The AMD RX 9070 series launch brought relief after Nvidia’s limited RTX 50-series availability. However, this reprieve might be short-lived. Retailers suggest that once the initial wave of RX 9070 GPUs sells out, prices are likely to increase, mirroring the challenges faced by other high-end graphics cards.
While the cards officially launched recently, many models were already listed above MSRP, with some overclocked variants commanding premiums of up to $250 over the $600 base price. Despite AMD’s commitment to collaborating with partners to ensure widespread availability at MSRP, and the initial presence of such listings, these affordable options disappeared quickly. Retailers are now indicating that these initial prices might not return.
Retailers Hint at Impending Price Increases
According to reports from VideoCardz, several European retailers have confirmed that RX 9070 GPU prices will rise once the initial MSRP stock is depleted. Swedish retailer Inet.se stated that only the first shipment of cards would be available at MSRP.
Newegg
Variations exist between manufacturers. Inet.se received a single shipment of Asus and Sapphire GPUs, selling them at MSRP until sold out. However, a second shipment of PowerColor cards is already slated for sale at a higher price point.
Overclockers UK, another major retailer, confirmed holding thousands of RX 9070 XT cards, but cautioned about future price increases. They stated that MSRP pricing was limited to a few hundred units, after which prices would inevitably jump. Future restock pricing remains uncertain.
A Familiar Pattern in the GPU Market
While disappointing, this situation isn’t unprecedented. If widespread, it suggests AMD prioritized initial availability at MSRP but couldn’t sustain it long-term. The current GPU market is volatile, with new releases frequently selling out, making price fluctuations, unfortunately, predictable.
Current Availability in the US
Checking major US retailers like Newegg and Amazon reveals the RX 9000 series is already sold out, demonstrating a successful launch for AMD. However, the prospect of future price increases underscores the ongoing challenges consumers face in acquiring high-performance GPUs at reasonable prices.
