With the recent shortage of new RTX 50 Series graphics cards, NVIDIA partners are now making a pivot in their selling strategies in China. With the lack of supply, gamers will now have fewer choices when it comes to buying new high-end gear for their PC. Older GPUs and other options from AMD will now be a must-go solution for a new build and a first choice for consumers.
Manufacturers pivot to older hardware as new supply hits zero
The focus is now on the GeForce RTX 30 Series, particularly the re-released RTX 3060 12 GB model. Now, the different partners are asking the different distributors to give more attention to the older chips. This includes the RTX 3060 and other older hardware such as the RTX 3050. This is in response to the lack of supply for the RTX 50 Series in the manufacturing lines.
RTX 3060 12 GB Specifications
- CUDA Cores: 3,584
- Memory Bus: 192-bit
- VRAM: 12 GB
The re-released RTX 3060 12 GB model comes with 3,584 CUDA cores with a 192-bit memory bus. There's 12 GB of VRAM onboard which is different compared to the 8 GB version available in the product lineup. These specs make this an ideal alternative for consumers who fail to get their hands on the new gear.
With the rising component prices and the continuing high demand, it's likely that the prices for the older GPUs will stay stable or even increase in price. RTX 3060 is still on top of the list in the Steam Hardware Survey for October 2026. This means it's still a great option for the current market needs.
With the current high demand from the mining and e-commerce seasons, manufacturers have very little to no stocks for the RTX 50 Series. Because of this, people will have to settle for the remaining stocks of RTX 30 Series and AMD GPUs. This is the current state of the purchase environment for consumers in the region.
Just glad the 3060 is still a thing. Reliable workhorse.
12GB VRAM is the only reason I care. 8GB is dead for modern games.
Does the 3060 12GB actually have the full 192-bit bus active in these re-released units? I know some OEM versions were cut down.
The retail 12GB model retains the 192-bit bus. It is distinct from the 8GB variant which shares the bus width but halves the memory. You get the full bandwidth.
NVIDIA partners are pivoting to older hardware because supply is zero not because they want to. The mining demand in October 2026 is real.
Prices will stay stable or go up. Do not expect a discount on old stock when new stock is gone.
Steam survey data from October 2026 shows the 3060 is top. That means it still runs what people actually play.
AMD GPUs are the only other option. At least they have stock.
I hope the drivers for the 30 series do not get abandoned. Telemetry is bad enough without losing support.
Settling for the 3060 is the only move right now.