AMD’s upcoming RDNA 4 GPUs are making waves across the tech landscape with rumors suggesting a significant departure from the expected RX 8000 series naming convention.
Now believed to be branded as the RX 9000 series, these GPUs may include the Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 as flagships.
This bold move appears to be AMD’s strategic effort to align more competitively against NVIDIA’s RTX 5070 series, leveraging not only technological advancements but also a clever marketing push.
Here’s everything we know so far about these next-generation GPUs, including their performance, pricing, and potential features.
RX 9070 XT and RX 9070
Initially expected to follow the RX 8000 series path, AMD’s new GPUs under the RDNA 4 architecture are rumored to embrace a higher numerical designation—RX 9000.
The shift to names like RX 9070 XT could be AMD’s way of creating a stronger impression of superiority against NVIDIA’s RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti.
Bigger numbers, after all, often create the perception of better performance, even if direct comparisons between the architectures tell a different story.
Moreover, AMD’s naming strategy avoids confusion with its Ryzen CPUs, where models like Ryzen 9700X already exist. This decision reflects a strategic move to distinguish its product lines while tapping into marketing psychology.
The introduction of a mobile GPU line is also expected, with models such as the RX 9070M XT, RX 9070M, and RX 9070S. These additions could bring RDNA 4’s innovations to gaming laptops, offering competitive performance in the portable computing space.
Performance Expectations
The RX 9070 XT has been rumored to achieve impressive results in early benchmarks. A leaked Time Spy score of 22,894 places it in the same league as AMD’s current RX 7900 GRE and NVIDIA’s RTX 4070 Ti.
This positions the RX 9070 XT as a formidable mid-range contender, though slightly behind the RX 7900 XT in overall performance.
Interestingly, AMD has previously stated that RDNA 4 GPUs would not target the high-end market, focusing instead on mid-range and budget-friendly solutions.
This aligns with the leaked performance figures, suggesting AMD is prioritizing cost-effective options that deliver solid gaming capabilities without pushing into ultra-premium price points.
While rasterization performance might be slightly underwhelming for those expecting an upgrade over the RX 7900 XT, RDNA 4 GPUs are expected to shine in other areas.
Reports indicate AMD has made significant strides in ray tracing performance, which could give these GPUs a competitive edge in games utilizing advanced lighting and shadow effects.
The addition of AI-enhanced features may also bolster their appeal, helping AMD to close the gap with NVIDIA’s DLSS technology.
Pricing Speculations
Pricing for the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 is expected to fall between $449 and $649, depending on the configuration.
The RX 9070 XT could be priced around $650, making it a more affordable alternative to NVIDIA’s higher-tier GPUs while offering comparable performance in certain scenarios.
Meanwhile, lower-tier RDNA 4 GPUs such as the RX 9060 and RX 9050 may be priced between $179 and $349. This diverse range positions AMD to attract both budget-conscious gamers and those seeking mid-range solutions with advanced features.
By targeting these price points, AMD could solidify its reputation as a brand that delivers value-packed GPUs, an area where it has traditionally excelled.
RDNA 4 Innovations: What’s Under the Hood?
RDNA 4 architecture promises incremental improvements over its predecessor, focusing on efficiency and performance per watt.
The new GPUs are expected to feature a refined 3nm manufacturing process, delivering better thermal performance and power efficiency compared to RDNA 3.
This could translate into quieter operation, reduced power consumption, and increased overclocking potential.
Another anticipated highlight is the debut of FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 4. This next-generation upscaling technology could bring significant enhancements to image quality and frame rates, further closing the gap with NVIDIA’s DLSS 3. With FSR 4, gamers may enjoy smoother gameplay and sharper visuals, even in demanding AAA titles.
Design and Cooling
An official AMD advertisement may have unintentionally revealed the reference design for the RX 9070 XT. The GPU appears to feature a triple-fan cooling solution, similar to other high-end models in AMD’s lineup.
While this design may not break new ground, it underscores AMD’s focus on effective thermal management, ensuring stable performance during extended gaming sessions.
This design language also aligns with the industry trend of prioritizing aesthetics alongside functionality. Gamers and PC builders can expect a sleek and modern look, fitting seamlessly into a wide range of build themes.
The Transition to UDNA
Looking beyond RDNA 4, speculation is rife about AMD’s plans to unify its GPU architectures under a new branding umbrella, potentially named UDNA.
This unified architecture could merge the gaming-focused RDNA and data-center-oriented CDNA technologies into a single cohesive framework.
Such a move would streamline AMD’s GPU offerings and reinforce its long-term strategy for innovation across multiple markets.
If AMD does move to UDNA for its next-generation GPUs, the RX 9000 series could serve as a bridge between the RDNA era and the unified architecture future.
This transition could also explain the decision to adopt the RX 9000 naming convention now, avoiding potential confusion with an RX 10000 series down the line.
NVIDIA vs. AMD
The RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 will inevitably face stiff competition from NVIDIA’s RTX 5070 series, which is expected to launch around the same time.
NVIDIA’s GPUs have traditionally excelled in ray tracing and AI-based features, such as DLSS, but AMD has been closing the gap with each new generation.
AMD’s value-oriented pricing and focus on delivering strong rasterization performance could make the RX 9000 series an attractive option for gamers who prioritize cost over cutting-edge features.
However, the real test will be how well these GPUs perform in ray tracing-heavy games and whether FSR 4 can match the advancements of DLSS 3.
Anticipated Launch at CES 2025
The RDNA 4 GPUs are expected to debut at CES 2025, with the RX 9070 XT likely headlining the lineup. This global stage offers AMD an opportunity to showcase its latest innovations, including FSR 4 and other AI-enhanced technologies.
The launch could also provide clarity on AMD’s roadmap for its GPU architectures, shedding light on the potential transition to UDNA and the broader implications for gamers and professionals alike.
Closing Thoughts
AMD’s rumored RX 9000 series represents a calculated gamble, combining a bold naming strategy with innovative features to carve out a niche in the competitive GPU market.
By focusing on mid-range solutions and emphasizing value, AMD aims to attract a wide audience while preparing for a unified future with UDNA.
While the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 might not be game-changers in terms of raw performance, their appeal lies in delivering solid capabilities at reasonable prices.
For gamers and PC enthusiasts, the RX 9000 series could be a compelling choice in 2025 and beyond.
