9060 XT - Introducing AMD's latest GPU
The AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT is a powerful addition to AMD’s next-generation GPU lineup, designed to deliver high-performance gaming and content creation capabilities. Built on the RDNA 4 architecture, the 9060 XT comes in 16GB and 8GB versions, offers improved power efficiency, faster ray tracing, and enhanced AI-driven features compared to its predecessors. With upgraded memory bandwidth and support for the latest visual technologies, it targets 1440p gaming with smooth frame rates and immersive detail, making it a compelling option for enthusiasts looking for cutting-edge graphics performance.
8GB or 16GB - Which one is worth the price tag?
When comparing the price-to-performance ratio of the 8GB and 16GB models of the RX 9060 XT in the UK, the 8GB version is typically priced between £280-£320, while the 16GB version can cost about £330-£400+. This wide variety of prices is due to models and availabitly, such seems to be the world of GPUs lately.
While the 8GB model delivers solid performance at 1080p, it tends to struggle in more demanding, memory-intensive titles, where the 16GB model shines. The extra 8GB of VRAM in the 16GB version helps avoid memory bottlenecks, providing smoother frame rates and a more stable experience in modern AAA games at higher resolutions, such as 1440p. In terms of value, the 16GB model justifies the price better, especially for gamers looking for better longevity and performance in future titles.
However, for those on a tighter budget or focused on 1080p gaming, the 8GB variant remains a good choice compared to a RTX 5060 8GB.
Our in house testing
Using the following setup;
CPU: Ryzen 9700X,
GPU: RX 9060 XT 16GB,
RAM: 32GB DDR5
We used the in game benchmark tools to in the games below to demonstrate this. Performance in some titles is quite strong, especially when FSR and Ray Tracing are disabled.
Cyberpunk 2077
In Cyberpunk 2077, the GPU performs remarkably well at 1080p with High settings, maintaining an impressive average of 131 FPS, while lows stay around 112 FPS and highs reach 156 FPS. Even when switching to Ultra settings with FSR enabled, it still manages an average of 49 FPS, and there is a noticeable dip in low performance. So while, it might not be on the highest settings, it can definately hold its own in Cyberpunk, although not with RayTracing.
Dune: Awakerning
For Dune, the GPU continues to impress at 1080p Ultra settings, offering a solid 82 FPS average, with highs reaching 98 FPS and lows staying at 72 FPS in player bases. Jumping to 130 FPS average, 92 FPS lows, and 168 FPS highs in the desert.
When increasing the resolution to 1440p Ultra, the performance drops slightly but remains playable, with averages around 53 FPS in the Player Base area and 87 FPS during the Sandworm scenes. Being based in UE5 this is great bench mark to show what this GPU can do, as this is the current go to game engine for AAA games.
Black Myth: Wukong
In Wukong, the RX 9060 XT’s performance can be described as less than stellar. On Cinematic settings at 1080p, the game manages just 39 FPS, and it drops even further to 29 FPS at 1440p. This is expected, as Wukong is heavily optimized for Nvidia GPUs, meaning that AMD users, particularly with the RX 9060, may experience less than ideal performance unless you drop your graphical settings.
Given these results, if Wukong is a game you’re looking to play extensively, it might be worth considering an Nvidia card instead, as it will likely offer much better experience and smoother gameplay.
Final thoughts
Overall, the RX 9060 XT stands out as an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize bang-for-your-buck, particularly at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. Its impressive ability to handle demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Dune—even at high settings—makes it a very compelling option for those looking to get the most value out of their gaming setup. The 16GB VRAM ensures that it can handle larger textures and more demanding assets in modern titles, providing a smoother and more stable experience without bottlenecking on memory.
However, while AMD has made notable strides with its Ray Tracing technology, it still lags behind Nvidia’s offerings in this department. If Ray Tracing is a key feature for you, especially in visually rich games that heavily leverage this technology, then the Nvidia RTX series remains the better choice. For gamers who aren’t as concerned with Ray Tracing and are primarily focused on getting the better native rasterization performance, the RX 9060 XT excels, offering a balanced, high-performance solution without breaking the bank.
Eager to jump into their next gaming adventure? The R5 9060 Next Day system is available for next-day delivery, allowing you to experience these strong performance gains and high-quality visuals without the wait. Whether you’re upgrading from an older system or building a new one, the RX 9060 XT offers a fantastic blend of value and power. If you’re looking for an optimized, high-performance system at an affordable price point, this GPU is definitely worth considering for your next build.
