AMD is reportedly discontinuing its Radeon RX 6600 series of graphics cards, signaling the end of an era for these popular mainstream GPUs. According to recent reports, production has ceased for the RX 6600, RX 6600 XT, and RX 6650 XT models.
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| The AMD Radeon RX 6600 graphics card, a popular model in the mainstream GPU market now being discontinued |
End of the Line for RDNA 2
The RX 6600 series, based on AMD's RDNA 2 architecture, has been a staple in the budget and mid-range GPU market since its launch. Known for offering solid 1080p gaming performance at affordable prices, these cards are now being phased out to make way for newer models.
Key points:
- Production of RX 6600, RX 6600 XT, and RX 6650 XT has reportedly ended
- Remaining stock will be sold until depleted
- Move likely in preparation for future RDNA 3 and RDNA 4 based GPUs
Market Impact and Alternatives
With the discontinuation of the RX 6600 series, budget-conscious gamers may need to look at other options:
- RX 6750 GRE: A new 10GB model aimed at the Chinese market may become the mainstream choice.
- RX 6500 XT: Will continue as AMD's entry-level offering, at least until the end of 2024.
- RX 7600: The RDNA 3 based successor, offering improved performance and features like AV1 encoding.
Price Considerations
Despite being discontinued, the RX 6600 series remains an attractive option for budget builds:
- RX 6600: Available for as low as $179.99 on some retailers
- RX 6600 XT and RX 6650 XT: Often found under $250
These prices represent significant discounts from their launch MSRPs, making them potential bargains for those willing to invest in older technology.
Looking Ahead
AMD's decision to phase out the RX 6600 series likely paves the way for upcoming RDNA 3 based successors, including rumored RX 7400 and RX 7300 models. These new cards are expected to offer improved performance and efficiency in the entry-level segment.
As the GPU market continues to evolve, consumers should keep an eye on both remaining RX 6600 stock and upcoming announcements from AMD to make informed purchasing decisions.