THE GPU CRUNCH

It's bigger than a chip shortage.

Three constraints to understand before you commit to compute.

01 / HBM & memory supply

Memory is part of the shortage.

SK hynix reported in October 2026 that memory supply was trailing demand, while expanding production to meet growing HBM requirements.

WHAT TO ASK

Ask for a confirmed delivery window and an alternative GPU configuration.

SK hynix · Q3 2026 results
02 / Power & grid connections

Chips need a place to plug in.

The IEA identifies grid capacity, connection queues, and electrical-equipment supply chains as constraints on data centre expansion.

WHAT TO ASK

Distinguish capacity operating today from capacity planned for a future site.

IEA · Powering Artificial Intelligence
03 / Deployment & capacity

A listing is not an allocation.

Runpod introduced deployment queues for GPU configurations that are fully rented out. A published model and price do not establish immediate access.

WHAT TO ASK

Confirm the region, GPU count, start date, and reservation terms before committing.

Runpod · Deploy When Available

These are documented constraints, not a claim that every GPU or region is sold out. Research checked 5 Nov 2026.