Intel ARC Release Date Leak: RDNA 3 Competitor or RX 6750 XT? (RTX 3090 Ti Update)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. AMD's RDNA 2 Refresh
3. Memory Speeds of Graphics Cards
4. The Launch of Intel Arc
5. The 3090 Ti Delay and Potential Redesign
6. The Role of AMD's 6950XT
7. Potential Release of the 6750XT
8. RDNA3 and AMD's Future Plans
9. Speculated Launch Dates for Intel Arc
10. Pricing and Competition
11. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will be diving into the latest updates and rumors surrounding AMD's RDNA 2 refresh and Intel's upcoming graphics card launch, codenamed Arc. We'll explore the memory speeds of these graphics cards and how they compare to previous models. Additionally, we'll discuss the delay of the 3090 Ti and the potential implications it has for the market. Finally, we'll take a look at AMD's 6950XT and the possible release of the 6750XT. Let's get started!

AMD's RDNA 2 Refresh

AMD's RDNA 2 refresh is generating a lot of buzz in the gaming community. The upcoming refresh is set to feature graphics cards built on a 7-nanometer process and will boast memory speeds of at least 18 gigabits per Second. While some speculate that AMD may even push the boundaries with faster memory speeds, 18 gigabits per second is expected to become the new standard for many of the newer graphics cards. It is an exciting development for gamers, especially considering AMD's plans for even faster memory speeds with the future release of RDNA3.

Memory Speeds of Graphics Cards

The memory speeds of graphics cards play a crucial role in determining their overall performance. Faster memory speeds allow for quicker data transfer and can greatly enhance the gaming experience. With AMD's RDNA 2 refresh, the expectation is for at least 18 gigabits per second memory speeds across all models. This marks a significant improvement in memory speed capabilities and sets a new Precedent for what users should expect from newer graphics cards. It is worth noting that AMD may hold off on launching a 6950XT with 20 gigabits per second memory in the near future, indicating the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance.

The Launch of Intel Arc

While much attention has been given to AMD's RDNA 2 refresh, Intel's upcoming graphics card launch, codenamed Arc, is also generating anticipation. Intel's entry into the discrete graphics card market is a significant milestone for the company. The latest information suggests that Intel Arc will be launched in the second quarter of this year, with the possibility of a few paper launches before then. The exact date of the launch is still uncertain, as conflicting reports suggest launch windows ranging from late April to June. However, all indications point to a substantial launch in the second quarter, with available units by June.

The 3090 Ti Delay and Potential Redesign

Unfortunately, there has been some bad news surrounding the release of the 3090 Ti from NVIDIA. Due to issues with yields and unexpected voltage requirements, NVIDIA may need to undergo a complete redesign of the printed circuit board (PCB). This delay could push back the launch of the 3090 Ti by several months. While there may be a limited paper launch involving certain models, such as the EVGA Kingpin 3090 Ti, the majority of the 3090 Ti cards are expected to be delayed. This delay presents an opportunity for AMD's 6950XT to gain an advantage in the market, potentially matching or surpassing the performance of the 3090 Ti, depending on the Game and resolution.

The Role of AMD's 6950XT

AMD's 6950XT is expected to be a key player in the graphics card market. With the potential delay of the 3090 Ti, AMD has the opportunity to establish its dominance with the 6950XT. This high-end graphics card is projected to outperform its competitors, offering impressive performance gains of at least seven percent and potentially over ten percent in some cases. AMD's focus on pushing the limits of memory speeds, reaching up to 27 gigabits per second with RDNA3, demonstrates their commitment to providing top-of-the-line gaming experiences. The launch of the 6950XT is strategically timed to coincide with or precede the 3090 Ti, allowing AMD to capture the attention of interested gamers.

Potential Release of the 6750XT

In addition to the highly anticipated 6950XT, there are rumors circulating about the potential release of the 6750XT. This graphics card makes sense for AMD on multiple fronts. With the majority of Navi 21 yields destined for the RX 6800, which requires 16 gigabytes of memory, there is a surplus of GPUs that can be utilized for the 6750XT. By offering a card that is around eight to ten percent stronger than the RX 6800, AMD can provide a competitive option that surpasses the performance of the RTX 3070 while boasting a smaller die size. This would allow for greater volume production and potentially lower pricing, presenting a significant challenge to NVIDIA's dominance in the market.

RDNA3 and AMD's Future Plans

While the focus is currently on AMD's RDNA 2 refresh, it's essential to consider the future of AMD's graphics cards. RDNA3 is on the horizon, and early indications suggest that it will feature double the performance of current offerings. While precise details are scarce, AMD's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance is evident. With RDNA2 being manufactured on a more mature 7-nanometer process, AMD may have ample room to experiment with different product configurations. While there have been discussions about potential additional models, such as the 6850XT or the 6850, it remains unclear if these products will come to fruition. AMD's main focus should be on maximizing clock speeds for Navi 22 to achieve levels close to the RX 6800, enabling increased volume production and offering more competitive pricing against Intel's Alchemist cards.

Speculated Launch Dates for Intel Arc

Intel Arc has been the subject of much speculation, with conflicting reports regarding its launch date. Several sources suggest that the launch of Intel Arc will be pushed back to the second quarter of the year. This aligns with the information provided by industry insiders who anticipate a substantial launch in late April, possibly coinciding with the gaming convention PAX East. However, other sources indicate that Intel Arc's high-end desktop models may not be available until June. These conflicting reports make it difficult to provide a definitive launch date, but it is clear that Intel is taking the necessary time to ensure that their drivers are optimized before the official launch.

Pricing and Competition

With the delay of the 3090 Ti and the potential redesign, the market landscape is being reshaped, presenting new opportunities for both AMD and Intel. The delays experienced by NVIDIA open a window of opportunity for AMD's 6950XT to establish itself as a viable alternative to the 3090 Ti. AMD's focus on delivering exceptional performance at competitive prices positions them favorably in the market. Furthermore, Intel's entry into the discrete graphics card market with Arc is met with cautious optimism. The launch of Intel Arc is expected to bring substantial volume, making it a credible competitor in the high-end graphics card segment. However, Intel will need to price their cards aggressively to remain competitive amidst the ever-evolving market dynamics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the graphics card market is set to witness exciting developments in the coming months. AMD's RDNA 2 refresh, with its improved memory speeds and performance gains, has the potential to challenge NVIDIA's dominance. The launch of Intel Arc marks a significant milestone for the company and presents a credible alternative to AMD and NVIDIA. However, uncertainties surrounding launch dates and potential delays remind us of the complex nature of product development and optimization. As consumers, we can look forward to a highly competitive market with new offerings that cater to various price points and gaming preferences.