Clearing the Air: AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT 8GB Launch Status - Launch Plans Explained
There have been rumors and speculations about AMD's upcoming Radeon RX 9060 XT graphics card, specifically the 8GB variant. There has been some rumor that it will be cancelled or phased out even before it really goes on sale, maybe in response to NVIDIA's move with their competing GeForce RTX 5060 Ti.
What's Behind the Rumors
All of that seems to have to do with how NVIDIA handled launching their GeForce RTX 5060 Ti. They sent out the reviewers the 16GB version and that specific model seems to be the one their partners are initially targeting. This led some to wonder if AMD would retaliate by cutting back on their lower VRAM version, the RX 9060 XT 8GB.
So, What's Really Going On with the RX 9060 XT 8GB
Despite market rumors, reliable sources indicate that AMD has no intention of canceling or stopping providing the Radeon RX 9060 XT 8GB. The cancellation talk appears to be nothing but that – rumor, likely stemming from reactions to NVIDIA's move and not as a representation of AMD's plan.
The point is, though, that the market for graphics cards is not just DIY builders. Yes, customers are very keen on the 16GB version of the RX 9060 XT, and might as well overlook the 8GB version, but the 8GB card could still find an audience. System integrators (those who create pre-built systems) like to look for a range of different configurations and prices, and the 8GB version could work just fine for them.
Expect Both Cards at Launch (At Least Initially)
Since AMD's partners (the actual producers and sellers of the cards, known as AIBs) are already supplying materials and producing these cards, it is highly unlikely that AMD would pull either version at the last minute. You should find both the Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB and the 8GB models on sale when sales begin, most likely in June.
What follows launch is, of course, beyond the market's control. Card manufacturers will keep an eye on sales. If the 16GB version far outsells the 8GB, they will naturally switch production to meet demand. So while both will probably be there at launch, the 16GB RX 9060 XT will probably be the more common store appearance in the long run.
