AMD to Launch Mid-Range RDNA 2 Desktop Graphics in First Half 2021
by Dr. Ian Cutress on January 12, 2021 12:00 PM EST- Posted in
- GPUs
- AMD
- Trade Shows
- RDNA2
- CES 2021
The recent launches of high-end graphics cards from both sides of the aisle has left a number of questions on the table about what will be offered for those of us unwilling or unable to either find $400+ for the latest generation (or more due to low stock pressure). Both AMD and NVIDIA have focused, naturally, on the high-end of the market as that is where a good chunk of the revenue is, however we are waiting for both companies to filter the latest technology into something a little more mainstream. Neither company had said anything about their plans here, until AMD’s keynote at CES today.
The company looks set to bring to market RDNA 2 solutions for mid-range desktop discrete graphics cards models in the first half of 2021 (H1 2021). Based on the images showcased during AMD’s presentation, compared to the current RDNA 2 solutions, these cards appear to be less bulky, along with versions that only need a single fan.
These are almost certainly built on new silicon – rather than the Navi 21 GPUs used in their 6800 series cards, perhaps something like Navi 23, with cut down compute units and/or memory support. There are also questions as to the state of AMD’s Infinity Cache on these lower models, whether it still exists or is reduced, and then how that all ties into performance, power, efficiency, and then ultimately cost. All RDNA 2 hardware supports DX12 Ultimate, and all that entails.
AMD is keeping tight lipped at this time, however AMD did mentioned that mobile graphics solutions will also be coming to market in the first half of the year.
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shabby - Tuesday, January 12, 2021 - link
Already sold out!WaltC - Tuesday, January 12, 2021 - link
As they haven't yet shipped, that would be a thing, definitely...;)Dolda2000 - Tuesday, January 12, 2021 - link
I was really hoping for some fanless designs in this timeframe, but judging from what's on display, that doesn't seem to be the case. :(evilspoons - Tuesday, January 12, 2021 - link
My HTPC could really use something newer than a GT 730, lol. Paying full price for a GT 1030 right now seems insane, but it's the best we can get in the half-height passive category.StevoLincolnite - Tuesday, January 12, 2021 - link
Yeah, got a GDDR5 Geforce 1030, half height, fanless in my ITX Core 2 Quad Q9650 PC. Which is *fine* for 720P gaming.Something newer and faster would be good.
Will probably upgrade the CPU once DDR5 rolls around.
Kangal - Thursday, January 14, 2021 - link
You guys can move up from Intel HD Iris Pro:to a GT 1030, or a GTX 750Ti, or a GTX 1050, or GTX 1050Ti, or GTX 1650-LP.
I would avoid AMD GPUs when it comes to HTPCs. Either out of stock, requires additional pin-power, too slow, or sometimes other issues. Otherwise, move from SFF cases to a different case that allows larger GPU cards and larger PSUs.
Dolda2000 - Thursday, January 14, 2021 - link
I'd really like to move from nVidia to AMD though, if only for the Linux driver situation.Alexvrb - Tuesday, January 12, 2021 - link
Low-end, low-TDP, fanless dGPUs are rapidly becoming a niche within a niche. For that matter, iGPUs are increasingly competitive with low-end passive GPUs.Calin - Wednesday, January 13, 2021 - link
Well, support for video modes (24 fps, 23.976 fps, 30 fps, multiple displays, 4k60, ...) and codecs might be better in discrete GPUs - not to mention operating systems other than Windows.So, an integrated GPU might simply not support one of the configurations you desire - either in hardware or in software on your specific operating system.
Dolda2000 - Wednesday, January 13, 2021 - link
That would be quite unfortunate for the case where you need multiple low-end GPUs. Or where you want a high-power CPU that doesn't have an iGPU along with an additional monitor output or two.