Taiwanese Retailers Bundle GPUs with Bizarre Combinations of Free Hardware

The PC building industry is facing a disturbing trend, with multiple research firms predicting a double-digit contraction in sales this year. The entry-level market is expected to be hit the hardest, and it's not anticipated to recover until 2029.

In Taiwan, retailers are bundling high-end GPUs with numerous free components, including motherboards, CPUs, and other hardware. For example, the MSI GeForce RTX 5090 Gaming Trio OC Combo includes a $4,799 GPU, three motherboards ($1,139 each), two CPUs ($599 each), and one motherboard ($589).

The combos are priced between $7,000 to $8,300, which is still relatively high compared to Amazon or Newegg in the U.S. However, it's clear that retailers are struggling to sell these items, and they're doing everything possible to free up capital.