The 2026 GPU market in one paragraph
This Black Friday is unusual. A worldwide memory shortage through 2026 pushed graphics card prices well above their launch MSRPs. In mid-October 2026, price trackers show most current cards selling above launch price. AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are the closest to MSRP. Nvidia’s RTX 5090 sits at several times its $1,999 launch price, and the RTX 5080 and 5070 Ti carry large premiums too. So a Black Friday “deal” this year has to be measured against MSRP, not against whatever a store calls its list price.
What counts as a good GPU deal this year
- At or under MSRPRare in 2026. If a card you want hits its launch price, buy it.
- Within ~15%A realistic Black Friday target for most of the lineup, especially AMD’s RX 9070 series.
- 30%+ over MSRPWait unless you need the card now. A big “% off” badge on an inflated list price is not a deal.
4K: RTX 5080 or RX 9070 XT. 1440p: RX 9070 or RTX 5070. 1080p: RX 9060 XT 16GB or Intel Arc B580. At 1440p and above, choose 16GB of VRAM where you can.
Current GPU lineup at a glance
| GPU | VRAM | Board power | Launch MSRP | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 5090 | 32GB GDDR7 | 575W | $1,999 | 4K max settings, AI and 3D work |
| RTX 5080 | 16GB GDDR7 | 360W | $999 | 4K high-refresh |
| RTX 5070 Ti | 16GB GDDR7 | 300W | $749 | 4K / 1440p high-refresh |
| RX 9070 XT | 16GB GDDR6 | 304W | $599 | 4K / 1440p value |
| RX 9070 | 16GB GDDR6 | 220W | $549 | 1440p value |
| RTX 5070 | 12GB GDDR7 | 250W | $549 | 1440p, DLSS games |
| RTX 5060 Ti | 16GB / 8GB GDDR7 | 180W | $429 / $379 | 1080p–1440p |
| RX 9060 XT | 16GB / 8GB GDDR6 | 160W / 150W | $349 / $299 | 1080p value |
| RTX 5060 | 8GB GDDR7 | 145W | $299 | 1080p esports |
| Arc B580 | 12GB GDDR6 | 190W | $249 | 1080p on a budget |
Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 Black Friday deals
GeForce RTX 5090
MSRP $1,999- 32GB GDDR7
- 575W
- 4K / AI
The fastest consumer GPU, now selling far above MSRP. Treat any price well under recent street prices as worth a look, but only buy it if you need 32GB for AI or 3D work.
GeForce RTX 5080
MSRP $999- 16GB GDDR7
- 360W
- 4K
The practical 4K Nvidia card, with DLSS 4 multi-frame generation. Its street price has run well above $999, so a Black Friday price near MSRP would be a standout.
GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
MSRP $749- 16GB GDDR7
- 300W
- 1440p / 4K
Strong 1440p and capable 4K performance with 16GB of VRAM. Compare it directly with the RX 9070 XT: if the gap is large, the AMD card is the better value.
GeForce RTX 5070
MSRP $549- 12GB GDDR7
- 250W
- 1440p
A solid 1440p card for DLSS-heavy games, held back by 12GB of VRAM. At the same price as the 16GB RX 9070, the AMD card has the edge for longevity.
GeForce RTX 5060 Ti
MSRP $379–$429- 16GB / 8GB GDDR7
- 180W
- 1080p–1440p
Make sure the listing is the 16GB model. The two versions look alike, and the 8GB card is the weaker long-term buy.
AMD Radeon RX 9000 Black Friday deals
Radeon RX 9070 XT
MSRP $599- 16GB GDDR6
- 304W
- 1440p / 4K
The value pick for high-end gaming in 2026. It offers 16GB and strong raster performance, and its street price has stayed closer to MSRP than Nvidia’s comparable cards.
Radeon RX 9070
MSRP $549- 16GB GDDR6
- 220W
- 1440p
The efficient 1440p choice with 16GB of VRAM. Of the current-generation cards, it has been the closest to its launch price this autumn.
Intel Arc Black Friday deals
Before you buy a GPU on Black Friday
- Power supply: check the card maker’s recommended PSU wattage. High-end RTX 50 cards use the 12V-2×6 power connector, so a modern ATX 3.x PSU is the cleanest fit.
- Case clearance: many RTX 5080 and RX 9070 XT models are long, triple-slot cards. Compare the listed card length with your case’s GPU clearance.
- Model names: “RTX 5060 Ti” and “RX 9060 XT” each come in 8GB and 16GB versions. The capacity is usually only in the title.
- Game bundles: AMD and Nvidia sometimes attach game codes to select cards. They’re a bonus, not a reason to overpay.
- Your CPU: for high-refresh gaming, a fast gaming CPU matters as much as the GPU. See our Ryzen 7 9800X3D Black Friday tracker.
GPU Black Friday FAQ
Will GPU prices drop on Black Friday 2026?
Some, but expect smaller cuts than in past years. With memory costs still high, most discounts will bring cards closer to MSRP rather than below it. The RX 9070 series, already nearest MSRP, has the best chance of dipping under it.
Is it better to buy a GPU on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
There’s no fixed rule. GPU discounts are set by each retailer and card maker, and stock sells out fast. If a card you want hits your target price, buy then rather than gambling on Monday.
Which GPU is the best value right now?
In October 2026, the Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT, because their street prices are closest to launch MSRP and both have 16GB of VRAM. Nvidia is the pick if you rely on DLSS, NVENC streaming or CUDA apps.
Is 8GB of VRAM enough in 2026?
For 1080p esports and older games, yes. For new AAA games at high settings or 1440p, 12–16GB avoids texture and stutter issues. That’s why we steer you to 16GB versions where they exist.
Should I wait for an RTX 50 Super refresh?
As of October 2026, Nvidia hasn’t announced any RTX 50 Super card. Press reports say the refresh was delayed by memory costs and point to CES 2027 at the earliest, while others say it’s been shelved. If you need a card now, buy on Black Friday at a fair price rather than waiting on rumors.
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