When discussing new GPUs, the focus often lands on the latest and greatest, like AMD’s RX 9070 XT. However, AMD sometimes revisits older generations, as evidenced by the recent, unannounced release of the RX 6500. This budget GPU, brought to market solely by Zephyr, raises the question: Is there a demand for such a card in 2025?
This non-XT variant of the RX 6500 was first spotted by realVictor_M on X (formerly Twitter). Zephyr, seemingly the only AIB partner producing this card, dubbed it the Dual ITX, suggesting its suitability for compact builds. The RX 6500’s arrival was notably quiet, lacking any official announcement from AMD.
The RX 6500’s specifications are modest by today’s standards. It features 1,024 stream processors, 16 compute units, and only 4GB of GDDR6 VRAM on a 64-bit memory bus at 16Gbps. Its 55W TBP eliminates the need for an external power connector. VideoCardz also reported a single-fan, single-slot version from Zephyr.
In terms of performance, the RX 6500 aligns more closely with the RX 6500 XT than the RX 6400, despite the latter having a similar memory configuration. The RX 6400 boasts only 768 stream processors.
While budget-friendly systems are valuable, the RX 6500’s relevance in the current market is questionable. Modern integrated graphics offer comparable performance, and 4GB of VRAM severely limits gaming potential beyond older, less demanding titles. The market already offers similar, sub-$100 GPUs from both AMD and Nvidia.
A potential niche for the RX 6500 might be within small form-factor (SFF) PCs serving as home entertainment systems. For gaming, however, its capabilities likely fall short. Currently, there’s no information regarding pricing or availability, particularly in the U.S. market.
In conclusion, AMD has indeed released a new GPU, but it’s not the high-end powerhouse many might expect. The RX 6500 caters to a specific, budget-conscious segment, though its practicality in 2025 remains to be seen.
