GPU production costs leak: next-gen cards could cost more than 64 GB DDR5 kits

PC Gamer published a breakdown of GPU production costs that paints an expensive picture for next-gen cards. If the numbers hold, expect sticker shock when RTX 50-series and RDNA 4 cards hit shelves.

The breakdown covers everything: silicon wafer costs, memory modules, PCB fabrication, cooler assembly, packaging, shipping. The total bill of materials for high-end cards is climbing fast, driven by more expensive GDDR7 memory and larger die sizes on newer process nodes. Mid-range cards aren't spared — even the supposed "budget" tier could start north of $400.

This tracks with what we've seen. The RTX 4070 launched at $599, up from the 3070's $499. If production costs keep climbing, the 5070 could easily hit $699 or more. That squeezes the sweet spot where most people actually buy cards.

Worth remembering: "cost to produce" and "retail price" aren't the same thing. Nvidia and AMD set MSRPs based on what the market will bear, not just what it costs to make. Still, these numbers suggest the days of sub-$500 70-class cards are over.

Check your current rig to see if you should upgrade now or wait for the bloodbath.