Japanese Shop Doubles RTX 2080 Ti VRAM to 22GB for $1,146

AiGPU Offers RTX 2080 Ti 22GB VRAM Upgrade Service

AiGPU, a Japanese tech shop and GPU repair specialist, offers a service that doubles the VRAM capacity of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti from 11GB to 22GB for 45,000 yen (~RM1,146). This modification service addresses the growing demand for high-VRAM graphics cards required for AI workloads, which typically demand 20GB or more of memory.

Key Facts

How Does the VRAM Upgrade Process Work?

The upgrade process involves physically replacing the existing VRAM chips surrounding the GPU die with higher-capacity modules. For the RTX 2080 Ti, AiGPU replaces the original 1GB GDDR6 chips with 2GB variants, effectively doubling the card's memory capacity to 22GB.

The modification also requires changing the memory configuration so the GPU recognizes its new capacity. AiGPU confirmed the process was underway in an August 15, 2026 post on X (formerly Twitter), stating: "RTX 2080 Ti 22GB、現在テスト中！" (RTX 2080 Ti 22GB, currently testing!). The shop also received 200 Samsung GDDR6 2GB memory chips to continue the upgrade work.

The RTX 2080 Ti 22GB upgrade requires both physical chip replacement and memory configuration changes to enable the GPU to recognize its doubled 22GB capacity.

Why Are 22GB GPUs in Demand?

The demand for 22GB GPUs stems from increasingly demanding AI workloads that require high-performance graphics cards with 20GB or more of VRAM. This growing demand has contributed to a memory chip crisis affecting not only GPUs but also RAM and storage production.

The memory chip shortage has led to a surge in pricing across the DIY PC and laptop market, with companies forced to charge well beyond what would be considered top-dollar or acceptable prices. This market pressure has created a niche for services like AiGPU's, which offer a more affordable path to high-VRAM cards compared to purchasing newer, more expensive models.

The memory chip crisis, driven by AI hardware demand, has increased prices for GPUs, RAM, and storage, making VRAM upgrade services a cost-effective alternative for users needing 20GB or more of memory.

Which Other GPUs Can Be Upgraded?

AiGPU's capacity-upgrading services extend beyond the RTX 2080 Ti and are not limited to cards from the Turing era. The shop reportedly lists several GPUs from other generations with doubled memory capacities.

The RTX 4090 upgrade to 480GB has actual proof through Gamers Nexus' investigation into the AI GPU black market in China.

AiGPU offers VRAM doubling services for multiple GPU generations, including the RTX A2000, RTX 3070, RTX 3080, RTX 4080, and RTX 4090, with capacities ranging from 12GB to 480GB.

Who Is This For?

This service is designed for users who need high-VRAM GPUs for AI workloads but want to avoid the high cost of purchasing newer flagship cards. The RTX 2080 Ti, while a powerhouse at its 2018 launch, was quickly overshadowed by the RTX 3080 in 4K gaming performance. However, its 11GB VRAM limitation makes it unsuitable for many modern AI applications without modification.

The service is particularly relevant given the current memory chip crisis, which has driven up prices for new hardware. By upgrading an existing card, users can achieve the 20GB+ VRAM capacity required for AI workloads at a fraction of the cost of a new GPU.

This VRAM upgrade service targets AI professionals and enthusiasts who need 20GB+ VRAM capacity but seek a more affordable alternative to purchasing new high-end GPUs during the memory chip shortage.

Common Questions

How much does the RTX 2080 Ti 22GB upgrade cost?

The upgrade costs 45,000 yen, which is approximately RM1,146. This price includes replacing the original 1GB GDDR6 memory chips with 2GB variants and reconfiguring the GPU to recognize the new 22GB capacity.

What memory chips are used in the RTX 2080 Ti 22GB upgrade?

AiGPU uses Samsung GDDR6 2GB memory chips for the upgrade. The shop confirmed receiving 200 Samsung GDDR6 2GB memory chips to continue its RTX 2080 Ti 22GB modification work.

Why would someone upgrade an RTX 2080 Ti instead of buying a newer GPU?

AI workloads increasingly require GPUs with 20GB or more VRAM. The memory chip crisis has caused prices to surge for new GPUs, RAM, and storage, making VRAM upgrade services a more cost-effective option for achieving the necessary memory capacity.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the original report from Lowyat.NET, which sourced information from AiGPU's official X (Twitter) account and Videocardz. The original article was published at https://www.lowyat.net/2026/401940/japan-tech-rtx-2080-ti-22gb/.

Primary sources include AiGPU's X posts dated August 15, 2026, and Videocardz's report on the VRAM upgrade service. Currency conversion from yen to Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is as stated in the original source material.

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