Gigabyte and Sapphire Unveil Reference Radeon RX 6800 and RX 6800 XT

Gigabyte and Sapphire Unveil Reference Radeon RX 6800 and RX 6800 XT

Gigabyte and Sapphire presented reference versions of Radeon RX 6800 and RX 6800 XT video cards. In reality, these solutions are designed and manufactured by AMD, and the company’s partners are only responsible for their implementation under their own brands and in their original packaging.

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Gigabyte has confirmed that it will be selling both the Radeon RX 6800 and RX 6800 XT models. Both cards are based on the Navi 21 GPU, equipped with 16 GB of GDDR6 video memory, as well as 128 MB of Infinity Cache buffer memory.

The main difference between the models lies in the number of execution units (Compute Units, CU) of the GPU. The chip of the older version is equipped with 72 CUs, and the younger version has 60 execution units. In addition, for the GPU of the older version, the Game frequency is declared at 2015 MHz, for the chip of the younger model – 1815 MHz. The maximum frequency in Boost mode of the older version will be able to reach 2250 MHz, in the younger version – up to 2150 MHz.

Another difference is the level of power consumption. For the younger version, a lower TDP of 250 W is declared, for the older version – 300 W. The older model is slightly larger in size and will take 2.5 expansion slots in a computer case.

Sapphire is also preparing to release two reference models for sale: Radeon RX 6800 16GB (21305-01-20G) and Radeon RX 6800 XT 16GB (21304-01-20G).

Both use AMD’s reference design and do not have any inherent differences. The Hongkong-based manufacturer has shared many photos of the graphics cards showing their external features.

For example, you can note the difference in the thickness of the older and younger versions. If the Radeon RX 6800 XT occupies 2.5 expansion slots in the case, then the Radeon RX 6800 uses a two-slot design.

There is no visual difference between the video card backplates.

But there is a different color of the Radeon logo on the casing of the cooling system. In the older version, it is transparent white, in the younger version it is red. It can be assumed that the Radeon RX 6800 XT will have RGB lighting.

Unfortunately, manufacturers do not indicate the cost of their new products, but AMD’s recommendations are known. The Radeon RX 6800 XT model should cost $ 649, the Radeon RX 6800 version – $ 579. Both video cards are expected to ship from November 18th.