The AMD Radeon PRO W7900 Dual Slot GPU is making waves with its 48 GB of memory and compact design, aimed at AI workstations. Priced at $3499, this GPU promises to deliver scalable AI performance and support for multiple GPUs in a single system, making it a compelling option for demanding creative and engineering workflows. However, the hefty price tag has sparked a debate among tech enthusiasts.
Critics argue that the W7900 is essentially an AMD desktop card with double the VRAM but lacks the memory bandwidth of competitors like the NVIDIA 3090. With only 864 GB/s of bandwidth, some feel the price is unjustified, especially considering the additional challenge of dealing with ROCm support. This sentiment is echoed by those who believe that the high cost is a form of profiteering, hoping for more affordable alternatives from competitors like Intel.
Despite the criticisms, the W7900 does offer significant value in certain areas. AMD claims it provides up to 2.01x better performance per dollar in workstation-oriented workloads compared to NVIDIA's Ada 6000 GPUs. For AI applications, the 48 GB memory buffer is a standout feature, enabling the handling of large language models (LLMs) effectively. Additionally, the upcoming ROCm 6.1.2 suite promises enhancements like more AI frameworks and scalable AI desktops with multi-GPU support, potentially increasing the card's appeal.
In conclusion, while the AMD Radeon PRO W7900 Dual Slot GPU presents a robust option for AI workstations with its large memory capacity and compact design, its high price and relatively lower memory bandwidth may deter some potential buyers. As the landscape of AI hardware continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether AMD's latest offering will be viewed as a compact powerhouse or an overpriced gamble.
