The upcoming AMD RX 9070 XT is generating considerable buzz, with rumors circulating about its potential to rival top mainstream graphics cards. While specifications are still under wraps, the most discussed topic revolves around its price. Recent leaks suggest a $699 price point, positioning it just below Nvidia’s offerings, but is this strategy enough to win over gamers?
AMD has indicated its intention to target a sub-$700 price range for its new flagship GPU, lending credence to the $699 rumor. This places the RX 9070 XT in a precarious position. Nvidia’s RTX 5070 Ti launched at $750, while the RTX 5070 is expected at $550. With performance rumored to fall between these two Nvidia cards, a $699 price for the RX 9070 XT seems justifiable, but perhaps not strategically ideal.
This pricing strategy, undercutting Nvidia by a small margin, mirrors AMD’s approach with RDNA 3. However, the effectiveness of this tactic is debatable. RDNA 3 cards saw subsequent price reductions, and ultimately, GPUs offering superior performance per dollar gained greater popularity.
Two RTX 4070 Ti Super graphics cards sitting next to each other.
While undercutting Nvidia is positive, a $50 difference might not be enough to sway brand loyalty. Nvidia’s dominance in the GPU market means many gamers default to “Team Green.” AMD might require a more substantial price advantage to attract these customers.
Furthermore, the readily available and significantly discounted RDNA 3 cards, like the RX 7900 XTX, RX 7900 XT, and even the RX 7900 GRE, could potentially cannibalize sales of the new RX 9070 XT. Although benchmark comparisons suggest the RX 9070 XT significantly outperforms the RX 7900 GRE.
Despite these challenges, AMD still has a chance to succeed. The RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 have faced post-launch issues, including inflated pricing and limited availability. If AMD can ensure better stock and maintain MSRP, even a $700 price tag might prove competitive.
Finally, while leaks can provide valuable insights, it’s crucial to treat them with caution. AMD will officially unveil the RX 9070 XT on February 28th, providing definitive answers about its specifications and pricing.
