AMD New RX 7400 GPU Arrives, But Hope for Budget Gamers May Lie with Intel
A new entry-level graphics card from AMD has officially launched, but a major catch means most PC builders won’t be able to buy it. Meanwhile, speculation points to Intel potentially filling a crucial gap in the budget GPU market.
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AMD has quietly updated its graphics card lineup with the release of the Radeon RX 7400, a new desktop GPU aimed at the entry-level market. While fresh hardware is always notable, gamers looking for an affordable upgrade may need to temper their expectations, as this new card comes with a significant limitation.
The AMD Radeon RX 7400: What We Know
The Radeon RX 7400 is based on the previous-generation RDNA 3 architecture, not the upcoming RDNA 4 platform. According to AMD’s specifications, the card features:
28 Compute Units (1,792 Stream Processors)
8GB of GDDR6 video memory
AdvertisementAn impressively low power consumption of just 43W
AMD positions the RX 7400 as a solution for “advanced gaming and streaming experiences at 1080p.” However, the specifications suggest it is a modest, low-end GPU designed for Full HD gaming.
The biggest caveat, first spotted by Notebookcheck, is its availability. The RX 7400 has so far only appeared in pre-built systems from manufacturers like Dell. This strongly indicates that the card is an OEM-only product, meaning it will be sold directly to system integrators and will not be available for purchase as a standalone component in retail stores. For the average PC builder, the only way to acquire one would likely be through a pre-built machine or the second-hand market.
A Glimmer of Hope: Intel’s Potential Budget Contender
While the news about the RX 7400 may be disappointing for DIY enthusiasts, another development offers a more positive outlook for the budget-conscious gamer. Speculation is growing around a potential new graphics card from Intel: the Battlemage B380.
Though unconfirmed, the B380 is rumored to be a substantial leap over its predecessor, the Alchemist A380. It is speculated to feature:
16 Xe cores (double the A380’s 8 cores)
8GB of VRAM (an increase from the A380’s 6GB)
This potential upgrade could deliver a significant performance boost. More importantly, it would target a price point that desperately needs more competition. The original A380 launched at just $150, leading to expectations that the B380 could arrive for well under $200.
Why the Budget Market Needs a Shake-Up
The entry-level GPU market is currently underserved. The long-reigning budget champion, AMD’s Radeon RX 6600, is becoming harder to find as supplies dwindle, causing its price to creep up.
The new RX 7400 is unlikely to fill this void if it remains an OEM-exclusive product. Even if it were eventually released to the public, its value would depend heavily on a sub-$200 price tag, which is not guaranteed.
For now, the Radeon RX 7400 stands as a quiet update for pre-built PCs, with its low power usage making it an attractive option for compact systems. However, for gamers eagerly awaiting a new, affordable, and widely available graphics card, all eyes are turning to Intel to see if its upcoming Battlemage series can deliver the true budget hero the market is waiting for.
