AMD is preparing to launch its new RDNA 4-based GPUs shortly. The official announcement for the Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT duo is expected at CES 2025. However, the lack of information on pricing, specifications, or performance made it seem more like a teaser than a comprehensive reveal.
RDNA 4's competitors to GeForce RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti appear quite impressive. This week, one of AMD's primary Radeon partners, Sapphire, started to tease its Radeon RX 9070 series by sharing images of what seems to be an upgraded version of their Pulse models.
SAPPHIRE PULSE … incoming pic.twitter.com/0GEd8weAmw
— SAPPHIRE Technology (@SapphireTech) January 13, 2025
With options for both triple-fan and dual-fan configurations hinted at, it's likely that we’re seeing the new Sapphire PULSE AMD Radeon RX 9070 and Sapphire PULSE AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT.
Sapphire's PULSE series signifies the company's reference or MSRP designs, devoid of RGB and featuring a black and red color scheme with custom cooling. With the new triple-fan version, Sapphire appears to be revamping the design with some curves, which is a positive development because the old PULSE aesthetic was beginning to look somewhat outdated.
For those seeking a higher-end GPU, it’s encouraging to learn that Sapphire is set to unveil an upgraded flagship triple-fan and triple-slot Sapphire NITRO+ AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT, as highlighted in AMD's CES 2025 presentation slide displaying renders of forthcoming RDNA 4 GPUs.
SAPPHIRE PULSE take 2…coming soon pic.twitter.com/0Nfo1KZgcz
— SAPPHIRE Technology (@SapphireTech) January 14, 2025
While the GPU excitement at CES predominantly revolved around NVIDIA's upcoming GeForce RTX 50 Series, where NVIDIA spotlighted advanced AI features and the latest DLSS 4, there is certainly an opportunity for AMD to make a significant impact with its RDNA 4 lineup. Speculation suggests performance akin to GeForce RTX 4080 and substantial advancements in ray tracing, which could make the Radeon RX 9070 XT an intriguing option in the mid-range market, depending on the pricing.
AMD stated that the naming of the 9070 XT was intended to align with its direct rivals. This indicates that the Radeon RX 9070 will go head-to-head with the GeForce RTX 5070 ($549), while the Radeon RX 9070 XT will rival the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti ($749).
And as always, while waiting for more exciting news, remember to use our comparison tool to find the best deal for your next favorite game.
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