Navigating the Transition: Are NVIDIA 20 Series GPUs Discontinued?

As of August 2023, NVIDIA's 20 series GPUs, including the GeForce RTX 2060, 2070, and 2080 series, along with their Super variants, have not been officially discontinued. However, they have largely been phased out in favor of newer 30 series and 40 series models. This article will provide a comprehensive look at the current status of the 20 series GPUs, considerations for buyers, and recommendations for those planning to purchase a new GPU.

Current Status of 20 Series GPUs

While the 20 series GPUs continue to be produced, their production focus has shifted away from this line. Manufacturing resources, support, and marketing efforts have been directed towards the newer 30 and 40 series GPUs. Despite this, some retailers still stock the 20 series models, making them available for purchase. However, it is important to note that the 20 series is less likely to receive future updates or support.

Considerations for Buyers

If you are considering purchasing a 20 series GPU, there are several factors to take into account:

Stock Availability: Check with various retailers to see if they have the 20 series GPUs in stock. The availability and price could vary depending on the retailer. Future Support: Given the focus on newer models, the 20 series GPUs may not receive critical software updates or hardware support. Performance: The 20 series GPUs offer solid performance, but they are generally outperformed by the newer 30 and 40 series GPUs in terms of features and benchmark scores.

Based on these considerations, it might be wise to wait for the new GPUs. Within the next 2-5 months, the 30 and 40 series GPUs should be more widely available and more cost-effective.

Alternative Recommendations

For those who need a GPU immediately and can't wait for the newer models, there are alternative solutions:

Used GPUs: Consider purchasing a used 20 series GPU from reputable sources such as eBay. Many users have had success with these used GPUs, and they can be tested and returned if necessary. Reddit, Craigslist, and other online marketplaces are also good places to find used GPUs. Cheaper GPUs: If you need a budget option, you could look into older, yet reliable models such as the RTX 1060. These models, while not as powerful as the newer GPUs, offer a cost-effective solution for gaming and workloads.

Conclusion

The 20 series GPUs are still in production and offer solid performance, but the 30 and 40 series are currently more favored. If you are a serious gamer or keen on the latest GPU technology, it might be worth waiting for the newer models. For those in need of a GPU urgently, buying a used 20 series model or a cheaper, reliable older model is a viable option.