AMD’s latest Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards launched without official reference designs for consumers, but intriguing reports are emerging from China about the existence of these elusive cards. Let’s dive into what we know about these mysterious reference models and their unexpected appearance in the Chinese market.
The Unexpected Emergence of RX 9070 Reference Cards
Despite AMD’s claims that reference designs for the RX 9070 series were merely renders, evidence suggests otherwise. Images of what appear to be genuine AMD-made reference cards have surfaced on Chinese forums, sparking curiosity and debate among tech enthusiasts.
Key Features of the Leaked Reference Cards
- Dual-fan cooling design for the RX 9070
- Triple-fan configuration for the RX 9070 XT
- Black color scheme, departing from AMD’s usual silver and red aesthetics
- Minimalist “RADEON” branding on the card’s exterior
These cards lack official AMD packaging or prominent logos, suggesting they may be intended for OEM systems rather than retail sale.
The Gray Market Phenomenon
The appearance of these cards in China’s gray market raises several questions about their origin and distribution:
Pricing and Availability
Reports indicate that the RX 9070 XT reference model is being sold for approximately ¥5800 (~$800 USD) through unofficial channels. This pricing, while high, reflects the scarcity and demand for these uncommon cards.
Manufacturing Mystery
Typically, AMD partners with board manufacturers to produce reference designs. However, the lack of official announcements or claims about these cards adds an layer of intrigue to their existence.
Implications for Consumers and the Market
The emergence of these reference cards could have several impacts:
-
Collector’s Appeal: Given their rarity, these cards may become sought-after items for GPU enthusiasts and collectors.
-
Performance Benchmarks: If obtained by reviewers, these cards could provide a baseline for comparing AIB partner models.
-
Market Dynamics: The availability of reference models, even in limited quantities, might influence pricing and demand for partner cards.
Technical Specifications and Performance
While detailed specifications for these reference models are not officially confirmed, they are likely to align closely with AMD’s published specs for the RX 9070 series:
RX 9070 XT (Estimated Specs):
- 64 Compute Units
- 16GB GDDR6 Memory
- ~329W TDP
RX 9070 (Estimated Specs):
- 56 Compute Units
- 12GB GDDR6 Memory
- ~220W TDP
These cards are built on AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture, promising significant improvements in rasterization, ray tracing, and AI performance compared to previous generations.
The Bigger Picture: AMD’s Strategy
AMD’s decision to initially launch the RX 9070 series without reference models for consumers marks a departure from their usual strategy. This move could indicate:
- A focus on empowering AIB partners to differentiate their offerings
- Potential supply chain or manufacturing considerations
- A shift in AMD’s approach to the high-end GPU market
As the situation continues to develop, GPU enthusiasts and industry watchers will be keen to see if these reference cards make their way to other markets or remain a curious anomaly in China’s gray market. The existence of these cards adds an intriguing chapter to the launch of AMD’s latest graphics card series.