Early Black Friday PC Sales — Buy Now Before Prices Spike

Early Black Friday sales are approaching, with Black Friday falling late on November 28th this year, suggesting a longer sales period than usual. While many expect deals, certain components like RAM and SSDs are predicted to significantly increase in price, making it advisable to purchase them now rather than waiting. Graphics cards are also likely to sell out before Black Friday, so immediate purchase is recommended if a good deal is found.

The surge in RAM and SSD prices is attributed to AI data centers aggressively acquiring these components, potentially leading to a decade-long pricing issue. This demand is so high that it impacts all electronic devices. DDR4 RAM prices have already doubled, and DDR5 RAM has seen a sharp increase in recent weeks, with 32GB DDR5 6000 CL30/CL28 kits now costing around $107, a 50% spike in a month.

For GPUs, while some discounts were seen during Prime Day, significant further price drops for Black Friday are unlikely, especially for Nvidia cards. It's recommended to consider GPU bundles with games if available. For CPUs, the 7800X3D is near its historic low at $338 and is a good buy. Other components like OLED monitors and peripherals are likely to see better deals closer to Black Friday.

• Early Black Friday sales are expected to start in late October or early November, with a longer than usual sales period due to Black Friday falling on November 28th.
• RAM and SSD prices are predicted to spike significantly due to AI data centers consuming vast amounts of these components, potentially leading to a decade-long pricing issue. DDR4 RAM prices have nearly doubled, and DDR5 RAM has seen a 50% price spike in a month, with 32GB DDR5 6000 kits now costing around $107.
• Graphics cards are likely to sell out before Black Friday; purchasing immediately when a good deal is found is advised.
• For GPUs, significant Black Friday discounts are not anticipated, particularly for Nvidia cards. Consider game bundles as a better value than potential small price drops.
• For CPUs, the 7800X3D is a good buy at $338. For other components like OLED monitors and peripherals, waiting until closer to Black Friday is recommended for potentially better deals.

Black Friday Sales Timing and Strategy [00:02]

• Early Black Friday sales are expected to begin either the weekend of October 30th or November 7th.
• Black Friday is on November 28th this year, which is very late in the month.
• The late timing means there will likely be more sales time than anticipated.
• Amazon starting early Black Friday deals typically prompts other retailers to follow.
• Some retailers might start their early sales towards the end of October.
• Graphics cards are likely to sell out before Black Friday, with most big deals disappearing the week of Black Friday.
• Final deals typically start on actual Thanksgiving, and sometimes even Wednesday, November 26th.
• Some deals will be date-dependent, only available on specific days like Friday, November 28th, or Saturday, November 29th.
• Cyber Monday usually offers deals from what's left over.

This section outlines the expected timeline for Black Friday sales, emphasizing that early action is crucial for high-demand items like graphics cards, as popular deals tend to sell out quickly.

The final deals, they typically start on actual Thanksgiving. They used to not start on Thanksgiving, but it's gotten earlier and earlier every year. could even be Wednesday the 26th when some of those deals happen.

RAM and SSD Price Spikes [03:02]

• RAM and SSD prices are expected to spike massively, regardless of sales.
• DDR4 RAM prices have already spiked, nearly doubling from a few months ago.
• This is because DDR4 is no longer being made in large quantities, and the backlog has been depleted.
• A 32GB DDR4 kit cost about $40 in January and spiked to about $80.
• DDR4 price increases are pushing budget gaming PC builds (under $800) off the table.
• DDR5 RAM prices have also skyrocketed in the last few weeks.
• AI data centers are "vacuuming up" DDR5 RAM and flash storage (SSDs).
• This trend impacts not just PCs but all electronic devices.
• This is described as potentially a "decade-long pricing apocalypse."
• Hundreds of billions, possibly trillions, are being invested in AI data centers, dwarfing the PC gaming market.
• AI data centers are signing big, long-term contracts for RAM.
• A 32GB DDR5 6000 CL30 or CL28 kit used to start in the $70s but now starts at $107.
• This is a $40 price spike in a month, a 50% increase.
• These kits can go up to $140.
• Cheaper kits are expected to sell out quickly.
• It's recommended to buy RAM now, even if it means buying slightly slower speed RAM for budget reasons (e.g., DDR5 6000 CL32 or 5600).

This part highlights a critical warning: instead of waiting for Black Friday deals, consumers should purchase RAM and SSDs immediately due to an unprecedented price increase driven by AI data center demand.

We are approaching what many people think may be a decade long pricing apocalypse.

GPU Deals and Performance [07:18]

• The RX 7900 XT 16 GB is considered the best budget 1440p graphics card for 2025, featuring FSR4 and 16GB of VRAM.
• During Prime Day, premium models of the RX 7900 XT, like overclocked and three-fan versions, dropped to $349.
• The RX 7900 XTX likely hit its MSRP of $546 during Amazon Prime Day, slightly below MSRP.
• While prices are coming down, big discounts on these cards for Black Friday are not guaranteed.
• Prices might hover around $525 to $550.
• These cards are also likely to sell out.
• The RX 7900 XT got down to $629, $30 above MSRP, with premium models like the Power Color Hellhound being a good deal at that price.
• Prices for the RX 7900 XT are now around $660.
• For Black Friday, the RX 7900 XT might hit MSRP, but likely only for MSRP models.
• Nvidia GPUs generally offer few discounts; sometimes a $10 off coupon with a free game bundle is offered.
• The RTX 4070 or 4070 Super might be bundled with Arc Raiders Deluxe Edition (a $59 value), with the bundle lasting until November 2nd or while supplies last.
• These Nvidia GPUs are unlikely to see significant discounts.
• The RTX 4060 Ti 16 GB only dropped to $419 during Prime Day, whereas a previous deal in September was $379.
• $379 is considered a good price for the RTX 4060 Ti 16 GB, potentially better than the RX 7900 XT 16 GB at $349 due to DLSS 4 support.
• The RTX 4090 seems to be settling around $2,400, up from $2,300 in September. Some discontinued models were liquidated at $1,999.
• RTX 4080, 4070 Ti, and 4070 prices are uncertain, with potential discounts for the 4070 down to $529.
• The Intel ARC A770 got a discount down to $299.
• Overall, significant GPU deals are not expected; buying at the best available price is advised.

This section details recent GPU pricing and discounts, suggesting that while some good deals were available on Prime Day, substantial further drops for Black Friday are unlikely, and availability might be an issue.

I told you, yes, there are MSRP models out there, but those are MSRP cards. And I thought it wasn't going to go below 3.49 49 at for Prime Day, but I thought some of the more premium models like the overclocked models and the three fan models might get down to 349. That's exactly what we saw.

OLED Monitor Deals [11:28]

• Significant OLED deals were available on Prime Day, but newer panels are expected.
• A 4K 240Hz OLED monitor was available for $749, its lowest price.
• These are third-gen QD-OLED panels.
• Fourth-gen WOLED panels from LG are coming, designed to compete with Samsung's QD-OLED.
• LG's new WOLED panels aim to improve brightness, a traditional OLED weakness.
• Early reviews for monitors with these new panels, like the MO27Q28G, are phenomenal.
• However, these new panels might be "unobtainium" and difficult to acquire for about six months.
• They were supposed to launch in September but are delayed.
• Supply is expected to be limited, and prices might spike above the anticipated $400.
• Deals on existing 240Hz 1440p OLED panels (like $419 or $449 for MSI models) are still attractive and will remain available.

This part discusses OLED monitor deals, highlighting current good prices for existing technology while cautioning about the availability and potential price increase of upcoming, advanced panels.

The clarity on the picture, the motion handling, everything. They basically done it in this next generation of panels to a level that I was not expecting.

CPU and Motherboard Deals [13:40]

• The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is available for $338, which is near its historic low price.
• Its absolute lowest price was $320 for one day in 2004, which was likely a mistake.
• The 7800X3D did not sell out over Amazon Prime Day, suggesting a larger supply than expected.
• Further price drops are possible but not expected to be substantial.
• A deal offered the Intel Core i5-14600K with a 360mm AIO liquid cooler and a Z790 motherboard for $169.
• This combo deal was considered extremely good for performance or hybrid gaming/production systems and was still available at the time of filming.
• The Ryzen 5 5600X saw no discounts.
• The Ryzen 7 7600X was available for $165, not its lowest price but one of the lower prices seen in 2024.
• Motherboard deals were also good; a fall guide for Ryzen motherboards is available.
• Budget CPUs like the i5-14600K, 12400, 14400, and 13400 largely sold out, except for the 12400.
• For budget gaming CPUs, purchasing the i5-12400 now is recommended.
• The Ryzen 9 7900X dropped to $250. It's a poor seller, and around $250 is when it starts moving.
• The 7900X is currently $329 and should not be bought at this price over the 7800X3D.
• It's expected to drop to around $250 or lower on Black Friday.

This segment analyzes CPU and motherboard deals, recommending the 7800X3D as a strong purchase and advising caution on other CPUs that are either selling poorly or have sold out.

I was a little disappointed by what I saw in terms of the Ryzen 5 CPUs. We did not see any discount on the Ryzen 9600X at all. Possibly going to see that for Black Friday.

Buy Now vs. Wait Decision [16:26]

• If you need RAM or SSDs, buy them right now as prices are expected to continue spiking.
• Paying an extra $30-$40 for RAM now is better than potentially an extra $100 if you wait.
• For GPUs, you can wait until closer to Black Friday if not ready to buy, but deals might not be significantly better, and stockouts are a risk.
• For Nvidia GPUs (RTX 4070 or higher) with a game bundle, picking it up with the bundle is likely better than any expected discount.
• For CPUs and other items, waiting is generally fine if you're not in a hurry.
• The 7800X3D is unlikely to get much cheaper, so buying it now is an option.
• The Ryzen 9 7900X is expected to come down to around $250 or lower on Black Friday.
• If looking for deals on the 7900X, 5600X, or 7600X, expect prices similar to or slightly better than Amazon Prime Day deals.
• For OLED gaming monitors, LCD gaming monitors, keyboards, mice, and similar peripherals, waiting is recommended as prices are expected to be better closer to Black Friday, and stockouts are less likely.

This concluding section provides direct advice on whether to purchase components immediately or wait for Black Friday, categorizing recommendations based on component type and current market trends.

Honestly, if you're looking to either upgrade or build a new system and you need RAM or SSDs, buy it right now. I'd buy the best RAM deal I can. I I expect those RAM prices to continue to spike up throughout the rest of the year.