AMD reported has a two-tier allocation for RX 9070 series AIB supply

AMD reportedly allocates more of its GPU silicon to “first echelon” partners

According to a report from Board Partners(via Videocardz), AMD has distributed Radeon RX 9070 series (RDNA 4) GPU silicon using a two-tier allocation system. This system divides AMD’s GPU partners into two echelons, with top-echelon partners getting allocated more GPU silicon than other partners. In other words, AMD is showing a preference for its “core” AIB partners.

This system explains why some RX 9070 series graphics cards appeared to be more readily available than others. Preferred AMD partners were able to produce more graphics cards than non-core AMD partners, allowing GPUs from core brands to be in higher supply.

AMD’s “first echelon” partners include ASUS, XFX, PowerColor, Sapphire, and Vastarmor. Second-echelon brands include Acer, Yeston, Gigabyte, and ASRock. Note that many of AMD’s top-tier brands only produce AMD Radeon graphics cards.

(Image from Board Channels – Via Videocardz)

AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 series GPUs are popular, and AMD needs to work hard to get more GPUs on store shelves. However, AMD’s supply of RX 9000 series GPU silicon is limited, and AMD needs a way of distributing this silicon to all of its partners. Showing preference to certain partners makes sense from a business perspective. After all, some GPU brands are more popular than others. Brands like Acer don’t have the same brand recognition as Sapphire or XFX in the GPU market.

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