AMD plans RDNA 5+ GPU architecture for “early 2029”
AMD’s reportedly making an enhanced version of RDNA 5 for future APUs
AMD is reportedly working on a new RDNA 5+ graphics architecture for “Grimlock” series products. According to prior leaks, AMD’s Grimlock devices will feature AMD Zen 7 CPU cores and target TSMC A14 silicon. The same leak also gave mass-production dates in late 2028, indicating a launch in early 2029.
KeplerL2, a prolific PC hardware leaker, said AMD’s new RDNA 5+ architecture will launch in “early 2029”. This will be the first time an AMD RDNA 5 series graphics architecture is available on mobile PCs and PC gaming handhelds. Until then, the only AMD RDNA 5-based handheld will be Sony’s PlayStation 6 handheld, which could launch in late 2027.
It’s currently unknown what enhancements RDNA 5+ will deliver over RDNA 5. The architecture will undoubtedly be a refined version of RDNA 5. The architecture will likely be built for newer/smaller lithography nodes and deliver optimised performance per watt. Since the exact architectural benefits of RDNA 5 are unknown, it makes sense that RDNA 5+ is even more of a mystery. Since RDNA 3.5 integrated graphics exist, I’d expect RDNA 5+ to be named RDNA 5.5 when it arrives.
(RDNA 5+ APUs in 2029? – Source: KeplerL2)
If KeplerL2 is correct, AMD’s RDNA 5+ architecture will launch in early 2029, likely at CES 2029. We will likely see Zen 7 CPU cores paired with RDNA 5.5 graphics, succeeding AMD’s Strix, Gorgon, and Medusa series APU products. These products will likely deliver a major performance boost for gamers over AMD’s RDNA 3.5 and upcoming RDNA 4M series mobile GPUs.
AMD’s integrated graphics solutions have often used older graphics architectures than their current-generation desktop CPUs. Even now, almost two years after RDNA 4’s launch, AMD’s newest mobile chips use RDNA 3.5 graphics. Last year’s ASUS ROG Xbox Ally (non-X) uses an RDNA 2-based integrated GPU. With AMD’s “Grimlock” products, AMD could deliver a tremendous leap in mobile gaming performance.
Sony will reportedly be the first to market with a next-generation RDNA 5-based handheld, with the PC market following them in 2029 with newer RDNA 5.5 silicon. Will the wait be worth it?
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