AMD Radeon RX 9070 Series Launches without AMD-Built Reference Designs

[T0@st]

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.



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[JustBenching]

They believe that Team Green will not be releasing any Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 MBA models.

Meant to say Team Red, right?

 

[Tropick]

“VideoCardz has interpreted this stealthy disclosure; they believe that Team Green will not be releasing any Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 MBA models.”

I would definitely be shocked if team green released some 9070 series MBA models… erm MBN models

 

[W1zzard]

They believe that Team Green will not be releasing any Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 MBA models.

Meant to say Team Red, right?

Fixed

 

[Tropick]

They believe that Team Green will not be releasing any Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 MBA models.

Meant to say Team Red, right?

Ahhhh JustBenching beat me to it

 

[JustBenching]

VideoCardz has interpreted this stealthy disclosure; they believe that Team Green will not be releasing any Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 MBA models.”

I would definitely be shocked if team green released some 9070 series MBA models… erm MBN models

It could lead to some interesting cards, 9070xt with 12vh connector, i'd buy one even though I don't need one

 

[Dristun]

It could lead to some interesting cards, 9070xt with 12vh connector, i'd buy one even though I don't need one

Asrock Taichi 9070XT shown at CES had a 12V2x6 connector iirc

 

[Denver]

Secret revealed: The reference model used in AMD tests boosts up to 2900MHz, while the AIBs exceed 3200MHz:

 

[Bwaze]

As with Nvidia's Blackwell launch I expect basically symbolic number of cards released by AMD AIB partners - just like Nvidia has AI server accelerators to make, so AMD is prioritizing server CPUs. If by any miracle these cards release with good price / performance and end up desirable, scarcity will soon push the prices up.

 

[Legacy-ZA]

Well, then you can be sure that the AIBs will scalp these too.

 

[oxrufiioxo]

It could lead to some interesting cards, 9070xt with 12vh connector, i'd buy one even though I don't need one

I could've sworn the sapphire nitro has one also..

SAPPHIRE Radeon RX 9070 XT NITRO+ pictures reveal hidden (16-pin?) power connector design - VideoCardz.com

SAPPHIRE set to launch NITRO+ RX 9070 XT card with unique design. Mesh and gold. Finally, some new photos of the NITRO+, Sapphire’s flagship RDNA4 design. This card was included in the family shot released by AMD at CES, promoting the upcoming RDNA4 architecture. Many focused on this NITRO...

videocardz.com

 

[Scattergrunt]

I'm expecting the stock of these to be slightly better than NV but not by much. If they're really as great as people are gonna hype them up as; I doubly expect them to disappear.

 

[GodisanAtheist]

Shame, I really expected AMD to try and pull the MRSP trickery for reviews with their MBA models and then let AIBs run wild with pricing, but it looks like AMD isn't going to even try that stunt.

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.

 

[oxrufiioxo]

Shame, I really expected AMD to try and pull the MRSP trickery for reviews with their MBA models and then let AIBs run wild with pricing, but it looks like AMD isn't going to even try that stunt.

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.

The more interesting thing now is if they go the unrealistic MSRP route or just set a realistic msrp near what AIB are going to price them at anyways.

I'm expecting the stock of these to be slightly better than NV but not by much. If they're really as great as people are gonna hype them up as; I doubly expect them to disappear.

With the lack of MBA I expect a repeat of the 5070ti launch honestly the more interesting thing will be 3-4 months down the line where everything settles and if amd can make a dent in the next couple of quarters in Nvidia market share.

 

[Cheeseball]

This is quite unfortunate as the other partner models are all oversized for what these GPUs need.

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.

 

[Ordy]

Doesn't matter if they are doing their own cards.
What matters is the price (and availability).
If they cost too much, I'll wait for Intel.

 

[Sir Beregond]

Hmm this is concerning to the notion of aggressive pricing to garner marketshare.

 

[AusWolf]

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.

I don't feel that at all. MBA 7000 series cards have usually been more expensive than AIB ones, came with noisier coolers (albeit with awesome build quality), and their availability was sporadic as best thorough the AMD website.

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.

 

[Chomiq]

Meh, there were always supply issues with MBA cards and AMD can't be bothered to boost their market presence in EU by expanding the list of countries supported in their online store. Just imagine if you could buy AMD cpu or gpu directly from AMD store at MSRP.

My eyes are on the PowerColor Reaper anyway.

To me that Reaper series looks like some budget line similar to Dual from Asus.

 

[Onasi]

To me that Reaper series looks like some budget line similar to Dual from Asus.

Yup, or Ventus from MSI (or Armor when they still made AMD GPUs). Seems like PowerColor hierarchy is Reaper-Hellhound-Red Devil. Very edgy, very satanic, all the 14 year-olds rejoiced.

 

[JustBenching]

Meh, there were always supply issues with MBA cards and AMD can't be bothered to boost their market presence in EU by expanding the list of countries supported in their online store. Just imagine if you could buy AMD cpu or gpu directly from AMD store at MSRP.

The aibs complained that amd isn't playing fair and it's not a very pleasant company to do business with cause they promote their MBA cards over theirs. That's why this gen amd took it down a notch.

 

[AusWolf]

To me that Reaper series looks like some budget line similar to Dual from Asus.

What's wrong with that? It's the only truly dual slot 9070 XT design that I've seen so far.

The aibs complained that amd isn't playing fair and it's not a very pleasant company to do business with cause they promote their MBA cards over theirs. That's why this gen amd took it down a notch.

I thought that was Nvidia, not AMD.

 

[JustBenching]

I thought that was Nvidia, not AMD.

It's in the article and there have been reports for years. Nvidia, amd, they are all for profit, I'm not surprised they are pulling the same crap.

 

[Onasi]

I thought that was Nvidia, not AMD.

They both did. Both would love to not need AIBs anymore and just sell their designs directly (made by subcontractors, natch). Obviously, this still isn’t viable even for NV.

 

[AusWolf]

It's in the article and there have been reports for years. Nvidia, amd, they are all for profit, I'm not surprised they are pulling the same crap.

I haven't read that about AMD, but I find it believable. Only that their MBA cards have only been available on their own website in a select few regions, and only sporadically (they have mostly been out of stock). I think Nvidia FE is only available in the US as well, but it's cheaper than AIB cards, and more available than AMD MBA.