As AMD’s highly-anticipated RX 7700 XT and RX 7800 XT graphics cards are on the verge of release, it is expected that the production of RDNA 2 based chips, including Navi 23, is gradually ceasing. Among these chips, Navi 23 powers the RX 6600 series, which had long carried AMD’s hopes in the mid-range GPU market. However, recent reports from IT Home via Tom’s Hardware reveal that stocks of the AMD RX 6650 XT are nearly sold out, with the remaining units projected to be completely gone by the end of September.
Falling Prices and Runout Discounts
In China, the price of add-in board (AIB) cards has dropped significantly from their initial launch price of 3,099 yuan to less than 2,000 yuan. Similar discounts have been observed in the western market. Despite the initial concerns about pricing, the RX 6600 series still offered excellent value for money, and this remains true if you manage to find one at a discounted price. However, it is vital to note that the remaining units are rapidly disappearing, so time is of the essence for potential buyers.
The RX 7600 serves as the successor to the RX 6600, and now that its production has ramped up, it only makes sense for AMD to retire the older chip. The RX 7600 features the newer Navi 33 GPU, which is slightly smaller, consumes slightly less power, and offers a modest performance boost compared to the RX 6650 XT.
Limited Availability and Value Offers
A quick search on Newegg reveals that only a few models of the RX 6650 XT and RX 6600 XT are still available, priced at around $240. In comparison, the RX 7600 has a launch price of $269. Furthermore, selected models of the RX 6000-series and RX 7600 come bundled with the highly-anticipated game Starfield Standard Edition, which adds significant value to the purchase.
The Rocky Journey of the RX 6600 Series
Initially, the RX 6600 and RX 6600 XT failed to impress due to their high prices, which were exacerbated by the peak of the cryptocurrency mining boom. However, over time, price drops made these mid-range GPUs much more competitive. As the release of the RTX 4060 and RX 7600 approached, the RX 6600 series became a more compelling and affordable option for gamers. It is important to note, though, that the Nvidia competition still held the upper hand in terms of ray tracing performance.
An Uphill Battle Against Nvidia’s Dominance
Despite their relative success, the RX 6600 series, including the RX 6650 XT, paled in comparison to Nvidia’s offerings, particularly the RTX 3060 12GB. This dominance in the mid-range market by Nvidia’s GPUs further limited the reach and popularity of AMD’s mid-range alternatives.
Currently, with the RX 7600 and RTX 4060 being more reasonable choices, the need for a cheap RX 6600 card dwindles. However, if you are set on acquiring one of these mid-range GPUs at a more affordable price point, it is crucial to act swiftly, as the declining stocks indicate their imminent extinction.
The rise and fall of AMD’s mid-range graphics cards, particularly the RX 6600 series, showcase the challenges faced by AMD in competing against Nvidia’s dominance. While the RX 6650 XT and its counterparts offered attractive options for budget-conscious gamers, they ultimately struggled to achieve the same level of popularity and acclaim as Nvidia’s mid-range offerings. With the release of newer GPUs on the horizon, the future of mid-range graphics cards remains uncertain, making it all the more imperative for consumers to seize the remaining opportunities for purchasing AMD’s RX 6600 series before it disappears from the market.
Leave a Reply