AMD discreetly unveils its new generation of RDNA4 graphics cards at CES 2025, with the Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070. This presentation is accompanied by the announcement of FSR 4, an upscaling technology based on artificial intelligence. Let’s take stock of these new features which mark a turning point in AMD’s strategy against Nvidia which has just announced its RTX 50 generation with great fanfare.
RDNA4: A redesigned architecture for AI and ray-tracing
AMD is inaugurating its new RDNA4 architecture, engraved in 4nm (presumably at TSMC). This generation brings several major developments, including optimized calculation units and a complete overhaul of the ray-tracing engine. The cards integrate the second generation of AI accelerators and the second generation Radiance Display engine.
The Radeon RX 9070 In terms of performance, AMD positions the RX 9070 XT at the level of an RTX 4070 Ti, while the classic RX 9070 would aim for the performance of an RTX 4070 SUPER.
FSR 4: The Great Leap Forward
The major novelty is the introduction of FSR 4 (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which marks a radical change in AMD’s approach. This upscaling technology now relies on machine learning, like NVIDIA’s DLSS. It promises significantly improved image quality, particularly in 4K, and integrates Frame Generation and Anti-Lag 2 features to optimize latency. To see if the performance is equivalent to the brand new DLSS 4.
Important point to note: FSR 4 will be exclusive to RDNA4 cards, requiring the new integrated AI accelerators. An interesting feature will allow games supporting FSR 3.1 to automatically upgrade to FSR 4 on new cards. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is already announced as compatible with this technology.
With this new generation, AMD finally seems to be taking the NVIDIA threat seriously by adopting a more offensive approach to AI and ray-tracing technologies. The firm goes so far as to align its nomenclature with that of its competitor, moving directly to the 9000 series to facilitate comparisons. It now remains to know the prices and real performances of these new cards compared to NVIDIA’s RTX 5000, even if AMD no longer seeks to compete with high-end cards. Exit the RTX 5090, AMD above all wants to offer a credible alternative to the RTX 5070, while being slightly cheaper. In any case, this is the strategy adopted by AMD for several years since the company realized that it could not compete with Nvidia in all sectors. This new generation of graphics cards should be available gradually in the first quarter of 2025.
