MSI Doesn't Plan Radeon RX 9000 Series GPUs, Skips AMD RDNA 4 Generation Entirely

[AleksandarK]

MSI has officially confirmed that it will not manufacture graphics cards based on AMD's latest RDNA 4 architecture, effectively bypassing the entire Radeon RX 9000 series lineup. In a statement to Tom's Hardware, an MSI representative briefly noted the company "is not manufacturing AMD GPUs this generation," pausing its AMD partnership while leaving the door open for future collaborations. Data compiled by Tom's Hardware shows MSI produced 45 distinct models during the RDNA 2 generation (RX 6000-series), but dramatically scaled back to just four custom designs for RDNA 3 (RX 7000-series)—representing a 91% reduction in AMD SKU diversity. Those limited RDNA 3 offerings, including the flagship RX 7900 XTX, notably reused cooling solutions from previous-generation AMD cards, indicating reduced R&D allocation compared to the company's NVIDIA lineup.

MSI's withdrawal from offering AMD-based solutions is due to several factors. NVIDIA's dominance in market share (83%, according to Steam hardware surveys) provides partners with stronger return-on-investment potential, while EVGA's 2022 exit from the GPU market created an opportunity for MSI to strengthen its position as a premier NVIDIA partner. There were reportedly delays in finalizing the MSRP for the RX 9000 series, which complicated manufacturers' calculations, production planning, and shipments. The vacuum left by MSI creates potential opportunities for other emerging players like Acer, which has been slowly expanding its AMD graphics card presence. However, MSI's decision—likely finalized during earlier strategic planning cycles—could potentially push away AMD enthusiasts despite strong projected demand for the Radeon RX 9070 series. Whether this represents a permanent strategic realignment or a temporary market response, we are yet to find out. AMD plans to return to the high-end GPU segment with its UDNA generation, so we have to wait and see if MSI makes a comeback here. For AIBs, partnerships with GPU makers are essential to get R&D resources behind a new product. Once partnerships pause, it is hard to get that wheel going again.



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[Chaitanya]

MSI is really stupid when it comes to their product line up far too many questionable decisions over the years.

 

[wNotyarD]

Most Radeon people would rather skip MSI for their graphics cards as well.

 

[john_]

MSI calling AMD : Can I put whatever price I want?
AMD : Well, OK F MSRP, but don't be too greedy.

MSI calling Nvidia : Can I put whatever price I want?
Nvidia : F yeah, do whatever you love pal. Sky is the limit.


.... a few months later.......

MSI Doesn't Plan Radeon RX 9000 Series GPUs, Skips AMD RDNA 4 Generation Entirely

Just a thought....

 

[Denver]

They are getting what they asked for in Nvidia's hands.

MSI CEO Charles Chiang has died | PC Gamer

MSI has become a mess since the mysterious death of its CEO.

 

[windwhirl]

MSI produced 45 distinct models during the RDNA 2 generation (RX 6000-series),

45? I feel like that was too much. With 15 total RX 6000 GPU models around (from the RX 6300 to the RX 6950 XT), that would mean an average of three different variants per GPU model. Ridiculous.

just four custom designs for RDNA 3 (RX 7000-series)

And to be fair, the 7000 series reduced the number of GPU models to 7 from the 7600 to the 7900 XTX

 

[JohH]

It's a major loss for AMD.
I think Gigabyte and ASUS are the only two remaining who make both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards. I wonder who could be pressuring them...

 

[Event Horizon]

Hope they don't stop making AMD motherboards as well. Otherwise I will be forced to choose Gigglebyte for my next build.

 

[Dragokar]

Okay nice, so I scrap the Tomahawk Board orders and switch to ASRock since they also have good 9070s

 

[MrDweezil]

They picked the wrong generation to skip, people actually want to buy these ones.

 

[ThomasK]

Haven't bought anything from msi in a while.

Won't be missed.

It's a major loss for AMD.
I think Gigabyte and ASUS are the only two remaining who make both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards. I wonder who could be pressuring them...

A major loss in what way? mainly for the customer, who has 1 less option this generation. Other than that, there are plenty of amd exclusive AIBs to choose from.

 

[dyonoctis]

They are getting what they asked for in Nvidia's hands.

MSI CEO Charles Chiang has died | PC Gamer

MSI has become a mess since the mysterious death of its CEO.

MSI had a bias against AMD before that. They've NEVER proposed an equivalent to their flagship Intel ITX board on AMD. The RX 6000 series never had a suprim. It's a continuation of that trend

 

[Dragokar]

Haven't bought anything from msi in a while.

Won't be missed.


A major loss in what way? mainly for the customer, who has 1 less option this generation. Other than that, there are plenty of amd exclusive AIBs to choose from.

To be fair, the last MSI AMD cards were kinda bad anyway and lazy slapped together.

 

[Darthgrey]

First was HIS, I think last card from them was 5700XT, now MSI... In the end it will be only Sapphire, Powercolor and a bunch of Chineese anime cards with bells and whistles.

 

[Scattergrunt]

It's a major loss for AMD.
I think Gigabyte and ASUS are the only two remaining who make both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards. I wonder who could be pressuring them...

Not really, the MSI cards were not well liked for good reason. I don't see it as a major loss for the end consumer at all unless more companies leave.

 

[maxfly]

Aw MSI is takin their ball and goin home... little sissies.

Stupid corps making stupid choices. AMD GPUs are basically free money this release and MSI is willfully walking away from it. Smart.

 

[Jism]

Sales of previous generation likely stalled; and thats why they are skipping out on it. For some reason i never liked MSI products.

 

[JohH]

They'll never come back to Radeon because Nvidia is likely to punish MSI with lower allocation if they do. And in this market GPU allocation determines their financial results.

 

[Carlyle2020hs]

Only Nvidia GPUs ey?

Well if EVGA can do it why not MSI?

 

[Daven]

MSI is also the only Intel-based handheld manufacturer. They have a recent history for supplying products based on the traditional leaders (Intel and Nvidia).

 

[Scattergrunt]

Sales of previous generation likely stalled; and thats why they are skipping out on it. For some reason i never liked MSI products.

Likely started with RDNA 2 and their decisions with RDNA 3 and RDNA 4 are a result of that.

 

[ShrimpBrime]

I benched most all of the 6000 series cards and the XFX cards where nicer (in my opinion) and overclocked just as well as MSI cards.

 

[Assimilator]

Sales of previous generation likely stalled

Plus they know they can make more margin on NVIDIA products.

 

[tommo1982]

I don't know how well was MSI established in GPU's, but I would not chose them buying graphic card. I went with PowerColor for RX7600 and with Nvidia there are other brands, so MSI would not be considered at all.

 

[hsew]

I don’t think this is a terrible move. Clearly the vast majority of their sales is coming from nVidia, and for any AIB to have to spend R&D money, it needs to pay off. It doesn’t sound like they’ll be missed much from the Radeon crowd anyways.