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| AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT — the most powerful graphics card based on RDNA |
Samsung Foundry to build its next-generation Radeon chips, utilizing either a 2nm or 4nm process. This would have marked a significant shift away from its longtime partner, TSMC. However, the rumor was quickly doused by a reliable source from within the leak community.
Well-known hardware insider Kepler_L2, who has a strong track record with AMD-related information and early PlayStation 5 Pro details, directly shut down the speculation. In a post on social media, the leaker called the idea "nonsense," providing a crucial piece of information: the chips in question are already taped out by a different manufacturer.
You can see the leaker's definitive dismissal of the Samsung rumor.
TSMC N3P Taped Out, Mid-2027 Launch Window Hinted
According to Kepler_L2's follow-up details, the next-generation Radeon graphics chips—widely referred to by enthusiasts as RDNA 5—have already reached the tape-out stage on TSMC's N3P (3nm) fabrication node. Tape-out is the final step in the design process before a chip is sent for manufacturing, making this a major milestone.
This firmly rules out Samsung for this generation and reinforces AMD's continued partnership with TSMC for its high-performance GPU silicon. Furthermore, the leaker pointed to a mid-2027 release window for the architecture, a timeline that aligns with a completed tape-out, as leading-edge GPUs require extensive validation and production ramp-up.
This reported schedule has been further discussed in a report by Videocardz.
Official Silence on Radeon, Clues from "Project Amethyst"
As always, AMD remains officially silent on unannounced products. The company has not confirmed any "RDNA 5" branding or specific launch dates for new desktop Radeon GPUs. Its public commentary stays focused on broad visions for "next-generation gaming GPUs" with enhanced AI and ray tracing capabilities.
This contrasts with its more open roadmap for EPYC server CPUs, where it has even confirmed early work on 2nm technology. For Radeon, specifics are scarce.
One of the few tangible hints comes from AMD's collaboration with Sony, known as "Project Amethyst." The companies have detailed joint development on new Radiance Cores for advanced ray tracing, Neural Arrays for AI graphics tasks, and improved compression to reduce memory bandwidth demands. The industry widely expects these technologies to trickle down to future consumer Radeon graphics cards, suggesting a shared roadmap between console and desktop PC graphics.
The Road to 2027: A Quiet Roadmap Ahead?
If the mid-2027 target is accurate, the road ahead may be relatively quiet for Radeon fans. AMD has already pulled back on marketing for current-generation products and notably scrubbed its RDNA 4 architecture from a recent CES roadmap presentation.
This silence could be strategic. Starting a hype cycle years in advance is rarely effective. There are also market realities to consider; factors like memory pricing and supply could make a competitive 2026 launch challenging. A 2027 timeline allows the technology to mature and the market to stabilize.
What We Think (And What We're Still Guessing)
Based on the leaks, the picture coming into focus is one of continuity in manufacturing with an ambitious, AI-infused architecture on the horizon. Beyond the tape-out and timeline, details remain speculative. References to an internal "GFX13" family and various GPU dies (AT0, AT2, etc.) with different configurations continue to circulate. Support for future standards like HDMI 2.2 is also rumored but unconfirmed.
For now, enthusiasts looking for an upgrade in the interim might consider current-generation offerings.
In the meantime, you can check the latest prices and availability of today's top Radeon graphics cards on Amazon.
The takeaway? While AMD's next-generation Radeon graphics appear to be firmly on TSMC's advanced process and progressing through development, patience will be key. If the leaks hold true, we're looking at a late-2026 to mid-2027 unveiling for what could be a major architectural leap focused on the defining technologies of next-gen gaming: ray tracing and AI.
So release end of 2026?
— RawMango (@mango_raw) December 25, 2025