The AMD RX 9000 series remains shrouded in mystery, but recent leaks offer glimpses into its potential pricing and performance. A Bulgarian retailer, Gplay, has shed light on AMD’s initial pricing strategy for the RX 9070 XT, suggesting a higher price point than some might expect.
Gplay’s insights, initially reported by VideoCardz, indicate that AMD initially aimed to launch the RX 9070 XT on January 23rd with a price tag of $900. The non-XT variant, the RX 9070, was reportedly slated for a $750 launch price. These figures place the RX 9070 XT closer to Nvidia’s RTX 5080 ($1000) than the RTX 5070 ($550 – $750), raising questions about its competitive positioning.
AMD RX 9070 XT Box
Comparing AMD’s Pricing Strategy to Current Market Trends
The proposed $900 price for the RX 9070 XT seems particularly high when compared to the current price of the RX 7900 XT, its intended performance competitor. While the RX 7900 XT launched at $900, it can now be found for around $650. Even if the RX 9070 XT delivers significant improvements, particularly in ray tracing performance, a $250 price increase over its predecessor’s current market value seems substantial.
Furthermore, Nvidia’s upcoming RTX 5080, priced at $1000, is expected to outperform the RX 9070 XT. With the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 priced at $750 and $550 respectively, AMD’s initial pricing strategy positions the RX 9070 XT in a competitive quandary.
Uncertainties and Potential Adjustments
It’s crucial to remember that these prices are not officially confirmed. AMD might have revised its pricing strategy since the initial leaks. Earlier rumors suggested a more competitive price range of $480 to $550 for the RX 9000 series, significantly lower than Gplay’s reported figures. This discrepancy highlights the uncertainty surrounding AMD’s final pricing decisions.
Gigabyte Custom RX 9070 and 9070 XT GPUs
Potential Impact of Delayed Launch
Gplay is among several retailers seemingly prepared to sell the RX 9070 XT. However, AMD appears to have postponed the rumored January 23rd release date. Reports suggest a March launch for the RX 9000 series, which could present further challenges for the RX 9070 XT in its competition against Nvidia’s offerings. This delay provides AMD with an opportunity to re-evaluate its pricing strategy and potentially adjust to a more competitive level.
Conclusion
The leaked pricing information for the RX 9070 XT raises concerns about its competitiveness in the current GPU market. The initial $900 price tag seems high, particularly considering the performance of existing and upcoming alternatives from Nvidia. While these prices remain unconfirmed, and AMD may have already adjusted its strategy, the potential for a delayed launch further complicates the situation. Ultimately, the success of the RX 9070 XT will hinge on its final pricing and performance, as well as how AMD positions it against its competitors.
