AMD launched its latest graphics cards, the Radeon RX 9070 and Radeon RX 9070 XT, earlier this month, marking a notable entry into the competitive GPU market. Unlike previous generations, these cards were unveiled without a reference design, relying exclusively on partner models from various manufacturers such as GIGABYTE, ASUS, and Sapphire. This shift has caught the attention of both consumers and tech reviewers, sparking significant interest in AMD's offerings.
Recently, a user on the Chiphell forums showcased an unreleased OEM version of the RX 9070, closely resembling the unlaunched reference design. This OEM variant features a dual-fan configuration, appearing as a 2.5-slot GPU with a standard connector setup of three Display Ports and one HDMI. Testing conducted on this card revealed impressive thermals, with the GPU maintaining a temperature of 67°C after just eight minutes of stress testing using benchmarks such as Furmark and 3DMark TimeSpy.
Initial reports indicate that AMD has shipped 200,000 RX 9070 series GPUs as of March 24, 2025, leading to claims from AMD Japan about achieving a 45% market share in the GPU sector. These figures, while varying in accuracy, suggest that the RX 9070 series is gaining traction; in fact, sources inform that AMD has outpaced Nvidia's entire GeForce 50 series sales in just two weeks, a remarkable achievement for the company given its previous market struggles.
In terms of performance, the RX 9070 XT has been measured against Nvidia's RTX 5070 Ti across 55 games at both 1440p and 4K resolutions. On average, the RX 9070 XT is reported to be roughly 5% slower than its Nvidia competitor. Testing identified that in specific titles like Rocket League, the RX 9070 XT outperformed the RTX 5070 Ti by 41% at 1440p and 36% at 4K, showcasing areas where AMD's new cards shine.
However, performance details also highlighted weaknesses in certain games. For instance, in Assetto Corsa Competizione, the RX 9070 XT struggled, finishing 35% slower at 1440p and 37% slower at 4K compared to the RTX 5070 Ti. Similar performance lags were observed in Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced and Gears 5, with deficits reaching 29% and 32% respectively. Yet overall, the RX 9070 XT has shown that it can hold its ground, particularly in a fast-paced gaming market where real-time performance is crucial.
Pricing strategies also underscore AMD's competitive positioning. With an MSRP of $600 for the RX 9070 XT and $750 for the RTX 5070 Ti, the Radeon GPU is marketed as a better value offering, especially considering that it is often available at retail for around $750, compared to $900 for the RTX 5070 Ti. This substantial price gap makes it compelling for consumers looking for capable performance without breaking the bank.
Looking forward, the potential for performance improvements through driver updates remains a key focal point for AMD. Given that many initial performance assessments may evolve, gamers are advised to keep an eye on performance metrics as updated drivers become available. With many professionals expressing optimism about AMD's advancements in ray tracing and image upscaling via FSR 4 technology, the company seems poised to challenge Nvidia's historical dominance in these areas.
In summary, the Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT have generated considerable buzz and demand in the GPU market. AMD's approach of focusing on partner models rather than traditional reference designs, combined with a compelling pricing strategy and encouraging sales figures, indicates that they are successfully carving a space against formidable competition. While performance gaps exist, and updates are needed, the RX 9070 series is shaping up to be a strong segment of AMD's product lineup in 2025. As they continue to innovate and refine their offerings, both AMD and gamers can expect an accessible and exciting future in the world of graphics technology.
