AMD appears to be expanding its RDNA 4 graphics card lineup with a more affordable option for gamers seeking better value. Following the successful launch of the Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070, reports suggest a new variant is on the horizon that could hit a more attractive price point.
The Return of the GRE Branding
AMD's Great Radeon Edition (GRE) branding, which was previously known as Golden Rabbit Edition in celebration of the Chinese Year of the Rabbit in 2023, is making another appearance. While GRE cards have historically been targeted primarily at the Chinese market, some models like the RX 7900 GRE and RX 6750 GRE did see global releases. It remains unclear whether the upcoming RX 9070 GRE will be a China-exclusive or receive worldwide distribution.
Expected Specifications
According to reports from ITHome, the Radeon RX 9070 GRE will likely feature a further cut-down version of the Navi 48 GPU core that powers its siblings. Unlike the standard RX 9070 which comes with 16GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus, the GRE variant is expected to offer 12GB of VRAM on a narrower 192-bit memory bus. This reduction in memory capacity and bus width suggests the card will also feature fewer stream processors than the 3,584 found in the non-XT RX 9070.
AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series Comparison
| GPU Model | Architecture | Memory | Memory Bus | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 9070 XT | RDNA 4 (Navi 48) | 16GB GDDR6 | 256-bit | US$599 |
| RX 9070 | RDNA 4 (Navi 48) | 16GB GDDR6 | 256-bit | US$549 |
| RX 9070 GRE (Rumored) | RDNA 4 (Navi 48) | 12GB GDDR6 | 192-bit | US$449-499 (Expected) |
Competitive Pricing Strategy
The most compelling aspect of the rumored RX 9070 GRE is its potential pricing. Sources suggest AMD is targeting a sub-US$500 price point, possibly between US$449 and US$499. This would position it as a more affordable alternative to both the RX 9070 (US$549) and RX 9070 XT (US$599), while potentially competing directly with NVIDIA's RTX 5070, which also features 12GB of VRAM.
Market Positioning and Release Timeline
AMD reportedly considers the standard RX 9070 a major success that is outselling NVIDIA's RTX 50 series GPUs at several retailers. The introduction of a more budget-friendly option could help AMD capture an even larger share of the mid-range graphics card market. According to the reports, the RX 9070 GRE is expected to launch before the Radeon RX 9060 XT (based on the Navi 44 GPU), which is anticipated to arrive later this quarter.
Performance Expectations
While specific performance metrics haven't been leaked, the card is being positioned as offering better gaming value than the standard RX 9070. This suggests that while it may offer somewhat reduced raw performance due to the cut-down specifications, the performance-per-dollar ratio could be more favorable for budget-conscious gamers who don't need the full capabilities of the higher-end models.
The Broader RDNA 4 Lineup
The addition of the RX 9070 GRE would expand AMD's RDNA 4 portfolio, which currently consists of just two models. The company appears to be taking a methodical approach to rolling out its next-generation graphics architecture, with more mainstream and entry-level options expected to follow. The complete RDNA 4 lineup will likely include several more cards spanning various price points and performance tiers.
RX 9070 XT vs RX 9070 Specifications
| Specification | RX 9070 XT | RX 9070 |
|---|---|---|
| Compute Units | 64 | 56 |
| Stream Processors | 4096 | 3584 |
| Game Clock | 2400 MHz | 2070 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 2970 MHz | 2540 MHz |
| Infinity Cache | 64 MB | 64 MB |
| TBP | 304W | 220W |
What This Means for Gamers
For gamers looking to upgrade their systems without breaking the bank, the RX 9070 GRE could represent an attractive option if it delivers on the promise of improved value. However, its appeal will ultimately depend on how well it performs relative to its price, particularly in comparison to NVIDIA's competing offerings like the RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti. Whether this card will be widely available outside of China remains to be seen, but AMD's track record with previous GRE models suggests a global release is possible.