AMD's upcoming RDNA 5 flagship might aim for RTX 5080-level performance with enhanced ray tracing
AMD's RDNA 5 flagship might match RTX 5080 with upgraded ray tracing by 2026.
AMD's anticipated RDNA 5 flagship GPU, expected in the latter half of 2026, is rumored to target performance levels equivalent to Nvidia's RTX 5080. This eagerly awaited graphics card will be based on AMD's innovative UDNA architecture, which is an evolution expected to significantly enhance ray tracing capabilities – an area where NVIDIA has historically held the advantage. Tech enthusiasts have expressed considerable interest, as this could mark AMD's return to real competition in the high-end market segment.
The new GPU is predicted to boast specifications akin to the Radeon RX 7900 XTX, featuring 96 compute units and a 384-bit memory bus for its premium version. This configuration positions the RDNA 5 to potentially outperform current offerings in similar tiers, with mid-range and mainstream variants following suit, equipped respectively with 64 and 32 compute units. The shift to UDNA architecture is expected to bring about a 20% improvement in rasterization performance over its predecessor, the RDNA 4, which itself was a substantial upgrade in ray tracing over previous generations.
Importantly, this forthcoming GPU might address AMD's historical shortcomings in ray tracing, narrowing the performance gap with competitors in path tracing technology. As KeplerL2, a respected leaker in the tech community, has indicated, the RDNA 5 could very well redefine AMD's position in the marketplace, effectively trading blows with Nvidia's high-end offerings, possibly with the RTX 5080, if not higher.
Complementing these developments is the intriguing possibility of AMD's technology underpinning the next generation of gaming consoles, such as the rumored next-gen Xbox. A leaked die shot suggests this console could contain 80 compute units, thus rivaling or even exceeding the RTX 5080’s performance. This speculation, coupled with pricing rumors exceeding $1,000, points to a strategic focus on the high-performance console market, potentially distancing itself from traditional norms.
These revelations have been largely disseminated through technology reviews and community discussions on platforms like AnandTech and TechSpot. As the release approaches, the anticipation grows, with many expecting that AMD's new entries could reshape the competitive landscape in both PC gaming and console markets.
Sources: TechSpot, AnandTech, Microsoft Console Rumors