[Update] AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT 32GB VRAM Rumor: Gaming GPU or AI Hybrid

Update
Rumors of a 32-GB version have been officially busted by Frank Azor .

Just when you thought you had a handle on the upcoming GPU landscape, a new rumor pops up. It makes you scratch your head and say, "Wait, really?" The latest buzz from the tech grapevine suggests AMD might be cooking a special version of their Radeon RX 9070 XT. This one apparently packing a whopping 32GB of VRAM.

The Whispers from Chiphell

The origin of this intriguing leak comes from the Chiphell forums. Tech whispers from within Asia make their rounds there. User 'zhangzhonghao' mentions that AMD might consider releasing an RX 9070 XT variant. It would have double the memory of the standard 16GB model. Apparently, it is targeted towards gamers despite the massive memory.

Now, before one jumps at the occasion about future-proofing their gaming rig for decades to come, here's why this rumor is... err... kind of strange.

32GB on a Mid-Range Card: Is This Gaming or Something Else?

Look at it this way: 32GB VRAM is typically meant for ultra-high-end workstation cards, or absolute flagship gaming GPUs. For example, an RTX 5090, if and when that arrives. It just feels wrong to equip a mid-ranged card like the RX 9070 XT with that much memory.

The rumor mill says this 32GB version is still intended for gaming. It is also for those with an eye on AI workloads. The idea is that while it'll game just fine, the extra VRAM would assist those dabbling into AI tasks. These tasks require huge amounts of memory. It's a bit of a "jack-of-all-trades" approach. This raises questions on cost-versus-performance balancing.

Technical Hurdles and Practicalities

Implementing 32GB of GDDR6 on an RX 9070 XT isn't trivial. Appropriately addressing the current situation should lead AMD to populate both sides of the PCB with memory chips. This could lead to:

• Increased Cost: More memory chips directly translate to a higher bill of materials. This potentially makes this "mid-range" card surprisingly expensive.
• Complex Design: Double-sided memory configuration could complicate PCB design. It may also put some potential cooling issues.
• Limited Gaming Benefit?: The big question is, will a mid-range GPU like the RX 9070 XT really deliver a punch within 32GB of VRAM in most games? Previous iterations showed that just adding more VRAM to a mid-range GPU does not do frame rates any good. This is if there isn't enough ultimate processing power.

AMD's Strategy and the Market Context

Keep in mind AMD's overall strategy for this generation. It is focusing on the mid-range market. They are offering tangible value instead of chasing pure top-tier performance set forth by Nvidia. They also avoid price-highs. With likely higher cost, the 32GB RX 9070 XT clutches a bit of contradiction to this focus on value.

Could this be AMD's way of standing out? Perhaps they see an area to market a gaming card. One can actually use the substantial VRAM for fast-emerging AI applications. Or perhaps it is just a way of teasing Nvidia. It is rumored that the RTX 5080 will stick with 16GB of VRAM.

Grain of Salt Required

As with all rumors, especially one from forum posts, one must take this with a healthy pinch of salt. Incredibly interesting as the idea of a 32GB RX 9070 XT is, it does pose a lot of practical questions itself. It truly feels as though it is an abstraction AMD may be discussing in the early hours. But whether it will translate into a concrete product is just beyond speculations.

For the moment, assume it is an interesting one-off possibility-a potential curveball in the GPU market. But do not start organizing your next PC build around a 32GB middle-class card just yet.