Frank Azor, AMD’s Chief Architect of Gaming Solutions and Gaming Marketing, posted on X (formerly Twitter) last week responding to a gaming account’s question about why AMD still offers GPUs with 8GB of VRAM in 2025. Azor emphasized that the majority of gamers are still playing at 1080p and do not require more than 8GB of memory. He pointed out that most played games worldwide are esports games and that there is a market for GPUs with 8GB of VRAM. Azor also mentioned that for those who need more memory, there are options available with 16GB of VRAM on the same GPU.
The Steam Hardware Survey data supports Azor’s claims, showing that over half of gamers (55.27%) are using 1080p monitors. The survey also indicates a demand for budget GPUs, with the GTX 1650, which only has 4GB of VRAM, being among the top five GPUs used by Steam users in 2025. Despite the limited VRAM, the RTX 4060 laptop version with 8GB of VRAM is the number one GPU as of April. The discussion around VRAM has become more significant during the current GPU shortage, with some questioning whether even the 5070’s 12GB of VRAM is future-proof.
In the midst of debates over VRAM and GPU pricing, the 8GB RX 9060 XT stands out as a budget-friendly option at a $299 MSRP. With many gamers still sticking to 1080p and playing less demanding games like esports titles or indie favorites, the 9060 XT offers a balance between performance and affordability. Azor’s perspective aligns with personal gaming experiences, emphasizing that top-of-the-line GPUs are not necessary for all gamers. The availability of budget-oriented GPUs ensures accessibility for players enjoying less demanding games on PC.
Stevie Bonifield, a freelance tech journalist specializing in mobile tech, gaming gear, and accessories, shares insights on the importance of budget GPUs in the gaming industry. Embracing imperfection and informal expressions, Stevie highlights the significance of offering options for gamers who do not require high-end GPUs. With a focus on accessibility and performance for budget-conscious gamers, the discussion around VRAM and GPU pricing continues to evolve in the gaming community. As the demand for affordable gaming solutions persists, the availability of budget-oriented GPUs remains crucial in keeping PC gaming accessible to a wide range of players.
