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AMD's New RX 9050: A Step Backwards?
28 Jul
Summary
- New AMD RX 9050 graphics card launches with 4GB memory option.
- The 4GB variant is exclusive to pre-built PCs, not sold separately.
- The 8GB RX 9050 is priced at $279 and initially available in LATAM/APAC.
AMD has unveiled its new Radeon RX 9050 graphics card, a release marked by the controversial inclusion of a 4GB memory variant. This version, based on the Navi 44 platform, will feature a significantly reduced memory bus, halving its overall bandwidth. AMD clarified that this 4GB model is strictly for system integrators and will only appear in pre-built gaming PCs, not as a standalone purchase.
The 8GB version of the RX 9050 is slated for an introductory price of $279 USD. However, its initial availability will be limited to Latin American and Asia-Pacific regions, with no immediate plans for broader market releases. This launch signifies a departure from recent industry standards, as the last AMD desktop card featuring only 4GB of VRAM was the Radeon RX 6400 in 2022.
Despite being positioned as a budget option, the 4GB RX 9050's specifications, including its 64-bit memory bus, place it significantly behind more powerful cards. For context, higher-tier models like the RX 9060 XT, which offers 8GB of VRAM, are currently priced above $400 USD. The overall performance of the RX 9050 is reportedly about a quarter of that of AMD's top-end offerings.
