AMD clarifies future RDNA/RDNA 2 GPU support plans
AMD clarifies RDNA/RDNA 2 “Maintenance mode” meaning, confirms that some optimisations will be delivered
AMD has issued a new statement to clarify its support plans for RDNA and RDNA 2-based graphics cards, confirming that they are part of AMD’s “maintenance mode branch”. This follows a backlash against AMD over the idea that RDNA 2 GPUs will no longer be receiving game-specific optimisations from AMD. With products like ASUS’ ROG Xbox Ally (non-X) using an RDNA 2 GPU, gamers were angry that such a new product would have its driver support limited.
AMD has clarified that its RDNA 1 and RDNA 2 GPUs will still be receiving”new features, bug fixes and game optimizations”. However, AMD’s support for these GPUs will be defined by what is “required by market needs”. This statement is likely to confuse many consumers, as it is very unclear.
Update 2 – AMD has released a new statement on its support plans for RDNA 1 and RDNA 2 GPUs.
New features, bug fixes and game optimizations will continue to be delivered as required by market needs in the maintenance mode branch,
– AMD spokesperson to Tom’s Hardware
AMD made a big mistake with its RDNA/RDNA 2 GPU support announcement
AMD has confirmed that it is shifting its focus to its newer RDNA 3/RDNA 4-based GPUs. This means that AMD’s older GPUs are unlikely to support all the new features in AMD Software. They are also unlikely to receive as much optimisation support as their newer GPUs.
AMD’s clarification implies that their older RDNA 1 and RDNA 2 GPUs will still get new game optimisations through driver updates. That said, it remains to be seen how well supported these new GPUs will be.
RDNA 1 and RDNA 2 graphics cards will continue to receive driver updates for critical security and bug fixes. To focus on optimizing and delivering new and improved technologies for the latest GPUs, AMD Software Adrenalin Edition 25.10.2 is placing Radeon RX 5000 and RX 6000 series graphics cards (RDNA 1 and RDNA 2) into maintenance mode. Future driver updates with targeted game optimizations will focus on RDNA 3 and RDNA 4 GPUs.
AMD’s RDNA 4 GPUs have seen the company gain significant market share within the DIY PC market. However, AMD’s RDNA 1/2 support plans are making many gamers question whether Radeon GPUs are worth investing in. Gamers are questioning AMD’s commitment to its products. If AMD is lessening RDNA 2’s support now, how long will RDNA 3/4 be supported?
Will AMD’s new position be enough to save AMD’s reputation amongst gamers? Will AMD backtrack further?
You can join the discussion on AMD’s support plans for RDNA and RDNA 2 graphics cards on the OC3D Forums.
