platform.

Featuring AMD 3D V-Cache™ technology, the Ryzen 7 7700X3D is built to deliver excellent gaming performance while offering strong value for gamers planning a new PC build.

In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the processor's specifications, pricing, and recommend the best darkFlash CPU coolers for your new Ryzen build.

AMD Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D Processor Specifications

The AMD Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D features a robust 8-core, 16-thread architecture, delivering exceptional balance between heavy multitasking and gaming performance. It operates at a 4.0 GHz base clock and can reach a max boost clock of up to 4.5 GHz.

In terms of cache, it includes 8 MB of L2 cache alongside groundbreaking 3D V-Cache technology, which supplies a massive 96 MB of L3 cache—bringing the total cache capacity to an impressive 104 MB for significantly reduced latency and boosted game frame rates.

Additionally, the Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D has a 120W TDP, utilizes the modern AM5 socket, and fully supports next-generation DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 interface standards, making it a future-proof platform for high-performance builds

While its official launch price is only slightly below the Ryzen™ 7 7800X3D, current promotional pricing makes it an even more attractive option. At the time of writing, select retailers such as Newegg are offering launch promotions that significantly widen the price gap, making the Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D an outstanding value for gamers looking to maximize performance per dollar.

For anyone planning a new AM5 gaming PC, the 7700X3D delivers an excellent balance between gaming performance, platform longevity, and affordability.

Although the Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D is designed for gaming efficiency, it still carries a 120 W TDP, similar to other high-performance X3D processors.

•	Maintain lower operating temperatures

•	Sustain boost clocks during extended gaming sessions

Whether you're gaming, streaming, or multitasking, choosing the right cooling solution helps your processor perform consistently under load.

Best darkFlash CPU Coolers for Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D

The UV360 is darkFlash's flagship liquid cooler, engineered for users who demand top-tier cooling performance and premium aesthetics. With a powerful 360 mm radiator and high-performance pump, it's the ideal choice for enthusiasts building a showcase gaming PC around the Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D.

The DE360 offers a great combination of cooling efficiency and clean aesthetics, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want dependable thermal performance without stepping up to a flagship model.

Looking for outstanding value? The DV360S MAX delivers impressive cooling performance at an affordable price. It's an excellent match for the Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D, especially for gamers who want a 360 mm AIO without spending over $100.

With its current pricing, the DV360S MAX offers one of the strongest price-to-performance ratios in the darkFlash lineup.

Choosing the right CPU cooler ultimately comes down to your priorities and budget. Whether you're aiming for maximum cooling performance, the best overall value, or a reliable solution for everyday gaming, there's a darkFlash cooler designed to fit your build.

No matter which option you choose, pairing your AMD Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D with the right cooling solution helps ensure lower temperatures, quieter operation, and reliable performance for years to come.

The Ultimate Cooling Experience,	            

The Best Balance of Performance & Price, 

Great Cooling on a Budget	                    

The AMD Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D has officially joined AMD's X3D lineup, giving gamers another compelling option for high-performance gaming on the AM5 platform.



Featuring AMD 3D V-Cache™ technology, the Ryzen 7 7700X3D is built to deliver excellent gaming performance while offering strong value for gamers planning a new PC build.



In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the processor's specifications, pricing, and recommend the best darkFlash CPU coolers for your new Ryzen build.



AMD Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D Processor Specifications



The AMD Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D features a robust 8-core, 16-thread architecture, delivering exceptional balance between heavy multitasking and gaming performance. It operates at a 4.0 GHz base clock and can reach a max boost clock of up to 4.5 GHz.



In terms of cache, it includes 8 MB of L2 cache alongside groundbreaking 3D V-Cache technology, which supplies a massive 96 MB of L3 cache—bringing the total cache capacity to an impressive 104 MB for significantly reduced latency and boosted game frame rates.



Additionally, the Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D has a 120W TDP, utilizes the modern AM5 socket, and fully supports next-generation DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 interface standards, making it a future-proof platform for high-performance builds



A Great Value for Gaming

While its official launch price is only slightly below the Ryzen™ 7 7800X3D, current promotional pricing makes it an even more attractive option. At the time of writing, select retailers such as Newegg are offering launch promotions that significantly widen the price gap, making the Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D an outstanding value for gamers looking to maximize performance per dollar.



For anyone planning a new AM5 gaming PC, the 7700X3D delivers an excellent balance between gaming performance, platform longevity, and affordability.



Why Cooling Still Matters



Although the Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D is designed for gaming efficiency, it still carries a 120 W TDP, similar to other high-performance X3D processors.



A capable CPU cooler helps:

•	Maintain lower operating temperatures

•	Sustain boost clocks during extended gaming sessions

•	Reduce fan noise

•	Improve overall system stability



Whether you're gaming, streaming, or multitasking, choosing the right cooling solution helps your processor perform consistently under load.



Best darkFlash CPU Coolers for Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D





🧊 UV360- Premium Choice

The UV360 is darkFlash's flagship liquid cooler, engineered for users who demand top-tier cooling performance and premium aesthetics. With a powerful 360 mm radiator and high-performance pump, it's the ideal choice for enthusiasts building a showcase gaming PC around the Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D.

Best for

•	Enthusiast gaming builds 

•	6.67inch curved screen

•	Personal Theme setups





🔥 DE360 — Premium Everyday Cooling

The DE360 offers a great combination of cooling efficiency and clean aesthetics, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want dependable thermal performance without stepping up to a flagship model.

Best for

•	High-performance gaming 

•	With 2.8 inch IPS display

•	ARGB SYNC support 



⭐ DV360S MAX — Best Value Pick

Looking for outstanding value? The DV360S MAX delivers impressive cooling performance at an affordable price. It's an excellent match for the Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D, especially for gamers who want a 360 mm AIO without spending over $100.

With its current pricing, the DV360S MAX offers one of the strongest price-to-performance ratios in the darkFlash lineup.

Best for

•	Value-focused gaming builds 

•	Massive 3.95 inch IPS display 

•	Excellent price-to-performance



Choosing the right CPU cooler ultimately comes down to your priorities and budget. Whether you're aiming for maximum cooling performance, the best overall value, or a reliable solution for everyday gaming, there's a darkFlash cooler designed to fit your build.



No matter which option you choose, pairing your AMD Ryzen™ 7 7700X3D with the right cooling solution helps ensure lower temperatures, quieter operation, and reliable performance for years to come.



If You Want...

The Ultimate Cooling Experience,	            UV360

The Best Balance of Performance & Price, DE360

Great Cooling on a Budget	                    DV360S MAX



Current MSRP (July 2026)

•	UV360 —  USD $219.99 

•	DE360 —  USD $119.99 

•	DV360S MAX — USD $89.99 









The AMD Ryzen7 7700X3D is finally here, delivering impressive gaming performance with AMD's latest 3D V-Cache technology.

Pair it with the right cooling solution, and you'll enjoy stable temperatures, quieter operation, and consistent performance. Here's how to choose the best darkFlash CPU cooler for your new build.

AMD Ryzen 7  7700X3D is available now! Which darkFlash CPU cooler would you choose for your build?

Gaming graphics have evolved dramatically over the past few years.

A while ago, 4GB of VRAM was enough for many gaming PCs. Today, modern AAA games can easily use 10GB or more VRAM when running at high settings.

So why do modern games need so much VRAM in 2026?

The answer is simple: games are becoming bigger, more realistic, and more demanding than ever.

VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) is dedicated memory on your graphics card that stores important graphics data, including:

When a game requires more VRAM than your GPU has available, it can cause performance issues such as stuttering, longer loading times, or reduced texture quality.

One of the biggest reasons VRAM usage keeps increasing is higher-quality game assets.

A 4K texture contains significantly more visual information than older lower-resolution textures, requiring much more memory from your GPU.

New Technologies Are Increasing VRAM Requirements

Modern rendering technologies are pushing graphics further than ever.

Features like Nanite and Lumen allow developers to create highly detailed worlds with realistic lighting and environments.

Ray tracing improves reflections, shadows, and lighting accuracy, but it also requires additional GPU resources.

When combined with high resolutions and ultra graphics settings, VRAM usage can increase quickly.

For casual gaming, 8GB VRAM can still be enough. However, gamers who want higher settings, better textures, and longer-term performance should consider GPUs with more VRAM.

The Future of Gaming Requires More Memory

As games continue to improve in visual quality, VRAM will become even more important.

Choosing a graphics card is not only about GPU performance—it is also about having enough memory to support future games and technologies.

In 2026, VRAM is no longer just a specification. It is a key part of building a smooth and future-ready gaming PC.

Gaming graphics have evolved dramatically over the past few years.

A while ago, 4GB of VRAM was enough for many gaming PCs. Today, modern AAA games can easily use 10GB or more VRAM when running at high settings.

So why do modern games need so much VRAM in 2026?

The answer is simple: games are becoming bigger, more realistic, and more demanding than ever.



What Is VRAM and Why Does It Matter?

VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) is dedicated memory on your graphics card that stores important graphics data, including:





High-resolution textures



3D models



Lighting effects



Shadows



Ray tracing data

When a game requires more VRAM than your GPU has available, it can cause performance issues such as stuttering, longer loading times, or reduced texture quality.







Modern Games Use More Detailed Graphics

One of the biggest reasons VRAM usage keeps increasing is higher-quality game assets.

Modern AAA games feature:





Larger open worlds



More detailed characters



Higher-resolution textures



More realistic environments

A 4K texture contains significantly more visual information than older lower-resolution textures, requiring much more memory from your GPU.







New Technologies Are Increasing VRAM Requirements

Modern rendering technologies are pushing graphics further than ever.

Unreal Engine 5

Features like Nanite and Lumen allow developers to create highly detailed worlds with realistic lighting and environments.

Ray Tracing

Ray tracing improves reflections, shadows, and lighting accuracy, but it also requires additional GPU resources.

When combined with high resolutions and ultra graphics settings, VRAM usage can increase quickly.





How Much VRAM Do You Need in 2026?

Gaming Resolution.  RecommendedVRAM

1080p suggested 8GB–12GB

1440p suggested 12GB–16GB

4K      suggested. 16GB or more 



For casual gaming, 8GB VRAM can still be enough. However, gamers who want higher settings, better textures, and longer-term performance should consider GPUs with more VRAM.







The Future of Gaming Requires More Memory

As games continue to improve in visual quality, VRAM will become even more important.

Choosing a graphics card is not only about GPU performance—it is also about having enough memory to support future games and technologies.

In 2026, VRAM is no longer just a specification. It is a key part of building a smooth and future-ready gaming PC.



















Why are modern games using more VRAM than ever? Learn how higher-resolution textures, ray tracing, Unreal Engine 5, and next-generation graphics are changing GPU memory requirements in 2026.

Why Do Modern Games Need So Much VRAM in 2026?

As an enthusiast of games and computer DIY in this age, we, darkFlash, feel proud and grateful for keep thinking how to develop impressive and extraordinary products with high-end facilities by assembling and using the PC cases, CPU coolers, case fans, and even gaming chairs and tables in person.

Our goal is to create products that could extremely exert its effect by every user.

Blog

Currently Browsing：AMD