As we near the next generation of graphics cards we seem to be getting more and more insights into what we might expect from them and when they might show up. The most recent addition is the AMD Radeon RX 8000 release date rumors and the expectation of what processors are coming with them.

Kepler_L2 on X has suggested that RDNA 4 is going to be announced at the CES convention, which is scheduled between January 7-10th in 2025. That should start the year off with a bang for hardware enthusiasts. However, it seems to be the N48 is going to be the first to be announced with the N44 next in Q2. This is a different naming scheme from previously and the likes of the 7900 XTX and XT are on Navi 31 and increase with the lower models. But even still the N48 is expected to be around the X700 class as Radeon might be keeping things minimal for this generation.

Minimum VRAM needs and next-gen expectations

The tweet originated under 3DCenters summarisation of HardwareUnboxeds video on the VRAM requirements of modern games. They found what the requirements are depending on the resolution and settings quality used. There it was found that 1080p gaming ranged between 6.5GB and 10.7GB requirement so 8GB is mostly only entry level and 12GB would be more recommended. Whilst 1440p ranges 7 to 11.4GB, and 4K between 8 and 13.1GB. That would suggest 16 and 20GB VRAM requirements.

With that Kepler also replied that GB206 and N44 are in danger, so might not meet those requirements as games get bigger and harder to run. But it might not be too surprising as AMD supposedly already shelved high-end RDNA 4 plans to just have the limited run. Supposedly moving the limited silicon for the ever-growing AI sector, it also might be focusing on that and trying to follow Nvidia’s growth.

Instead, it may use the generation to try to improve and catch up as well. As ray tracing has always been behind what Nvidia can produce with a greater impact on the performance than the RTX series and might be an overhaul. As long as it can provide good competition where it matters with good value, it might be a good alternative alongside the Intel Battlemage release expected as well.

About the Author

Sebastian Kozlowski

With a fascination for technology and games, Seb is a tech writer with a focus on hardware and deals. He is also the primary tester and reviewer at BGFG and PCGuide.