AMD’s Upcoming RX 9000 Series: What We Know About FSR 4, Pricing, and Performance
D’s next-generation graphics cards are set to launch soon, but they were noticeably absent from the company’s CES 2025 keynote.
D’s next-generation graphics cards are set to launch soon, but they were noticeably absent from the company’s CES 2025 keynote. While this might have left some enthusiasts in the dark, an insightful interview with Frank Azor, AMD’s chief architect of gaming solutions and gaming marketing, has revealed some key details. One of the most intriguing revelations concerns FSR 4, AMD’s cutting-edge upscaling technology, which is currently exclusive to the RDNA 4 architecture but might eventually make its way to older AMD GPUs.
Azor’s comments, made in an interview with Michael Quesada and later shared by El Chapuzas Informatico and VideoCardz, offered a glimpse into AMD’s upcoming plans for the RX 9000 series. While the interview touched on various aspects, including FSR 4, pricing, and the predicted performance of the RX 9070 XT, the overarching theme was clear: AMD is focusing on delivering a value-oriented product that balances price and performance.
FSR 4 and Its Potential to Reach Older GPUs
One of the most notable topics discussed in the interview was FSR 4, AMD’s upscaling technology that utilizes machine learning to enhance gaming visuals without requiring excessive computational power. This marks a shift for AMD, which has previously made its upscaling tech available across multiple generations of GPUs. For the first time, FSR 4 is being positioned as an exclusive feature for the RX 9000 series, with the technology limited to RDNA 4 GPUs.
However, Azor provided hope for users with older hardware, suggesting that FSR 4 may eventually be available to those with RDNA 3 GPUs. “We may be able to optimize it to work on RDNA 3 architecture. And we are, we want to do it, but we have work to do for now,” Azor remarked. This statement, while somewhat vague, indicates that AMD is actively exploring ways to make FSR 4 more accessible across its GPU lineup. This is a marked contrast to Nvidia’s approach with DLSS 3, which remains exclusive to its RTX 40-series cards, with future versions expected to be locked to the RTX 50-series.
Azor also emphasized that while FSR 4 leverages machine learning to improve image quality, it requires significant computational power to run efficiently. This explains why only RDNA 4 GPUs currently have the raw power necessary to support the technology. Despite this, Azor’s comments suggest that AMD remains committed to enhancing FSR 3, which is more widely compatible and doesn’t rely on machine learning, offering a more universal solution for users with older hardware.
A Focus on Value and Competitive Pricing
When discussing the upcoming RX 9000 series, Azor highlighted AMD’s commitment to offering competitive pricing while maintaining high performance. The price range for the new GPUs will span from $300 to $1,000, according to Azor. Although this is a wide range, leaks have suggested that the pricing may fall closer to $500, with some sources claiming that the reference card could cost around $480.
Azor further elaborated on AMD’s approach to pricing by reflecting on past successful launches, such as the RX 7800 XT. “We’re going to bring a very competitive product. Everyone will win with this launch. It will be worth the wait,” Azor promised. He also pointed to the RX 7900 GRE and RX 7800 XT as examples of AMD’s ability to offer aggressive pricing for performance. These products were well-received in a market where graphics card prices have been steadily rising, and Azor reiterated that AMD’s focus is on being a “value-for-money company.”
This focus on value has been a hallmark of AMD’s strategy in recent years, with the company making a concerted effort to deliver powerful products at a lower price point compared to competitors. Azor acknowledged the challenges associated with producing high-end GPUs, stating that creating $1,000 graphics cards in both RDNA 2 and RDNA 3 was a costly endeavor. The process required multiple chips and significant resources, which made the production of such cards expensive.
Looking Ahead: The RX 9000 Series and RDNA 4
While the RX 9000 series and RDNA 4 chips were noticeably absent from AMD’s CES 2025 keynote, Azor confirmed that more information would be coming soon. AMD has opted to wait and see what Nvidia does with its own product lineup before revealing more about RDNA 4. This approach seems to reflect a deliberate strategy to ensure that AMD’s launch is well-timed and competitive. Azor also mentioned that AMD would be hosting a dedicated event to discuss the RX 9000 series in greater detail, allowing the company to showcase its upcoming GPUs in a more focused setting.
Leaks have already suggested that preorders for the new graphics cards will open on January 23, generating considerable excitement among the gaming community. With the RX 9000 series, AMD is poised to compete with Nvidia’s offerings and bring a new level of performance and value to the desktop GPU market.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for AMD’s Graphics Cards
As we approach the launch of AMD’s RX 9000 series, it’s clear that the company is placing a strong emphasis on performance, value, and accessibility. With FSR 4 offering cutting-edge upscaling technology and the promise of broader compatibility in the future, AMD is making strides in closing the performance gap with Nvidia while maintaining its reputation for providing great value. The upcoming GPUs, set to offer a balance of power and affordability, will likely appeal to a wide range of consumers, from casual gamers to enthusiasts looking for the best bang for their buck.
In the coming months, we can expect more details about the RX 9000 series and RDNA 4. For now, fans of AMD are eagerly awaiting the chance to preorder these new cards and experience the next evolution in gaming graphics. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or someone looking to upgrade your rig, the upcoming launch of the RX 9000 series could very well be worth the wait.
