3 Changes That Could've Saved the AMD RX 6500 XT
The AMD RX 6500 XT: a GPU launch met with almost universal disappointment. While its flaws were numerous, what if things had gone differently? Here are 3 changes that might have given the RX 6500 XT a fighting chance:
1. Manage Expectations (and Pricing):
- Launching with a more modest name (not "XT") and a lower price, even during the inflated market of early 2022, would have set more realistic expectations.
- This would have positioned the card against the likes of the GTX 1650, avoiding unfavorable comparisons to the more powerful (and often unavailable) RTX 3050.
2. One Navi 24 to Rule Them All:
- Instead of separate RX 6500 XT, RX 6400, and RX 6300 models, a single 75W "RX 6400 XT" would have simplified things.
- This lower power target would have enabled smaller, cheaper cards without the need for external power, appealing to the budget-conscious market.
- Partners could still offer factory-overclocked versions for those wanting more performance.
3. Double the VRAM (If Only We Could Dream):
- While unlikely due to chip shortages and cost constraints, 8GB of VRAM would have been a game-changer.
- It would have addressed one of the RX 6500 XT's biggest weaknesses, reducing reliance on the narrow PCIe bus and potentially boosting performance significantly.
The RX 6500 XT serves as a cautionary tale of ambition exceeding execution. By focusing on realistic positioning, cost-effective design, and addressing key weaknesses (even if only hypothetically), AMD could have released a more compelling budget graphics card.
