- AMD's David McAfee was interviewed at CES 2026
- The exec stated that the RAM crisis won't impact Radeon GPU stock
- McAfee hinted at potential price increases, suggesting they may be modest if they occur
An AMD executive has assured PC gamers that stock shortages of its Radeon graphics cards are not a concern due to the RAM crisis, but he could not guarantee that prices for these GPUs will remain stable.
David McAfee, Corporate VP of the Client Channel Business at AMD, shared insights during an interview with TweakTown at CES 2026, addressing the implications of the memory crisis on Radeon GPUs and VRAM availability.
TweakTown raised concerns about the current significant RAM price increases and their potential effects on AMD's GPUs, including the possibility of certain models being delayed due to VRAM supply issues. This discussion comes amidst rumors of price hikes for AMD Radeon GPUs and speculation that some budget models may be discontinued.
McAfee stated: "We have established long-term partnerships with DRAM manufacturers to ensure our supply needs for [Radeon] GPUs are met, allowing us to deliver what gamers require." He expressed confidence that current constraints would not lead to GPU shortages, emphasizing the strength of AMD's partnerships.
However, when discussing pricing, McAfee acknowledged the challenges ahead. He emphasized AMD's commitment to providing value for gamers, stating: "Our goal is to deliver more for your money, and we will strive to maintain that even as component costs rise." Yet, he also cautioned: "I can't guarantee that prices will remain flat across all components. I believe something will inevitably change, and we are working to mitigate that to uphold our value proposition for users."
Analysis: Navigating the RAM Crisis
While McAfee reassured that AMD is well-positioned in terms of VRAM supply and is actively working to minimize price hikes for Radeon GPUs, he did not dismiss the likelihood of price increases altogether. He indicated that some adjustments are probable, but they should be manageable and not exacerbated by stock issues.
Short-term, the RAM price surge has been a significant shock, and forecasts suggest that normal pricing levels for system RAM and VRAM may not return until 2027 or later. Some experts even predict a prolonged period of instability in RAM pricing through 2028.
Other AMD executives at CES 2026 also addressed the RAM crisis. Senior VP Rahul Tikoo noted that consumers needing technology will still make purchases, but they may have to make compromises regarding memory or CPU choices to manage costs. He suggested that those who must buy a PC this year will face higher RAM prices and may need to opt for less memory or cheaper processors to offset expenses.
While Tikoo's comments imply that waiting might be a better option for those who can afford to, the outlook for Radeon GPU buyers remains cautiously optimistic. Although some price increases are likely, they are expected to be minor compared to the drastic hikes seen in RAM prices.
Overall, AMD appears prepared to navigate the challenges posed by the RAM crisis, as indicated by the insights shared by its executives at CES.
