Rumor: AMD Developing a Hybrid GPU With 32GB VRAM for Gaming and AI

Insiders from the Chinese forum ChipHell have leaked details about an unannounced AMD graphics card based on the RDNA 4 architecture, which could serve as an unexpected response to the anticipated launch of the NVIDIA RTX 5090. According to sources, this project combines elements of both gaming and professional hardware: 32GB of GDDR6 VRAM, a hybrid focus on enthusiasts and AI workloads, and a potential release in the first half of 2025.

Unlike conventional designs that boost performance by expanding the memory bus (for instance, up to 512-bit), AMD has seemingly opted to double the VRAM capacity while maintaining a 256-bit bus. This approach would allow the card to handle large AI models like Stable Diffusion or Llama 3 without significantly driving up production costs. However, this trade-off could limit memory bandwidth, raising concerns about its gaming performance.

Experts note that AMD is attempting to carve out a niche that NVIDIA has largely ignored—developing “universal” GPUs for hybrid workloads. While the Radeon RX 9070 XT is positioned as a high-end gaming model with 16GB of VRAM, the new 32GB variant could become a versatile tool for:

However, the viability of such a solution remains questionable. For modern games, even 16GB of VRAM is excessive unless factoring in heavy mods or 8K textures. While NVIDIA focuses on specialized AI accelerators rather than hybrids, AMD’s market success is uncertain. Additionally, having 32GB on a 256-bit bus could create a “bottleneck” effect, especially in workloads with high memory bandwidth demands.

According to rumors, AMD plans to announce the card in late February 2025, but its final design has yet to be confirmed. Some sources suggest that this project is a “test run” to gauge demand for hybrid solutions. If successful, AMD may rethink its strategy, shifting its focus from specialized products to more multifunctional offerings.