The video critiques AMD’s 970 XT and 970 cards, highlighting discrepancies in pricing, performance, and marketing strategies that suggest the products may not meet consumer expectations. The host argues that AMD’s focus on high-margin products over affordability could lead to gamers paying more for less, raising concerns about the company’s long-term strategy in the GPU market.
In the video, the host discusses the launch of AMD’s 970 XT and 970 cards, highlighting the positive reception from gamers and reviewers. However, the host argues that there are significant discrepancies regarding the actual performance, pricing, and positioning of these cards. They suggest that purchasing a 970 XT may not be in the best interest of consumers, citing several critical issues that undermine AMD’s claims about the products.
One major point raised is the actual MSRP of the 970 XT, which is reported to be $650 rather than the advertised $600. This discrepancy is attributed to a temporary $50 rebate offered by AMD, which may not reflect the true market price once initial stock runs out. The host notes that many cards were immediately sold out at the purported MSRP, with higher-priced models dominating the listings, indicating that AMD may be manipulating the market to create an illusion of affordability.
The video also delves into performance comparisons, revealing inconsistencies in benchmarks across different reviews. Some reviewers found the 970 XT to perform similarly to the 7900 XTX, while others noted it lagged behind even the 7900 XT in high frame rate games. The host speculates that thermal throttling may be affecting the card’s performance in competitive titles, suggesting that it may not be the best choice for gamers focused on high frame rates.
Additionally, the host critiques AMD’s marketing strategy, pointing out a disconnect between the company’s stated goals of targeting the broader gaming market and the actual pricing and performance of the 970 series. They argue that AMD’s focus seems to be on high-margin products rather than catering to the majority of gamers who typically purchase lower-priced GPUs. This shift in strategy contradicts previous statements made by AMD executives about wanting to capture a larger share of the market.
In conclusion, the host expresses skepticism about the long-term viability of AMD’s approach, emphasizing that while the 970 XT is not a terrible product, its pricing and performance do not align with consumer expectations. They suggest that AMD is prioritizing investor interests over genuine competition in the GPU market, leading to a situation where gamers may end up paying more for less. The video ends with a call for viewers to share their thoughts on GPU purchases and a reminder of the support from patrons.