AMD has shipped its lowest tier RDNA 4 graphics cards to board partners, introducing the Radeon RX 9050 in 4 GB and 8 GB variants. The new entry level cards feature 16 Compute Units and 1,024 stream processors based on the Navi 44 die. However, AMD has not yet confirmed pricing or global availability for either model.
The 4 GB card represents a major cut to the already modest 8 GB model. To hit this lower memory capacity, ASRock specification documents confirm the bus width drops to 64 bit, down from the 128 bit interface found on the larger model. Both versions run at 18 Gbps speed, meaning the bandwidth of the 4 GB card is exactly halved to 144 GB/s. This dramatic reduction in memory capability reflects a tight global supply of GDDR6 memory as suppliers prioritize enterprise products over consumer graphics cards.
ASRock is the first partner to list these GPUs under its Challenger series. The physical design of both cards measures 249 x 132 x 41 mm and requires a single 8 pin power connector. ASRock recommends a 450 W power supply for both options. While the cards share the same 16 Compute Units and 2.6 GHz boost clocks, the massive gap in memory performance makes the 4 GB variant an unusual choice for modern PC gaming workloads.
Retail pricing and power draw remain unconfirmed. The 8 GB variant was previously earmarked for developing markets in the Asia Pacific and Latin American regions, with no Western release planned. It appears the 4 GB card will follow the same regional distribution plan, serving as a cheap option in areas where budget dictates purchasing decisions.
