The Return Of GPU Cryptocurrency Mining

[SteelCrysis]

Elric doesn't get it, and this comment explains why: https://www.extremetech.com/computing/26...3721898351

"can simply ramp up GPU production"

It is not that easy.

Neither AMD or Nvidia own their own fabs, therefore they have to contract out to other foundries (TSMC, GlobalFoundries, etc.) to produce the chips.

Most fabs run at or very near full capacity, with the capacity sold 6 months or more in advance.

For quick ramp-up (3-6 months) they'd have to pay enough of a premium over their normal contract prices for the fab to be willing to bump other already contracted production, to cover the penalties the fab would have to pay to break those existing contracts.

In paying the premium, they are putting themselves at risk if the crypto-mining craze does turn out to be a fad. They'll have a huge amount of stock that cost them extra per-unit to produce that they can't get rid of.

However, since this 'craze' has been going on for more than 6 months, I wouldn't be surprised if they were contracting - with the appropriate lead-times - to do a moderate increase in production. A testing the waters increase, one that won't bite them badly if the craze does evaporate. If the craze is still going strong in 6 months after they've had moderate increase, they'd probably look at further increases.

In response to Elric's second video, selling the cards directly won't work. Look at the Geforce Shop: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/pro...rce-store/ None of the cards are in stock.