Should You Buy a GPU During the Amazon Prime Day Sale?

Amazon’s Prime Day sales are back for a second round this year, just in time for the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days in October! If you’re someone who missed out on the chance to score some great deals back in July, now’s the perfect opportunity to pick up where you left off. Whether one is in the market for an upgraded graphics card or finally looking to jump into PC gaming, this event could be the ideal moment to grab a new GPU at a discount.

For the last couple of years, GPU prices have been so high that buying one at launch price wasn’t feasible for most shoppers. This is why gamers mostly wait for sales like Amazon Prime Day to grab a good discount on the GPU of their choice. During the July sales, there were deals on GPUs from popular brands like NVIDIA, AMD, and more, with some offering substantial markdowns that made it easier than ever to boost your PC’s performance. This time around, the October Prime Big Deal Days bring a fresh wave of discounts on the latest and greatest GPUs, and there’s a good chance you’ll find some of those missed deals popping up again. So, if you’ve been holding out for a GPU upgrade but want to keep it budget-friendly, this sale is one you won’t want to skip.

However, one question on everyone’s mind is whether it’s worth buying a new GPU in the Prime Day sale or not. And to be blunt, if you see the GPU you desire on sale, then get it, rather than wait for a deal that may never come again. A new GPU could be the key to unlocking a whole new level of gaming bliss. That said, it varies from user to user, and there are a ton of underlying factors that need to be considered. Let’s take a look at what we mean by that.

Should You Buy a GPU During the Amazon Prime Day Sale?

When it comes to tech products in general, typically Black Friday and Cyber Monday is when you can score the best deals. However, this year we have plenty of amazing GPU deals on offer, across all brands, be it Nvidia, AMD, or even Intel. During the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Sale, you can expect to find substantial discounts on a variety of GPUs from top brands like NVIDIA and AMD. This is a great opportunity to upgrade your GPU without breaking the bank.

That said, the first thing to consider is whether you actually need a new GPU. While it can be tempting to dive into the Prime Day deals, it’s important to think about what type of graphics card suits your needs. Mid-range and budget-friendly options may come with significant discounts, making them great for gamers who want solid performance without breaking the bank. However, if you’re aiming for a high-end GPU that can handle 4K gaming or intensive tasks like video rendering, you might not see as steep of a price cut on these models.

Nonetheless, investing in a newer-generation GPU could still prove to be worth it for those looking to future-proof their gaming setup. The latest cards offer access to advanced features like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and ray tracing, which can make a big difference in frame rates and overall graphics quality, even in demanding AAA titles. So, while a mid-range GPU may not be the best choice if you’re specifically aiming for 4K or ultra-high resolutions, it’s perfect for gamers looking to enjoy smooth gameplay at 1080p or even 1440p with the added bonus of modern features.

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Also, while there’s no denying the fact that new generations of GPUs are constantly on the horizon, a powerful GPU purchased during Prime Day can ensure smooth gameplay for years to come. Adding on to that, many current mid-range GPUs can handle even the most demanding titles at high settings, so you can rest assured knowing your investment is secure.

What’s good is that during the Prime Day sale, GPUs are often sold with additional components or accessories at a discounted rate. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re building a new PC or upgrading an existing one, as you can save on other necessary components like power supplies, cooling systems, or even gaming monitors.

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However, it’s essential to be cautious of impulse buying. The excitement of Prime Day deals can sometimes lead to hasty decisions. Make sure to do your research beforehand. For instance, it’s a common practice for sellers to increase the marked price and then sell at the usual price, making the consumer feel like they’re getting a great deal. Instead, try to check for the regular prices of the GPUs you’re interested in and compare them to the Prime Day discounts to ensure you’re getting a genuine deal. If that sounds too much, you can always check out our list of recommended GPU deals, since we do all the vetting for you, and only list the best deals.

How to Decide Which GPU to Buy During the Prime Day Sale

Choosing the right GPU can be daunting, given the plethora of options available. Add to that, you mustn’t just jump headfirst into the Prime Day GPU frenzy.

Understand Your Use Case

The most crucial factor for any new GPU purchase is to first understand your requirements. Are you a casual gamer, a professional content creator, or someone who needs a powerful GPU for machine-learning tasks? Different GPUs cater to different needs. If you primarily play eSports titles or older games, a budget-friendly card might suffice. This includes cards like the RTX 3060 or the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT.

ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX™ 4060 Ti OC Edition

$410 $460 Save $50

At $410, this ASUS TUF Gaming GPU is a great deal for all sorts of gamers, be it casual users, or fans of overclocking. Despite being a mid-tier GPU, the RTX 4060 packs enough power to easily handle most modern AAA titles with ease. You can easily enjoy over 60fps while gaming at 1080p resolution. Add to that, with support for DLSS3, supported games would look even better.

On the other hand, for high-resolution gaming with maxed-out settings and ray tracing, a higher-end GPU would be a better choice. For that, you can opt for more powerful options like the NVIDIA RTX 3080, RTX 4070, or AMD Radeon RX 7900XTX.

XFX Speedster MERC310 AMD Radeon RX 7900XTX Black 24G

$870 $1000 Save $130

At $870, the XFX Speedster MERC310 offers savings of about $130. For its price, this Radeon RX 7900XTX card offers a lot more value than NVIDIA’s RTX 4080 cards, considering those are still hovering around the $1000 mark. And with 24GB of GDDR6X memory, the GPU should easily last the test of time too.

Check for Compatibility

It’s also essential to make sure your current system can support the new GPU you’re planning to buy during the Prime Day sale. A lot of people overlook this step, but it can save you a lot of frustration later on! For example, one of the first things you’ll want to check is your power supply wattage. High-performance GPUs can be power-hungry, and if your power supply doesn’t meet the card’s wattage requirements, your system won’t run properly. Imagine picking up a powerful NVIDIA RTX 4080, only to find out that your 450-watt power supply isn’t enough to handle it! In that case, you’d need to budget for an upgraded power supply to keep your PC running smoothly.

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Similarly, it’s important to take a look at the physical size of the GPU you’re considering. Modern graphics cards, especially the newer high-end models, tend to be quite large. If you have a compact case, a larger GPU could be too big to fit. In such a scenario, you’d have to set aside extra money to invest in a new, bigger cabinet which can accommodate your new GPU.

Setting a Budget

While you’re at it, it’s important to start with a set budget. GPUs come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to high-end models that can cost several hundred dollars. There’s no denying that Prime Day can be tempting, and you might even see a great deal on one of the best GPUs on the market. However, having a clear budget will help you avoid overspending. Adding on to that, remember to factor in additional costs such as power supply upgrades or cooling solutions that may be necessary for your new GPU.

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Be Smart About It

As a last check, be a smart buyer, and make sure to check every seller. Some sellers on Amazon may offer lower prices, but they could either have a low rating, may not support Prime shipping, or have a dubious warranty. If you see any red flags, the great deal might just be too good to be true. Further, even though Prime Day is technically Amazon’s sale, a lot of other retailers also use this opportunity to offer deals. Make sure to check other portals like Best Buy, Walmart, and Newegg to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible for your money.

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