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Immediately we’re looking on the new Radeon RX 7900 “GRE” – so not the 7900 XTX or XT – however slightly the GRE. For these unfamiliar with the 7900 GRE, AMD introduced it a couple of month in the past. The “GRE” stands for “Golden Rabbit Version,” an excellent odd title for a gaming graphics card. The title alternative stems from the truth that 2023 is the 12 months of the rabbit in Chinese language tradition. As we perceive, the 7900 GRE was designed to be unique to the Chinese language market, and that is largely nonetheless the case. We’ll elaborate on this.
The Radeon 7900 GRE might be bought as a standalone merchandise, particularly as a DIY part in China. Nevertheless, in some areas, like Australia, there is a caveat: it is solely out there in full system builds. So, regardless of having a $650 MSRP, it is not out there for that worth within the US. One would wish to hunt a system integrator that provides it.
In Australia, PLE is the only retailer providing the 7900 GRE. So we went over their web site, configured probably the most inexpensive system attainable with the GRE, made the acquisition, and awaited its arrival. Our expertise with PLE was seamless. As soon as the system was prepared, we promptly collected it, raced residence, ripped the graphics card out, caught it within the 7800X3D take a look at system and started working.
Specification-wise, the 7900 GRE is a pared-down 7900 XT, that includes much less of mainly every part. It shares the identical Graphics Compute Die because the XT and XTX variations. Although there are six Reminiscence Cache Dies (MCDs), solely 4 are energetic. It additionally homes simply 80 Compute Items, which interprets to five,120 Stream Processors – a 5% discount in comparison with the XT and 17% fewer than the XTX.
The reminiscence subsystem witnesses probably the most important downgrade. It comes with 16GB of GDDR6 in comparison with 20GB for the XT and 24GB for the XTX. Moreover, with a 256-bit broad reminiscence bus and 18 Gbps reminiscence velocity, you are getting a bandwidth of 576 GB/s – 28% lower than the XT.
Whereas the GRE makes use of the Navi 31 die, its important reductions increase the query of whether or not it ought to even be a part of the 7900 collection. The urgent query for us is: How does the Radeon 7900 GRE efficiency examine to the XT? And is it a smart buy in a pre-built system or as a DIY product in China?
Effectively, let’s go discover out. For testing we’re utilizing our Ryzen 7 7800X3D take a look at system with 32GB of DDR5-6000 reminiscence, utilizing the latest display drivers. We have validated and up to date all knowledge for this evaluation. Afterward we are able to current a complete GPU comparability that includes present and previous technology fashions. For now, we have examined the 7900 GRE in 15 video games and can focus on outcomes for half of them earlier than diving into the common for all 15 video games. Now, let’s dive into the main points…
Benchmarks
First up, we have now The Last of Us Part 1. Right here, the GRE managed 79 fps at 1440p, making it simply 4% sooner than the 6800 XT. This already makes one surprise why it is thought-about a 7900 collection class product. It was additionally 5% slower than the 6950 XT, 11% slower than the 4070 Ti, however 8% sooner than the usual 4070. In comparison with the 7900 XT, we’re taking a look at a 20% discount in efficiency, which aligns with the specs.
On the 4K decision, we’re observing a median of 45 fps, mirroring the efficiency of the RTX 3080, 6950 XT, and 4070 Ti. This time, it was 21% slower than the 7900 XT.
Subsequent, we noticed Resident Evil 4. On this recreation, the GRE averaged 132 fps at 1440p, which once more aligns with RTX 3080 and 6800 XT efficiency ranges. Nevertheless, it was 15% slower than the 7900 XT. From what we have noticed, the 7900 GRE looks like a barely up to date 6800 XT on the similar MSRP.
The GRE outperformed the 6800 XT by an 8% margin at 4K and was solely 14% slower than the 7900 XT. General, these outcomes are comparatively promising.
For Forza Horizon 5 at 1440p, we recorded a median of 145 fps, just like the 6800 XT’s efficiency. On this take a look at, it was 9% slower than the 7900 XT. Whereas AMD has launched driver enhancements to spice up RDNA 3’s efficiency in Forza, the outcomes in comparison with RDNA 2 aren’t significantly spectacular.
At 4K, the 7900 GRE’s efficiency was on par with the RTX 4070 Ti. It was 10% sooner than the 6800 XT and solely 5% slower than the 7900 XT, which is noteworthy.
For Hogwarts Legacy, the GRE averaged 93 fps at 1440p, making it 3% sooner than the RTX 3080 and seven% sooner than the 6800 XT. Nevertheless, it lagged 18% behind the 7900 XT. In comparison with the 4070 Ti, the GRE’s efficiency was commendable.
Apparently, at 4K, the RTX 3080 matched the GRE’s efficiency. The distinction with the 4070 Ti was marginal. When in comparison with the 7900 XT, the GRE was 20% slower, which is according to the specs.
Fortnite’s efficiency wasn’t stellar, with a median of 117 fps at 1440p. This positioned the GRE behind most opponents, carefully aligning with the 6800 XT and RTX 4070. It was 21% slower than the 7900 XT.
4K outcomes weren’t extra promising for the GRE. Averaging 58 fps, it struggled to compete with playing cards just like the 4070 Ti and 7900 XT. At this level, it is clear that the 7900 GRE is supposed for these in search of 6800 XT-like efficiency at an analogous worth level.
The final recreation we will look at by way of particular person knowledge is A Plague Story: Requiem. Right here, the 7900 GRE achieved 92 fps at 1440p. This made it 5% sooner than the 6800 XT and RTX 3080, and 18% slower than the 7900 XT.
On the 4K decision, it fell behind the 6800 XT and was once more 18% slower than the 7900 XT. Nevertheless, its efficiency relative to the RTX 4070 Ti was commendable, delivering 17% extra frames than the usual 4070. The efficiency of Nvidia’s 4070 collection paints the GRE in a extra favorable gentle than it’d in any other case deserve.
Now, trying on the 15-game common knowledge at 1440p, the 7900 GRE averaged 113 fps. As we have noticed a number of instances, this locations it on par with the RTX 3080 and 6800 XT by way of efficiency, surpassing the 3080 by a mere 5% and the 6800 XT by 8%. It was additionally 11% sooner than the RTX 4070, and based mostly on the recommended retail worth, ought to value about 8% extra.
When in comparison with the 7900 XT, we see 19% fewer frames on common, and it trailed the 4070 Ti by 12%.
Growing the decision to 4K did not convey a lot change. The GRE remained 18% slower than the 7900 XT, 5% sooner than the RTX 3080, and 10% sooner than the 6800 XT. In essence, we’re witnessing an up to date 6800 XT, practically three years later, providing a ten% efficiency enhance. We’ll delve into its potential enhanced energy effectivity shortly.
Price per Body (MSRP)
Earlier than diving deeper, we need to concentrate on the associated fee per body knowledge, beginning with the MSRPs. The humorous factor concerning the 7900 GRE is that it is really by far one of the best worth high-end RDNA 3 GPU AMD has launched, and mockingly they have not actually launched it, given you’ll be able to’t simply go and purchase one exterior of China. Priced at $5.75 per body, it gives barely higher worth than Nvidia’s high worth mid-range to high-end present technology GPU, the RTX 4070, and is 8% higher worth than the 7900 XTX. So, whereas a worth of $650 may not appear spectacular, it could be fairly aggressive in comparison with different choices on this efficiency tier.
Price per Body (Retail)
In fact it is the retail pricing that is of most significance to you, so let’s check out the standard Newegg pricing for these GPUs. Right here the 7900 GRE like most present technology GPUs makes little to no sense. Whereas it is definitely higher worth than the 4070 and 4070 Ti, each of which solely include 12GB of VRAM, it merely cannot maintain a candle to the worth of earlier technology components just like the 6800 XT.
The GRE is at present 14% extra expensive per body than the 6800 XT, so even in the event you may purchase it, you’d possible be higher off shopping for the older RDNA 2 GPU on the present discounted worth of $530. Alternatively, the 7900 XT might be had for $750 and at that worth it is also higher worth than the GRE, you additionally get 20 GB of VRAM which most likely is not all that necessary, but it surely’s a pleasant bonus for a product that is already higher worth.
In brief, if the GRE had been out there within the DIY market, its worth level would have to be not more than $600 to be aggressive with the $750 XT fashions and, after all, the outgoing 6800 XTs.
Energy Consumption
When in comparison with the outgoing 6800 XT, the large benefit of the 7900 GRE is energy effectivity, although it is most likely not a giant general issue. In Hitman 3 we noticed complete system consumption lowered by nearly 70 watts, a 15% energy saving, in order that’s good.
Nevertheless, in Spider-Man Remastered, we famous solely a ten% saving, amounting to round a 40-watt discount. This means that the 7900 GRE will not all the time be considerably extra power-efficient than the 6800 XT, however general, it is undeniably the extra environment friendly of the 2.
The Reference Mannequin
It is our understanding that solely AMD reference model of the GRE will probably be out there, and that is definitely the case for now. Additionally, solely AMD and unique companions similar to XFX, Sapphire and PowerColor will probably be promoting the GRE.
When it comes to design, the GRE reference mannequin seems nearly an identical to the 7900 XT reference mannequin, although there are some key variations. The GRE backplate measures 267mm lengthy and 96mm broad, whereas the XT backplate is 276mm lengthy and 99mm broad. The coolers are additionally very totally different, the GRE cooler weighs 737 grams whereas the XT cooler is 46% heavier at 1078 grams. Which means, the XT is a barely larger and far heavier product.
Over on the PCB, the GRE options 2 fewer energy phases, and naturally, there are two lacking GDDR6 chips which scale back the capability from 20 GB to 16 GB. So far as energy enter, it nonetheless makes use of two 8-pin PCIe connectors after which for I/O we discover the very same configuration.
The one different noteworthy distinction is the GPU itself. The GCD and MCD format and dimensions are the identical because the XT and XTX fashions, however as we famous earlier, two of the six MCDs are disabled.
However what’s actually fascinating is the package deal, the place the XT sits on a 54mm x 47mm package deal, the GRE makes use of a a lot smaller one at 40mm x 39mm. That is possible the design we’ll see the Radeon 7800 XT undertake and with fewer energetic reminiscence controllers we assume that is how AMD has been in a position to shrink the package deal.
Cooling
Here is a fast take a look at the working clock speeds and temperatures of the 7900 GRE reference card. After an hour of load we noticed a peak hotspot temperature of 89c and a junction temperature of 75c.
The height temperature is not superb although a fan velocity of slightly below 1400 RPM within reason low and the cardboard was definitely very quiet. The cores sometimes clocked at 1940 MHz, so about what we noticed from the 7900 XT reference mannequin and as anticipated the reminiscence operated 18 Gbps. So general first rate outcomes, however not practically pretty much as good as lots of the customized AIB 7900 XT’s.
What We Realized
General, the Radeon RX 7900 GRE is an uncommon product. We would not label it as dangerous, however you could be higher off avoiding it, provided that discounted 7900 XT’s supply larger worth. Alternatively, the Radeon 6800 XT offers practically the identical efficiency stage at a significantly cheaper price.
Within the PLE system we bought, the 7900 GRE is priced at $1,100 AUD. Though PLE is not at present promoting the 6800 XT, PC Case Gear is, with a tag of simply $850 AUD. Based mostly on our knowledge, which means in Australian {dollars}, the 7900 GRE prices $9.73 per body, whereas the 6800 XT is priced at a mere $8.09 per body. Consequently, the GRE comes with a 20% premium – fairly steep.
Moreover, it is possible to amass a 7900 XT for as little as $1,170 in Australia, making it solely 6% pricier than the GRE. With a price per body of $8.41, one would naturally lean in direction of the 7900 XT when contemplating a current-generation GPU. Nevertheless, in Australia, it is advisable to scout round for these 7900 XT offers.
Whereas there’s inventory out there for the $1,170 fashions, each PC Case Gear and PLE have priced their 7900 XT’s nearer to $1,300. Even at this fee, you are analyzing a price per body of $9.35, which stays lower than that of the GRE.
As we have talked about, the 7900 GRE is an atypical product, and we’re ambivalent about it. We’re not eager on AMD’s selective sampling to reviewers and imagine it is in poor style to launch a product with a reputation so carefully resembling present merchandise. It is perplexing that this mannequin is categorized beneath the 7900 collection when it is 20% much less highly effective than the 7900 XT, which is a trimmed version of the XTX, and it additionally possesses 20% much less reminiscence than the XT.
A extra becoming designation would have been the 7800 GRE, or higher but, the Radeon RX 7800 XT, with wider availability. Nonetheless, we anticipate the launch of a product named the 7800 XT subsequent month. It will be intriguing to gauge its efficiency relative to the 7900 GRE, and naturally, its pricing.
For now, our recommendation is to strategy programs that includes the 7900 GRE with warning. Make sure you examine costs, because the 7900 XT and even 6800 XT may give you extra worth. This wraps up our preliminary evaluation of the 7900 GRE, however anticipate new mobile and desktop Radeons making it to the worldwide market within the coming weeks and months.
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