Asus Reportedly Discontinues Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti and 5060 Ti 16GB Amid Memory Shortage
The graphics card market faces significant disruption as Asus has reportedly ended production of Nvidia's RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5060 Ti 16GB models. This move comes amid an ongoing memory shortage that's forcing GPU manufacturers to reconsider their product lineups and allocation strategies.
Production Halt and Supply Chain Impact
Reports indicate that Asus has placed both the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5060 Ti 16GB into end-of-life status due to supply constraints. The company reportedly informed partners that the RTX 5070 Ti is "currently facing a supply shortage," leading to the discontinuation decision. Retailers in multiple markets have confirmed difficulties sourcing these specific models from distribution partners, with expectations that the situation will persist through the first quarter of 2026.
While existing inventory will continue to be sold through retail channels, no new production is reportedly planned. This creates a situation where consumers interested in these specific 16GB models may need to act quickly before remaining stock disappears from shelves.
Memory Crisis Drives Strategic Shifts
The discontinuation of these specific models reflects broader industry challenges. Both graphics cards feature 16GB of GDDR7 memory, which has become increasingly expensive and difficult to source as DRAM manufacturers prioritize allocation to AI technology companies. The price of DRAM has grown significantly over recent months, with major manufacturers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron directing resources toward high-demand AI applications.
This memory crisis is prompting GPU makers to shift focus toward models with 8GB and 12GB configurations. Nvidia is expected to concentrate efforts on GPUs like the RTX 5050, RTX 5060, and RTX 5060 Ti with 8GB memory, along with the 12GB RTX 5070. The strategic move away from 16GB models in these product tiers reflects both supply constraints and margin considerations, as cards with higher memory configurations become less economically viable for manufacturers.
Broader Industry Implications
The reported production cuts extend beyond Asus's specific decisions. Industry analysis suggests Nvidia may reduce overall GPU production by up to 40% in 2026, with the company prioritizing professional-grade graphics cards for workstations and high-margin consumer GPUs like the RTX 5080. Less profitable cards that don't sell as well, including the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and RTX 5070 Ti, appear to be receiving reduced allocation as manufacturers navigate the challenging memory market.
Nvidia has acknowledged the memory supply constraints, stating that "demand for GeForce RTX GPUs is strong, and memory supply is constrained." The company has committed to continuing shipments of all GeForce SKUs while working closely with suppliers to maximize memory availability, though the practical implications appear to be product line adjustments.
Conclusion
The reported discontinuation of Asus's RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5060 Ti 16GB models represents a significant shift in the graphics card market driven by memory supply challenges. As GDDR7 and DRAM prices continue to surge, GPU manufacturers are forced to make strategic decisions about product allocation and focus. Consumers can expect to see increased emphasis on 8GB and 12GB configurations in mid-range cards, while 16GB models may become increasingly scarce outside of premium product tiers. The memory crisis that has affected other technology sectors has now firmly arrived in the GPU market, with implications for product availability, pricing, and manufacturer strategies throughout 2025 and beyond.