Category: Gaming

  • Asus ROG Strix OLED Monitors: Pricing Revealed Before Summer Release

    Asus ROG Strix OLED Monitors: Pricing Revealed Before Summer Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus is launching new ‘TrueBlack Glossy’ gaming monitors, the ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG and XG32UCWMG models, developed in collaboration with LG Display.
    2. The TrueBlack Glossy coating features a zero-haze optical layer for vibrant black colors in various lighting conditions.
    3. The monitors are scheduled to be available in August in the United States.
    4. The ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWMG will be priced at $799, while the XG32UCWG will retail for $949.
    5. These prices are competitive compared to the previous ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM, which costs around $979.99.

    Asus has recently shared information about its upcoming ‘TrueBlack Glossy’ gaming monitors, but it’s been less than a month since that announcement. Back then, we noted that Asus withheld details on the pricing and release dates for the ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG and XG32UCWMG models.

    Pricing Information Unveiled

    Fortunately, TFTCentral has provided insights into both of these missing details ahead of schedule. To summarize, Asus characterizes its TrueBlack Glossy coating as a product developed, in collaboration with LG Display. They explain that the TrueBlack Glossy film combines a zero-haze optical layer with a sophisticated anti-reflective stack. This zero-haze layer ensures that black colors remain vibrant in all lighting conditions, allowing the monitor to achieve rich blacks, even in well-lit spaces. For gamers who value high-quality visuals during the day, these monitors present excellent options.

    Availability and Costs

    TFTCentral reports that these monitors are set to launch in August in the United States. According to a tweet from the site, the ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWMG will be the more affordable choice, priced at $799. On the other hand, the ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG is expected to retail for $949, reflecting its superior resolution and refresh rate.

    In simpler terms, the ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG will have a lower price point compared to the ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM, which was released last year and now retails for approximately $979.99 on Amazon, featuring Asus’ earlier glossy coating. For more comprehensive information about Asus’ first TrueBlack Glossy gaming monitors, refer to our initial articles on the ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG and XG32UCWMG launch.

    Conclusion

    In summary, these upcoming monitors from Asus look promising with their unique coating and competitive pricing. Gamers should keep an eye out for these releases later this summer, as they might just elevate their gaming experience.

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    Asus ROG Strix OLED Monitors: Pricing Revealed Before Summer Release

     

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  • Walmart Switch 2 Release Date: Low Stock Could Cancel Pre-Orders

    Walmart Switch 2 Release Date: Low Stock Could Cancel Pre-Orders

    Key Takeaways

    1. Walmart has faced numerous canceled pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2, but stock will still be available on release day.
    2. Stock levels for the Switch 2 vary significantly across different Walmart locations, with some stores having more units than others.
    3. There is speculation that Walmart may allocate some units from pre-orders to fulfill in-store stock, potentially leading to further cancellations.
    4. Customer confidence in Walmart is declining, driving buyers to consider other retailers like Best Buy and GameStop for their purchases.
    5. Best Buy and GameStop plan to hold midnight launch events and seem to have sufficient inventory for their celebrations.

    Since the pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 kicked off on April 24th, customers at Walmart in the U.S. have faced a series of canceled orders. Now that Walmart is getting ready to process these orders, there has been a noticeable increase in cancellations. This situation is annoying, but there will still be stock available at Walmart on the release day of the Switch 2. Sadly, the amount of available units appears to be quite limited in some key markets.

    Inventory Insights

    A number of Walmart employees have the ability to check stock levels using internal applications. With the Switch 2 already arriving at various stores, these systems show how many consoles are at each location. Some of this information has been shared on Reddit and other online platforms. In one instance, a worker mentioned that their store has 17 Mario Kart World Bundles and 10 standard Switch 2 models in stock.

    Stock Variations Across Regions

    Worryingly, another employee noted that a store in Philadelphia will only have 22 consoles ready for the launch day on June 5th. This particular store is located in a busy area that experiences heavy foot traffic. However, the stock situation at Walmart is very different in other places. For example, Bentonville, Arkansas, has 125 Mario Kart World Bundles on hand for the Switch 2 release. It is important to note that this city is where Walmart’s headquarters are located, which might not accurately reflect stock levels in other stores.

    Walmart typically shouldn’t count pre-order commitments for the Switch 2 in its inventory tracker. Nonetheless, many gamers are speculating that some of those units will be allocated to fulfill pre-orders. The retailer might have misjudged its supply and is now racing to secure consoles to prevent further cancellations.

    Shifting Customer Confidence

    The dwindling trust that buyers have in Walmart is pushing them towards other retailers. Best Buy and GameStop are set to hold midnight launch events on June 5th and will provide some perks to their customers. Reports suggest that GameStop plans to allocate between 50 to 100 units to selected locations. It appears that these stores at least have enough Switch 2 consoles to make their launch celebration worthwhile.

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    Walmart Switch 2 Release Date: Low Stock Could Cancel Pre-Orders
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  • C5 Pro: Affordable Hall Effect Wireless Controller for $27

    C5 Pro: Affordable Hall Effect Wireless Controller for $27

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Abxylute C5 Pro is a versatile wireless gamepad compatible with multiple platforms, including Windows PCs, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation consoles.
    2. The controller features a design similar to Sony’s PlayStation controller, with a bulkier build and a black and white color scheme, along with two extra back buttons for convenience.
    3. Equipped with Hall effect technology, the joysticks offer durability and accurate inputs, reducing the likelihood of stick drift.
    4. The controller includes adjustable vibration motors, a turbo button for arcade games, and has a battery life of up to 10 hours with a quick 3-hour recharge time.
    5. The C5 Pro is priced at $26.99, currently available with a 10% launch discount, and serves as an affordable option for gamers.

    Some gamers might have already heard of the brand Abxylute. The company has just launched a brand new gaming controller named the C5 Pro. This wireless gamepad works with standard 2.4GHz connections, Bluetooth, and USB. It’s made to be compatible with a range of platforms, such as Windows PCs, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and devices that run on iOS or Android.

    Design and Features

    The layout of the Abxylute C5 Pro is similar to that of Sony’s PlayStation controller, featuring both joysticks at the same height. However, this budget-friendly controller does appear a little bulkier and showcases a black and white color scheme with strong contrasts. This affordable Hall effect controller includes two extra buttons on the back, which are handy since they allow gamers to use them without lifting their thumbs from the analog sticks.

    Performance and Technology

    Both joysticks feature Hall effect technology, which is supposed to provide great durability and accurate inputs without the frustration of stick drift. The Abxylute controller also comes with vibration motors, whose intensity can be adjusted across four levels and can even be completely turned off. There’s a turbo button for those arcade games, along with some rather subtle RGB lighting. More importantly, this budget-friendly gamepad boasts a battery life of up to 10 hours and only takes 3 hours to recharge fully. You can now order the C5 Pro directly from Abxylute for $26.99, benefiting from a 10% launch discount that may or may not be available for long.

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    C5 Pro: Affordable Hall Effect Wireless Controller for $27
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  • Star Wars Game Delivers Fan Hopes 8 Years After Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Revamped Progression System: Battlefront II now features a simplified progression system that allows players to earn upgrades through gameplay instead of spending money.

    2. Variety of Game Modes: The game offers a wide range of modes, including large-scale battles, cooperative missions, and unique experiences like Ewok Hunt, catering to different player preferences.

    3. Increased Player Count: The game has recently hit a new record for player count, indicating a significant revival in interest and engagement.

    4. Hope for Battlefront 3: Fans are optimistic about the possibility of a Battlefront 3, fueled by the renewed success of Battlefront II, despite recent setbacks in game development.

    5. Long-Term Enjoyment: After years of improvements, Battlefront II has become the engaging multiplayer experience that players desired, potentially keeping the community entertained for years to come.

    Star Wars Battlefront II is having a amazing revival, hitting a new record for player count just a few days ago. When it first came out, the game faced heavy backlash due to its pay-to-win features, which made players either play for an eternity or pay real cash to unlock iconic characters like Darth Vader. This uproar was so significant that it led to discussions at the government level about loot boxes and gambling in video games. However, EA and DICE have since revamped nearly every critical component of the game.

    New Progression System

    Currently, Battlefront II showcases a simplified progression system that is entirely reliant on gameplay. Players can earn star cards and upgrades for heroes just by playing, instead of spending money. The game’s previously cluttered economy has been streamlined, and cosmetic items are now linked to in-game achievements or credits that players earn.

    Diverse Game Modes

    The assortment of game modes also plays a big role in its comeback. From the large-scale 40-player Galactic Assault conflicts to tight Capital Supremacy skirmishes, cooperative PvE missions, chaotic Heroes vs. Villains battles, and the unexpectedly suspenseful Ewok Hunt, there’s a mode for every Star Wars enthusiast.

    Future of Battlefront

    Many fans are still hopeful for a potential Battlefront 3 in the near future and believe that the revived interest in Battlefront II shows there’s a market for it. However, the recent shutdown of Cliffhanger Games and the cancellation of the forthcoming Black Panther game have been yet another setback for the chances of Battlefront 3 becoming a reality.

    After eight years, Battlefront II has finally transformed into the engaging, visually impressive multiplayer Star Wars experience that players have always wanted. Ironically, it seems that many people are just now starting to appreciate it — all at once. While Battlefront 3 might not be on the horizon anytime soon, Battlefront II appears to have enough content and quality to keep fans entertained for many years — provided the player community remains stable.

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  • Ubisoft May Reveal New Splinter Cell Game at Summer Game Fest

    Ubisoft May Reveal New Splinter Cell Game at Summer Game Fest

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ubisoft is hinting at a potential new entry in the Splinter Cell series during the Summer Game Fest on June 6, after a 12-year hiatus since the last game.
    2. A teaser post featuring Sam Fisher has sparked excitement among fans, suggesting the possibility of a remake of the original Splinter Cell game.
    3. Discussions about a Splinter Cell remake have been ongoing since December 2021, but the project’s progress was delayed after the game’s director left Ubisoft in October 2022.
    4. Speculation about a new game in the series is low, as Sam Fisher’s age in recent games contrasts with the teaser image and Ubisoft’s recent financial struggles.
    5. Fans remain hopeful and eager for updates on the future of the Splinter Cell series despite uncertainties about a new release.

    The last installment in the Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell series was released in 2013. Now, after 12 years, fans may finally get a new entry during the Summer Game Fest. The teaser comes straight from Ubisoft, but it’s not clear what they are hinting at. The event is set for June 6, and Ubisoft will partner with Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo.

    Teaser Excitement

    The Ubisoft account on Xcancel posted a picture of Sam Fisher, the main character of the Splinter Cell series, along with some emojis depicting eyes and a mouth. The post doesn’t elaborate further, but many think it hints at a potential remake. Fans are responding with excitement, hoping for news of a new Splinter Cell game. As noted previously, the last game released was Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist back in 2013.

    Remake Speculations

    There’s a strong chance that Ubisoft is suggesting a remake of the first Splinter Cell game, which has been discussed since December 2021. Following the initial announcement, the game’s director departed Ubisoft in October 2022, and the project seemed to be on pause. Now, it looks like it might finally be revealed during Summer Game Fest in early June.

    New Game Doubts

    However, the idea of a completely new game in the series appears unlikely, as Sam Fisher was depicted as older in Blacklist compared to the image Ubisoft shared. In addition, Ubisoft is pushing back major game releases due to disappointing financial reports for 2024-2025. Still, fans are keen to find out what Ubisoft has planned for the Splinter Cell series moving forward.

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  • MSI MAG 272QP X50 & MPG 272QR X50: Pricing and Summer Release

    MSI MAG 272QP X50 & MPG 272QR X50: Pricing and Summer Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. MSI announced the MPG 272QR X50 and MPG 272URX, with the latter priced at $1,034.99 on Amazon.
    2. The MPG 272QR X50 has been rebranded as the MPG 271QR X50, with production starting in July and a release planned for September at an expected price of $899.
    3. The MAG 272QP X50 is already in production, set for global release in July, priced at approximately $849 in the US.
    4. The MPG 272QR X50 offers superior specifications, including DisplayPort 2.1, a 98 W USB Type-C port, and OLED Care 3.0 technology.
    5. The MAG 272QP X50 features older specifications like DisplayPort 1.4 and OLED Care 2.0 technology, making the MPG 272QR X50 a more attractive option for gamers.

    MSI has revealed more details about its upcoming 500 Hz OLED gaming monitors. To summarize, the company announced the MPG 272QR X50 in January, along with the MPG 272URX, which is currently priced at $1,034.99 on Amazon. Earlier this month, they introduced the MAG 272QP X50, which shares many specifications with the MPG 272QR X50. Following that, they also showcased the MPG 271QR X50, which uses the same QD-OLED panel technology.

    Rebranding and Production Plans

    According to TFTCentral, MSI has actually rebranded the MPG 272QR X50 to become the MPG 271QR X50. From information gathered at Computex 2025, MSI aims to start production of the MPG 271QR X50 this July, with a planned release ‘around September’. TFTCentral mentions that the monitor is expected to be priced at $899, but there’s no additional information on pricing in other regions yet.

    Availability and Pricing of MAG 272QP X50

    On the other hand, the MAG 272QP X50 is already said to be in production and is expected to be released globally in July. MSI’s global website listing supports this claim, and the monitor is already available in China for CNY 5,999 (approximately $829). Reports indicate that the MAG 272QP X50 will be priced at $849 in the US, making it just $50 less than the MPG 272QR X50.

    Specifications and Features Comparison

    To wrap it up, the MPG 272QR X50 features DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20) connectivity, a 98 W USB Type-C port, USB Type-A ports, and the latest OLED Care 3.0 technologies supported by MSI’s ‘AI Care Sensor’. In contrast, the MAG 272QP X50 comes with DisplayPort 1.4, a 15 W USB Type-C port, lacks USB Type-A ports, and uses the older OLED Care 2.0 technology. These differences arguably make the MPG 272QR X50 a more appealing choice than the MAG 272QP X50, especially given their similar price points. Consequently, TFTCentral speculates that MSI might adjust the pricing of the MAG 272QP X50 once the MPG 272QR X50 is officially launched.

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    MSI MAG 272QP X50 & MPG 272QR X50: Pricing and Summer ReleaseMSI MAG 272QP X50 & MPG 272QR X50: Pricing and Summer Release

     

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  • Trading RTX 4060 Laptop for RTX 3080 Ti: Performance & VRAM Boost

    Trading RTX 4060 Laptop for RTX 3080 Ti: Performance & VRAM Boost

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus TUF A15 features an RTX 4060 GPU, while the XMG Neo 15 is equipped with a more powerful RTX 3080 Ti, which has 16 GB of VRAM compared to the RTX 4060’s 8 GB.
    2. The RTX 3080 Ti offers superior performance, especially at 1440p, with benchmark scores indicating around a 15% performance advantage over the RTX 4060.
    3. The XMG Neo 15 has a higher specification overall, including a Ryzen 9 6900HX processor, 64 GB of RAM, and a 1440p 240 Hz display, but it is pre-owned.
    4. Concerns about the condition of older hardware were raised, highlighting the importance of checking for wear and tear and considering maintenance like thermal repasting.
    5. The RTX 4060 includes newer features like DLSS 3 Frame Generation, but its limitations in VRAM and power compared to the RTX 3080 Ti are significant factors in the discussion.

    In a recent post on Reddit by user u/F1vr, members of the r/GamingLaptops community discussed a hardware exchange situation. The question at hand was whether to trade a current-generation Asus TUF A15 laptop that has an RTX 4060 for a pre-owned XMG Neo 15 (M22) equipped with an RTX 3080 Ti which operates at 175 W.

    Laptop Specifications

    The TUF A15 was acquired in December 2024 and is powered by a Ryzen 9 8845HS processor, an RTX 4060 GPU, 32 GB of DDR5 RAM, a 1080p 144 Hz screen, and offers 2 TB of SSD storage. The Neo 15 in question has a Ryzen 9 6900HX, an RTX 3080 Ti (175 W), 64 GB of DDR5 RAM, a 1440p 240 Hz display, and a 1 TB SSD, along with an external water-cooling unit. The seller is asking for €1,100 (about USD 1,200), with the original poster mentioning that the TUF could fetch a higher selling price.

    Community Insights

    Comments were largely centered around performance and overall value. Many users highlighted the 16 GB of VRAM in the RTX 3080 Ti, which is twice that of the RTX 4060, and emphasized its superior rasterization performance at 1440p. Others pointed out that the 175 W thermal design power (TDP) of the 3080 Ti provides it with an edge in laptops that do not have thermal constraints.

    Benchmark Comparisons

    Benchmarking data backs up these observations. Internal tests show that the RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPU has an average 3DMark Time Spy Graphics score of 11,802, with some peaks reaching 13,808. In contrast, the RTX 4060 Laptop GPU averages at 10,250, with a maximum score of 11,738. This indicates a performance gap of around 15% favoring the 3080 Ti in this type of synthetic rasterization test.

    Condition Considerations

    Beyond performance metrics, the condition of the hardware was also a significant topic. Some users raised concerns about wear and tear on older models, suggesting that a complete thermal repaste and a motherboard inspection should be done before any swap, particularly for devices that might have been under heavy load for long times.

    In addition to the performance and condition aspects, the RTX 4060 introduces newer architecture and features like DLSS 3 Frame Generation. However, as the discussion illustrates, the limitations in VRAM and power remain crucial factors in how mobile GPUs compare across different generations.

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  • Sony Removes Region Lock for Stellar Blade on Steam and Epic

    Sony Removes Region Lock for Stellar Blade on Steam and Epic

    Key Takeaways

    1. Stellar Blade’s PC demo lifted region locks, allowing more customers to pre-order the game on Steam and Epic Games Store.
    2. The demo, available in 250 regions, surprised gamers with its announcement after a year of PlayStation exclusivity.
    3. Sony faced backlash for requiring PSN accounts for previous PC titles but reversed the decision; however, region locks remain for some countries.
    4. The demo allows players to experience the game’s beginning and progress carries over to the full release on June 11th.
    5. Positive feedback on gameplay performance and manageable PC specifications is expected to boost sales and player engagement.

    PlayStation’s PC game ports frequently face issues with region restrictions and PSN account limitations, which can be very annoying for players. While titles like Ghost of Tsushima and Helldivers 2 are still inaccessible in certain countries, Stellar Blade is breaking this trend. With the arrival of the Stellar Blade PC demo on May 30th, the region lock was lifted. Now, a greater number of customers can pre-order the game on Valve’s marketplace as well as the Epic Games Store.

    A Surprising Announcement

    After one year of being exclusive to PlayStation, gamers were already aware that the Stellar Blade PC version would launch on June 11th. Yet, the announcement of a demo via the game’s official X account came as a surprise. In that same post, it was revealed that the demo would be available in 250 regions. However, when the pre-orders opened weeks prior, many players found it impossible to purchase the game from over 100 countries.

    Controversies and Solutions

    Sony stirred up some trouble when they required users to sign in with PSN accounts for earlier Steam and Epic Games Store titles. Although they later reversed this decision, the region locks remained in effect in many areas where PSN isn’t available. The developers of Stellar Blade have vowed to look into this matter, and it seems they have discovered a workaround. Nonetheless, players from countries like Russia and Syria are still left out.

    Exploring the Demo

    The Stellar Blade demo gives players a taste of the game’s beginning, including an intense boss battle. In roughly 40 minutes, players can traverse a post-apocalyptic setting and even challenge another boss. Any progress made during the demo will carry over to the full game when it releases on June 11th.

    Early feedback from desktop gamers about the title developed by Shift Up is quite encouraging. The PC specifications for Stellar Blade are quite manageable, and users are reporting smooth gameplay on a variety of systems. The absence of region locks and the need for PSN account logins is likely to enhance its sales and increase the player base on Steam.

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  • AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D: Best Gaming CPU with 3D V-Cache

    AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D: Best Gaming CPU with 3D V-Cache

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD’s Ryzen 9 9955HX3D is leading gaming performance in the mobile sector, outperforming Intel’s HX processors due to its extra 3D V-cache.
    2. The Ryzen 9 9955HX3D uses less power than its Intel counterpart, making it a more efficient option.
    3. The stock availability of the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D is better, with multiple models from various brands already accessible.
    4. While the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D excels in gaming, Intel’s version offers longer battery life and supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to AMD’s 96 GB limit.
    5. Both laptops support PCIe 5.0, and an optional external Oasis water-cooling system can help reduce temperatures and fan noise.

    AMD is back on top! After the great success of its desktop X3D processors, the company is now claiming the gaming performance lead in the mobile sector with the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D. The extra 3D V-cache gives it an edge over Intel’s HX processors in many modern games and it even uses a bit less power. This means there is finally a worthy upgrade to the previous Ryzen 9 7945HX3D. The stock seems to be better too, as there are already several models from different brands available.

    Testing the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D

    We had a chance to try out the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D in the high-end gaming laptop Neo 16 from German brand XMG, and compared it with a similar Intel model (Core Ultra 9 275HX). Both CPUs were paired with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop in its strongest 175 W variant, using the same GPU drivers (576.52), providing perfect conditions for our comparison. If you want to save some cash (XMG is currently asking for 215 Euros for the upgrade), you might consider the regular AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX, which still outperforms the Core Ultra 9 275HX by a small margin.

    Performance Considerations

    Outside of gaming performance, the situation gets trickier for AMD. The Intel version of the Neo 16 offers significantly longer battery life and includes Thunderbolt support. Additionally, the AMD Neo 16 is restricted to 96 GB of RAM, while the Intel version can be set up with up to 128 GB of RAM. Both models support PCIe 5.0 for super-fast SSDs, and the fan noise levels are similar when both systems are pushed to their limits. This brings us to the optional external Oasis water-cooling system, which effectively reduces temperatures and fan noise. For further details, including benchmark results, check out our review of the new XMG Neo 16 A25.

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  • AMD RX 9080 XT ES vs RTX 5080 Super: A Potential Rivalry

    AMD RX 9080 XT ES vs RTX 5080 Super: A Potential Rivalry

    Key Takeaways

    1. The graphics card operates at game clock speeds between 3.4 to 3.7 GHz and features a 256-bit GDDR7 memory interface with up to 32 GB of VRAM options (16 GB and 24 GB also available).

    2. It shows a 28% average performance increase at 4K resolution over the RX 9070 XT, with certain workloads achieving up to a 45% boost, positioning it against the RTX 5080 Super and possibly the RTX 4090.

    3. The GPU is likely based on an enhanced Navi 48 architecture, focusing on higher clock speeds and memory bandwidth without major redesigns, and may utilize advanced TSMC process nodes.

    4. AMD may adopt a strategy similar to the Radeon VII, potentially delaying the RX 9080 XT ES launch until a favorable market opportunity arises or competitive pressure increases.

    5. The launch timing could depend on the readiness of FSR4 (Redstone) and other strategic factors to ensure a competitive high-end product.

    Internal AMD lab tests have indicated that the graphics card operates at game clock speeds ranging from 3.4 to 3.7 GHz. This GPU is equipped with a 256-bit GDDR7 memory interface, and it can come with memory configurations of up to 32 GB of VRAM. There are also 16 GB and 24 GB memory options available. In terms of power consumption, the card exceeds 450 watts when under load, with some versions going beyond 500 watts when overclocked.

    Performance Benchmarks

    Early benchmark information shared privately with Moore’s Law Is Dead suggests that the performance at 4K resolution shows an average increase of 28% over the RX 9070 XT, with certain workloads reaching up to a 45% boost. This performance level puts the RX 9080 XT ES in direct competition with the RTX 5080 Super and possibly even the RTX 4090, depending on how it is implemented and its final clock speeds. However, it’s important to note that this is all still speculative.

    Architecture Insights

    The GPU is likely based on an enhanced Navi 48 architecture, and it seems that AMD is not planning any drastic redesigns. Rather, the company appears to be focusing on achieving higher clock speeds and increased memory bandwidth while maintaining a conventional monolithic design. It may also utilize TSMC’s N4X or even N3X process nodes to reach the reported performance levels. AMD has publicly laid out a roadmap that includes N2X and 1.4 nm nodes for future CPUs, making the usage of advanced nodes likely.

    Strategic Decisions Ahead

    Moore’s Law Is Dead suggests that the RX 9080 XT ES might adopt a strategy akin to that of the Radeon VII, which utilized a die-shrunk version of Vega to proactively counter NVIDIA’s shift to 7 nm technology. However, AMD has not yet confirmed any plans for a launch. The engineering sample may stay within the company unless AMD finds a suitable market opportunity or faces competitive pressure that necessitates a release.

    The ultimate choice could depend on the readiness of FSR4 (Redstone) along with various strategic factors. Multiple sources point to AMD potentially waiting to launch the RX 9080 XT alongside enhanced upscaling technology to deliver a truly competitive high-end product.

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