Discussion around how much VRAM a graphics card should ship with in 2025 has been as fiery as always. We’re seeing a growing number of games eating up more memory than ever before. Some recent examples include AAA titles such as DOOM: The Dark Ages and The Last of Us Part 2. Of course, this is generally when you crank texture settings way up, but when it’s even happening at 1080p, a resolution with which entry-level cards should have no problem, gamers will start asking questions.

Reviewers have been harsh enough to call GPUs like the 8GB RTX 5060 Ti “instantly obsolete,” especially when there’s a 16GB version that doesn’t cost a whole lot extra. Well, like Nvidia, AMD has done the same thing with the recently launched RX 9060 XT. The card will be available on June 5th and has just $50 between the 8GB and 16GB models (based on MSRP). Pressed one why the 8GB card still exists, AMD’s Frank Azor has responded.

8GB is good enough for esports games

Frank Azor, Chief Architect of Gaming Solutions and Gaming Marketing at AMD, recently posted on X to respond to a question about the 8GB model. He notes that the “majority of gamers are still playing at 1080p and have no use for more than 8GB of memory”. We see 1080p continue to dominate in Steam’s monthly hardware & software surveys, but as we mentioned earlier, memory-hungry graphics are increasingly common in AAA games.

Azor is right in saying that the most played games worldwide are esports/competitive games. Take one look at Steam’s most played charts and you’ll see the usual suspects: Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Apex Legends within the top 5 or top 10 at the very least. Marvel Rivals is a more recent example. These games run well on low-end hardware, and 8GB GPUs are perfectly fine for them. Due to their popularity, we also don’t see 1080p going anywhere anytime soon, especially with BenQ calling it a “sweet spot” for esports.

The 8GB RX 9060 XT will retail from $299 and the 16GB model costs from $349. The $299 price tag of the 8GB model matches Nvidia’s new RTX 5060, and its expected to perform closer to the 5060 Ti. As Azor says, AMD “wouldn’t build it if there wasn’t a market for it” and people are more than welcome to opt for the 16GB model. It’s the same GPU after all, just with more memory.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.