# AMD’s New GPU Naming Convention: A Transition Towards Nvidia-Style Branding?
For several months, speculations have been circulating regarding AMD’s upcoming graphics cards, which are anticipated to be revealed at CES 2025. Historically, AMD has followed a steady naming pattern for its GPUs, with the current RX 7000 series being the most recent update. However, recent leaks and reports indicate that AMD is gearing up to drop its conventional naming format for a new strategy—one that closely mirrors Nvidia’s branding approach.
## The Speculation: RX 8000 Supplanted by RX 9000?
The initial indications of a potential naming revamp emerged on the Chiphell forum, a well-known source for early tech leaks. According to user accounts, AMD’s forthcoming GPUs will adopt model numbers that commence with “9, 0, and 7,” suggesting a shift to the RX 9000 series. This was further supported by leaker @9550pro, who tweeted about an anticipated “RX 9070 XT” model.
To add to the speculation, Videocardz, a trusted outlet for GPU-related updates, referenced an anonymous board partner who asserted that manufacturers are getting ready for the launch of “Nvidia GeForce 50 and AMD Radeon 90” series GPUs. This information coincided with a listing noticed by leaker @momomo_us on the French retailer Grosbill-Pro, which briefly featured an “RX 9070 XT” product page.
## AMD’s Lack of Comment and Community Feedback
While AMD has not yet provided an official statement regarding these claims, an image of an unreleased graphics card has appeared online, with several leakers confirming it as the RX 9070 XT. The render was allegedly shared by AMD itself, adding more weight to the rumors.
Meanwhile, responses on the AMD subreddit have been less than favorable regarding the proposed name change. Some users have wittily branded AMD as “Another Marketing Disaster,” criticizing the company for seemingly imitating Nvidia’s naming approach. The likeness between an “RX 9070 XT” and Nvidia’s “RTX 4070” or “RTX 5070” could create consumer confusion, igniting passionate discussions online.
Despite the criticism, others contend that the naming convention is less crucial than the GPUs’ performance and pricing. With Intel’s Battlemage GPUs gaining momentum, AMD’s upcoming graphics cards must provide competitive value to retain their presence in the market.
## Aligning GPUs with Ryzen CPUs: A Tactical Decision?
One possible reason behind the naming alteration is to sync AMD’s GPU branding with its Ryzen CPU assortment. For example, a configuration featuring a Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor alongside a Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU could yield a more unified branding experience for consumers. However, this linking has elicited mixed feedback, with some regarding it as a sensible move while others dismiss it as unwarranted.
## Technical Insights and Future Plans
Beyond the naming debate, fresh information about AMD’s impending GPUs has also surfaced. The RX 9000 series is projected to be based on the RDNA 4 architecture, promising substantial performance and efficiency enhancements. However, this generation might mark the conclusion of the RDNA era.
In an interview at IFA 2024, AMD Vice President Jack Huynh confirmed that the company intends to transition to a new architecture dubbed UDNA (Unified DNA) following the RX 9000 series. This architecture is anticipated to draw on the older GCN (Graphics Core Next) microarchitecture while integrating contemporary advancements. Manufacturing of UDNA-based GPUs is set to commence in Q2 2026, with potential implementations in next-gen consoles such as the PlayStation 6.
## The Broader Context: Competition and Market Trends
AMD’s choice to revise its GPU naming scheme may be seen as a strategic effort to compete more directly with Nvidia, which has long held dominance in the high-end GPU sector. By adopting a reminiscent naming system, AMD could be striving to present its products as genuine alternatives to Nvidia’s offerings, easing the decision-making process for consumers.
However, this strategy carries inherent risks. Nvidia’s brand equity is profoundly established, and any perceived mimicry could result in negative consequences, particularly if AMD’s GPUs fall short of outperforming their Nvidia equivalents. Additionally, Intel’s rising influence in the GPU market via its Battlemage series introduces another layer of competition, making it crucial for AMD to deliver both performance and value.
## Conclusion: A Daring Decision or a Miscalculation?
As AMD prepares for CES 2025, the speculated naming scheme alteration has already generated considerable discussion among tech aficionados. While aligning GPU branding with Ryzen CPUs and reflecting Nvidia’s naming convention may simplify marketing, it also risks estranging dedicated AMD supporters who appreciate the company’s unique identity.
In the end, the success of AMD’s RX 9000 series will hinge on more than merely its name. Performance, pricing, and availability will be the fundamental factors determining whether AMD can sustain its market presence.