What GPU should I get for a first build under $1,900?

I'd still consider the 9070 XT if you can make the rest of the budget work. Check whether the parts list includes anything you can postpone, like a webcam, and compare prices on the other components before giving up the GPU you wanted.

Also check CPU, motherboard, and RAM bundles if you're near a Micro Center or can find a worthwhile online combo. Compare the bundle against the individual parts you actually need, since a more expensive CPU can cancel out the savings.

Take a look at the regular RX 9070. It's a step down from the XT, but it could be a good trade if the price gap is big enough. Compare current prices and benchmarks at your monitor's resolution rather than assuming the XT is always worth the extra cash.

The RX 9070 GRE and 16 GB RX 9060 XT are worth pricing out too. Both give up performance compared with the 9070 XT, so check benchmarks for the games and resolution you care about. The savings may be worthwhile if hitting $1,700 matters more than getting the fastest card you can squeeze in.

For a cheaper build, a used RTX 3080 is another option. It uses more power than some newer alternatives, though, so check the power supply requirements and the condition of the card before buying. Used prices and availability can vary a lot.

The RTX 5060 Ti is another card to compare against the 9060 XT if you're aiming below the 9070 XT's price range. Check the specific memory capacity and current price, then look at game benchmarks before deciding which fits your budget.