The Radeon RX 7700 XT was originally shown in promotional images as a reference model graphics card, but AMD never actually released that version. This card was only available in custom versions from different manufacturers. However, we now know that a reference model did exist.
The Appearance of the Prototype
A prototype from 2023, built by AMD, has recently surfaced — and it’s exactly that: a reference-design Radeon RX 7700 XT. This version features a red PCB and a dual-fan cooling system, following the same design style as AMD’s official RX 7000 reference cards.
As an engineering sample, it includes some unique details, such as openings in the metal backplate that expose components and connectors. Despite this, it seems to work perfectly with official drivers, as its specifications match those of the version that was released to the market.
Specifications
This Radeon RX 7700 XT prototype includes 3,456 shaders, 216 TMUs, 96 ROPs, a 192-bit bus, and 12 GB of GDDR6 memory — exactly the same configuration as the retail model. The GPU runs at 2,544 MHz in boost mode, identical to the store-bought version.
What makes this Radeon RX 7700 XT truly unique is its PCB and reference cooling design. For collectors, this could be an item of real interest, though it’s unlikely to be easy (or cheap) to find due to the very limited number of units produced.
