There is a Significant Performance Difference Between the AMD Radeon RX 9050 4GB and 8GB
The AMD Radeon RX 9050, an entry-level RDNA 4 graphics card, targets 1080p gaming, but the difference between the 4GB and 8GB versions isn’t just about memory capacity. The 4GB model, offered exclusively for OEM systems, uses a narrower memory bus and lower bandwidth, significantly impacting actual gaming performance. New tests by Hardware Unboxed show that the difference between the two cards is much greater than anticipated.
AMD Radeon RX 9050 8GB On Average 37% Faster
In a comparison testing 18 different games at 1080p resolution, the 8GB Radeon RX 9050 offered an average of 37% higher performance than the 4GB model. This difference isn’t limited to just a few FPS in some games; the cards perform as if they belong to different performance classes.
The biggest problem with the 4GB version is the memory. Not only does the card use 4GB of VRAM, but it also comes with a 64-bit memory bus and 144 GB/s bandwidth. This is half the bandwidth offered by the 8GB model. In modern games, both the VRAM capacity and bandwidth limitations are felt simultaneously.
This becomes even more apparent in more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. Even with graphics settings set to Low or Ultra Low, the 4GB model sometimes fails to reach 60 FPS. However, in competitive games like Fortnite, Counter-Strike 2, and Rainbow Six Siege, it’s still possible to see performance above 100 FPS.
AMD has set a recommended retail price of $279 for the 8GB Radeon RX 9050. The 4GB version is only available in pre-built systems. Looking at the test results, it’s clear that despite being sold under the same name, there’s a significant performance gap between the two models.
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