URGENT UPDATE: AMD’s recent announcement regarding driver support for its RDNA 1 and 2 graphics cards has sparked significant backlash among consumers, raising concerns for those who invested in the technology. Just days after the release of their new Adrenalin driver version 25.10.2 on October 29, 2023, many users are questioning their trust in AMD, especially those who bought RDNA 4 GPUs like the Radeon RX 9070 XT.
The situation escalated when AMD indicated that support for the RX 5000 and RX 6000 series will be shifted to “maintenance mode.” This means that these graphics cards will only receive critical bug fixes and security updates, with no enhancements or optimizations for new games that could potentially improve performance. This sudden shift has left many consumers feeling blindsided, especially since RDNA 2 GPUs were still being marketed and sold as late as this year.
The initial announcement, which was later retracted, stated that new game support would focus exclusively on the RX 7000 and 9000 series products. This statement drew immediate criticism from the gaming community, prompting AMD to clarify to Tom’s Hardware that “market needs” would dictate the extent of driver support for older models. This justification has not quelled the anger, with many gamers expressing their disappointment across social media platforms.
In a follow-up blog post on November 2, 2023, AMD reiterated their commitment to supporting RX 5000 and 6000 GPUs but confirmed that they would follow a separate development path from RDNA 3 and 4. The community remains skeptical, questioning how “market needs” can justify the exclusion of relatively recent hardware that performs well in today’s demanding gaming environment.
While AMD’s RDNA 4 GPUs have received praise for their performance and efficiency, the company’s approach to supporting previous generations starkly contrasts with rival Nvidia, which continues to offer extensive driver support for its older models. Nvidia’s GTX 10 series recently saw the end of its support, yet drivers for Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta GPUs are still being updated—a stark comparison to AMD’s five-year support window for RDNA 2 users.
Gamers feel increasingly anxious about the longevity of their investments in AMD technology. As one user noted, “I love my RX 9070 XT, but now I wonder how long until it’s also put into maintenance mode.” The sentiment reflects a growing concern among consumers who have long trusted AMD’s commitment to value and longevity.
AMD’s recent miscommunication has left many feeling wary about their future purchases. As the GPU market continues to evolve, the company must navigate these challenges carefully to maintain consumer trust. The fallout from this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and support in the competitive gaming landscape.
As this story develops, consumers are urged to stay informed about AMD’s commitments and any changes in driver support. The implications of this decision could have lasting effects on AMD’s relationship with its loyal customer base, making it essential for the company to deliver on its promises moving forward. Keep an eye on AMD’s announcements as gamers await clarity on the future of their RDNA graphics cards.