GPU prices and performance expectations have drastically changed

The GPU market in 2025 has changed significantly, with $700 no longer buying a high-end graphics card. New technologies like frame generation are now common, but they can mislead consumers about actual performance. Intel and AMD have become major competitors to Nvidia. VRAM is now crucial for gaming, especially for 4K titles. Nvidia's recent GPUs have less VRAM than competitors, leading to performance issues. Consumers are advised to check benchmarks rather than rely on GPU class names, which no longer indicate performance accurately. MSRP prices are often not reflective of actual costs, with many GPUs selling for much more than suggested prices. Despite Nvidia's lead in ray tracing, AMD and Intel are providing strong alternatives, especially in the mid-range market. The competition is beneficial for consumers, but high prices remain a concern.