Short for AMD Radeon DNA, the RDNA2 is the GPU architecture of the next-gen gaming graphics. In fact, it’s found in new laptops and modern gaming consoles like the PS5. An RNDA2-built GPU can provide up to 50% more performance compared to the RNDA1 and even 100% more than a traditional chip. It also supports ray-tracing — a rendering technique that displays incredibly realistic graphics.
AORUS Xtreme WaterForce
The AORUS Xtreme WaterForce is a liquid cooling GPU that will feature a full custom printed circuit board (PCB) design, complete with three 8-pin power connectors. It has 5120 stream processors,16 GB of GDDR6 memory, and AMD’s Infinity Cache technology. The latter is a new cache level that amplifies the RDNA2 architecture during 4K and 1440p gaming. It’s based on the Radeon RX 6900 XT SKU, which is the best AMD RDNA2-built GPU you can get today. The Radeon RX 6900 XT SKU boasts a clock speed of up to 2285 MHz, ensuring that you’ll experience no lag regardless of the graphics quality of the games you play.
While the AORUS Xtreme WaterForce has similar features, it does specialize on one not found in the model it’s based on: architectural thermal solutions. Its PCB uses complex pad shapes, which provide the optimal channel spacing between micro fins without triggering DRC violations. This geometrically challenging layout shortened the distance between the water channel and GPU is better for heat dissipation, boasting the AORUS Xtreme WaterForce’s overall liquid cooling system. The micro fins are also created with sunk-designed copper, which amplifies the heat conduction properties of the GPU.
Other features
As a liquid cooling GPU, the AORUS Xtreme WaterForce does have one disadvantage: the possibility of leakage. And while Gigabyte’s hardware is built well enough to prevent that from happening, there’s always that chance that the water can damage your PC. Fortunately, the GPU is accompanied by Gigabyte’s soon-to-be patented leak detection system. The device will automatically flash its lights when it detects signs of leakage to prevent any damage to its system.
Furthermore, the AORUS Xtreme WaterForce is equipped with nearly 16.7 million customizable color options and several lighting effects. If you own any other AORUS device, like a motherboard or keyboard, the RGB system can be synced with any of them for a more cohesive setup.
Price and release date
Knowing Gigabyte, there will very likely be two variants of the AORUS Xtreme WaterForce — the basic model and a “WB” or water block model. The former should feature an all-in-one cooling system built into a radiator, while a WB would feature a heat exchanger. The latter is better for cooling but is pricier.
While the full specifications of the AORUS Xtreme WaterForce have been listed on Gigabyte’s official website, there hasn’t been any announcement regarding its price nor release date. We should get news in the coming months, however.
If you’re interested in more RDNA2 innovations, we’ve also written an article about AMD Radeon’s latest RDNA2-built Navi 23 chip.
