Tag: Radeon RX 9070

  • Radeon RX 9070 Price Hike Linked to MSRP Drop and AMD Rebate

    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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    Radeon RX 9070 Price Hike Linked to MSRP Drop and AMD Rebate

     

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  • OptiScaler Mod Adds FSR4 Support to DLSS2 and XeSS Games

    OptiScaler Mod Adds FSR4 Support to DLSS2 and XeSS Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. The modding community has created OptiScaler, allowing FSR 4 to work in games that support DLSS 2 or XeSS.
    2. OptiScaler enables users to swap between different upscaling technologies for better performance on compatible GPUs.
    3. The mod functions as a mediator using API methods, enhancing frame generation and reducing lag.
    4. Current support for FSR 4 is experimental and limited to Nightly builds, which may have performance issues.
    5. Users have reported significant performance improvements, such as over 60 FPS at 1440p in Cyberpunk 2077 using FSR 4 with OptiScaler.

    The modding community has once again stepped up where companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, and AMD have fallen short. Recently, they created a mod that introduces FSR 4, or AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution, to any game that already supports DLSS 2 or XeSS. Currently, this mod is limited to the latest Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT GPUs, allowing more games to perform better on systems with these graphics cards, instead of just the few that currently offer the upscaling feature.

    Mod Details

    Uploaded by user cdozdil on GitHub, the mod is named OptiScaler. It enables games that have support for Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) 2, FSR 2, or Intel’s XeSS to swap out these technologies for any of the other upscalers, including FSR 4. It also works in reverse; for games that only support FSR or XeSS, the mod lets users add support for DLSS, which might perform better on systems with RTX GPUs. This functionality allows players to utilize the frame generation technology that these upscalers provide, even if the game developers haven’t officially included support.

    How It Works

    The GitHub page explains that OptiScaler functions by using the API methods from these different upscaling technologies and acting as a mediator to direct the game to select the user’s desired upscaler. When used with other mods like OptiFG, Nukem’s dlssg-to-fsr3, and FakeMichau’s FakeNvapi, it can facilitate frame generation and Anti-Lag 2.

    Current Limitations

    It’s important to mention that the support for FSR 4 is still in the experimental phase and can only be used through Nightly builds. This means there might be some issues, and the overall performance might not be as refined as when using the other upscalers. However, one user reported impressive results with FSR 4 through OptiScaler while playing Cyberpunk 2077, achieving over 60 FPS at 1440p with full Path Tracing, which is one of the most demanding settings in the game. Since the game does not officially support FSR 3.1, it’s unlikely there will be any official backing for FSR 4 either.

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  • AMD RX 9060 GPU: RDNA 4 and FSR 4 for Entry-Level Gaming

    AMD RX 9060 GPU: RDNA 4 and FSR 4 for Entry-Level Gaming

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD announced specifications, pricing, and features for the RDNA 4 architecture’s Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT graphics cards.
    2. The RX 9070 and 9070 XT are positioned as mid-range GPUs, offering excellent performance at an attractive price.
    3. AMD aims to strengthen its position in the GPU market with these new models.
    4. An upcoming RX 9060 is set to target entry-level users, competing with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5060.
    5. AMD shared the announcement via their YouTube channel to engage with the community and provide updates.

    AMD has officially announced the details regarding the specifications, pricing, and features of the RDNA 4 architecture’s AMD Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT graphics cards. These GPUs are looking like a great option for those in the mid-range market. Additionally, AMD hinted at the upcoming release of the RX 9060, which is expected to be an entry-level graphics card aimed at competing with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 once it hits the market.

    Mid-Range Performance

    The RX 9070 and 9070 XT promise to deliver excellent performance without breaking the bank. The launch price for these GPUs has been set, making them an attractive choice for gamers who want good performance without spending too much. With these new models, AMD is trying to strengthen their position in the competitive GPU market.

    Upcoming Entry-Level GPU

    Moreover, AMD is gearing up to introduce the RX 9060, which is likely to cater to those who are looking for an affordable GPU option. This card will probably go head-to-head with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5060, which is expected to be launched in the near future. AMD’s strategy appears to be focused on capturing a broader audience by offering various options across different price ranges.

    AMD’s announcement was made through their YouTube channel, where they shared insights into the capabilities of the new GPUs. This move shows that AMD is keen on engaging with its community and keeping them updated on the latest developments in their product lineup.

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  • AMD Discusses FSR 4, Hypr-RX, and Adrenalin Software Updates

    AMD Discusses FSR 4, Hypr-RX, and Adrenalin Software Updates

    Key Takeaways

    1. FSR 4 Transition: AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 4 moves to a fully machine learning-based approach, enhancing upscaling calculations and frame generation using dedicated FP8 units in RDNA 4 architecture.

    2. Architectural Advancements: RDNA 4 features second-generation AI accelerators that optimize FSR 4, distinguishing it from older Radeon cards which may not support this technology immediately.

    3. Performance Boost: FSR 4, along with updated features like Anti-Lag 2 and Radeon Super Resolution, is expected to deliver up to a 3.7x FPS boost at 4K with ray tracing enabled through the Hypr-RX functionality.

    4. Game Support: At launch, FSR 4 will support 30 games, with plans for over 75 additional titles to adopt the technology by 2025.

    5. Adrenalin Software Enhancements: Radeon Software Adrenalin Edition 25.3.1 introduces AI-driven features such as Radeon Image Sharpening 2, AMD Chat, and Image Inspector, providing a comprehensive suite of utilities for improved user experience and performance.

    Along with revealing performance figures and explaining the RDNA 4 architecture in the newly launched Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 graphics cards, AMD is providing insight into its upcoming upscaling technology stack, led by FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 4.

    FSR Evolution

    Up to now, FSR versions, including 3.1, primarily focused on upscaling calculations, utilizing machine learning mainly for generating fluid motion frames (FMF). However, with FSR 4, AMD is transitioning to a fully machine learning-based approach. This process begins with training game models on Instinct GPUs and utilizes dedicated FP8 units on the new RDNA 4 cards for final rendering, frame generation, and Radeon Anti-Lag.

    Similarities with Nvidia

    Nvidia has moved to a transformer model with DLSS 4, which arguably provides better visuals than the earlier conventional neural network (CNN) used in previous versions. AMD is also making similar advancements with FSR 4. The company states that FSR 4 takes advantage of the FP8 capabilities of RDNA 4’s second-generation AI accelerators. This means that older Radeon cards will not benefit from this tech, at least for the time being. While there is potential for backporting FSR 4 or its elements to older models, it’s prudent to not count on that just yet.

    DLSS vs. FSR

    On the flip side, DLSS 4 can be utilized by RTX GPUs dating back to the Turing generation, although the multi-frame generation feature is confined to the RTX 50 series Blackwell cards. FSR 4 employs a proprietary model that combines the strengths of CNN and transformer architectures, as claimed by AMD.

    With updates to AFMF bringing it to version 2.1, alongside Anti-Lag 2, Radeon Boost, and Radeon Super Resolution — all grouped under the Hypr-RX banner — FSR 4 is expected to provide up to a 3.7x FPS boost at 4K with ray tracing activated. Essentially, Hypr-RX allows users to activate all these features in a game with just one click in the Adrenalin driver.

    Game Support and Software

    At launch, AMD assures FSR 4 will support 30 games, with over 75 more expected to adopt this technology through 2025. The RDNA 4 cards will come equipped with Radeon Software Adrenalin Edition 25.3.1, which introduces several handy AI-driven features while keeping a familiar user interface.

    The new Adrenalin version includes Radeon Image Sharpening 2, which provides system-wide image sharpening without relying on any external API. It also supports up to 8K 75 FPS video codec acceleration and hardware flip metering, leveraging updates to RDNA 4’s media engine.

    Additional Utilities

    AMD is including several utilities with Adrenalin 25.3.1, such as AMD Chat, Image Inspector, and AI Apps Manager. AMD Chat is akin to Nvidia’s Chat RTX and functions locally as an LLM, allowing users to chat about GPU-specific questions. It can also assist with local image generation, but users should be ready to allocate 25 GB of disk space for this feature.

    The AI Apps Manager categorizes AI-accelerated applications separately from the rest of your game library. Meanwhile, AMD Image Inspector enables users to capture rendering errors and report them directly to AMD as part of the AMD User Experience program, which is completely optional. It may introduce a slight performance overhead during gaming, but actual performance will be confirmed when we have a chance to test it ourselves.

    AMD Chat and Image Inspector can be customized through the new AMD Install Manager, which also helps ensure that your AMD chipset drivers are up to date. Furthermore, AMD’s ROCm software stack is expected to receive some advancements tailored for RDNA 4, although details on that will be shared at a later date.

    AMD Discusses FSR 4, Hypr-RX, and Adrenalin Software UpdatesAMD Discusses FSR 4, Hypr-RX, and Adrenalin Software Updates
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  • AMD Radeon RX 9070 Pre-Built Gaming PCs Available Online

    AMD Radeon RX 9070 Pre-Built Gaming PCs Available Online

    Key Takeaways

    1. The first ready-made gaming PCs with Radeon RX 9070 series GPUs are now listed on Newegg, but they are mostly back ordered or out of stock.
    2. Three models are available: two from iBUYPOWER and one from AVGPC, with prices starting at $1750 due to discounts.
    3. The AVGPC Whirlwind features a Ryzen 7 9700X and RX 9070 XT, while the iBUYPOWER models include Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 7 7800X3D options with RX 9070 GPUs.
    4. All models use liquid cooling; iBUYPOWER systems have vertically mounted GPUs and additional 1TB storage, along with a keyboard and mouse combo.
    5. The official launch date for these PCs is March 6, with the AVGPC system expected to arrive by February 28.

    The first ready-made gaming PCs that come with the Radeon RX 9070 series GPUs have begun to appear on Newegg. Right now, there are just three models available—two from iBUYPOWER and one from AVGPC. However, all of them are either back ordered or out of stock at this moment because the official release is set for March 6. According to a report by Videocardz, AMD has verified this launch date during a press conference. The starting price for these pre-built gaming systems is $1750, thanks to a slight discount.

    Listings Spotted

    The listings were discovered by @Olrak29_, who posted about them on X, showcasing the three models available on Newegg. Currently, these listings are active and feature three different configurations of AMD CPUs and GPUs. The AVGPC Whirlwind Gaming PC is equipped with a Ryzen 7 9700X, 32GB RAM, and the Radeon RX 9070 XT, priced at $1799. One of the two iBUYPOWER Y40 Pro Black Gaming Desktops has the Ryzen 7 9700X, Radeon RX 9070 16GB, and 32GB DDR5 RAM, going for a discounted $1750. The original price for this model is $2100. The second Y40 Pro Black features a Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the same Radeon RX 9070 16GB with 32GB RAM, with a discounted price of $1800, yet still holding the same regular price of $2100.

    Cooling and Features

    All three models utilize liquid cooling, but only the iBUYPOWER systems have GPUs that are mounted vertically. Interestingly, the AVGPC configuration with the RX 9070 XT is sold at a lower price compared to the RX 9070 setup with the same CPU (before any discount) from iBUYPOWER. Importantly, iBUYPOWER provides their systems with an additional 1TB of storage, along with a keyboard and mouse combo.

    On top of that, only the iBUYPOWER system using the Ryzen 9700X appears to qualify for the AMD game bundle, which gives away Monster Hunter Wilds Standard Edition for free. At this time, these pre-built PCs are not yet available for purchase but are expected to be on sale starting March 6. Nevertheless, the AVGPC system is currently back ordered, with an estimated arrival date of February 28.

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  • AMD RX 9070 XT Price May Disappoint Gamers

    AMD RX 9070 XT Price May Disappoint Gamers

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 graphics cards will be released on February 28, with sales starting on March 6.
    2. Speculated prices for the RX 9070 series range from $500 to $849, but recent leaks suggest they may be higher than expected.
    3. Custom graphics cards often sell for more than their MSRP, indicating that actual prices may exceed initial estimates for the RX 9070 series.
    4. AMD has not confirmed the pricing yet, leaving gamers hopeful for potential adjustments to make the cards more competitive.
    5. Concerns are growing that high prices could lead to the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT being unsuccessful in the market.

    There’s a lot of excitement surrounding AMD’s new Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 graphics cards. The release date for the RX 9000 series has been set for February 28, with sales expected to begin in March, specifically on March 6. Lately, Nvidia has dominated the GPU news, showing a mix of positive aspects like good performance and negative ones, including price hikes and melting connectors. Those looking for mid-range graphics cards have been anticipating this moment, as the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 are expected to compete with the GeForce RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti. However, the anticipated prices for these AMD cards might end up being higher than what many had hoped for.

    Speculation on Pricing

    Last week, we discussed leaks about the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070, which suggested that these cards might be available at reasonable prices: around $500 for the Radeon RX 9070 and between $600 and $650 for the RX 9070 XT. However, recent price leaks from sources like @momomo_us, @GawroskiT, and VideoCardz indicate that AMD fans might be in for a surprise. The RX 9000 series graphics cards from XFX are reportedly priced from $649 to as high as $849. Moreover, placeholder prices for the Acer Predator BiFrost RX 9070 XT OC with 16 GB show tags of €1079.90 (approximately $1,133) and €1,106.53 ($1,161). It’s important to note that these European prices don’t necessarily reflect what US customers will pay, as high VAT in Europe can inflate costs.

    Price Comparisons and Expectations

    It’s clear that custom graphics cards often come with a heftier price tag than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). For example, the XFX Speedster Merc 310 AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX with 24 GB was listed at $1,099.99, while the RX 7900 XTX had an MSRP of $999. This suggests that if the rumored pricing for something like the $849 XFX Mercury AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT OC Magnetic Air Edition holds true, then the actual MSRP for the RX 9070 XT could be closer to $750 instead of the earlier estimates of $600-$650.

    Hope for Gamers

    Gamers still have a glimmer of hope, whether these prices turn out to be genuine or not. If the prices are inaccurate, users will need to wait for AMD to confirm the real MSRPs. AMD’s Frank Azor previously mentioned that a starting price of “$899 USD was never part of the plan.” On the other hand, if the prices are confirmed, we might see a reduction soon to make them more appealing compared to the RTX 5070 cards. However, right now, many are expressing concerns that such pricing could render the Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT “dead on arrival” (DOA).

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    AMD RX 9070 XT Price May Disappoint Gamers
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  • AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT Pricing Leak: Great Value for Mid-Range

    AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT Pricing Leak: Great Value for Mid-Range

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD’s RDNA 4-based Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT GPUs are set to launch early next month, targeting the gaming market.
    2. AMD has a chance to compete effectively in the mid-range market due to Nvidia’s supply issues and high prices.
    3. Leaks suggest that the performance of AMD’s RDNA 4 cards may rival that of Nvidia’s offerings.
    4. The RX 9070 is priced at approximately $589, while the RX 9070 XT is around $699, positioning them as more affordable options compared to Nvidia’s RTX 5070 lineup.
    5. The RDNA 4 series, particularly the RX 9070 XT, is expected to underprice Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 models.

    AMD is set to make a big splash in the gaming world with its upcoming RDNA 4-based Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT GPUs, likely debuting early next month. Given the terrible supply issues and high prices that Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 faced, it seems reasonable to think that their more budget-friendly counterparts, the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070, could also struggle with similar challenges.

    AMD’s Opportunity

    There’s no doubt that AMD has a significant opportunity to price its RDNA 4 graphics cards competitively and dominate the mid-range market. Recent leaks suggest a noticeable improvement in performance that rivals Nvidia’s offerings, while another leak indicates that the RDNA 4 cards may be more affordable. A Canadian retailer has showcased a range of RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT cards from various AIB partners, as highlighted by @GawroskiT and VideoCardz.

    Pricing Breakdown

    Starting with the entry-level PowerColor Reaper series, the Radeon RX 9070 Reaper is listed at $839 CAD, which equals about $589. In contrast, the RX 9070 XT is priced at $999 CAD, or around $699. Additionally, several other models are available, with the PowerColor Red Devil RX 9070 XT leading the pack at a staggering $1,239 CAD, approximately $860. It’s clear that the RDNA 4 series is positioned to underprice the GeForce TX 5070 lineup, especially considering the recent leak regarding the RTX 5070 Ti’s pricing.

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    AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT Pricing Leak: Great Value for Mid-Range
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  • AMD RDNA 4 GPUs Launch with Exceptional Linux Support

    AMD RDNA 4 GPUs Launch with Exceptional Linux Support

    Support for cutting-edge hardware has often been inconsistent on Linux, but it seems that the new AMD Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT GPUs might be an exception, possibly due to their unusual release timing.

    AMD’s Commitment to Linux

    As reported by Phoronix, AMD’s RADV open-source Vulkan driver for Linux has already been updated to include support for the unreleased AMD RDNA 4 GPUs. This information was shared by Samuel Ptoiset, who is the lead of Valve’s Linux graphic driver team. He assured that the support for RDNA 4 at launch would be “good enough.”

    Ptoiset mentioned, “This initial support should be good enough but it’s missing two features (cooperative matrix and video decode/encode) compared to GFX11 (RDNA3) because lack of time.”

    Ongoing Developments

    While there are still some features missing, such as Delta Colour Compression and Vulkan Video support, work is actively ongoing to address these gaps. Ptoiset expressed optimism that these final details could be completed ahead of the RDNA 4 launch in March. He stated, “DCC is still under active development, but it might be possible to finish it during the RC period.”

    Even if these features are not ready by the time the Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT GPUs are released, they are still expected to be functional. This is a more favorable situation compared to what often occurs with new hardware. After the launch, efforts will likely focus on enhancing support and performance for specific features, while also fixing any bugs that may arise.

    Upcoming Driver Updates

    The new RADV open-source driver will be included in the Mesa 25.0 update, which is anticipated to be available by the end of February, aligning perfectly with the release of the Radeon 9070 series GPUs. These updates will probably require a relatively recent kernel version, and Phoronix estimates that the minimum requirement will be Linux 6.13 or 6.14.

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  • AMD FSR 4 Review: Enhanced Quality and Detail with ML Technology

    AMD FSR 4 Review: Enhanced Quality and Detail with ML Technology

    AMD’s CES announcement about RDNA 4 was quite unusual, with Team Red sharing details about the new graphics card generation in bits and pieces after the main reveal. Recently, independent tests carried out by Hardware Unboxed on YouTube (you can view the full video below) have largely validated many of AMD’s touted performance and quality enhancements.

    Impressive Performance Observed

    The Hardware Unboxed crew managed to get a glimpse of how AMD’s FSR 4 compares to FSR 3.1 during the CES 2025 event, using demo systems that showcased Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart on the latest Radeon RX 9070 GPUs. Their findings indicated a noticeable boost in upscaling quality, featuring sharper edges, improved antialiasing, and a reduction in overall visual artefacts.

    Visual Enhancements in 4K Mode

    In addition to visual enhancements, these upgrades were particularly evident in 4K Performance mode, which has not been FSR’s strong suit in earlier assessments. The most obvious improvement is seen in small, fast-moving details, such as particles, where FSR 3.1 has difficulty with edges, resulting in pixelation and unclear details. The fur on Ratchet also shows a significant upgrade, with FSR 4 offering much finer hair texture compared to FSR 3.1, even though some smoothing is still present.

    Clarity in Distant Elements

    Elements that are further away, like guard rails in the crowd stands shown in the footage, are rendered much more distinctly with FSR 4 in contrast to FSR 3.1. Enhancements are clear in reflections, transparent surfaces, and holographic effects, which exhibit less detail distortion when utilizing FSR 4.

    One of the major updates in FSR 4 is that the upscaling technology now employs machine learning, akin to Nvidia’s DLSS, which has traditionally been seen as superior to AMD’s offering. If AMD’s FSR 4 can deliver the improved quality suggested by Hardware Unboxed, it may revolutionize the upcoming gaming handhelds equipped with RDNA 3.5 iGPUs—assuming AMD permits FSR 4 to function on those iGPUs, as it is currently restricted to RDNA 4.

    Limited Testing Scope

    It is worth noting that this evaluation was conducted on just one game and a singular scene, which means it might not fully represent overall performance. Nevertheless, it’s quite remarkable to witness AMD making such significant progress in AI-enhanced upscaling. The Radeon RX 9070 XT and other GPUs in the 9070 series are anticipated to launch sometime in Q1 2025.

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