For its next generation of graphics cards, the RX 8000, AMD is not aiming to compete with NVIDIA in the premium sector. We can expect a series of cards similar to the RX 5000, offering an aggressive performance/price ratio. Already, the Navi 48, the top-of-the-range GPU, is the talk of the town, as it is mentioned in a ROCm patch, an AMD software platform.
Navi 48 mentioned in ROCm, what does it mean?
The fact that the chip is mentioned in such a patch is a good thing, since it indicates that development is proceeding. Potentially, the chip is being tested in AMD’s labs in its first versions. What’s more, this also gives us an indication of the launch date, which could be between now and the end of 2024.
In the meantime, we don’t have many details about this series. However, two chips have already been identified with the Navi 44. Clearly, the Navi 48 will be the largest GPU in the series. In terms of performance, we’re expecting something similar to the Navi 31 found in the RX 7900 XTX, RX 7900 XT and RX 7900 GRE. All that remains is to find out what level we’ll be at.
However, if the card offers the same performance as a 7900 GRE at a cost of around $400, that would be interesting. Once again, let’s not lose sight of the fact that this model is aimed at the mid-range segment, where the bulk of sales take place.
For this, AMD could resort to simpler chip designs. The MCM would then go by the wayside. As for the choice of memory, it’s hard to say whether AMD will opt for GDDR7 or stick with GDDR6. Of course, GDDR7 would offer better bandwidth due to its higher frequency, but would come at a higher price.
