In context: AMD's Radeon RX 9000 series cards went on sale Thursday, starting at $549 for the RX 9070 and $599 for the RX 9070 XT. Following the launch, some retailers suggested that these new cards would only be available at MSRP for a limited time. However, AMD has denied these reports, stating that certain RX 9000 models will continue to be sold at the recommended prices even after initial stock runs out.
AMD's Chief Architect of Gaming Solutions Frank Azor categorically denied that the $549 / $599 MSRPs are launch-only pricing, in a statement to The Verge. According to him, the company has collaborated with its AIB partners to ensure that "multiple vendors" will continue selling at least some variants of the cards at those prices.
Azor added that, alongside the base models, manufacturers will also offer overclocked versions with premium configurations at higher prices to cater to different user needs. He further claimed that AMD is working with its partners to maintain a steady supply of RX 9000 cards in the coming weeks.
Ready for you pic.twitter.com/S66imJtiXN
– Frank Azor (@AzorFrank) March 6, 2025
Reports of a possible price increase for the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT began circulating almost immediately after launch. Swedish retailer Inet.se told VideoCardz that the recommended prices would only apply "to a limited number of cards."
Similarly, UK retailer Overclockers stated that only "a few hundred" units would be sold at MSRP, after which prices would increase.
Demand today for our new @amdradeon cards has been phenomenal. We are working with our AIBs to replenish stock at our partners ASAP in the coming days and weeks. MSRP pricing (excluding region specific tariffs and/or taxes) will continue to be encouraged beyond today so don't… pic.twitter.com/8VxGioMkev
– Frank Azor (@AzorFrank) March 6, 2025
Best Buy added further fuel to the speculation by listing the cards in a way that implied AMD's recommended prices were temporary. The retailer advertised its $549 RX 9070 SKUs with a "Save $80" banner and the $599 RX 9070 XT models with a "Save $130" sign, suggesting that prices would soon rise to $629 and $729, respectively.
The Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT have received mostly positive reviews upon release. The RX 9070 XT, in particular, was widely praised as a strong competitor to Nvidia's mid-range GPUs and a good value offering. The RX 9070 was also recognized as a better value proposition than the RTX 5070, with the potential to be a hit among gamers – provided AMD maintains a steady supply at the promised $549 price point.