AMD Confirms Radeon RX 9060 Limited to OEM Availability, Retail Launch Possible

AMD’s latest budget GPU, the NAVI 44, is generating buzz among gamers and tech enthusiasts. However, as of now, it will only be available in pre-built gaming systems and not for individual retail sale.

AMD’s Radeon RX 9060: An OEM-Exclusive Initially

About two weeks ago, AMD introduced the Radeon RX 9060 (non-XT), which features a dialed-back NAVI 44 architecture. This graphics card offers 1792 Stream Processors and 8 GB of GDDR6 memory, targeting the budget-conscious segment of the market. Although the RX 9060 is viewed as a successor to the Radeon RX 7600, it was released exclusively for OEMs, greatly limiting availability for consumers looking to purchase it separately.

In a recent discussion with Quasarzone, AMD confirmed that the Radeon RX 9060 will only be accessible through pre-built systems for the time being. However, there is a possibility that AMD might later release it through retail channels, providing gamers with more options in the RDNA 4 lineup. Currently, the most affordable GPU from the RX 9000 series is the RX 9060 XT, priced at approximately $300. In some instances, this model may even be found at lower prices due to decreased demand compared to the 16 GB variant, positioning it as a competing option alongside the RX 7600.

RX 9060 launch information highlighting performance and market insights — Credit: Quasarzone.com

If AMD decides to launch the RX 9060 in the retail market, it is anticipated that the price would fall between $249 and $269. However, the exact timeline for this release is still uncertain, as AMD has not yet finalized a date. One of the main reasons for maintaining the OEM exclusivity is to bolster the businesses of OEM partners. Nonetheless, this decision has faced some criticism, particularly concerning the analogous naming of the RX 9060 XT’s 8 GB and 16 GB editions.

Pre-built gaming PC showcasing RX 9060 XT with Ryzen processor — A standard pre-built gaming PC featuring RX 9060 XT with 8 GB and 16 GB options.

There is concern among consumers that OEMs might sell the 8 GB version of the RX 9060 XT without adequately informing buyers, leading some to mistake it for the 16 GB version due to shared specifications. To address this, AMD introduced a streamlined variant, the RX 9060, which is intended exclusively for pre-built systems and lacks the “XT”designation.

This differentiation should help users identify the RX 9060 as distinct from the RX 9060 XT variants. However, confusion might still arise because system integrators may incorporate both the 8 GB and 16 GB editions into their builds. Therefore, it is essential for consumers to meticulously review product titles and descriptions to verify the exact GPU model being purchased.

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