Nvidia is reportedly no longer supplying video memory (VRAM) to its GPU board partners, according to a leak from the source known as Golden Pig Upgrade. Instead, the company is now only providing the GPU dies to its AIBs (Add-in Board partners), leaving them to source and integrate VRAM independently. This shift, if true, marks a significant change in Nvidia’s supply chain strategy and comes amid a growing industry-wide memory shortage. The current memory crunch is driven by surging demand from AI data centers, where high-capacity GPUs are in constant demand. As a result, manufacturers have prioritized AI clients over the retail market, drastically reducing availability of high-end memory modules for consumer graphics cards. This imbalance has created a severe shortage, with industry experts warning the situation is expected to worsen in the near term. Nvidia, as the dominant player in the GPU market and a major beneficiary of the AI boom, appears to be feeling the strain of its own success. By halting VRAM bundling, the company may be responding to supply constraints that make it impossible to fulfill full GPU packages. However, this move could place additional pressure on smaller or mid-tier board partners who lack the scale and purchasing power to secure premium memory modules at competitive prices. This development echoes past tensions between Nvidia and some AIBs. For instance, EVGA exited the graphics card market in 2021, citing strained relations and alleged mistreatment by Nvidia. The current rumor could signal a broader shift in how Nvidia manages its ecosystem, potentially favoring large-scale clients and internal production over traditional partnerships. If accurate, this move also carries financial implications. By not selling pre-assembled memory modules, Nvidia may be forgoing a profitable margin on VRAM, suggesting that the current economic model is no longer sustainable. With all production lines already dedicated to AI-driven demand, the company may be forced to restructure its supply approach. Still, it’s important to note that this information remains unconfirmed and should be treated as a rumor. There has been no official statement from Nvidia, and the situation could be more nuanced than the leak suggests. However, the growing strain on memory supply and the shifting dynamics between Nvidia and its partners highlight the growing challenges in the semiconductor industry as AI continues to dominate demand.