Monday, February 24th 2025
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AMD Radeon RX 9070 Series Launches without AMD-Built Reference Designs
Last Friday, the AMD Radeon social media account sent out a friendly reminder to its audience: "it's almost time. Meet the next gen AMD Radeon RX 9000 series on February 28th at 8am ET/7am CT/5am PT." Later this week, Team Red and its board partners are expected to present the first wave of RDNA 4-based graphics cards with an in-depth/detailed presentation. TechPowerUp and other PC hardware press outlets have—so far—covered plenty of custom Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 (non-XT) designs, but MBA (made-by-AMD) reference models have only emerged online through official marketing channels. Previously released promotional product renders indicate that Team Red has dual and triple-fan next-gen solutions lined up, but last week's social media post implies that first-party options will not be available on day one.
A small disclaimer—stating: "artistic render: not available for purchase"—was placed below AMD's render of a triple-fan cooled reference card. VideoCardz has interpreted this stealthy disclosure; they believe that Team Red will not be releasing any Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 MBA models. Since a muted introduction at CES 2025, TechPowerUp's GPU database maintainer has adorned these entries with placeholder imagery (see example below). The lack of reference "Navi 48-based" designs could be a boon for involved AIBs. Based on historical events, VideoCardz reckons that AMD has often "prioritized" its own offerings—to the detriment of board partner shipments; insiders have allegedly complained or expressed dissatisfaction about this (past) arrangement.
Sources:
VideoCardz, Tom's Hardware, Notebookcheck, AMD Radeon Tweet
A small disclaimer—stating: "artistic render: not available for purchase"—was placed below AMD's render of a triple-fan cooled reference card. VideoCardz has interpreted this stealthy disclosure; they believe that Team Red will not be releasing any Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 MBA models. Since a muted introduction at CES 2025, TechPowerUp's GPU database maintainer has adorned these entries with placeholder imagery (see example below). The lack of reference "Navi 48-based" designs could be a boon for involved AIBs. Based on historical events, VideoCardz reckons that AMD has often "prioritized" its own offerings—to the detriment of board partner shipments; insiders have allegedly complained or expressed dissatisfaction about this (past) arrangement.
33 Comments on AMD Radeon RX 9070 Series Launches without AMD-Built Reference Designs
Meant to say Team Red, right?
I would definitely be shocked if team green released some 9070 series MBA models… erm MBN models ;)
videocardz.com/newz/sapphire-radeon-rx-9070-xt-nitro-pictures-reveal-hidden-16-pin-power-connector-design
Maybe this was the sacrifice AMD had to make to jack up pricing on their N48 wholesale to AIBs. They get paid more, but also agreed to not compete directly with their partners like NV does for this round.
If one of them can only make a SKU where it matches the size of the MBA 6900/6950 XT or the 7900 XTX, that would be great.
I also wish some of them would include a USB-C (DP Alt Mode) port.
What matters is the price (and availability).
If they cost too much, I'll wait for Intel.
It would be a shame not to have any MBA 9070 out there, because AMD has really stepped up with the aesthetics recently, but considering the above, it wouldn't shatter my world. My eyes are on the PowerColor Reaper anyway.