AMD Radeon RX 9050 Series: Key Specifications and Differences
AMD has refreshed its official documentation ahead of the late-July release of the Radeon RX 9050 graphics cards. The new lineup introduces two distinct models: one equipped with 4 GB of GDDR6 memory and another with 8 GB of GDDR6 memory. Both variants are built on the same core architecture, featuring 1,024 Streaming Processors distributed across 16 Compute Units, and both can reach boost clock speeds of up to 2.6 GHz.
Memory Configuration and Bandwidth
The primary distinction between the two Radeon RX 9050 models lies in their memory configuration. The 4 GB version utilizes a 64-bit memory bus, resulting in a memory bandwidth of 144 GB/s. In contrast, the 8 GB model leverages a 128-bit memory bus, effectively doubling the bandwidth to 288 GB/s. This significant difference in memory throughput is expected to impact performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and modern games.
Infinity Cache Variations
Another notable difference is the size of the Infinity Cache integrated into each GPU. The 8 GB Radeon RX 9050 is equipped with 32 MB of Infinity Cache, while the 4 GB variant includes only 16 MB. This detail, now confirmed in AMD’s updated documentation, was not initially disclosed for the 4 GB model. A larger Infinity Cache typically enhances data access speeds and overall GPU efficiency, which will likely translate to improved real-world performance for the 8 GB edition.
Target Markets and Availability
AMD has clarified that the 4 GB Radeon RX 9050 will be available exclusively to OEMs and system integrators, targeting entry-level and budget-friendly PC builds. The 8 GB version, on the other hand, is positioned as the entry-level RDNA 4 GPU for gamers and general consumers. With an expected retail price of $279, the 8 GB Radeon RX 9050 stands as AMD’s most affordable graphics card in the current lineup.
It is also worth noting that there will be no Made by AMD (MBA) reference designs for the RX 9050 series. Instead, the launch and distribution are being managed entirely by AMD’s add-in board partners, ensuring a variety of custom cooling solutions and form factors for end users.