AMD’s RX 9060 XT 8 GB Stirs Controversy — Gaming Head Frank Azor Advocates for VRAM Decision as “Adequate for Most Gamers”
At Computex 2025, AMD officially introduced its newest mid-tier graphics card, the Radeon RX 9060 XT, which comes in two options: one featuring 8 GB and the other 16 GB of GDDR6 video memory. Although the GPU architecture and core specifications are the same for both versions, the disparity in VRAM has sparked a lively debate among gamers, technology reviewers, and industry experts.
The discussion revolves around the question of whether 8 GB of VRAM remains practical in 2025, particularly as contemporary AAA games demand increasing amounts of memory for high-resolution textures, ray tracing, and other graphical improvements. Detractors have coined the 8 GB version as “dead on arrival,” contending that it is already obsolete for current gaming requirements — much less for upcoming titles.
Frank Azor Addresses the Backlash
In light of the escalating criticism, AMD’s Chief Architect of Gaming Solutions and Marketing, Frank Azor, took to social media to advocate for the 8 GB model. In a response to Spanish tech YouTuber Michael Quesada on X (formerly Twitter), Azor remarked:
“Most gamers are still gaming at 1080p resolution and typically do not require more than 8 GB of video memory.”
Azor’s statement followed Quesada’s expressed exasperation during a discussion with AMD Vice President David McAfee, questioning the rationale behind AMD launching a new GPU with only 8 GB of VRAM in 2025. The YouTuber’s post rapidly gained momentum, echoing a wider discontent among PC gaming enthusiasts who believe that 8 GB has become inadequate for modern gaming demands.
Market Demand and Player Behavior
Azor further clarified, stressing that the choice to launch an 8 GB version was influenced by market demand. He noted that most gamers continue to play at 1080p resolution — a scenario in which 8 GB of VRAM is generally sufficient, particularly for popular e-sports titles like Valorant, CS2, League of Legends, and Fortnite.
“We wouldn’t produce it if there wasn’t a market for it,” Azor stated, implying that AMD’s product strategy reflects real-world usage rather than only catering to enthusiast desires.
He also indicated that for users needing additional memory for higher resolutions or more resource-intensive games, the 16 GB variant of the RX 9060 XT is available. “It’s the same GPU, no compromises, just memory options,” he mentioned.
Naming Confusion Adds to the Discontent
Although AMD’s dual-configuration method provides flexibility, some consumers and industry observers have voiced concerns about the naming scheme. Both the 8 GB and 16 GB models are designated RX 9060 XT, which can lead to confusion among buyers who may not immediately discern the memory capacity difference.
Many have suggested that AMD should have labeled the lower-memory version simply RX 9060, reserving the XT designation for the 16 GB variant. This change would align with conventional GPU naming practices and aid consumers in making better-informed purchasing choices.
A Wider Industry Pattern
This controversy is not isolated to AMD. Nvidia has encountered similar criticism for offering 8 GB variants of its RTX 5060 Ti, with skeptics asserting that such versions lack future-proofing. Both companies seem to be navigating cost-effectiveness alongside market division, providing lower VRAM options for budget-minded gamers while catering to high-end models for enthusiasts.
The Conclusion
The RX 9060 XT 8 GB may not meet the expectations of high-end gamers or those gaming at 1440p and 4K resolutions, but AMD maintains that it addresses a substantial segment of the market. With the majority of gamers still engaging at 1080p and focusing on e-sports games, the 8 GB model could present a budget-friendly option for mainstream users.
Nonetheless, the debate highlights a growing gap between what manufacturers deem “sufficient” and what the gaming community anticipates from new hardware in 2025. As games continue to evolve and require more resources, the discussion around VRAM capacity is likely to endure — potentially shaping future GPU design and marketing approaches.
For now, AMD is standing firm in its decision, providing consumers with a choice — and igniting a conversation that is far from concluded.