Ancient GPUs Rise to Amazon’s Top Charts—What’s Driving the Surge?

Ancient GPUs Rise to Amazon’s Top Charts—What’s Driving the Surge?

Is the GPU market still leaning on legacy models?

Recent sales figures from Amazon U.S., pulled by TechEpiphany, reveal an unexpected trend: older graphics cards keep finding buyers in large numbers, despite being years behind today’s gaming standards.

Key takeaways from July sales

  • Nvidia’s RTX 5070 topped the charts as the highest‑selling unit, yet the list also boasts several GPUs released over the last decade.
  • The GT 710, arriving in 2014, moved 1,050 units, securing its place in the top 15 by volume.
  • Low‑end models such as the GT 1030, GT 730, and even the GT 610 each sold hundreds of copies, proving that budget‑friendly options still attract a sizable market.
  • High‑performance cards like the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 generated the bulk of revenue, but their total unit sales remain comparatively low.
  • The GT 210—a card once dismissed when it launched in 2009—sold as many units as Intel’s Arc B580.

Market snapshot

Total Units Sold 41,800
AMD 7,750 (18.54%)
Intel 1,100 (2.63%)
Nvidia 32,950 (78.83%)
Total Revenue $20,996,254.50
AMD Revenue $4,284,973.50 (20.41%)
Intel Revenue $223,115.00

What does this mean for buyers?

  • GPU prices fluctuate wildly, placing many PC owners outside the price range for contemporary upgrades.
  • Affordable, ultra‑budget cards—like the GT 710 and GT 610—continue to move, even though they perform poorly by today’s playing standards.
  • Entry‑level builders and casual users often opt for underpowered or nearly obsolete hardware instead of seeking newer, pricier alternatives.
  • While older GPUs can serve non‑gaming purposes, those hoping for a solid gaming experience should consider newer models from the past few generations.

Practical advice for the next build

  1. Stay alert for promotional deals; a steep price cut can make a current‑generation card more affordable.
  2. If you don’t need a full‑size discrete GPU, it might be wiser to delay the purchase and wait for market corrections.
  3. For those on a tight budget, AMD APUs with integrated graphics provide a viable alternative to external GPUs.

In short, while flagship models dominate revenue, the enduring demand for older, budget‑friendly GPUs underscores that a wide variety of choices remain available for any budget, especially in today’s volatile market.