The Radeon 9070 and 9070 XT Price Hike: A Reality Check
It’s been just one week since AMD’s Radeon 9070 and 9070 XT graphic cards were launched, and already, the prices are taking a dramatic turn. Initially quoted at $550 and $600, respectively, these supposedly entry-level MSRP models have seen a price hike of $50 to $130 at various retailers. In this post, we’ll dive into the details of this price increase, explore the reasons behind it, and provide some actionable insights for those looking to get their hands on these graphics cards.
The Price Hike: A Reality Check
The price hike is not limited to a single retailer; multiple outlets, including Newegg, Overclockers UK, and Micro Center, have raised the prices on these graphics cards. This sudden increase has left many wondering if the initial MSRP was indeed too good to be true. While board partners like ASRock, Gigabyte, PowerColor, Sapphire, and XFX often charge more for cards with advanced cooling solutions, the cards we’re talking about today are the standard MSRP models.
Retailer Price Adjustments
We’ve tracked the prices of ten specific models of the AMD 9070 and AMD 9070 XT, and the results are telling. While not all retailers have changed their prices, some have already modified their pricetags ahead of new shipments. Here’s a breakdown of the changes we’ve seen:
- Best Buy: Still lists a single model of the 9070 and 9070 XT at MSRP, but they’re out of stock.
- Micro Center: Still lists three models of 9070 and four models of 9070 XT at MSRP, but they’re out of stock.
- Newegg: Has raised the prices on multiple models of the 9070 and 9070 XT by $50 to $130.
- Overclockers UK: Has also raised the prices on multiple models of the 9070 and 9070 XT.
Nvidia’s Response
In contrast, Nvidia’s RTX 5070, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5080 graphics cards seem to be unaffected by the price hike. Major US retailers like Best Buy, Newegg, and Micro Center are still listing these cards at their original MSRP prices.
What’s Behind the Price Hike?
AMD’s response to the price hike is telling. When asked about the price increase, AMD stated that “we expect cards to be available from multiple vendors at $549 / $599,” but didn’t provide any information on which board partners or retailers would agree to offer cards at those prices or how few those partners would have to sell at those prices before charging more.
Actionable Insights
If you’re looking to get your hands on the Radeon 9070 or 9070 XT, here are some actionable insights to keep in mind:
- Be prepared for prices to fluctuate: The price hike is a reality, and prices may continue to change as new shipments arrive.
- Keep an eye on retailer stock levels: If a retailer is out of stock, it may be a sign that they’re waiting for new shipments to arrive, which could mean a price increase.
- Consider alternative options: If you’re not set on the Radeon 9070 or 9070 XT, you may want to explore other graphics card options that are available at their original MSRP prices.
Conclusion
The Radeon 9070 and 9070 XT price hike is a reality, and it’s essential to be aware of the changes in the market. While the initial MSRP prices may have been too good to be true, it’s clear that AMD is committed to making these graphics cards available at competitive prices. By keeping an eye on retailer stock levels and prices, you can make an informed decision about which graphics card is right for you.