AMD could be preparing to launch one of the first modern graphics cards with only 4GB of VRAM, as leaked listings point to a lower-tier Radeon RX 9050 model designed around heavily reduced memory capacity.
According to Digital Foundary the leak comes from graphics card manufacturer ASRock, which reportedly listed an RX 9050 Challenger card on its website in both 4GB and 8GB configurations.
The 4GB version contained placeholder information, and AMD has not officially confirmed the RX 9050 as part of its Radeon RX 9000 series lineup.
The possible launch comes as the PC hardware industry faces growing pressure from shortages and rising demand for memory components, with Valve Corporation warning that AI-driven demand is worsening supply constraints across the computer hardware market.
The leaked specifications say the Radeon RX 9050 would use AMD’s Navi 44 GPU architecture, the same silicon family as the RX 9060, but with a significantly reduced configuration.
| Model | GPU | Compute Units | Memory | Memory Bus | Estimated Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radeon RX 9050 | Navi 44 | 16 CUs | 4GB/8GB GDDR6 | 64-bit (estimated) | 100-125W |
| Radeon RX 9060 | Navi 44 | 28 CUs | 8GB GDDR6 | 128-bit | 150W |
The reported RX 9050 configuration would place it well below current expectations for gaming GPUs, where 8GB of VRAM has increasingly become the minimum acceptable capacity for modern titles.
Previous 4GB graphics cards, including the Intel Arc A310, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1630 and AMD Radeon RX 6400, were primarily aimed at basic gaming and entry-level workloads, with prices generally ranging between $99 and $199.
A return to 4GB memory could create problems for newer games, particularly those using high-resolution textures and advanced graphical effects.
Many recent titles already struggle on systems with limited VRAM, causing frame rate drops, texture loading issues and reduced image quality.
The leaked RX 9050 may also use a narrow 64-bit memory interface if it ships with only two memory chips. A four-chip design could increase the interface to 128-bit, but that would still leave the card below many current mainstream GPUs.
Beyond memory limitations, the card is expected to feature only 16 compute units compared with the RX 9060’s reported 28. ASRock’s listing reportedly showed clock speeds of 1920MHz base and 2600MHz boost, with a recommended 450W power supply.
While AMD has not confirmed pricing or availability, the RX 9050 leak highlights the increasing challenge facing budget PC gamers: graphics cards are becoming more demanding at the same time as manufacturers attempt to reduce costs through lower memory capacities.
AMD’s rumoured 4GB Radeon RX 9050 highlights growing GPU memory squeeze
The possible return of 4GB graphics cards is being linked to growing pressure on the memory supply chain, as AI demand pushes manufacturers towards higher-margin products such as HBM and server-grade DDR5 memory.
Reports suggest AMD’s rumoured Radeon RX 9050 could launch with a 4GB variant aimed at lower-cost markets, with ASRock currently the only board partner linked to the card. The 8GB version is reportedly planned for selected Asia-Pacific and Latin American markets.
Analysts have questioned whether the 4GB model will reach consumers directly, with speculation it could instead be limited to pre-built OEM systems.
If released, it would mark a major shift for gaming GPUs, with 8GB now considered the minimum for many modern titles.
The last major 4GB graphics cards arrived in 2022, including Intel’s Arc A310 and Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1630. A return to 4GB in 2026 would highlight the impact of memory shortages and rising component costs on budget PC gaming.
AMD has not confirmed the Radeon RX 9050, but leaked listings suggest manufacturers may be preparing for a new generation of entry-level GPUs with significantly reduced memory capacity.
If released with 4GB of VRAM, the RX 9050 would represent a significant step backwards for gaming hardware at a time when modern software requirements continue to rise.
AMD’s rumoured Radeon RX 9050 entry-level graphics card has surfaced in new leaks, with ASRock briefly listing the GPU in 4GB and 8GB VRAM configurations.
The listings have since been removed, and AMD has not officially confirmed the card, but the leak suggests 4GB graphics cards could return in 2026 for the first time since 2022.
