AMD's highly anticipated RDNA 4 graphics cards may not hit the market until early 2025, according to recent leaks and industry sources. This delay appears to be driven by an oversupply of current-generation RDNA 3 GPUs, particularly high-end models.
RDNA 4 Launch Timeline Shifts
Multiple sources now point to a Q1 2025 launch for AMD's next-generation graphics architecture:
- The flagship Navi 48 GPU is expected to debut at CES 2025 in January
- Mid-range Navi 44 cards may follow in Q2 2025
This represents a significant shift from earlier rumors suggesting a late 2024 release. The delay gives AMD additional time to clear inventory of existing products.
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| AMD's upcoming RDNA 4 graphics cards, representing the shift in launch timeline |
Oversupply Woes for High-End RDNA 3
A key factor behind the postponement seems to be sluggish sales of top-tier RDNA 3 cards like the Radeon RX 7900 series. Industry sources cited by Moore's Law is Dead describe a massive oversupply problem specifically affecting Navi 31-based GPUs.
In contrast, the report indicates that lower to mid-range RDNA 3 products are selling adequately. This aligns with AMD's stated focus on delivering value in the mainstream segment.
RDNA 4 Performance Expectations
While pushed back, RDNA 4 is shaping up to be an enticing upgrade for gamers:
- 10-30% performance uplift over RDNA 3
- Improved ray tracing capabilities
- Enhanced clock speeds and GDDR6 memory
- Continued use of AMD's Infinity Cache technology
The architecture aims to deliver strong performance-per-watt and competitive pricing in the mid-range market.
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| An example of AMD's next-generation RDNA 4 graphics cards featuring enhanced performance and design |
Strategic Positioning vs. NVIDIA
AMD's RDNA 4 delay may actually prove advantageous in the competitive landscape. NVIDIA is expected to launch its high-end RTX 5080 and 5090 cards at CES 2025, with mid-range options following later. This gives AMD a window to establish its value proposition before direct competitors arrive.
The company has already confirmed it won't chase NVIDIA in the ultra-high-end segment, instead prioritizing mainstream adoption to grow overall market share.
As the GPU market evolves, AMD's calculated approach with RDNA 4 could pay off if it delivers the right balance of performance and affordability. However, the success of this strategy hinges on effectively managing current inventory challenges in the coming months.