AMD launches RX 7900 GRE with Navi 31 on Navi 32 package for $649 MSRP - China Exclusive (at least for now)

[AlTech]

Summary

 

AMD has launched the Radeon RX 7900 GRE (Golden Rabbit Edition) GPU previously rumoured to be called RX 7900. This GPU features a Navi 31 die on Navi 32's packaging process with a 256 Bit memory bus and 16GB of G6 VRAM. This card has an MSRP of $649.

 

Key specs are as follows:

• 80 RDNA3 CUs - 5120 Stream Processors
• 16GB 18Gbps G6 Memory on a 256 bit bus with 4x MCDs along with 2x Dummy MCDs that are there for other reasons.
• 64MB Infinity Cache
• 260W TBP

 

The die layout and packaging uses Navi 32's layout with 4 MCDs and the additional memory controllers required to support additional MCDs have been physically fused off at the die level.

 

This GPU features 4 Billion fewer transistors than Navi 31's normal die. (54 Billion vs 58 Billion).

 

It is presently launching in China and seems to also be coming to at least some prebuilts. There is no word yet whether a launch outside of China is to be expected.

 

This is also expected to be the same packaging used on the leaked RX 7900M XT, assuming that laptop OEMs choose to bid on that GPU.

 

Quotes

Quote

The GPU at the heart of the China-exclusive AMD Radeon RX 7900 GRE (Golden Rabbit Edition) sparked much curiosity. It is a physically different GPU from the one found in desktop Radeon RX 7900 XT and RX 7900 XTX graphics cards. AMD wouldn't go through all that effort designing a whole different GPU just for a limited edition graphics card, which means this silicon could find greater use for the company—for example, this could be the package AMD uses for its upcoming mobile RX 7900 series. AMD wouldn't go through all the effort designing a first-party MBA (made by AMD) PCB for the silicon just for the RX 7900 GRE, and so this PCB, with this particular version of the "Navi 31" silicon, could see a wider global launch, probably as the rumored Radeon RX 7800 XT, or something else (although with a different set of specs from the RX 7900 GRE).

 

My thoughts

I'm not super surprised that this is China exclusive for now however it would be interesting to see if it is launched globally however the limited number of the reject N31 dies may mean this aren't enough for a global launch. The pricing seems to be a bit high tbh though AMD could always correct this later if the RX 7900XT and 7900XTX get prices cuts at the launch of the leaked upcoming RX 7700 and RX 7800 cards.

 

Sources

https://www.amd.com/en/products/graphics/amd-radeon-rx-7900-gre

https://www.techpowerup.com/311822/amd-radeon-rx-7900-gre-asic-smaller-than-navi-31-slightly-larger-than-navi-21

[starsmine]

So confirmed china only?
rough

 

[da na]

So is this just a lower binned 7900 XT basically? New version of RX 560 D?

[AlTech]

Just now, starsmine said:

 

 

That's not in the TN subforum and not formatted as a TN topic. Therefore I believe this topic is fine to keep here.

 

Mods can merge the other thread with this one if there is a conflict.

[AlTech]

Just now, da na said:

So is this just a lower binned 7900 XT basically? 

No.

 

They cut off some memory controllers out of Navi 31, knocked off some transistors (it seems) and it physically fits and uses Navi 32's packaging with Navi 32's memory controller support.

 

This does use Navi 31 although I'm unsure as to whether they take existing N31 dies and modify them to make this or if they're making N31 dies in 2 sizes now (OG and N31 on N32).

[da na]

1 minute ago, AlTech said:

No.

 

They cut off some memory controllers out of Navi 31, knocked off some transistors (it seems) and it physically fits and uses Navi 32's packaging with Navi 32's memory controller support.

 

This does use Navi 31 although I'm unsure as to whether they take existing N31 dies and modify them to make this or if they're making N31 dies in 2 sizes now (OG and N31 on N32).

okay so it's a worse 7900 XT

[starsmine]

3 minutes ago, da na said:

So is this just a lower binned 7900 XT basically? New version of RX 560 D?

less CUs. but sure. Its cut down. 
I actually think the card's price/performance looks solid. I think it would do very well in the west. 

1 minute ago, da na said:

okay so it's a worse 7900 XT

It is 650 USD as its MSRP when the 7900 XT go for 780. 

[da na]

3 minutes ago, starsmine said:

less CUs. but sure. Its cut down. 
I actually think the card's price/performance looks solid. I think it would do very well in the west. 

It is 650 USD as its MSRP when the 7900 XT go for 780. 

sorry, pretty clueless about modern hardware but that does sound like pretty good price to performance. Some cards I can understand staying China-exclusive, but a worldwide launch for this one would be great. Seems like a solid deal.

[AlTech]

4 minutes ago, da na said:

okay so it's a worse 7900 XT

With fewer CUs and less VRAM for less money. The packaging design is also cheaper for AMD and it'll be cheaper to design coolers for AIBs since they can recycle their Navi 32 coolers for the 7900 GRE given the same maximum TBP and same packaging.

 

Board partners will have fewer excuses to scalp gamers than they usually do.

[Yummychickenblue]

GRE means Greatly Reduced Efficacy

[bcredeur97]

260W TDP seems so perfect. all these high wattage cards they've been making dump way too much heat into your room

[Just A Name]

So it's a 7800XT but not actually a 7800XT? Or even a Frankenstein 7800XT and 7900XT?

[WallacEngineering]

3 hours ago, da na said:

okay so it's a worse 7900 XT

Well ya, just like how the RTX 4060 is a worse 4060-Ti lol.

 

AMD was bound to release lower-tier SKUs at some point to fill the massive gap between RX 7600 and RX 7900-XT.

 

The GRE will launch at $649.99 USD whenever it gets here and has about 10-15% more performance on average than the RTX 4070 Non-Ti. Basically, its overall performance is likely to land smack-dab right in the middle between the RTX 4070 and 4070-Ti. So its AMDs competitor to the RTX 4070.

 

Make no mistake - forget the stupid naming of XTX, XT, and GRE and ull realize that this is actually the 7800-XT everyone has been waiting for.

 

And because its raster performance is actually pretty much a full tier above the RTX 4070 Non-Ti, its overall Ray-Tracing performance will only be a couple perfect behind the RTX 4070 Non-Ti.

 

This means for once, AMDs launch pricing is pretty appropriate. Its a new product so of course the price is a bit higher at launch, but will probably end up around $599.99 where it will become an easy recommend over the RTX 4070 Non-Ti for gamers.

 

[SorryBella]

3 hours ago, AlTech said:

GRE

Dying light fans:

 

[williamcll]

It's on sale in Australia now.

[AlTech]

6 hours ago, WallacEngineering said:

Well ya, just like how the RTX 4060 is a worse 4060-Ti lol.

 

AMD was bound to release lower-tier SKUs at some point to fill the massive gap between RX 7600 and RX 7900-XT.

 

The GRE will launch at $649.99 USD whenever it gets here and has about 10-15% more performance on average than the RTX 4070 Non-Ti. Basically, its overall performance is likely to land smack-dab right in the middle between the RTX 4070 and 4070-Ti. So its AMDs competitor to the RTX 4070.

 

Make no mistake - forget the stupid naming of XTX, XT, and GRE and ull realize that this is actually the 7800-XT everyone has been waiting for.

Except AMD didn't feel comfortable calling it the 7800XT so it's not. It's the 7900 GRE.

 

What people have been waiting for is the RX 7700 and RX 7800 which is coming later.

6 hours ago, WallacEngineering said:

And because its raster performance is actually pretty much a full tier above the RTX 4070 Non-Ti, its overall Ray-Tracing performance will only be a couple perfect behind the RTX 4070 Non-Ti.

 

This means for once, AMDs launch pricing is pretty appropriate. Its a new product so of course the price is a bit higher at launch, but will probably end up around $599.99 where it will become an easy recommend over the RTX 4070 Non-Ti for gamers.

The 7900 GRE price isn't coming down.

 

RX 7800 expected MSRP is $550. If the 7900 GRE was reduced to $600 it would be wayyy too close to the RX 7800.

[Doobeedoo]

Odd addition, but it seems limited. How will rest of lineup fit is the question.

[Spotty]

1 hour ago, AlTech said:

Except AMD didn't feel comfortable calling it the 7800XT so it's not.

What does this even mean? Why would they feel uncomfortable calling it a 7800XT? Uncomfortable in the sense that it won't look as good on a spec list for system integrators?

 

7900 GRE seems like a silly name. Either call it the "7800 XT" or "7900". AMD hasn't released any 7800 class cards yet so I can't say which it should fit in to, but with the reduced memory bus and cut down GPU I can see why people may not think it is a "7900" class card (just like how everybody complained for the same reasons about the 4070Ti originally being called a 4080).

 

Since this appears to, so far, only be a system integrator option I wonder if the system integrators just wanted a cheaper option to fill that upper-mid range but still wanted to keep "RX 7900" on the box because higher number better.

 

3 hours ago, williamcll said:

It's on sale in Australia now.

Where? Looks like it's only available as an option when ordered in a prebuilt system, but it's also showing that it's not available (Out of Stock) if you try to select it. I can't see any cards being sold individually.

 

Looking at the system configurator options it seems it is priced the same as or slightly higher than the RTX4070 options. If the performance figures @WallacEngineering posted are accurate then it might be a decent option at that pricepoint.

https://www.ple.com.au/Products/661653/ple-lunar-custom-built-gaming-pc

[IkeaGnome]

8 hours ago, WallacEngineering said:

Make no mistake - forget the stupid naming of XTX, XT, and GRE and ull realize that this is actually the 7800-XT everyone has been waiting for.

 

2 hours ago, AlTech said:

Except AMD didn't feel comfortable calling it the 7800XT so it's not. It's the 7900 GRE.

Devils advocate here. Why are we more okay with this than we are with Nvidia giving “wrong names” to graphics cards?

[WallacEngineering]

2 hours ago, AlTech said:

Except AMD didn't feel comfortable calling it the 7800XT so it's not. It's the 7900 GRE.

 

Ya but who cares what AMD calls it. We know better, just like how Im aware that my 7900-XTX isn't an XTX. AMD just added the extra "X" to sound cool. Its really just the 7900-XT, and then the 7900-XT is actually the 7800-XT. So I guess then the GRE would actually be the 7800 Non-XT.

 

Its just like how we are well aware that the RTX 4060s are the biggest SCAM in Nvidia's history because we know they are charging even more than typical 60-class pricing for 50-class GPU dies and BUS widths and thats why literally not a single enthusiast I have talked to is even remotely interested in them. Its as Steve from GN said in the review: "The RTX 4060 is literally a waste of sand". Or at least they are until they fall to acceptable price points which most of the community has agreed upon:

 

RTX 4060 Base: $250

RTX 4060-Ti 8GB: $300

RTX 4060-Ti 16GB: $340

 

These prices are as such because the stupidly narrow BUS width means these cards scale negatively at higher resolutions, meaning they should ONLY be recommended for gamers targeting 1920x1080p or UltraWide 2560x1080p resolutions with high frame rates and maybe some Ray-Tracing gameplay. Otherwise, they are completely useless. 1440p and higher gamers should be looking at the RTX 4070 and up.

 

 As@IkeaGnome said, both AMD and Nvidia are screwing up this gen, its just that Nvidia is definitely worse. At least AMDs cards are reasonably priced so really all you have to worry about is deciphering the stupid names lol

 

And yes the GRE will come down in price. Literally every single release this generation from both companies has had a starting MSRP that is too high and that drops in price over time and while this particular MSRP isn't terrible, it will still drop at least a little bit after the first 10-12 weeks on the USA market. And then that 7800 you mentioned will also fall a bit from its $550 launch price, and so on. What makes you think anything changes at this point from how the 7900-XTX, 7900-XT, and 7600 launched? Its just gonna be the same, because all GPUs are overpriced right now and GPU sales are at an all-time low across the board.

[starsmine]

26 minutes ago, IkeaGnome said:

 

Devils advocate here. Why are we more okay with this than we are with Nvidia giving “wrong names” to graphics cards?

I assume its because AMD has always intended for the 7800xt to be a full fat navi 32 and already have all their marketing and technical material prepped for that. 

 

14 minutes ago, WallacEngineering said:

 

Ya but who cares what AMD calls it. We know better, just like how Im aware that my 7900-XTX isn't an XTX. AMD just added the extra "X" to sound cool. Its really just the 7900-XT, and then the 7900-XT is actually the 7800-XT. So I guess then the GRE would actually be the 7800 Non-XT.

To AMD XTX means flagship. Its a full navi 31 chip and you cant get any more CUs out of them for this generation (more cache, possibly) 
7900XT is most of a navi 31, this weird china exlsuive gre is cut down even more.

7800xt will be navi 32

 

  

14 minutes ago, WallacEngineering said:

And yes the GRE will come down in price. Literally every single release has has a starting MSRP that is too high and that drops in price over time and while this particular MSRP isn't terrible, it will still drop at least a little bit after the first 6-8 weeks on the USA market. And then that 7800 you mentioned will also fall a bit from its $550 launch price, and so on. What makes you think anything changes at this point from how the 7900-XTX, 7900-XT, and 7600 launched? Its just gonna be the same, because all GPUs are overpriced right now and GPU sales are at an all-time low across the board.

Really? 7900xt is 84CUs for 780
7900 GRE is 80CUs for 650. It really does not seem to me that its priced to high for a card that regularly edges out the 600 4070. 

Also we still dont know if its coming to the west I thought. so what does its pricing even mean for us. 

 

Edit: anyone confused on the name golden rabbit edition should look up what year it is in china. 

[WallacEngineering]

2 minutes ago, starsmine said:

To AMD XTX means flagship. Its a full navi 31 chip and you cant get any more CUs out of them for this generation (more cache, possibly) 

 

I guess that makes sense but RX 6000 series naming is so much more straightforward and easier for the average consumer to understand so they should have just stuck with it.

[Mark Kaine]

i was honestly expecting some anime rabbit thing with a name like that,  leaves thread in disappointment  ...~

[WallacEngineering]

22 minutes ago, starsmine said:

Really? 7900xt is 84CUs for 780

7900 GRE is 80CUs for 650. It really does not seem to me that its priced to high for a card that regularly edges out the 600 4070.

 

So firstly you can find 7900-XT for $750 now with a free game, also we know what it will cost in US because weirdly enough, the China advertisement was in USD, for some reason

 

Also, you gotta remember that AMD cards are cheaper than Nvidia for a reason - they have less Ray-Tracing performance and slightly less stable drivers. So at $649.99 the GRE only slightly beats the RTX 4070 Non-Ti at $599.99 in price-to-performance ratio, and thats only at raster too.

 

So to make the GRE actually appealing to the average consumer who has only known Nvidia their entire lives, it MUST be priced to where the price-to-performance ratio is a significant advantage for AMD for the card to even be considered by most consumers.

 

Thats why the XTX is such a slam-dunk over the RTX 4080: Slightly more Raster Performance, Much more VRAM, loses in Ray-Tracing by 10-15% overall, but costs a full $200-$250 less in the USA. THAT is precisely why the XTX sells, because its SO much better value that it makes the RTX 4080 look straight-up dumb for anyone just gaming with it.

[WallacEngineering]

For anyone who doesn't know, there was recently a flash sale on the AsRock Phantom Gaming RX 7900-XTX for $799.99. It was such a good deal at that point over the RTX 4080 that it went out of stock overnight and the sale ended early. That is a perfect example of how AMD cards sell.