AMD’s Next-Gen RDNA 5 Radeon Gaming GPUs Could Pack Over 12,000 Cores and 128 Cores Per Compute Unit

AMD is poised to make a major comeback in the high-end GPU market with its upcoming RDNA 5 architecture, promising a huge leap in graphics performance and efficiency for gamers and creators alike.

Unprecedented Compute Unit and Core Counts

Leaked details reveal that AMD’s flagship RDNA 5 GPU could feature as many as 184 Compute Units (CUs), almost double the 96 CUs found in the current generation’s high-end models. Even more impressive, each Compute Unit may contain 128 cores, doubling the core count per CU compared to RDNA 4. This massive increase could result in over 12,000 GPU cores, delivering extraordinary parallel processing power.

Memory and Bandwidth Innovations

The new GPUs are expected to adopt cutting-edge GDDR7 memory, potentially running at speeds exceeding 36 Gb/s, paired with a broad memory bus of up to 512 bits. This translates to incredible memory bandwidth, allowing the GPUs to handle vast amounts of data quickly and feed the enhanced core arrays efficiently. Additionally, midrange models will likely offer narrower buses, such as 192- or 384-bit, balancing cost and performance.

Massive VRAM Capacities

AMD could increase GPU VRAM sizes substantially, with flagship cards potentially equipped with up to 36GB of GDDR7 memory. This boost not only future-proofs the cards for demanding games and workloads but also appeals to creative professionals using GPU-accelerated applications. Midrange GPUs will likely come loaded with 12 to 18 GB VRAM, signaling a meaningful upgrade over previous generations.

Efficiency and Power Targets

Despite the large specs, AMD aims to keep power consumption relatively balanced, with a rumored TDP of around 450W for the flagship GPU. Leveraging advanced 3nm fabrication processes and architectural improvements, RDNA 5 hopes to deliver best-in-class performance-per-watt and competitive thermals versus rivals.

A Broad Product Lineup

RDNA 5 is not just about flagship beasts. AMD is said to prepare several GPUs from entry-level to enthusiast tiers. These will include smaller dies with 12 to 40 Compute Units, memory configurations scaled accordingly, and the potential use of LPDDR6 memory for the more power-sensitive models such as laptops.

What This Means for Gamers and Creators

For gamers, the RDNA 5 generation promises excellent 4K and beyond performance, advanced ray tracing, and AI-enhanced upscaling features. For creators, higher core counts combined with massive VRAM and fast memory buses will accelerate rendering and AI workloads.

AMD’s RDNA 5 architecture looks like a serious contender in the high-end GPU race, and many are eager to see if it can finally dethrone Nvidia at the top. The anticipated launch timeframe is sometime in 2027, allowing AMD time to deliver a polished and powerful GPU lineup.

Stay tuned as the next generation of Radeon graphics promises to bring immense power and innovation to PC gaming and creative workloads alike.