Question Buying a 9070 XT - Is $700 worth it or should I wait longer?
Question Buying a 9070 XT - Is $700 worth it or should I wait longer?
I am currently considering purchasing an AMD 9070 XT GPU and have been monitoring the market for some time. There have been many factors affecting the fluctuating prices recently. Recently, after searching on Microcenter, the first reasonably priced card is back in stock. It is the Asrock steel legend for $700, which after the sale and discount comes to $706. This is disappointing because I was expecting it to cost about $100 less just a few months ago. Additionally, I would need to spend around $290 on a bundle at that time. This situation raises some uncertainties about what to do next. Should I buy now while it's available, or wait in hope prices drop slightly? If I wait, I fear another stock shortage might occur.
It really comes down to your current situation and goals. I'm in the same mindset as you about MSRPs, especially during the crypto boom with the 30 series. I didn't receive a card until mid-2022, and even then it was expensive. I got a 1660 Ti right when the 30 series prices were rising sharply, so I was fine using it until prices dropped to what I could afford.
If you already have a card that works well across all available cards, it might be better to wait. Otherwise, I think a price around 17% above MSRP is probably the best you'll get for a while. Prices are so hard to pin down right now, and the US market seems particularly challenging.
It’s a reasonable offer. I currently own a 5060ti with 16gb. It was actually MSRP at Microcenter, which was $429. I haven’t encountered that price again. I’ve seen the same 9070 xt model and they list a 9070 for $659. Although I’d like to acquire one of those cards, I can justify the cost more personally now, especially since the 5060ti with DLS and frame generation is quite solid. So for now, I’ll stick with what I have. If I receive Christmas money and a good deal appears, I might consider upgrading. But right now, I plan to keep my current card for at least a few months.
It really depends on your budget and financial situation, as well as the resolution and monitor speed you’re using.
If you’re working at 1440p, the 5060ti 16gb might suit you just fine, or even be a better fit than the upcoming 9060xt 16gb.
To be honest, I previously owned a 7900xtx. It was an excellent card, but I had to sell it to pay bills. When the 5060ti 16gb came up for $429—two units available—that’s when I bought one as a temporary card.
After owning the 7900xtx and then the 5060ti, I’d say performance has slightly dropped. I’m currently at 1440p. Still, the 5060ti works well with frame generation and DLSS, especially when set to high. I’ve been playing Red Dead Redemption 2 on it, using ultra settings, and it runs smoothly. I can also handle Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 at high settings with DLS on the 5060ti, which looks great. I believe I wouldn’t face any problems playing it on that card.
Just a note: your situation might vary. You might find better value in newer mid-range options. You could enjoy great performance without spending much more.
One thing I’ve learned is that the tech community often fixates on new releases, but you don’t need expensive GPUs to get good results—sometimes a card under $500 works just as well.
Worth can be a complex matter. The current price is quite reasonable compared to typical levels, and I think the reasons behind it have faded enough to bring you closer to the MSRP. I paid more than what I should have for a 5070 Ti at retail, but the extra cost was worth it for me. However, this might not apply to everyone. I’d want to know if you’re satisfied with the GPU and prefer not having that extra money, or if you’re content with your current setup. Ultimately, you should think about what matters most to you and what aligns with your needs!
I currently possess the hellhound 9070 xt. I really enjoy the card, and I believe a price around 700 is reasonable for its performance level. I wouldn't pay 800 or higher for the 9070 xt or the competing 5070ti, though that's more a matter of personal preference.