We already know that AMD is developing a new generation graphics processor architecture called UDNA, which unifies its gaming and data center product lines, offering a unified compute path. Recently, details about this architecture’s configuration have emerged in some technical forums. This information, based on speculation from industry insiders, points to three possible chip specifications: a flagship version with 96 compute units and a 384-bit memory bus, a mid-range version with 64 compute units and a 256-bit memory bus, and a low-end version with 32 compute units and a 128-bit memory bus.
A Look Back at AMD’s GPU Journey #
Looking back at AMD’s graphics processor development, its RDNA architecture has undergone multiple iterations since its introduction in 2019. The first-generation RDNA, used in the Radeon RX 5000 series, introduced a more efficient compute unit design, improving performance per watt. The second-generation RDNA 2 in the RX 6000 series enabled ray tracing support and optimized Infinity Cache technology, enhancing high-resolution gaming performance. The third-generation RDNA 3 in the RX 7000 series adopted a chiplet design, with top models like the RX 7900 XTX featuring up to 96 compute units, 24GB of GDDR6 memory, and enhanced AI accelerators, supporting higher frame rates for 4K gaming and content creation. Moving to the fourth-generation RDNA 4, the RX 9000 series focused on the mainstream mid-range market, with the top chip’s compute unit count kept around 64, equipped with 16GB of GDDR6 memory, emphasizing optimized ray tracing and AI processing to provide performance comparable to competitors at a mid-range price point.
UDNA: A Unified Architecture for the Future #
The emergence of UDNA signifies AMD’s continued push for a unified architecture strategy. UDNA will merge RDNA’s gaming focus with CDNA’s data center characteristics, building a platform designed from the ground up and deeply optimized for ray tracing and AI tasks.
Compute units are the core components of a GPU. Each unit contains multiple arithmetic logic units, texture mapping units, and rasterization engines, responsible for parallel processing of graphics tasks. Increasing the number of compute units directly boosts the GPU’s parallel computing power, providing higher throughput, for example, when rendering complex scenes or running machine learning models. The flagship configuration with 96 compute units represents a 50% increase compared to the RDNA 4’s top product with 64 compute units. This could lead to stronger multi-threaded processing performance, especially in high-load gaming or professional rendering applications.
Memory Bus Width: A Key Performance Factor #
Memory bus width is another critical factor affecting GPU performance. It determines the speed at which data is transferred from graphics memory to the processing units; a wider bus means higher bandwidth, thus reducing bottlenecks. The 384-bit bus, compared to RDNA 4’s 256-bit design, can support larger video memory capacities and faster data throughput. It might employ higher-density GDDR7 memory modules, potentially achieving capacities exceeding 24GB. This would help in processing 8K resolution content or large datasets without frequently relying on system memory.
The mid-range 64-compute-unit model maintains a 256-bit bus, similar to the RX 9070 XT, but aims to improve overall efficiency through architectural upgrades and manufacturing process enhancements. The low-end 32-compute-unit chip uses a 128-bit bus. While its bandwidth is lower, combined with next-generation memory technology, it should still meet entry-level demands, such as 1080p gaming or daily multimedia tasks. By 2026, memory module density is expected to increase further, helping to mitigate memory limitations in low-end products.
Market Outlook and Technological Advancements #
From a market perspective, AMD’s share in the graphics processor market is currently around 8%, while NVIDIA holds a dominant position at 92%. This gap is partly due to NVIDIA’s strength in the AI and professional markets, but AMD is gradually gaining share through its price-performance strategy. UDNA is expected to enter mass production in the second quarter of 2026. AMD’s unified architecture strategy will make it easier for developers to optimize software across platforms, potentially lowering costs and accelerating ecosystem building.
Technologically, UDNA may introduce more advanced process nodes to improve power efficiency. Optimizations to the compute units will include enhanced vector processing capabilities and dedicated AI engines, supporting upscaling technologies like FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) to further boost frame rates without sacrificing image quality. For ray tracing, the new architecture is expected to increase the number of dedicated accelerators, improving the accuracy and speed of real-time lighting calculations. For example, in games, this can achieve more realistic reflections and shadows, while in content creation, it supports faster ray simulation rendering.
Looking Ahead to 2026 #
Looking ahead to 2026, the graphics processor market will see fierce competition. If AMD’s UDNA series is configured as speculated, it will cover the full spectrum of demands from entry-level to high-end, offering more choices for PC gamers. NVIDIA’s next-generation products may focus on AI integration, while Intel emphasizes power efficiency and integration. Overall, this wave of new products will push gaming resolutions towards higher standards and accelerate the widespread adoption of AI in consumer hardware.