AMD has recently unveiled the RX 9060 XT graphics card at Computex 2025, and it’s generating quite the buzz in the gaming community. While it may not dethrone the top contenders just yet, it has the potential to become a noteworthy option, especially for those looking for a capable midrange card. However, there’s a significant concern that looms over the excitement.
Positioned to compete favorably against Nvidia’s recent RTX 5060, the RX 9060 XT could become a fan favorite. So, why am I apprehensive about its launch?
It’s a tough time to buy a GPU
My colleague, Jon Martindale, mentioned that Nvidia’s RTX 50-series marked one of the most disappointing GPU launches in recent times. It makes one wonder: What awaits us from AMD?
As I awaited the RX 9000 series, I kept my expectations grounded, fully knowing that AMD was avoiding the high-end arena. When the RX 9070 XT was launched, I was genuinely impressed.
This card offered stellar performance comparable to what you’d expect from a higher-tier GPU. While many felt AMD could have priced it lower, the $599 tag for its capabilities felt justified. It might not challenge the RTX 5090 directly, but it certainly established itself as a robust option for 1440p gaming.
Demand today for our new @amdradeon cards has been phenomenal. We are working with our AIBs to replenish stock at our partners ASAP in the coming days and weeks. MSRP pricing (excluding region specific tariffs and/or taxes) will continue to be encouraged beyond today so don’t… pic.twitter.com/8VxGioMkev
— Frank Azor (@AzorFrank) March 6, 2025
As an admirer of the underdog in tech, the RX 9070 XT’s positive reception thrilled me. It was flying off shelves, thanks to AMD’s commitment to making MSRP models available.
AMD’s Frank Azor reiterated that despite phenomenal demand for the RX 9070 XT, the company was collaborating closely with its partners to replenish stock and maintain MSRP.
Yet, a quick scan of various retailers indicates a troubling trend — the prices aren’t aligning with the MSRP.
The hype was real, but …
Initially, the RX 9070 XT was hard to come by. When restocking began, though, it rarely returned at its intended price. Recently, it’s become available, but the pricing remains steep.
As of now, the lowest RX 9070 XT price I saw on Amazon is $839 (approximately €785), down from a previous $899 (about €843). The highest? A staggering $1,058 (around €997).
This is for a card designed to retail at $599 (about €559).
Similarly, the RX 9070, which was initially $549 (around €513), now sits between $650 to $750 (roughly €613 to €698), leaving many questioning the value proposition.
With inflated prices, the value that initially made AMD’s offerings attractive seems compromised. At $200 to $400 above expected prices, the RX 9070 XT’s performance feels inadequate. While it could have been the new value king at $600, the current market reality is dim.
Fortunately, Nvidia grapples with similar issues. The RTX 5090, RTX 5080, and RTX 5070 Ti are all priced excessively, and while the RTX 5060 offers decent pricing, it was clouded by launch controversies.
With AMD having a prime opportunity to seize market attention with the RX 9060 XT, will they succeed?
Will history repeat itself?
I genuinely hope the RX 9060 XT proves to be exceptional. The 16GB variant is just what mainstream gamers have been seeking: more VRAM. Despite its increase in pricing to $350 (about €325), it’s still positioned below Nvidia’s RTX 5060 Ti. The card’s 128-bit memory bus might limit performance, but it holds promise.
Yet, all of this will be moot if AMD doesn’t resolve the primary issue: availability at MSRP.
As a midrange card, the RX 9060 XT targets 1080p gamers valuing performance for price. If prices soar too high, it may alienate many potential buyers.
Addressing the pricing carries added weight for the RX 9060 XT, especially as Nvidia faces comparable challenges. It’s crucial for AMD to ensure that the RX 9060 XT remains close to its MSRP for longer than just the initial sellout.
If AMD can ensure the RX 9060 XT outperforms Nvidia’s RTX 5060 while remaining affordable at $350, it could mark a significant victory in midrange PC gaming. The stakes are high, and I truly hope they capitalize on this moment.
I want to see the RX 9060 XT thrive. There’s plenty of potential, yet the current market dynamics may threaten what could be an outstanding GPU for many gamers.
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