Multiple GPU Vendors Unveil Passive Designs for the Recently Launched RDNA 4 Professional GPUs
AMD recently expanded its professional GPU lineup with two new RDNA 4-based workstation cards: the Radeon AI PRO R9700S and the Radeon AI PRO R9600D. These GPUs mark a significant step forward, as both feature passive cooling solutions. Several of AMD’s board partners have unveiled their custom designs based on these GPUs, including models from PowerColor, Sapphire, and ASRock.
Radeon AI PRO R9700S and R9600D: Fanless Innovation
Both of these professional GPUs offer fanless, passive cooling, which requires adequate chassis airflow to keep the components cool. Notably, Sapphire and ASRock have unveiled their own versions, featuring simple yet functional designs. While Sapphire has released both R9700S and R9600D models, ASRock has released variants with slightly different aesthetics and port configurations.
Radeon AI PRO R9700S: Dual-Slot Passive Design
The R9700S by PowerColor comes with a 16-pin (12V-2×6) power connector at the end of the card, paired with a dual-slot design. The card includes four DisplayPort 2.1a ports for high-resolution output. The design is straightforward, with a black shroud and no branding, offering a sleek, minimalist look that doesn’t distract from the GPU’s performance.
Sapphire also offers a Radeon AI PRO R9700S version, which is similarly equipped with 4× DisplayPort 2.1a ports. However, it has a slightly more decorated backplate, adorned with AMD Radeon and Sapphire logos. Additionally, the R9700S uses a 12V-2×6 connector to power its 150W GPU.
Radeon AI PRO R9600D: A Single-Slot Solution
The R9600D from Sapphire takes a different approach with a single-slot design, making it ideal for systems with limited space. It uses a more compact design, featuring just one DisplayPort 2.1a port, while the R9700S has four.
However, ASRock’s R9600D model takes a different path with a more feature-rich design, equipped with 4× DisplayPort 2.1a ports, providing flexibility for multi-display setups. The card also uses the same 12V-2×6 connector, matching the R9700S‘s power delivery specifications.
PowerConnectors and Cooling Solutions: What’s in the Box?
It’s curious that both the R9700S and R9600D GPUs utilize the 16-pin power connector for a GPU that has a 150W power consumption. While this is far lower than the 600W GPUs common in the high-end gaming segment, it offers a more efficient power delivery solution, likely designed for safety and to minimize thermal strain.
Summary of Key Features:
- Radeon AI PRO R9700S
- Design: Dual-slot fanless cooling
- Connectivity: 4× DisplayPort 2.1a
- Power: 12V-2×6 (16-pin)
- Ports: 16-pin power connector
- Power Consumption: 150W
- Radeon AI PRO R9600D
- Design: Single-slot fanless cooling
- Connectivity: 1× DisplayPort 2.1a (Sapphire) / 4× DisplayPort 2.1a (ASRock)
- Power: 12V-2×6 (16-pin)
- Power Consumption: 150W