AMD unveils the new RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT
On February 28, 2025, AMD officially announced the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards, the first GPUs based on the RDNA 4 architecture. The RX 9070 graphics card starts at $$549 USD, while the RX 9070 XT graphics card is priced at $$599 USD. In my opinion, these cards are so competitively priced that they become strong contenders in the mid-high range. The RX 9070 competes at the same price as the RTX 5070, but with 16GB of VRAM versus 12GB, offering very similar performance. For its part, the RX 9070 XT, with $$150 less than the RTX 5070 Ti, marks a strategic move by AMD to gain ground in this new generation of GPUs against NVIDIA, especially considering the problems faced by the series 50 of the latter. These new options promise outstanding performance in 1440p and 4K, and will hit the market on March 6, 2025.
In this review, we'll explore the technical specifications, expected performance, and how these RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 graphics cards compare to their direct rivals.
Technical specifications of the AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT
| Specification | RX 9070 XT | RX 9070 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | RDNA 4 | RDNA 4 |
| Stream processors | 4096 | 3584 |
| VRAM | 16GB GDDR6 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Bandwidth | 256 bits | 256 bits |
| Base/boost frequency | 2400 / 2970 MHz | 2070 / 2540 MHz |
| TDP | 304W | 220W |
| Video entries | HDMI 2.1, DP 2.1 | HDMI 2.1, DP 2.1 |
The RX 9070 XT graphics card offers superior raw power with 4096 stream processors and a boost of 2970 MHz, while the RX 9070 graphics card prioritizes efficiency with 220W TDP. Both share 16GB of VRAM, a strong point compared to competitors with less memory.
RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT performance in gaming and editing
Gaming in 1440p and 4K: Power within reach
According to AMD, the RX 9070 XT outperforms the RX 7900 GRE by 42% at 4K, bringing it close to matching the RX 7900 XTX's performance, while the RX 9070 improves by 20% over the same GPU. Here's a look at their expected performance:
| Game | Resolution | Configuration | FPS (RX 9070 XT) | FPS (RX 9070) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 4K | High + FSR 4 | 65-80 FPS | 55-70 FPS |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | 1440p | Ultra + FSR | 140-160 FPS | 120-140 FPS |
| Starfield | 4K | High | 60-75 FPS | 50-65 FPS |
The RX 9070 XT graphics card is aimed at 4K enthusiasts, while the RX 9070 graphics card shines at 1440p with great efficiency.
Productivity and editing: What do they offer?
Both GPUs, with 16GB of VRAM, are ideal for light 4K editing in programs like DaVinci Resolve. However, when it comes to 3D rendering with CUDA, NVIDIA's options still have the advantage.
Comparison: RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 vs RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti
| Feature | RX 9070 | RTX 5070 | RX 9070 XT | RTX 5070 Ti |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | RDNA 4 | Blackwell | RDNA 4 | Blackwell |
| VRAM | 16GB GDDR6 | 12GB GDDR7 | 16GB GDDR6 | 16GB GDDR7 |
| TDP | 220W | 250W | 304W | 285W |
| FPS in 4K (Ultra) | 50-70 FPS | 55-75 FPS | 55-80 FPS | 65-90 FPS |
| Launch price | $549 USD | $549 USD | $599 USD | $749 USD |
- RX 9070 vs RTX 5070: Both have a launch price of $549 USD, but the RX 9070 graphics card offers 16GB of VRAM compared to the RTX 5070's 12GB, with lower consumption (220W vs 250W) and similar power in 4K. The RTX excels in ray tracing with DLSS 4.
- RX 9070 XT vs RTX 5070 Ti: The RX 9070 XT graphics card, which launches at $1,599, costs $1,150 less than the RTX 5070 Ti ($1,749). While the RTX leads with up to 90 FPS at 4K, the RX 9070 XT offers 80 FPS and the same VRAM at a lower cost.
Recommended power supply for the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT
The RX 9070 XT (304W) needs a fountain of 750W minimum (850W ideal), while the RX 9070 (220W) runs at 650W. Recommended options:
- Corsair RM850x – For the RX 9070 XT graphics card.
- Seasonic Focus GX-650 – Ideal for the RX 9070 graphics card.
Best RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 models
| Model | Refrigeration | Overclocking | Build quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapphire Nitro+ RX 9070 XT | Triple RGB fan | Factory overclock | Premium cooling |
| XFX Swift RX 9070 XT | Triple fan | High | Robust design |
| ASRock RX 9070 | Double fan | Moderate | Solid components |
| Gigabyte Gaming OC RX 9070 XT | Triple fan | Moderate | Excellent dissipation |
Conclusion: RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT in detail
With a launch price of $$599 USD for the RX 9070 XT graphics card and $$549 USD for the RX 9070 graphics card, AMD is launching two GPUs that could make a difference in 2025. You will be able to play games in 4K and 1440p without any problem, and I personally think they are cards worth buying. The RX 9070 matches the cost of the RTX 5070 with more VRAM, while the RX 9070 XT, with its competitive price, allows AMD to hold its own against NVIDIA and possibly take the lead this year. Available from March 6, 2025, these RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 graphics cards are a solid investment for any setup.
