Amid GPU Shortage, NZXT Releases Pre-Built PC With No Graphics Card

PC maker NZXT is responding to the GPU shortage by selling a pre-built desktop PC with no graphics card inside.

Last week, the company launched its new “Foundation PC,” which features a prominent empty space where the dedicated GPU should be. Instead, the product relies on the integrated graphics on board the AMD processor to run PC games.

“Whether you’re in the market for a PC with integrated graphics because of shortages, cost, or personal preference, the Foundation PC can get your PC gaming journey up and running,” the company said in the announcement.

Ironically, the lack of a graphics card is a selling point for the $799 product. The current pricing for a single Nvidia graphics card can easily top $1,000 or more, depending on the model. So by nixing the GPU, NZXT can sell a desktop gaming PC that’s affordable to consumers.

“That is why it makes this an ideal system for kids or professionals who need an affordable PC quickly but don’t need the bells and whistles that our other pre-built PC series provide,” the company added.

The PC itself runs an AMD 5600G APU processor, which can offer some modest to surprisingly good gaming performance at 1080p, according to our tests. NZXT itself says the Foundation PC can achieve an average 72 frames per second on Fortnite and 112fps on Valorant at medium graphical settings for a 1080p resolution.

The other selling point is how you can upgrade the desktop PC with better components over time. So assuming GPU supplies and pricing one day returns to normal, owners will eventually be able to slot in a dedicated graphics card into the machine.

Despite no graphics card, the product is proving to be quite popular. According to NZXT’s website, the Foundation PC is currently listed as sold out.

"We have been pleasantly surprised with the demand for the Foundation PC and did not anticipate to run out of stock that quickly," the company told PCMag. "However, more stock is on the way and we should have them available during our Black Friday sale."

The product's other specs include 500GB of NVME storage, 16GB of 3000MHz DDR4 RAM, and a 650-watt power supply.

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