ETB Technologies doubles GPU sales in 2023 amid AI boom

The value of graphic processor unit (GPU) sales for ETB Technologies more than doubled in 2023 compared to the previous year, hitting a record high of over £1.1 million. The refurbished technology specialist attributed this substantial growth to the increasing demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

"The increase in demand for GPUs over the last 24 months has been unprecedented," said Nick Stapleton, Managing Director of ETB Technologies. "In all my time working in the industry, I've never seen one new piece of technology drive an increase in sales in the way artificial intelligence has. It's not a trend we expect to change anytime soon either, as the appetite for AI among our customers continues to grow."

The surge in GPU sales is largely fuelled by the expansion of AI applications, with a significant impact from industries such as autonomous vehicles and visual effects. The proliferation of these technologies is compelling firms to invest more in advanced computing hardware, thus pushing GPU sales to new heights.

New figures from Jon Peddie Research further support the trend, showing a year-on-year growth in global GPU sales of more than 30% in the fourth quarter of 2023. However, the rising demand has presented challenges in the form of fluctuating supply levels, causing GPU prices to vary significantly in recent months.

Stapleton emphasised the strategic importance of tech buying and infrastructure planning during times of economic tightening: "At a time when many organisations are having to tighten their belts when it comes to technology spend, this trend has been positive for our business. For many of our customers, it has also highlighted how important it is to take a strategic approach to tech buying and infrastructure planning."

The increasing interest in refurbished GPUs also plays a role in the enhanced sales figures, aligning with broader sustainability goals. "At a time when technology waste is at a record high and sustainability has never been a more important consideration, it is really encouraging to see so many businesses viewing refurbished GPUs as a viable option," Stapleton said. "This is a trend we hope and expect to see continue as businesses look to wring every last drop of value out of their investment in technology infrastructure."

ETB Technologies' record-breaking year for GPU sales reflects a broader industry trend towards the adoption of refurbished technology, driven partly by economic factors and partly by the need to meet sustainability targets. As businesses increasingly turn to refurbished equipment to balance cost, performance, and environmental considerations, ETB Technologies expects the momentum to continue well into the future.