The Sapphire Pulse RX 7900 GRE Gaming OC:
Architecture:
This Sapphire Pulse RX 7900 GRE Gaming OC benefits from the brand-new RDNA3 architecture. The novelty of this architecture is the design based on the addition of MCD(Memory Cache Die), also known as memory chiplets. This two-part design is reminiscent of AMD processors. There’s the GCD(Graphic Compute Die) etched in 5 nm with a size of 300 mm², and then five or six MCDs(Memory Cache Die), also known as memory chiplets, etched in 6 nm. Each occupies a surface area of 37 mm².
But here, with the RX 7900 GRE model, we switch to a Navi 31 XL, deprived of 2 of its 6 MCDs, and with only 80 of its 96 CUs activated, compared with 5 MCDs and 84 CUs for the RX 7900 XT model. Memory is also limited compared with the RX 7900, since the chips used are 18 Gbps rather than 20 Gbps. But in the end, on paper, it’s closer to an RX 7900 XT than an RX 7800 XT. Memory is also reduced from 20 GB to 16 GB on the RX 7900 GRE. We’ll have to wait and see how it performs, and hope that AMD hasn’t been too heavy-handed in limiting performance.
The bundle:
We’ve become accustomed to testing the Sapphire Pulse series on entry-level boards, most recently with the Sapphire RX 6600 Pulse. So we’re delighted to welcome this Sapphire Pulse RX 7900 GRE model, which features slight factory overclocking. A quick word on the packaging , with the dominant color of the box being blue and, of course, the reference to AMD in red and white.
The graphics card only comes in a brown cardboard box, with a vertical stand and quick installation instructions, confirming the entry-level model with the “Pulse” series. The other two Sapphire series are “Nitro” and “Toxic”.
Cooling system :
On the front panel, you can see the three 95 mm fans in charge of keeping the radiator cool, in contact with the graphics chip, as well as the various PCB components. Each fan has 9 blades, all of which are attached to each other at the tip. The idea is to optimize static pressure.
All three fans benefit from “0 dBa” technology, which enables them to remain at rest when the temperature does not exceed 50°C. The idea is to reduce noise pollution wherever possible, but also to cut energy consumption.
This is a fairly compact model, with a width of 2.5 slots. The front panel fairing is made of black plastic and covers the end of the PCB. This is something we always find very interesting, as it enhances the aesthetic appearance of the board. At the rear is a metal backplate whose role is to stiffen the PCB and protect it from damage. The backplate is cut out at the rear of the graphics chip to optimize cooling, since the PBC is slightly shorter.
There’s no RGB here, but the card’s decoration is not unpleasant. On the top edge, in red to contrast with the black color, the annotations “Sapphire” and “Radeon”. Finally, on the backplate, a red line referring to the heartbeat, in keeping with the name of the “Pulse” series.
Connectors :
To power the board, there are two 8-pin connectors, as AMD has chosen to retain this type of power connector on its current generation.
Finally, the card’s video outputs include two DisplayPort 2.1 and two HDMI 2.1 ports. Pricing is not yet available.
