UPDATE: New AMD Radeon RX 9070 & RX 9070 XT graphics cards are out now in NZ!
Following an awesome reveal from AMD, it's looking like a good time to be a gamer with the all-new AMD Radeon RX 9070 and Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics cards set to release early this coming Friday, on March 7th at 3am, early morning in New Zealand.
The first wave of these latest AMD graphics cards that will be available on day one are from Gigabyte, ASUS, Sapphire, ASRock and PowerColor, the premier manufactures of high-end AMD Graphics cards, with more options from MSI expected to arrive later. Once released, all options will be available in the AMD Store at PB Tech.
Kicking thing off with the essentials, there are some details around power supply and motherboard that should get your attention, but most interesting is most AMD Radeon still using the popular 8-Pin power input, but there's a Sapphire Nitro+ RX 9070 XT using the latest 16-Pin input, and they've popped it in a unique spot too!
For those looking to upgrade their PSU along with the new Radeon Graphics Card, it's good to look for the new ATX 3.1 range, this way you'll get the best of both worlds with direct connection supported for both 8-Pin and newer 16-Pin (also known as 12V-2x6 or 12VHPWR) cables.
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RX 9070 Essentials:
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RX 9070 XT Essentials:
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There is also a new thermal compound being used on specific models named Honeywell PTM7950, an advanced PCM (Phase Change Material) engineered for high thermal conductivity, reducing interface resistance while ensuring reliable, long-term performance. This has been spotted on PowerColor Red Devil and Sapphire Nitro+ cards specifically, but we could see it on more, most importantly Igor's Lab described it as "Not Over Hyped", so it's certainly worth looking for if you're after the best of the best.
Now onto the really good stuff - let’s take a closer look at some of the aftermarket cooler designs available some of the new Radeon RX 9070 & 9070 XT series graphics cards!
Starting off with a closer look at the Sapphire Nitro+ RX 9070 XT because it got an unexpected 16-pin power input cable in a very unique position, you'll be happy to see they've updated the elegant design with a very smart new backplate.
The graphics card’s magnetic backplate blends style with functionality by helping to conceal the power cable. Designed for easy installation, it's a magnetic attachment that provides a secure fit while also improving heat dissipation and durability. This premium feature not only safeguards your card but also enhances your build with a sleek, modern look - ideal for gamers and creators who value both performance and aesthetics.
Sapphire claim their latest fan blade design enhancement delivers superior airflow, optimised static pressure, and greater cooling efficiency, making it ideal for high-performance applications - expanding the usable RPM range for those wanting to keep noise levels low.
Next up the brand new PowerColor REAPER series! This design is available for both the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT models, it's dark, super slim, and is one of the models that comes packing 3x DisplayPort outputs - perfect for those looking at using a ultra high resolution triple monitor setup.
via PowerColor "The PowerColor Reaper Series is built for gamers who demand reliable performance and unwavering endurance. With its sturdy cooling architecture and precision engineering, the Reaper is designed to handle the rigors of intense gaming sessions without compromise. Crafted with a singular focus on delivering consistent results, it stands as a steadfast ally for those ready to conquer every challenge. The Reaper Series is gaming, pure and simple—nothing more, nothing less."
The PowerColor Reaper Series also sports premium Japanese dual ball bearings and high-efficiency ring blade fans, with a robust triple-fan design to ensures superior airflow for lower temps even during the longest of gaming sessions. The copper base makes direct contact with the GPU and VRAM, further adding to the endurance of this awesome new series - which joins the ranks alongside the popular Red Devil and Hellhound options which will be available as well!
Continuing our quick peek with the ASrock Steel Legend Radeon RX 9070 XT and you might be thinking to yourself - I've seen this somewhere before - and you'd be right! This heatsink design recently made it's debut on the Intel ARC B580 which sold out in a flash so it's good to be able to look closer at everything.
The backplate on the ASRock Steel Legend is polar opposite to the PowerColor Reaper shown above with silvery grey patterns adorning it. It's not just cool looking though, there is a metal bracket which is attached to to rear IO, running down the side of PCB to support the heavy graphics card and so long as you've got a solid case, this one will stay beautifully straight in the slot with very little sag!
Another things that make this ASRock Steel Legend special is the LED switch which allows users to quickly turn on/off the vibrant lighting. There is also an A-RGB header so if you've got a compatible motherboard you can connect directly and control everything from the system.
ASrock didn't just make a Steel Legend version for the new Radeon RX 9070 XT though, they've made a new Taichi model as well!
Sporting the mighty ASRock Taichi 3x cooling system, this graphics card is set to be a performance powerhouse with a dual bios switch that allows users choose preferred setting by switching between the P(Performance) BIOS and Q(Quiet) BIOS without needing to do anything at a software level (just make sure your system is OFF if you switch that one). The build quality is excellent, with a high density glass fabric PCB design ASRock says reduces the gaps between the PCB layers to protect the graphics card against electrical shorts caused by humidity.
With the integrated ARGB LEDs, you can create your own unique colorful light effects in the ASRock Polychrome SYNC software suite, but there is also a hardware switch for the LED lighting, so you can just turn it off if you prefer the look of the dark metal and gold.
It's all looking really good! Once released, all options will be available in the AMD Store at PB Tech and be sure to keep your eyes on Hardwired News for more of the latest!
13 comments
AndrewN416
That Sapphire Nitro+ card is a bona fide work of industrial art, just like the 7900 XTX version... I'm gutted I am still too cheap to spring for the top model (brought the Hellhound XTX for $300 cheaper...)
Read moreMarnieA2
haha and it's the biggest one too, sapphire are great but gg what a monster
Read moreEthanN14
So no word on the pricing? Really don't understand why it's always so hush hush for a product releasing in 3 days....
Read moreesoj
They are embargoed by companies from sharing the price until release day for most launches. once every so often it might the day before but normally it's day of launch when they are allowed to show pricing. In new zealand it will be expensive most likely starting at $1500 for more basic models and probably around $1800 for some of the oc type models.
Read moreAdamP5484
Worth talking about the prices, much lower than the competing Nvidia 5070TI which also has massive stock issues.
Read moreMikeyM9
I think so. $549 usd in nzd = 980.47 x 1.15 = $1127.54 for RX 9070 price parity in NZ. RX9700XT at $599 USD would be $1230.24. Come on AMD we believe in you!
Read moreesoj
It's never this simple with pricing in nz. the cheapest cards will probably start at $1500 and then you might get some all the way up to $1800 or a bit more. It will be bad but hopefully not quite nvidia levels of bad pricing
Read moreAndrewN416
Mate I love your optimism and wish I shared it, but the cynic in me knows that AMD is as much profit-driven as Nvidia and it will never be as simple as a straight currency conversion, given the smaller market size of NZ, middlemen taking their cut etc... I fully expect both to be north of $1.5k Edit: Rut roah, happy to be proven completely wrong on price... insert Jeff Goldblum meme here
Read moreEthanN14
On Sunday night and Monday morning (taken down now) extremepc had two asRock models listed for $1899 and $1999. I hope they were just placeholders, but honestly wouldn't surprise me if they were close to that.
Read moreesoj
The higher end models aibs have I could see going for that price. Hopefully some of the more basic models go for bit cheaper around the $1500 mark. Pricing will not be good here but should be better than nvidia's pricing.
Read moreAndrewN416
That wouldn't surprise me, I'm fully expecting these to slot in either side of the 5070 respectively and below the 5070 Ti NZ prices. This would also match the AMD stack, since early indications point to 9070 XT raster performance somewhere in between 7900 XT and XTX with a kick to RT... but the point is kinda moot, given there is no stock in sight of either those apart from the lone 7900 XTX Nitro+ at $2k...
Read moreMikeyM9
A placeholder would usually be $99999 or something, that's genuinely concerning.
Read moreSimonK254
That last one is pretty crazy......................... I like it!
Read more