# AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT: A Peek into the Future of RDNA-4 Graphics
The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT, a member of AMD’s highly awaited RDNA-4 series of GPUs, remains a source of fervent speculation and excitement among technology fans. Although AMD has withheld specific details about this forthcoming graphics card, a multitude of leaks and rumors have begun to clarify what we might anticipate. With CES 2025 as the backdrop for these disclosures, the RX 9070 XT is emerging as a strong contender in the upcoming GPU landscape.
## An Enigmatic Keynote and the Impact of Leaks
AMD’s keynote at CES 2025 was anticipated to illuminate the RDNA-4 architecture and its related GPUs, including the RX 9070 XT. Nevertheless, the presentation left numerous queries unresolved, igniting speculation and driving enthusiasts to seek information from unofficial channels. Enter the Chinese Chiphell forum, a frequent source of early GPU leaks, which has yielded a wealth of details about the RX 9070 XT.
## Radeon RX 9070 XT: Leaked Specs
As per the leaks, the Radeon RX 9070 XT is set to offer impressive performance, with specifications that position it firmly against NVIDIA’s RTX 5000 series. Here are the key aspects that have surfaced:
1. **Video Memory**: The RX 9070 XT is speculated to come equipped with 16 GB of GDDR6 memory, operating at a speed of 20 Gbps. This setup should ensure sufficient bandwidth for high-resolution gaming and intensive workloads.
2. **Navi 48 Chip**: The GPU is rumored to be based on AMD’s Navi 48 framework, featuring 4,096 shader units. This signifies a notable advancement in AMD’s RDNA-4 design, promising enhanced efficiency and performance.
3. **Clock Speeds**: Leaked screenshots hint at a base clock of 2,520 MHz, with boost frequencies reaching up to 3,060 MHz. It’s important to note that these values are based on an Asus custom model, which may exhibit factory overclocking. Reference versions are expected to have slightly reduced clock speeds.
4. **Power Usage**: The RX 9070 XT allegedly has a TDP of up to 330 watts during stress tests like Furmark. However, this figure may be exaggerated due to the overclocking on custom models, with reference designs likely consuming less power.
## Benchmark Results: A Mixed Bag
The leaked benchmark results provide an interesting insight into the RX 9070 XT’s performance. In the 3DMark “Time Spy Extreme” test, the GPU reportedly achieved 14,558 points, just surpassing NVIDIA’s RTX 4080 Super, which scored 14,061 points. This indicates that the RX 9070 XT could outperform its NVIDIA rival in rasterization-heavy situations.
However, the narrative shifts in ray tracing workloads. In the 3DMark “Speed Way” test, which focuses on ray tracing capabilities, the RX 9070 XT scored 6,345 points, trailing behind the RTX 4080’s 6,948 points. This suggests that while AMD has made advancements in ray tracing, NVIDIA may still have the edge in this domain.
## Pricing and Availability: What to Anticipate
Speculation regarding the RX 9070 XT’s pricing indicates that AMD intends to undercut NVIDIA’s options. The reference model is anticipated to debut at $479, making it $80 less expensive than the RTX 5070, its direct rival. Custom models from manufacturers such as Asus may range up to $550, depending on features and factory overclocking.
Regarding availability, the leaks suggest that the test embargo will be lifted on January 22, 2025, with pre-orders commencing the following day. This timeline implies that the RX 9070 XT could be available in retail stores by late January or early February.
## FSR 4: AMD’s Latest Upscaling Technology
Alongside the RX 9070 XT, AMD is likely to unveil FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 4, the newest version of its proprietary upscaling technology. While specifics about FSR 4 are limited, it is expected to deliver enhanced image quality and performance, further bolstering AMD’s position in the GPU market.
## Concluding Thoughts: A Strong Contender
The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is poised to be a formidable competitor in the next-generation GPU battle. With appealing pricing, remarkable rasterization performance, and the promise of RDNA-4 efficiency, it has the capability to draw in gamers and creators alike. However, its ray tracing capabilities and real-world performance are areas that merit close observation.
As the January 22 embargo date approaches, the tech community eagerly anticipates confirmed benchmarks and reviews to establish whether the RX 9070 XT meets expectations.