The number of cores in a GPU directly impacts its performance, and AMD appears to be pushing that limit with its upcoming RDNA 5 graphics cards. Rumors suggest that the company plans to double the number of cores per Compute Unit (CU), which could give even mid-range models more raw power than today’s flagship Radeon RX 9070 XT.
According to leaker Zhangzhonghao, each CU in RDNA 5 will pack 128 stream processors—twice as many as those found in RDNA 4. If accurate, this design could give the top RDNA 5 chip a massive 12,288 cores. A recently leaked die breakdown backs up this claim, hinting at the following possible lineup:
- High-end RDNA 5: 96 CUs / 12,288 cores
- Upper-mid range: 40 CUs / 5,120 cores
- Mainstream tier: 24 CUs / 3,072 cores
- Entry-level: 12 CUs / 1,536 cores
If these numbers hold true, AMD’s next generation could deliver a big leap in performance across the entire product stack.
Can AMD compete with the RTX 6090?
If the rumored specs are accurate, a top-end RDNA 5 GPU could pack the equivalent of three Radeon RX 9070 XTs or about two RX 7900 XTXs worth of stream processors—potentially unlocking an entirely new tier of performance for AMD in the high-end market. Of course, raw core count isn’t everything; memory bandwidth, cache design, and clock speeds will also play a big role in the final results.
Should this leap materialize, it might mark AMD’s comeback in the ultra-enthusiast segment, an area where the Radeon RX 9000 series struggled to keep pace. While the RX 9070 XT can occasionally match NVIDIA’s RTX 5080 in certain titles, it remains far behind the RTX 5090. A redesigned RDNA 5 with such a dramatic increase in core density could finally position AMD to challenge even NVIDIA’s upcoming RTX 6090.
Adding to the speculation, earlier leaks hinted at AMD rethinking not just the architecture but also the branding. Some insiders claim the familiar “RX” nameplate may be retired, potentially giving way to a new label like “PTX.” If true, RDNA 5 could represent more than just a performance upgrade—it could signal the start of a new era for AMD’s graphics division.
