The newest AMD GPU may not be geared toward gamers, but it could be a favorite among those building compact systems.

      When many of us think about new GPU launches, we often consider the top graphics cards available. For AMD, that currently corresponds to the RX 9070 XT. However, AMD has a history of revisiting older generations, and this GPU demonstrates just how far back AMD (or its partners) is willing to go to introduce a new product. The pertinent question is: Is there a genuine need for it?

      The GPU in question is the RX 6500, specifically the base, non-XT version, which was noted by realVictor_M on X (Twitter). Produced by Zephyr, this GPU did not receive an official announcement from AMD. Instead, it simply appeared on the market, and so far, Zephyr is the only AIB (add-in board) partner offering the RX 6500. Dubbed Dual ITX, it seems well-suited for compact builds.

      So, what are the specifications of this small, dual-fan card? Unfortunately, there isn’t much to get excited about in today’s market. The GPU features 1,024 stream processors (SPs), 16 compute units (CUs), and a modest 4GB of GDDR6 VRAM on a 64-bit memory bus (operating at 16Gbps). Its total board power (TBP) is 55 watts, allowing it to operate without an external power connector. Additionally, as noted by VideoCardz, Zephyr also produces a single-slot variant of the card with only one fan.

      In terms of specifications, the RX 6500 is closer to the RX 6500 XT than to the RX 6400. The lower-end RX 6400 has only 768 SPs, although both share the same memory configuration.

      As someone who appreciates budget-friendly builds, I find it hard to see the necessity for a GPU like this. Integrated graphics would likely provide similar performance, and managing games with just 4GB of VRAM would be challenging unless one limits themselves to older indie games. However, PCs for such basic tasks do have value. The main issue is that comparable GPUs are still widely available, including entry-level models under $100 from both AMD and Nvidia.

      I can envision the RX 6500 being utilized in a small form factor (SFF) PC designated as a home entertainment system, but it may feel outdated for gaming. It remains uncertain when or if this card will enter the U.S. market, or what its price will be.

      AMD has released a new GPU, but it isn't the one you might expect—or necessarily need.

      Monica is a computing writer at Digital Trends, focusing on PC hardware. She joined the team in 2021 and has since written extensively.

      Intel's Battlemage is on the verge of being unveiled, but the wait continues. After weeks of speculation, it has been confirmed that Intel Arc Battlemage is nearing its release, with an official announcement scheduled for December 3. However, leaks suggest that we won't be getting a complete overview of Intel Battlemage just yet. It might be a while before Battlemage ranks among the top graphics cards available.

      This year has been relatively quiet for Intel’s discrete graphics division, but recent weeks have been filled with leaks, and Intel has now confirmed an announcement is happening tomorrow. The specifics of what will be announced are still unclear, aside from the fact that it pertains to Battlemage.

      In a related note, Nvidia’s upcoming GPU plans may bode well for Intel and AMD. A new leak from Benchlife indicates that Nvidia might introduce most of the RTX 50-series in the first quarter of 2025—though one GPU appears to be notably absent from the initial lineup. This might present an opportunity for AMD and Intel, as while Nvidia dominates the high-end market, the other two brands could potentially offer some of the best graphics cards for budget-conscious gamers, allowing them a moment of respite before Nvidia counters.

      According to Benchlife, many of the RTX 50-series key models are expected to debut in the first quarter of the year, including the flagship RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 in January. Many leakers predict that additional GPUs will also be showcased during CES 2025.

      Lastly, it seems generative AI won’t be taking over PC gaming anytime soon. Recently, the internet reacted strongly to an article from PC Gamer discussing the future of generative AI in video games. While this topic has been under exploration by game companies for over a year, this particular piece triggered a significant backlash. Reddit users expressed their frustration, labeling it a "pro-AI puff piece." PC Gamer even issued an apology, and a character designer from Bioshock Infinite criticized the featured image of their character reimagined through AI as "half-assed cosplay." Although the article meant to offer a glimpse into the future of gaming with generative AI, it lacked sensitivity regarding how such changes could impact people's careers and creative work.