It was previously said that the upcoming RX 490 GPU will have next-generation specs, particularly a yet-announced Vega 10 architecture. However, speculations suggest that, as part of RX 4XX family, AMD is likely to use the same Polaris-based architecture for the upcoming graphics card.
According to PCGamesN, rumors of the new Vega 10 architecture being featured on the RX 490 stemmed from reports about release dates. Previously said to launch later this year, the RX 490 is said to have some delays in the launch, with AMD supposedly adjusting its debut for early 2017. Meanwhile, a previous investors' call has AMD revealing that the Vega 10 architecture will also commence early next year.
However, the industry follower mentioned that it is more likely a coincidence and that the RX 490 will remain a Polaris-based card. Even with the delay in its debut, the upcoming GPU is still part of the RX 4XX family, and it is likely that AMD will retain the same assembly for the RX 490.
On the other hand, the Vega 10 architecture is supposed to only start production by the first half of 2017, and with product testing and quality control, it is likely that Vega 10-based cards will start to release during the latter part of next year. It is quite possible that AMD is readying the Vega 10 architecture for its step-up GPU lineups, the RX 5XX series.
Meanwhile, even if the RX 490 remains a Polaris-based GPU, it will still offer enhanced specs and features. Supposed leaks list the RX 490 as a step-up card for the RX 480. However, as the RX 480 already features the top-most configuration for the Polaris 10 architecture, the RX 490 will most likely list the same specs, albeit with higher performance levels. This is due to a twist in its setup. The RX 490 will reportedly be a dual-GPU card.
Being a dual-graphics card is high possible, given that AMD has already done it with past GPU flagships. However, it remains to be seen if will offer either top-notch Polaris 10 chipsets, or a combination of premium and mid-range cores.
