AMD's upcoming RDNA 4 graphics cards have recently been the subject of much speculation. However, Lisa Su, the CEO of AMD, has clarified the situation, putting to rest the numerous predictions surrounding their release. Initially, there was anticipation for AMD's latest graphics cards to launch by the end of 2024, but AMD has now confirmed that the RDNA 4 series will arrive in early 2025. This announcement coincides with a significant decline in the company's gaming revenue.
Confirmation of RDNA 4 release date
AMD has remained tight-lipped about its RDNA 4 (also known as the RX 8000 series) graphics cards for several months. While numerous reports have been from various leakers speculating on a possible release date, those earlier predictions were optimistic. Some leakers suggested that the AMD Radeon RX 8000 series could launch as soon as summer 2024. As time progressed, however, these predictions shifted to a more cautious outlook for a release sometime in 2025. Thanks to AMD's third-quarter earnings call, we now understand that these later predictions were indeed accurate.
During the earnings call, Su addressed the decline in AMD's gaming graphics revenue while revealing that the RDNA 4 GPUs are set to launch in early 2025. “In gaming graphics, revenue declined year-over-year as we prepare for a transition to our next-gen Radeon GPUs based on our RDNA 4 architecture,” she stated, as reported by VideoCardz. Su further emphasised that the RDNA 4 architecture would enhance gaming performance, significantly improve ray tracing capabilities, and introduce new artificial intelligence features.
Anticipating performance improvements
The announcement regarding performance upgrades has sparked curiosity among AMD's audience. AMD has acknowledged focusing on the mainstream market with its next-generation GPUs, as discussed in a recent interview with Tom's Hardware. While there are predictions that the new flagship model may not outperform the RX 7900 XTX, AMD aims to enhance the performance-to-price ratio of its graphics cards, potentially making them more appealing to consumers.
In a previous earnings call, AMD disclosed a staggering 48% year-over-year decrease in its gaming revenue. Unfortunately, the situation has not improved, as the latest report indicates a worrying 69% drop in revenue within the gaming segment compared to the previous year. The company attributes this decline primarily to “a decrease in semi-custom revenue.”
A competitive GPU landscape ahead
With Nvidia's RTX 50 series also expected to launch in early 2025, the GPU market will likely become increasingly competitive. AMD and Nvidia are anticipated to make significant announcements during CES 2025, potentially sparking a fresh wave of excitement among gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.
As the anticipation builds for the RDNA 4 release and the competitive landscape intensifies, AMD's next steps will be crucial in regaining market confidence and consumer interest. The company's commitment to improving performance and features in its upcoming graphics cards could play a vital role in its recovery and future success in the gaming graphics sector.
AMD's RDNA 4 series will launch in early 2025. It will offer enhanced performance and capabilities amid a challenging market landscape.
