Custom Radeon AI PRO R9700S/9600D
Navi 48 GPU and 32GB RAM.
Why did AMD have to launch a new model just to offer passive cooling? It is hard to say. This generation of Radeon PRO workstation cards looks different from what AMD used to do, because the lineup is handled by add-in-board partners, including companies that usually focus on gaming cards.
The newly launched Radeon AI PRO R9700S is basically a clone of the Radeon AI PRO R9700, which uses a blower-style cooler. The “S” variant swaps that for a passive heatsink design aimed at multi-GPU configurations in server clusters, where airflow comes from the chassis and not from fans on the card.
Radeon AI PRO R9700S, Source: PowerColor
PowerColor has now unveiled its own card, listed as the AI PRO R9700S 32G-P. The design looks plain, and the shroud is about as simple as it gets. PowerColor also shared an image showing a workstation-style build, but this is not a good example of how this card should be used . Passive cards like this usually need stronger, directed airflow than a typical case layout provides.
Radeon AI PRO R9700S, Source: PowerColor
On the spec side, PowerColor lists 4096 stream processors and 32GB of GDDR6 on a 256-bit bus. Memory is rated at 20.0 Gbps, with clocks listed at up to 2350MHz game and up to 2920MHz boost. Connectivity and platform support match what you would expect for this class. The card is PCIe 5.0 x16 and comes with four DisplayPort 2.1a outputs, with a listed maximum resolution of 7680 x 4320 over DisplayPort.
PowerColor also lists a 2-slot form factor power via a 12V-2×6 16-pin connector, with a 750W minimum system PSU recommendation. Keep in mind that even with passive cooling, this is still a 300W-class design, so a multi-GPU setup needs server-grade airflow, not two front intake fans trying to feed 1200W worth of GPUs.
Sapphire and ASRock join the club
Radeon AI PRO R9700S, Source: Sapphire
This update also confirms there are partner cards from SAPPHIRE and ASRock, and it adds the Radeon AI PRO R9600D to the picture. SAPPHIRE lists the R9700S as a 64 CU part with 4096 stream processors, 128 AI accelerators, 64MB Infinity Cache, and a 300W power rating. For the R9600D, SAPPHIRE lists 48 CUs, 3072 stream processors, 96 AI accelerators, 32GB of GDDR6 at 20 Gbps, and 150W power. It also confirms the R9600D is a single-slot passive design.
Radeon AI PRO R9600D, Source: Sapphire
ASRock lists both passive cards as business-only models that may not be sold through retail channels. The R9700S keeps a silver look similar to the company’s R9700 series styling, while the SAPPHIRE R9700S shroud reminds me of the older EVGA FTW approach. Either way, these are still high-power cards in multi-GPU setups, and they only make sense in systems built around strong, directed airflow.
Radeon AI PRO R9700S/9600D, Source: ASRock
Source: PowerColor, Sapphire, ASRock
