AMD has defended its decision to release the 8GB version of the RX 9060 XT, citing that most gamers play at 1080p and don’t require more than 8GB of memory. According to Frank Azor, AMD’s Chief Architect of Gaming Solutions, the 8GB model targets the “majority of gamers” who prioritize performance over high-end features.
The statement is backed by data from the Steam Hardware Survey, which shows that 55.27% of players prefer playing at 1080p, while 19.90% opt for 1440p. Azor argues that the 8GB GPU is sufficient for most users who play esports games and don’t require advanced graphics features.
However, some critics argue that the limited VRAM capacity will restrict performance in demanding AAA titles. They point to professional testing with cards like the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, which struggle to maintain a playable framerate at high settings.
AMD has faced criticism for its product segmentation strategy, but the company maintains that it’s designed to cater to specific market segments and not all users require the same level of performance. The 8GB version of the RX 9060 XT is priced competitively at around $200-$250, which is comparable to the RTX 5060 GPUs.
The decision to release an 8GB model has sparked debate among enthusiasts, with some questioning whether it’s a viable option or just a marketing gimmick. However, Azor argues that the 8GB GPU can still deliver great performance for those who prioritize esports gaming and don’t require advanced graphics features.
Source: https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/the-majority-of-gamers-are-still-playing-at-1080p-and-have-no-use-for-more-than-8gb-of-memory-amd-justifies-rx-9060-xts-8gb-of-vram