AMD’s RX 9070 XT GPU is experiencing an unexpected surge in demand, with retailers setting prices well above the recommended MSRP. Initially expected to be available at $599, these graphics cards are becoming increasingly hard to find at their original price point.
The launch of current-generation GPUs has been plagued with challenges, not only due to limited inventory but also because retailers have capitalized on the situation by significantly hiking prices. This issue is not unique to AMD; NVIDIA’s RTX 50 series has faced similar price inflation issues. While AMD had promised a more accessible pricing model with the RX 9070 XT, reality shows a significant deviation from that commitment.
In Germany, analyses indicate that RX 9070 XT prices have been on an upward trajectory since their release, with median prices sitting between €700 and €800. Only a few entry-level units are available for under €700, reflecting the wider trend of price increases.
In the US, the scenario is just as concerning, with examples like Amazon listing the Radeon RX 9070 XT for around $960—a staggering 50% over the MSRP. The most affordable option, the XFX Swift White Triple Fan edition at MicroCenter, retails for $849.99. This signals a likely anticipation among retailers of an impending MSRP adjustment by AMD, as official prices are seldom found, even on out-of-stock items.
Similarly, NVIDIA’s GPUs are facing inflated pricing challenges, coupled with less favorable performance-to-cost ratios. For consumers eager to upgrade, a cautious approach is suggested—either exploring second-hand markets or patiently waiting for trade tensions and market dynamics to stabilize.
