Tag: amd

April 24, 2025
AMD Delays RX 9070 GRE, Reveals Early RX 9060 XT Release Date
Key Takeaways
1. The RX 9060 XT is now set to launch on May 18, 2025, earlier than expected.
2. Both 16 GB and 8 GB versions of the RX 9060 XT will be available at launch.
3. The launch of the RX 9070 GRE has been postponed to the fourth quarter of 2025.
4. The RX 9070 GRE is now expected to coincide with the Chinese 11.11 sales event on November 11.
5. The RX 9060 XT may outperform the upcoming RTX 5060 non-Ti based on leaked specs and performance.
We previously mentioned that the RX 9060 XT was expected to be launched in late May or early June 2025, following its reveal at Computex 2025. Similarly, the RX 9070 GRE was also anticipated to debut in May. However, new information emerging from Board Channels suggests that AMD has altered its plans.
Launch Date for RX 9060 XT
According to the latest reports, AMD has made the decision to release the RX 9060 XT sooner than initially expected. Both the 16 GB and 8 GB versions of this GPU could now hit the market on May 18th, just a few days ahead of Computex 2025. This timing allows AMD to potentially showcase partner cards or provide additional first-party benchmarks during the event.
Changes for RX 9070 GRE
In contrast, the launch of the RX 9070 GRE appears to have been postponed to the end of the year. Information from Board Channels indicates that the RX 9070 GRE was originally scheduled to be released on May 8th. Now, it seems that this GPU might arrive in the fourth quarter of 2025, just in time for the Chinese 11.11 sales event.
The 11.11, known as “Singles’ Day,” takes place on November 11th every year. Being the largest shopping festival in China, it makes perfect sense for the RX 9070 GRE to be launched around this time.
Upcoming Excitement
Fortunately, May is almost here, so we won’t have to wait long to see what AMD has planned for gamers with the RX 9060 XT. However, judging by the leaked specs, performance, and pricing, the RX 9060 XT could outshine the RTX 5060 non-Ti, which is also set to launch in May.
Get the Skytech Rampage RX 9070 XT gaming PC on Amazon.
Source: Board Channels via @realVictor_M on X and Wccftech. Teaser image: Asus, Maxim Berg on Unsplash, edited.
Tags: amd, RX 9060 XT, RX 9070 GRE
April 22, 2025
Compact Radeon RX 6500 with Navi 24 GPU: No External Power Needed
Key Takeaways
1. The RX 6500 XT faced harsh criticism upon its release in January 2022 for poor performance and high pricing, with some calling it the worst GPU release ever.
2. The RX 6500 XT is priced at $200, features 4 GB of RAM, and operates on a 64-bit bus, making it unsuitable for contemporary AAA games.
3. A new version, the RX 6500 non-XT, has been released with similar specifications but lower memory speeds, resulting in reduced memory bandwidth.
4. The RX 6500’s low 55 W TDP allows it to draw power through the PCIe interface, making it suitable for compact PC builds.
5. The RX 6500 is not currently available in Western markets, leading buyers to consider alternatives like the RX 6500 XT, RX 6600, and RX 7600.
When AMD introduced the RX 6500 XT in January 2022 during the GPU crisis fueled by cryptocurrency mining, many critics condemned the card as a terrible product that should have never been created. For example, TechSpot’s Steven Walton referred to the RX 6500 XT as “the worst GPU release” he had ever seen. The backlash against the RX 6500 XT stemmed from its performance and its pricing.
Pricing and Specifications
Priced at $200 with only 4 GB of RAM on a 64-bit bus, the RX 6500 XT was seen as a poor choice for playing contemporary AAA games at that time. Fast forward three years, the standard Radeon RX 6500 has appeared, also sporting limited specifications.
A Chinese AIB known as Zephyr has recently launched the “4G Dual ITX” RX 6500 non-XT, which shares the same memory and core setup as the RX 6500 XT. This card features a Navi 24 GPU, equipped with 1,024 Stream Processors, a boost clock of 2,066 MHz, 4 GB of 16 Gbps GDDR6 VRAM, a 64-bit bus, and a TDP of just 55 W. As the RX 6500 seems to have lower memory speeds compared to the RX 6500 XT, its memory bandwidth will be even less than the already modest 144 GB/s.
What Makes It Unique?
While the RX 6500 may not inspire much excitement, some users could find its low 55 W TDP appealing. This design allows the RX 6500 to draw power entirely through the PCIe interface. With a minimal power draw and without needing extra power cables, enthusiasts of compact PC builds can utilize the RX 6500 to create very small systems.
So, if you need a simple display adapter for a PC monitor or a GPU to run lighter AAA or indie games, the RX 6500 might be a good fit.
Availability Concerns
Nonetheless, there is no news about the RX 6500 being available in Western markets. Therefore, those looking for budget-friendly GPUs should consider alternatives like the RX 6500 XT, RX 6600, and RX 7600, which are all purchasable from Amazon.
Source: ITHome via @realVictor_M on X and VideoCardz, Teaser image: Zephyr, BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash, edited.
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Tags: amd, RX 6500, RX 6500 XT
April 17, 2025
AMD Ryzen Z2: Part of AMD’s Van Gogh Family Explained
Key Takeaways
1. AMD showcased three Ryzen Z series processors at CES 2025: Ryzen Z2 Go, Ryzen Z2, and Ryzen Z2 Extreme.
2. Only the Ryzen Z2 Go is currently available, while the other two models are expected to launch later this year.
3. Two additional models, Ryzen Z2 A and Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, are planned, with some details leaked about the Ryzen Z2 A.
4. The Ryzen Z2 A will use AMD’s Van Gogh architecture, which is older technology compared to the other Z2 series processors.
5. The Ryzen Z2 A is anticipated to be more affordable, potentially making handheld devices more accessible for consumers.
AMD recently displayed three Ryzen Z series processors at CES 2025: Ryzen Z2 Go, Ryzen Z2, and Ryzen Z2 Extreme. Among these, only the Ryzen Z2 Go is currently available, while the other two are expected to launch later this year. Additionally, past information has suggested there are two more models planned, the Ryzen Z2 A and Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme. A fresh leak provides some insights on the Ryzen Z2 A.
Details on Ryzen Z2 A
Leaker @AnhPhuH, who first disclosed the Ryzen Z2 A, states that this chip will utilize AMD’s Van Gogh architecture. This architecture is the same type of tech that powers the Steam Deck, combining elements of Zen 2 and RDNA 2. In fact, its CPU is older than that of the Ryzen Z2 Go, which means the Ryzen Z2 A will be the weakest option among the group.
Speculations and Expectations
However, most of what we know about the Ryzen Z2 series is based on guesswork since the Ryzen Z2 (Hawk Point) and Ryzen Z2 Extreme (Strix Point) have not yet appeared. AMD’s lack of communication on this topic hasn’t helped either. Still, the Ryzen Z2 A is expected to make handheld devices more accessible, as this older chip should be less expensive than newer models, hopefully allowing manufacturers to pass on these savings to consumers.
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Tags: amd, Ryzen Z2, Van Gogh
April 8, 2025
Zen 6 CPU Cores Outperform Intel E-Cores in Power Efficiency
Key Takeaways
1. AMD’s Zen 6 “Olympic Ridge” processors may feature a maximum core count of 24, utilizing new 12-core CCDs.
2. Each CCD will have an increased L3 cache of 48 MB and could reach clock speeds up to 6 GHz with TSMC’s N2X process.
3. The addition of two Zen 5 LP cores in the Olympic Ridge CPUs promises energy-efficient performance, achieving 65-75% IPC and 50-60% clock speeds compared to full Zen 5 cores.
4. Zen 5 LP cores are expected to have clock speeds between 2.5-3.5 GHz and consume 1 W or less, making them more efficient than Intel’s E-cores.
5. The launch of Zen 6 processors is anticipated in the second half of 2026, so current leaks should be viewed with skepticism.
It’s apparent to those keeping an eye on the latest Zen 6 leaks that AMD is gearing up for some major enhancements in their Zen 6 lineup. In particular, the “Olympic Ridge” desktop processors are rumored to see a maximum core count boost to 24, thanks to the introduction of 12-core CCDs. Additionally, there’s an increase in L3 cache, now totaling 48 MB for each CCD. The new Zen 6 CCDs will utilize TSMC’s advanced N2X process, which might enable the boost clock to hit a remarkable 6 GHz. The IOD chiplet is expected to use either the N3P or N6 process.
Noteworthy Changes
One intriguing detail that might be missed is the anticipated addition of two Zen 5 LP cores in the Olympic Ridge desktop CPUs. According to Moore’s Law Is Dead, these low-power cores are more than just a gimmick. The leak suggests that these Zen LP cores perform well while also being energy-efficient.
In conversations with Tom, a source from AMD indicated that the Zen 5 LP cores can achieve approximately 65-75% of the IPC and 50-60% of the clock speeds compared to the full Zen 5 “Classic” cores. These performance assessments were reportedly done using the 4 nm process. Therefore, if AMD opts for N3P for the IOD die, the performance of the Zen 5 LP cores in Olympic Ridge CPUs could vary.
Impressive Performance
Based on these findings, MLID predicts that Zen 5 LP cores could reach clock speeds between 2.5-3.5 GHz with an IPC that falls “between Zen 3 and Zen 4.” What’s even more remarkable is that achieving this level of performance demands minimal energy.
According to one of AMD’s internal presentations shared by MLID, the Zen LP cores are categorized as “Client” products aiming for “Peak Core Efficiency.” The presentation shows that each Zen 5 LP core consumes 1 W or less, making them more efficient than Intel’s E-cores.
In simpler terms, the Zen 5 LP cores not only provide solid performance to enhance multi-core tasks but also do so while being economical with power usage.
Caution Ahead
Even with these exciting updates, it’s crucial to remain cautious, as the Zen 6 processors won’t launch until the second half of 2026. Therefore, it’s wise to view MLID’s insights with some skepticism.
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Tags: amd, Ryzen 5 9600X, Zen 6
April 7, 2025
New AMD Ryzen Z2 APU for Gaming Handhelds: Tips and Features
Key Takeaways
1. AMD launched the Ryzen Z2 series of APUs for upcoming gaming handhelds, including Ryzen Z2, Z2 Go, and Z2 Extreme.
2. The Ryzen Z2 series features three generations: Rembrandt, Hawk Point, and Strix Point, but currently lacks built-in NPUs.
3. New models, Ryzen Z2 ‘A’ and Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, may be introduced, with the latter expected to include an NPU for improved AI performance.
4. Hawk Point and Strix Point APUs have NPUs, suggesting future AI integration could enhance gaming features like upscaling and frame generation.
5. Information about new models and features should be viewed skeptically until officially confirmed by AMD.
Earlier this year, AMD introduced its Ryzen Z2 series of APUs aimed at powering many upcoming gaming handheld devices. This lineup includes the Ryzen Z2, Z2 Go, and Z2 Extreme, and interestingly, it incorporates three different generations: Rembrandt, Hawk Point, and Strix Point. Notably, none of these APUs come with a built-in NPU, although a recent tweet suggests this might change in the future.
Possible New Variants
According to leaker @AnhPhuH, the Ryzen Z2 series might soon expand with two new models: the Ryzen Z2 ‘A’ and the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme. The latter is evidently a version of the Z2 Extreme featuring an NPU to enhance AI performance, while the former remains somewhat of a enigma. There’s a chance that it could just be a mistake—maybe the source forgot an ‘I’—but that’s still unconfirmed. The Ryzen Z2 Go is already a low-end option, and there’s not much space between the original Ryzen Z2 and the Z2 Extreme for an entirely new variant.
AI Integration for Gaming
As noted by VideoCardz, both Hawk Point and Strix Point APUs are recognized for having NPUs, which makes the idea of integrating AI more believable. It’s likely that technologies like upscaling and frame generation will significantly enhance handheld gaming experiences, and a capable NPU would definitely aid features like FSR. However, as is the case with all leaks and speculation, it’s wise to take this info with a bit of skepticism. It won’t be long until we discover what AMD has planned for fans of handheld gaming.
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Tags: amd, Gaming Handhelds, Ryzen Z2
March 25, 2025
AMD CEO Calls RX 9070 XT a Success with 10x Sales Growth
Key Takeaways
1. The Radeon RX 9070 XT is AMD’s best-selling graphics card ever, with first-week sales ten times higher than previous models.
2. CEO Dr. Lisa Su attributes the success to strong performance and competitive pricing, aiming to make high-end gaming more affordable.
3. AMD has a strong market presence in Japan, nearing a 50% share for the RX 9070 series, and is increasing production to meet demand.
4. More RDNA 4 models, including the RX 9060 series with 16GB and 8GB options, are expected to be released soon.
5. The RX 9070 XT has received positive feedback and offers excellent performance at more reasonable prices compared to Nvidia’s RTX 5000 series.
AMD has just unveiled the Radeon RX 9070 XT, which has quickly become the company’s best-selling graphics card ever. According to CEO Dr. Lisa Su, the sales in the first week were ten times higher than those of previous Radeon models. This information was shared during a conversation between Dr. Su and Tony Yu from ASUS China. The RDNA 4 graphics card has already topped sales charts in various countries, such as Japan, the US, Germany, and the UK, making this news somewhat expected.
Impressive Sales Numbers
Dr. Su stated, “It’s the No.1 selling product for all of the AMD Radeon generations for first week sales is the by far 10x higher than previous generations.” She attributed the GPU’s remarkable success to its strong performance and competitive price. “And we like to see people happy. People are very happy with 9070 XT,” Dr. Su added, underlining AMD’s aim to make high-end gaming more affordable.
Future Plans
During the interview, Dr. Su mentioned, “Because when we do a new architectural generation, we have to decide its primary characteristics many years in advance. For RDNA 4, what we really wanted to do is bring the best gaming capability to a very, let’s call it good price point, so that we could get more gamers to have access to this technology.” Earlier this month, AMD confirmed its strong market presence in Japan, nearing a 50% share for the RX 9070 series. To keep up with the rising demand, AMD is increasing production to enhance availability.
Upcoming Releases
Another interesting point from the interview was Dr. Su’s suggestion of more RDNA 4 models on the horizon, likely including the RX 9060 series, which will feature both 16GB and 8GB options in the near future. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics card made its debut earlier this month on March 6th. This highly anticipated RDNA 4 GPU received positive feedback. Following its launch, our team at Notebookcheck conducted benchmarks and reviewed the GPU. In our practical review, we discovered that the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT provided excellent performance at prices that are more reasonable than the Nvidia RTX 5000 series.
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Tags: amd, Radeon RX 9070 XT, RDNA 4
March 21, 2025
New AMD Threadripper CPUs: 24-Core 9965WX & 32-Core 9975WX
Key Takeaways
1. AMD’s new Threadripper CPUs, the 9975WX and 9965WX, are built on the Zen 5 architecture and use the SP6 socket.
2. The 9975WX features 32 cores, while the 9965WX has 24 cores, both with a thermal design power (TDP) of 350W.
3. A flagship model, the Threadripper 9980X, is expected to feature 96 cores and 192 threads, also with a TDP of 350W.
4. There may be 3D V-cache versions of the upcoming Threadripper CPUs, but details on clock speeds and cache amounts are currently unknown.
5. AMD has not yet confirmed the release date or the number of SKUs for the new Threadripper series, leaving many questions unanswered.
AMD has kept things pretty quiet regarding the new Threadripper CPUs, with little info coming out since November. Recently, some new details about two models have emerged, but they are quite basic, including just their names, core counts, and thermal design power (TDP). The same leaker who previously stated that the Threadripper series will offer CPUs ranging from 16 to 96 cores has now revealed two specific models: the 9975WX and 9965WX.
Details on the CPUs
Known as Shimada Peak, the Threadripper 9000 series CPUs are built on the Zen 5 architecture and use the same SP6 socket. According to a new shipping manifest leak, the two models, the 9975WX and 9965WX, are set to have 32 cores and 24 cores, respectively. Both will share a TDP of 350W, but that’s about all we know for now. There are no details about clock speeds or cache amounts, although earlier leaks hinted that there might be 3D V-cache versions of these upcoming Threadripper CPUs.
The Flagship Processor
The manifest leak from last November indicated a flagship processor with 96 cores and 192 threads, anticipated to be the Threadripper 9980X. This model also had a TDP of 350W, matching its predecessor, the Threadripper 7980X. It appears that the 96-core variant might represent the maximum core count, suggesting that the 9000 series could exclude processors based on Zen 5c.
AMD has yet to provide any specifics about the next Threadripper CPUs, leaving many questions unanswered, including how many SKUs will be released and when they might arrive.
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Tags: amd, Threadripper 9000, Zen 5
March 18, 2025
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Now Available at MSRP – Buy Yours Today
Key Takeaways
1. The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is back in stock at its MSRP of $479 after high demand and previous sellouts.
2. It features AMD’s Zen 5 architecture with a stacked 3D V-cache of 96 MB, providing excellent real-world performance.
3. The CPU has an eight-core and 16-thread setup, with base clock speeds of 4.7 GHz and boost speeds up to 5.2 GHz, maintaining a thermal design power (TDP) of 120W.
4. It supports advanced technologies like Precision Boost 2, PCIe 5.0, and AMD EXPO, enhancing its capabilities.
5. Reviews highlight the Ryzen 7 9800X3D as an exceptional gaming CPU, noted for its strong performance, though the difference from its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, is minimal.
Ever since it was released in November of last year, the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D has been either quickly selling out or priced much higher than its suggested retail price. However, there’s some positive news for fans of Team Red, as this well-reviewed processor is now back in stock at online stores, available for its MSRP. The 9800X3D has made headlines for various reasons, including unfortunate incidents where it has failed or stopped functioning due to ASRock or MSI motherboards, and a recent case of fake CPU shipments from Amazon.
Availability and Pricing
Currently, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D can be bought through Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy for its launch price of $479. B&H Photo also had it listed, but it appears to be sold out, indicating that the stock may not last long. The strong demand for this CPU is attributed to its excellent value and gaming performance, similar to what its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, offered.
Performance and Specifications
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is built on AMD’s Zen 5 architecture, showcasing remarkable real-world performance due to its stacked 3D V-cache of 96 MB. While the core count might seem lower compared to some Intel CPUs, its eight-core and 16-thread setup is capable of providing high-level performance without a significant power draw. It has a default thermal design power (TDP) rating of 120W, with base clock speeds of 4.7 GHz and a boost speed reaching up to 5.2 GHz.
Technology Support and Review Insights
It also comes with support for the newest technologies such as Precision Boost 2, PCIe 5.0, and AMD EXPO, among others. In our evaluation of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, we concluded that it is an exceptional gaming CPU with solid all-around performance. It stands out as the fastest gaming CPU available, even though the difference in gaming performance compared to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D isn’t very large.
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Tags: amd, gaming CPU, Ryzen 7 9800X3D
March 14, 2025
Radeon RX 9070 Price Hike Linked to MSRP Drop and AMD Rebate
Key Takeaways
1. AMD’s initial pricing for the Radeon RX 9070 was lower than expected, leading to elevated retail prices due to stock hoarding by retailers.
2. AMD introduced a rebate program for RX 9070 GPUs, focusing on those at base clock speeds, but not uniformly applied across all retailers.
3. There is a significant price disparity between premium RDNA 4 GPUs and lower-end models due to lack of price reductions from AMD.
4. Supply issues have contributed to high prices, with AMD claiming that more shipments will eventually lead to better pricing at MSRP.
5. Consumers may face inflated prices due to limited alternatives in the GPU market, as Nvidia has been criticized for stopping production of older models too soon.
A recent video from Hardware Unboxed sheds light on the reasons behind the elevated prices of the Radeon RX 9070. One reason is that AMD set prices that were lower than what retailers had anticipated. To help bridge this gap, a rebate program has been introduced, but it specifically targets RX 9070 series GPUs that operate at base clock speeds.
Production Timeline and Pricing Surprises
The manufacturing of RDNA 4 graphics cards kicked off in late 2024, several months prior to AMD’s official introduction of the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070. Retailers began hoarding stock, while AMD had initially suggested a higher price of over $549 and $599. Many gamers found the pricing to be surprising, making the RX 9070 XT appear to be a great deal when compared to the Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti.
Rebate Dynamics and Market Manipulation
In order to maintain profit margins, AMD has rolled out rebates for retailers, but these adjustments are not being applied uniformly across all stores. There’s a hint of greed involved as well. While most rebates focus on MSRP models, both manufacturers and retailers profit more from overclocked versions that come with RGB lighting. Without AMD reducing prices on the more premium RDNA 4 GPUs, a significant price disparity exists between these and the lower-end models.
Supply Challenges and Market Response
Another factor contributing to the unexpectedly high prices for the Radeon RX 9070 is supply issues. David McAfee, AMD’s Corporate Vice President and General Manager, addressed claims of inflated pricing. He asserts that as shipments increase, partners will be able to offer more GPUs at MSRP. Although there was a substantial influx of RDNA 4 cards upon release, inventory has since diminished.
Hardware Unboxed also touched on problems related to RTX 50-series supply and how they impact the broader market. Nvidia has been criticized for ceasing production of previous models too soon. Because of the lack of alternatives, consumers ended up paying inflated prices for graphics cards even before the Blackwell models were released.
While AMD and Nvidia provide assurances, it’s understandable for buyers to feel doubtful. Looking back at previous GPU launches, gamers should be prepared for a lengthy wait for more stock at MSRP prices.
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Tags: amd, Nvidia RTX 50-series, Radeon RX 9070
March 11, 2025
AMD Zen 6 CPUs Expected with Up to 96MB L3 Cache on Non-X3D Model
Key Takeaways
1. The upcoming AMD Zen 6 processors may feature a high-end desktop variant with up to 24 CPU cores, surpassing the previous limit of 16 cores.
2. AMD plans to increase the L3 cache per CCD to 48 MB, potentially resulting in up to 224 MB of L3 cache for a 24-core CPU with dual V-cache.
3. A single CCD may house 16 Zen 6 cores, with configurations available for 32-core variants totaling 128 MB of L3 cache.
4. Future laptop models might combine Zen 5 and Zen 6 CCDs, as suggested by the Strix Point development.
5. The next-generation Epyc server processors are expected to benefit from the increased cache and new core configurations.
Now that the AMD Zen 5 series is largely released, the whispers about the upcoming Zen 6 processors are becoming more common. Initially, it appears that the highest-end desktop variant (possibly named Ryzen 9 11,950X) will surpass the previous limit of 16 CPU cores. A previous leak hinted that this number might reach up to 24 cores. A recent report from Weibo provides further details on this topic.
Increased Cache Capabilities
AMD is set to boost the L3 cache per CCD to 48 MB. Therefore, a 24-core CPU utilizing 2 Zen 6 CCDs would feature a total of 96 MB of L3 cache. If a 64 MB 3D V-cache tile is added to one of the CCDs, this would result in 160 MB of L3 cache, and if both CCDs have one, that would be an impressive 224 MB. However, it’s still too early to make guesses about what the Zen 6 X3D will offer, though it would be a perfect opportunity to introduce a dual V-cache CPU for consumers.
New Core Configurations
Additionally, AMD intends to fit 16 Zen 6 cores within a single CCD, accompanied by 64 MB of L3 cache. There is a 32-core variant with 2 of these CCDs totaling 128 MB of L3 cache, though it remains unclear which lineup it belongs to. If Strix Point is indicative of future developments, some laptop models may feature a combination of Zen 5 and Zen 6 CCDs. Also, this configuration is expected to appear in the next-generation Epyc server processors, which will also gain from the increased cache.
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Tags: 950X, amd, Ryzen 9 11, Zen 6