When will we get a glimpse of AMD’s most anticipated GPUs?
Updated: Jan 9, 2025 10:49 am
WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
As 2025 kicks off, and us PC enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to, including the next generation of AMD’s RDNA 4 graphics cards. Among these, the AMD RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 are already stirring up excitement, though intimate details remain missing.Â
Despite initial speculation that these GPUs would be unveiled during AMD’s CES 2025 keynote, their absence from the main presentation has left many curious about what’s next for Team Red. Let’s dive into what we know (and what we can only speculate) about the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 release date, specifications, and pricing.
AMD’s RDNA 4 lineup: A shift in naming and strategy
One of the more interesting points for AMD’s new GPUs is the shift to the RX 9000 naming convention. This marks a departure from the RX 7000 series, which skips the RX 8000 entirely. AMD has stated that this change is meant to align its GPU lineup more closely with competitors like Nvidia, with the RX XX70 cards directly competing against Nvidia’s XX70 counterparts.
The RX 9070 XT, positioned as the flagship of this midrange series, is set to replace a wide range of previous-generation cards, including the RX 7800 XT and RX 7900 XT. The RX 9070, a non-XT variant, should offer a slightly more affordable option while maintaining solid performance.
Currently, these are the only two RDNA 4 GPUs officially confirmed by AMD, though rumours suggest additional models (such as the RX 9060 series) may follow later in the year.
AMD reveals release window at CES 2025
While AMD refrained from providing a direct release date during CES 2025, several credible sources have pointed to a Q1 2025 launch for the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070. A graphic from AMD’s CES presentation hinted at a broader release window for RDNA 4 GPUs within the first quarter of the year.
Additionally, reports from Board Channels (via VideoCardz) suggest that availability will begin early in February.
US retailer B&H has also added to the speculation, revealing plans to open pre-orders for the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 starting January 23, 2025. While AMD hasn’t confirmed this information, it aligns with expectations of an imminent launch. However, the listings have since been removed
RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 specs: What we know
Compared to Nvidia’s RTX 50 series, details about the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 remain relatively limited. Still, leaks and rumours provide insight into what these GPUs might offer. Both models are expected to feature 16GB of GDDR6 memory with a 256-bit memory bus, offering a memory bandwidth of 640 GB/s.
The RX 9070 XT, based on the Navi 48 XTX GPU, could boast up to 4,096 cores and a boost clock reaching 3.1 GHz. Meanwhile, the RX 9070 (utilizing the Navi 48 XT GPU) is rumoured to include 3,584 cores. The XT variant may also come with a TBP of up to 330W, compared to a likely lower power requirement for the standard model.
Below is a summary of the rumoured specifications:
| Specification | RX 9070 XT (Rumored) | RX 9070 (Rumored) |
| GPU | Navi 48 XTX | Navi 48 XT |
| Cores | 4,096 | 3,584 |
| VRAM | 16GB GDDR6 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus Width | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Speed | 20 Gbps | 20 Gbps |
| Memory Bandwidth | 640 GB/s | 640 GB/s |
| Power Connectors | 2x 8-pin | 2x 8-pin |
| TDP / TBP | 260W-330W | Unknown |
A leaked benchmark for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 showcased the RX 9070. At native 4K resolution with upscaling and frame generation disabled, the RX 9070 averaged an impressive 99 FPS in the Black Ops 6 benchmark tool. However, the test environment paired the GPU with AMD’s latest Ryzen 9 9950X3D processor. While promising, these early benchmarks should be taken with a grain of salt until more concrete data becomes available.
Pricing expectations
AMD has remained tight-lipped about pricing, leaving us to speculate based on previous trends. The RX 9070 series is expected to target the midrange market, and its pricing will likely be similar to that of the RX 7800 XT and RX 7700 XT, which launched at $499 and $449 USD, respectively.
Given these previous price points, the RX 9070 could debut around the $450 mark, with the RX 9070 XT reaching $500 or slightly higher. This would position AMD’s new GPUs competitively against Nvidia’s RTX 4070 Ti and RTX 4070, which occupy similar price points. It is unknown whether or not AMD’s new RDNA 4 GPUs will make a dent in the newly announced 50-series GPUs.Â
Why wasn’t the new GPUs part of AMD’s keynote?
The RX 9070 series’ absence from AMD’s CES 2025 keynote has led to speculation about the reasons behind the delay. AMD may be holding back to fine-tuning performance or ensuring adequate supply at launch. A
nother theory suggests that AMD may have opted for a more low-key rollout to focus on its FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 4 technology, which will be exclusive to RDNA 4 GPUs.
Final word
With pre-orders rumoured to start on January 23 and broader availability expected by February, the AMD RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 are shaping into compelling options for gamers seeking midrange performance. While many details remain under wraps, early leaks suggest that these GPUs could offer impressive 4K capabilities and competitive pricing.
Whether AMD can effectively challenge Nvidia’s RTX 50 series remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: 2025 is set to be an exciting year for PC hardware enthusiasts.
