The RX 8800 XT could shape up to be one of the best AMD GPUs we have seen to date Updated: Dec 3, 2024 9:18 am WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more Table of Contents Table of Contents If recent leaks are to be believed, the AMD Radeon RX 8800 XT is shaping up to be a major player in the upcoming GPU market. According to reports from reliable leakers, this next-gen graphics card could offer a significant leap in both ray tracing and rasterization performance while being notably more energy-efficient. A 45% ray tracing boost with lower power draw Chiphell member Zhangzhonghao suggests the RX 8800 XT delivers a 45% improvement in ray tracing performance compared to the RX 7900 XTX, which is already a powerhouse in its own right (as mentioned in our review). This puts it in the same league as the RTX 4080 for traditional rendering performance, making it a formidable choice for gamers and content creators. Zhangzhonghao: chip hell What’s equally exciting is the power efficiency. The RX 8800 XT reportedly consumes 25% less power than its predecessor. For context, the RX 7900 XTX averages around 350W in gaming scenarios, so we could see the RX 8800 XT draw just 250-270W. This puts it in the same power bracket as Nvidia’s RTX 4070 Ti while offering significantly better performance, at least on paper. CES 2025 launch expected WccfTech says production for RDNA 4 GPUs is rumoured to begin in mid-December 2024, aligning with a likely unveiling at CES 2025 and a release in Q1 2025. While the RX 8800 XT is currently the headline product, AMD’s naming conventions could change as we get closer to launch. Pricing will be key here, as early rumours suggest around $500 USD, a highly competitive price point for this level of performance. AMD has been transparent about its goals for RDNA 4, emphasizing advancements in RT and AI technologies. These improvements are expected to enhance gaming visuals and performance across various titles, from AAA blockbusters to esports staples. If the leaked Resident Evil 4 Remake benchmarks are anything to go by, these GPUs could redefine AMD’s standing in the ray tracing and AI-driven gaming space. AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture reportedly shares some DNA with the custom hardware in the PlayStation 5, which has already demonstrated impressive results in RT and AI acceleration. Competitive landscape With the RX 8800 XT targeting the mainstream market, it will face off against NVIDIA’s RTX 5070 and similar offerings. AMD’s advantage lies in delivering comparable or better performance at lower power consumption and potentially lower prices, making it an attractive choice for gamers looking to maximize value. In an interview, AMD said it would no longer compete at the top end of the GPU market and would refocus on bringing value to gamers on the lower back. So, it’s possible that the RX 8800 XT could be the flagship this time around. Final word If the rumours hold true, the AMD Radeon RX 8800 XT could be a game-changer, offering a perfect mix of power, efficiency, and affordability. With ray tracing performance rivalling the RTX 4080 and power drawing closer to the RTX 4070 Ti, AMD might be setting itself up for a strong showing in 2025. Keep an eye on CES 2025 for the official unveiling.
RX 8800 XT could have 45% better in RT performance than 7900 XTX
