AMD's latest driver patches for Linux have provided the first indication that the company is preparing to adopt GDDR7 memory technology for its future GPUs. The AMDGPU patch, identified by Phoronix, specifically includes the identifier "GDDR7," a subtle but significant addition to the driver's codebase.
This move aligns with industry trends, as Nvidia has already integrated GDDR7 with its RTX 50-series graphics cards. While AMD's current 9000 series GPUs utilize GDDR6, the inclusion of GDDR7 support in the driver suggests a planned transition for AMD's next-generation offerings, despite potential ongoing memory supply challenges.
The driver update also contains further support for unreleased architectures, including Display Core Next 6, which was noted in July. Expectations for AMD's RDNA 5 architecture are currently placed around late 2027 or 2028. Rumors suggest a staggered release, with a limited number of cards initially, followed by a broader lineup. This timeline is consistent with the anticipated launch of next-generation consoles, which will reportedly use a semi-custom version of AMD's Radeon architecture. AMD CEO Lisa Su previously stated in February that the System-on-Chip for the next-generation Xbox was progressing well and targeted for a 2027 launch.
The broader impact of the current memory crisis on these timelines remains uncertain, though some industry figures, like Acer's CEO, have expressed optimism that it may not be as severe as initially feared. For PC hardware, significant new GPU releases from both AMD and Nvidia are anticipated to be some time away, with Nvidia reportedly not expected to reveal new offerings until 2028.