The state of the GPU market
Why the AMD RX9070 Launch Might Fall Short — And What AMD Needs to Do to Win Over Gamers
Tomorrow, the much-anticipated AMD RX9070 is set to launch, but I’m left wondering: will it be enough to shake up the GPU market? As a company that thrives on delivering exceptional value through custom gaming PCs, we at Gamertech are always keeping a close eye on new hardware releases. While the RX9070 certainly has potential, I’m not convinced it’s the game-changer AMD needs. Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane to understand why.
A Flashback to 2017: The 1080ti and the Rise of the High-End GPU
To truly appreciate the RX9070’s place in the market, we need to take a step back. Think back to 2017 when Nvidia’s 1080ti and the rest of the Pascal lineup took the world by storm. I’ll never forget my friend Frank, who dropped £600 on the 1080ti for his new PC build. At the time, £600 for a GPU felt insane. I considered talking him out of it — but looking back, that would have been a colossal mistake.
Frank’s 1080ti lasted him for 7 solid years. He only upgraded recently to a 3090, and that was largely because he wanted to dive into cryptocurrency mining, not because the 1080ti was obsolete. While it’s true that the 11GB of VRAM on the 1080ti is beginning to show its age, it’s incredible to think about how well that card performed in modern AAA games for nearly a decade.
In comparison, Nvidia’s RTX 5070, with just 12GB VRAM, is already behind the curve in terms of memory, and frankly, its price tag doesn’t justify the performance for most gamers. But I digress — let’s bring this conversation back to the present day and the launch of the RX9070.
The RX9070: A Missed Opportunity or a Stepping Stone?
With the AMD RX9070 making its debut tomorrow, I’m hoping for a revolutionary GPU that offers real value and makes a bold statement in the gaming market. Early reports suggest that the RX9070 will be priced around £699. While that’s just slightly lower than the Nvidia RTX 5070, I’m skeptical about its value proposition. Yes, the RX9070 promises comparable performance to the 5070, but it comes with a trade-off in features.
For one, ray tracing (RT) on AMD’s GPUs has never been as strong as Nvidia’s offerings. And when we talk about frame generation and broadcast capabilities, Nvidia still reigns supreme. For some gamers, these features might be essential — especially those who stream or demand high-quality visuals. This is where AMD risks falling short. While the RX9070 might offer solid performance at a more affordable price, it lacks the rich features that Nvidia users have come to expect.
In short: on paper, the RX9070 looks like a solid competitor to the 5070, but in practice, the lack of features could make it a hard sell for those seeking the complete gaming package.
Why AMD Needs to Rethink Their Strategy for the RX9070
Let’s face it: AMD has a lot of catching up to do if they want to dominate the gaming PC market. Nvidia currently holds around 90% of the GPU market share, and even though many gamers are dissatisfied with the Nvidia RTX 5000 series, the reality is that people still flock to Nvidia because there’s simply no better alternative — at least, not yet.
AMD has the opportunity to make a real impact, but it all depends on the RX9070. If the price of the RX9070 stays close to the £700 mark, it’s tough to recommend it as the clear winner over the Nvidia 5070, especially when Nvidia offers features like DLSS and superior ray tracing that give it an edge in the long term.
What AMD needs to do is position the RX9070 as the go-to GPU for gamers who want performance and value without compromise. If AMD can slash the price of the RX9070 to below £500, it would put them in a perfect position to steal market share and push Nvidia to rethink its pricing strategy. The RX9070 would then be a clear value leader, and the decision to purchase one would almost be a no-brainer for most gamers.
The Crucial Takeaway: AMD Has to Make a Bold Move Now
The timing couldn’t be better for AMD. With the Nvidia RTX 5000 series facing widespread criticism for both its overinflated prices and underwhelming performance, AMD has a golden opportunity to make a real mark in the market. But will they seize it? That remains to be seen.
Here at Gamertech, we are always striving to offer our customers the best custom gaming PCs that deliver top-tier performance without the outrageous price tags. We want to ensure that our clients are getting the most out of their investment, and we’re rooting for AMD to deliver a product that lives up to the hype. If the RX9070 can come in at under £500, we’ll happily recommend it as a top choice for our builds.
AMD, the ball is in your court. The GPU market is primed for disruption, and we believe that gamers and PC builders everywhere are eager to see a product that offers both outstanding performance and unbeatable value. The RX9070 could be that product — but only if AMD delivers the right price and the right features.
Final Thoughts
If you're considering upgrading your gaming rig with a new GPU, it's worth keeping an eye on the RX9070. At Gamertech, we’re here to help you make informed decisions when it comes to building custom gaming PCs. Our goal is to offer top-tier performance without breaking the bank, and whether you choose AMD or Nvidia, we’ll ensure your new system meets your needs — and exceeds your expectations.
Tarl