In a recent press release, AMD officially announced the AMD RX 9060 Non-XT, a new entry-level AMD graphics card that is designed specifically for 1080p gaming. However, in a move that surprised many, the RX 9060 will not be available for purchase through retail channels. Instead, it will be offered exclusively through pre-built PCs from select system integrators, limiting its availability to a specific market.
This decision has left some gamers and enthusiasts wondering why AMD has chosen to limit access to this budget-friendly GPU, which could have made a notable impact in the affordable gaming segment.
AMD Radeon RX 9060 Specifications
The Radeon RX 9060 specs include 28 RDNA 4 compute units, a reduction from the 32 found in the RX 9060 XT. This cutback in compute units means the RX 9060 will have slightly lower performance than the XT variant and other radeon 9000 series GPUs, though it still promises impressive gaming capabilities.
AMD has not disclosed all the specifics for the RX 9060, but the GPU will feature 8GB of GDDR6 memory running at 18 Gbps, providing a bandwidth of up to 288GB/s. This configuration is expected to be sufficient for 1080p gaming, offering users a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive GPUs.
RX 9060 Performance
While specific benchmark data for the RX 9060’s performance is still under wraps, early reports suggest that the GPU will provide up to 22.43 TFLOPS of shader power. This is around a 12.5% reduction in performance compared to the RX 9060 XT, which is expected considering the cutback in compute units.
Assuming clock speeds remain similar to the RX 9060 XT, the RX 9060 will be capable of handling modern games at 1080p with high settings. AMD has emphasized that the RX 9060 will be optimized for 1080p gaming. This makes it an appealing choice for gamers who are focused on delivering smooth frame rates without needing to invest in higher-end hardware.
The inclusion of 8GB of VRAM should also help ensure that the GPU can handle larger textures and more demanding games at this resolution.
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AMD RX 9060 Launch
In the AMD RX 9060 official announcement, AMD confirmed that the RX 9060 Non-XT would be available exclusively through system integrators. This marks a shift from the company’s usual retail strategy and has sparked speculation about why AMD chose to restrict the availability of this GPU to pre-built systems. While the decision is somewhat puzzling, it may be tied to supply chain constraints and the company’s desire to better manage inventory.
The official announcement also highlighted the key specifications of the card, including the 8GB of GDDR6 memory, 28 RDNA 4 compute units, and support for FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 4. This positioning further emphasizes the card's focus on delivering value to gamers seeking solid 1080p gaming performance at a budget-friendly price point.
Comparing the Radeon RX 9060 vs RX 7600
In terms of Radeon RX 9060 vs RX 7600, the RX 9060 Non-XT is likely to offer comparable performance to the RX 7600, another entry-level card from AMD. Both cards are geared toward providing excellent 1080p performance, though the RX 9060 may provide better value due to its newer architecture and features.
With a similar 8GB of GDDR6 memory and a focus on 1080p gaming, the RX 9060 Non-XT positions itself as a competitive option in the market, particularly for those who need a more affordable alternative to higher-end AMD RX 9000 series GPUs.
AMD RX 9060 Price
As of now, AMD RX 9060 price details have not been disclosed. Still, the GPU is expected to be positioned below the RX 9060 XT, which is priced around $250 to $300 in retail channels. While no MSRP has been revealed, the RX 9060 will likely be more affordable given that it will only be available through pre-built systems.
This lack of pricing transparency makes it difficult to fully assess the RX 9060’s value proposition in comparison to other GPUs in the market. Given its 8GB VRAM and RDNA 4 architecture, it could provide a strong option for budget-conscious gamers, but the lack of retail availability raises concerns about its true affordability.
RX 9060 Features
The RX 9060 benchmarks in terms of features are high, with several notable aspects that enhance its appeal to gamers. One of the key highlights is the support for AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 4. This upscaling technology improves frame rates without sacrificing visual quality, which makes it suitable for users who want to boost performance in supported games.
Ray tracing support is another important feature of the RX 9060. With RDNA 4, AMD has enhanced ray tracing capabilities, providing more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows in supported games. While ray tracing performance on the RX 9060 may not match that of higher-end GPUs, it still represents a notable upgrade over previous generations.
AI accelerators are also included, improving tasks like image upscaling and noise reduction. These features contribute to a better visual experience, especially in esports titles where fast-paced action is key.
When Will the AMD RX 9060 Non-XT Be Released?
The RX 9060 Non-XT release date remains unclear, but AMD’s announcement suggests that the GPU will be available exclusively through pre-built systems from select system integrators. While it’s difficult to estimate when the card will be available in these systems, we will likely see it hit the market in the coming months, alongside the release of new gaming PCs featuring this GPU.
Is the RX 9060 Good for Gaming?
Yes, the RX 9060 Non-XT is designed to provide a solid 1080p gaming experience. Built with AMD's RDNA 4 architecture and equipped with 8GB of GDDR6 memory, the card is capable of delivering smooth performance in modern titles at high settings. It is an excellent option for gamers looking for solid performance without investing in more expensive, higher-end cards.
Conclusion
The AMD RX 9060 Non-XT represents an intriguing addition to AMD's RX 9000 series GPUs, providing a solid 1080p gaming experience at a more affordable price point. While the decision to restrict its availability to pre-built systems is unusual, it may offer a competitive alternative for gamers who prioritize budget over high-end performance.
The lack of direct retail access and transparency regarding pricing leaves some questions unanswered. Despite these limitations, the RX 9060 Non-XT has the potential to be a strong contender in the entry-level GPU market.
As more information becomes available, gamers will likely be eager to see how it compares to Nvidia's offerings in this price range.
