AMD has not officially released a “Made by AMD” (MBA) reference design for its latest Radeon RX 9070 XT GPUs, built on the RDNA 4 architecture. However, leaked images from China suggest that a reference model does indeed exist—at least as a prototype. While AMD’s board partners have launched custom models, the absence of an official reference edition has left enthusiasts wondering if one was ever made for internal use.
Now, a new leak from Chinese forums provides compelling evidence that such a card is not just a digital render but a physical product. A seller briefly listed a brand-new Radeon RX 9070 XT reference edition with a one-year warranty, stipulating that the second year would require self-paid repairs. The listing included strict conditions: no disassembly, no modifications, and no physical damage allowed.
A Rare Prototype with a Stealthy Design
According to the now-deleted listing, the seller was offering the card for 5000 RMB (~$700 USD) for local buyers. Those requiring shipping had to opt for SF Express with insurance, raising the total cost to 5800 RMB (~$810 USD). This pricing aligns closely with what custom AIB models are selling for, making it a relatively fair deal given the rarity of the reference edition.
The card itself closely resembles the previously leaked renders, featuring a triple-fan cooling solution. However, one key difference stands out: instead of the expected gray or silver aesthetic, this model sports a full-black shroud, giving it a more understated appearance. The unit was reportedly still factory-sealed in an antistatic bag, suggesting it had never been used or tested.
Tracing the Source—A Risky Proposition
With the listing now removed, it’s highly likely that the GPU has already been sold. However, the images displayed visible serial codes, which means AMD could potentially trace the origins of this particular unit. If this prototype was not meant to be in circulation, the seller—or whoever originally obtained it—could face repercussions.
AMD has yet to comment on the situation, and given the lack of an official MBA version of the RX 9070 XT, this leak raises questions about how many of these reference cards actually exist. Were they simply engineering samples? Were they produced in limited numbers before AMD scrapped the idea of selling them publicly?
A Glimpse into What Could Have Been
While the Radeon RX 9070 XT is readily available through board partners like Sapphire, ASUS, and PowerColor, this leak suggests that AMD at least designed a reference edition before deciding against a mass release. The reasoning behind this decision remains unclear—perhaps due to cost considerations, cooling performance, or market positioning.
For now, the sighting of this MBA Radeon RX 9070 XT remains a fleeting glimpse into what could have been a collector’s item. Whether AMD will officially acknowledge the reference design’s existence or if more units will appear in the wild remains to be seen.
Sources: Uniko’s Hardware, via VIdeoCardz, TechPowerUP
