Monday, February 24th 2025
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
I'm not gonna shed a tear for MSi, though. Their Nvidia cards are mostly fine, but their AMD ones were rubbish.
I got my MBA 6750 XT from Scan UK, although it was a one-off. I never saw them sell any 7000-series MBA cards, those were only available on the AMD website.EVGA said they had to quit because of Nvidia's tight margins and unfair practices. MSi hasn't said anything, yet, but it would be interesting to know.
MSI dropping AMD cards doesn't disappoint me, though it is less choice in the market. But their coolers were terrible on the AMD cards either often a crappy design or just reusing an Nvidia heatsink. I haven't heard of why MSI stopped making AMD cards but I can only assume Nvidia gave them a deal to be an exclusive AIB.
I have yet to see any proof of AMD prioritizing their own cards over the AIB versions, as Videocardz claims, it would be more belivable that AMD doesn't have enough profit margins to make a significant amount of MBA cards.
However Nvidia being a $3T company could easily produce more FE cards, or buy an AIB to produce FE cards, but obviously Nvidia wants FE cards to be rare so prices stay higher.
As for buying/setting up their own manufacturing - 3dFX already tried that. It was not a good idea and les to their death.