The mid-range graphics card market just got a whole lot more interesting. With AMD, Nvidia, and Intel all unveiling or teasing new GPUs around Computex, it’s clear that gamers are about to see serious competition for the best value. And right now, VRAM is the topic everyone’s watching.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s going on—and why it matters if you’re thinking about upgrading your GPU.
AMD RX 9060 XT: Direct Shot at Nvidia’s Mid-range Cards
AMD officially launched the Radeon RX 9060 XT, and it is directly targeting Nvidia’s RTX 5060 and 5060 Ti. The RX 9060 XT comes in two variants: an 8GB version costing $299 and a 16GB version costing $349. Both versions are scheduled to hit the shelves on June 5.
Specs, the RX 9060 XT boasts 32 RDNA 4 compute units, a 3.13GHz boost clock, and DisplayPort 2.1a and HDMI 2.1b compatibility. Power consumption is between 150W and 182W, depending on the variant. Nvidia’s RTX 5060 Ti is beaten by the 16GB variant in internal testing of 40 games, says AMD, which places it about 6 percent better at 1440p. As The Verge pointed out, AMD is framing this as a solid choice for gamers who want improved performance without paying top dollar.
Nvidia RTX 5060: 8GB VRAM Raises Eyebrows
Nvidia’s RTX 5060 arrived just before Computex, but not without its controversies. The card packs 8GB of GDDR7 VRAM—something that has many gamers feeling that is no longer sufficient for contemporary titles, particularly at resolutions higher than 1080p. As Club386 noted, this low memory might impact performance even at 1080p in some of the newer games.
Compounding the frustration, Nvidia reportedly didn’t release review drivers before launch. That left reviewers and gamers in the dark regarding performance figures. The Verge stated Nvidia withheld early access to drivers needed, so this launch felt more transparent than it normally should have been.
Intel Arc B770: 16GB of VRAM and a Confident Entry
Intel’s not keeping its mouth shut. Leaked information in advance of Computex is showing that the new Arc B770 will have 16GB of VRAM and a 256-bit memory bus, positioning it to compete fiercely in the mid-range. It could be the first mid-range card to utilize GDDR7 memory as well.
As TechRadar pointed out, Intel’s move to omit 8GB cards entirely is garnering accolades. The B770 is likely to surpass Intel’s previous B570 and B580 offerings and become a strong three-way choice for gamers.
Why 8GB VRAM Is a Big Deal Right Now
The size of the VRAM in a GPU has been a contentious topic, particularly as games become more demanding. Although both AMD and Nvidia have chosen 8GB base models, both AMD and Intel also make 16GB versions, catering to those gamers looking for more room to breathe for future games.
But the fight is more than just specs. Transparency is also an issue. Nvidia has been trying to get reviewers to focus on features such as Multi Frame Generation (MFG), even if competitors do not have similar features. As The Verge noted, sites such as Gamers Nexus have resisted that strategy because it distorts comparisons.
Specs at a Glance
Here’s a brief overview of the hardware:
- AMD RX 9060 XT: 32 RDNA 4 compute units, 3.2GHz boost, 8GB or 16GB VRAM, 128-bit interface, 150–182W power consumption
- Nvidia RTX 5060: 8GB GDDR7 VRAM, same chip as the 5060 Ti, no Founders Edition, tuned for 1080p gaming.
- Intel Arc B770 (rumored): 16GB VRAM, 256-bit memory bus, possibly GDDR7, aiming for upper mid-range performance
AMD and Intel Double Down on More Memory
AMD and Intel are wagering that gamers demand more than 8GB of VRAM. Intel is adding to its XeSS upscaling and frame generation features, while AMD follows the trend of providing dual memory configurations, much like it did with the RX 7600 series.
Nvidia’s Strategies Raise Questions
Nvidia’s move to cap VRAM and manage the review cycle has been cause for concern, yet it is also an indication that the company is confident in its feature and ecosystem set. Releasing shortly after big shows like Computex keeps GeForce in the limelight, yet it is clear AMD and Intel are prepared to compete with it head-on.
What It Means for Gamers
With all three major GPU players battling in the mid-range space, gamers are in a good spot. Whether you’re chasing raw performance, future-proofing, or simply trying to stretch your budget, there are more options than ever. And as VRAM continues to be a key factor in game performance and longevity, these new cards are shaping up to be more than just another spec bump—they’re a reflection of how GPU makers are listening to what players want.
No matter which brand you’re leaning toward, one thing’s clear: the next few months in PC gaming are going to be very interesting.
