AMD to Focus on Radeon RX 9070 XT Over RX 9070 - Report
- AMD may prioritize the Radeon RX 9070 XT over the non-XT RX 9070 to limit price adjustments.
- Ongoing DRAM shortages are driving higher GPU memory costs and influencing SKU prioritization.
- The RX 9070 XT struggled to reach MSRP after launch and saw rapid price increases.
- The RX 9060 XT 16GB currently has no direct replacement and could remain essential in the lineup.
Why AMD may prioritize the RX 9070 XT
AMD is reportedly weighing which RDNA 4 SKUs to prioritize as global DRAM shortages push memory prices higher. Companies often favor models with better margin resilience; industry chatter suggests the Radeon RX 9070 XT fits that profile compared with its non‑XT sibling.
DRAM shortages and the memory cost squeeze
DRAM supply constraints have increased the per‑GPU memory bill for vendors across the board. For AMD and other GPU makers, that raises the cost of maintaining broad model availability at advertised MSRPs.
The RX 9070 XT, as a flagship RDNA 4 part, took months to reach its intended MSRP after launch. Once supply tightened, DRAM-driven price inflation pushed retail tags above MSRP, complicating inventory and pricing strategies.
Product and profit trade-offs
Sources assessing the rumor rate the claim as plausible (roughly 50% confidence). The logic mirrors recent behavior reported at NVIDIA, where certain GeForce models received prioritized production to limit exposure to volatile memory pricing.
For AMD, focusing silicon and board resources on the RX 9070 XT could reduce the need for disruptive price adjustments across the portfolio and preserve higher-margin units for partners and AICs (add‑in card makers).
RX 9060 XT 16GB — an exception?
Not all cards are interchangeable. The RX 9060 XT 16GB currently lacks a close alternative in AMD’s lineup, making it harder to de‑prioritize without leaving a gap in product tiers. That model is therefore likely to remain in production even if other non‑XT models see reduced focus.
What this means for buyers
If AMD does shift emphasis to the RX 9070 XT, buyers may see better availability of that SKU but continued or increased price variability for non‑XT cards. Shoppers hunting a specific price point for the RX 9070 should budget for possible premiums until DRAM supply stabilizes.
AMD has previously said it will try to keep GPU prices as low as possible, but market forces and margin considerations frequently shape real‑world decisions. Expect official updates from AMD or its AIC partners if any production prioritization is confirmed.