The internet is currently awash with rumours of RX Vega's anticipated performance, but for now all we know is AMD's launch date of August 14th. As has been common with many AMD releases as of late the brand new RX Vega lineup will first be available in reference designs only - including the limited edition aluminium shroud - whereas partner's will follow-up with their own variants at a later date. Thankfully however we actually have a window in which to expect at least one of these models.
Yes, component manufacturers par excellence ASUS ROG will be bringing RX Vega to their Strix gaming lineup, starting with the ROG Strix RX Vega64 in early September. Equipped with a full-fat Vega GPU with all 64 Compute Units enabled, the proprietary cooling solution will potentially allow it to push higher clocks at lower temperatures and noise than the stock cooling:
Ultimate cooling: MaxContact, patented wing-blade IP5X-certified fans, and ASUS FanConnect II
ROG Strix RX Vega64 is equipped with MaxContact, an industry-first GPU cooling technology featuring an enhanced copper heat-spreader that directly contacts the GPU. MaxContact utilizes precision machining to provide a 10X-flatter surface for up to 2X more contact area with the GPU than traditional heat spreaders, resulting in improved thermal transfer. Strix RX Vega64 is also constructed with 40% more heatsink surface area than previous dual-slot designs, further improving heat dissipation for dramatically cooler and quieter performance.
A patented wing-blade fan design delivers maximum air flow and 105%-greater static pressure over the heatsink for more efficient cooling and up to 3X-quieter operation than reference cards. The fans are certified under the International Protection Marking (IP code) as IP5X dust resistant for improved reliability and a longer lifespan. This stringent certification process ensures Strix RX Vega64 provides optimal fan performance, even under severe operating conditions. Additionally, 0dB technology stops the fan completely when the GPU temperature is below a set level, letting gamers enjoy light gaming in complete silence.
ASUS FanConnect II features two four-pin hybrid-controlled headers that can be connected to both PWM and DC system fans for optimal system cooling. The connected fans reference both the GPU and CPU, and operate automatically based on the one with the higher temperature. A comprehensive set of tuning options allow gamers to tune fan speeds for efficient cooling.
ROG Strix RX Vega64 is equipped with MaxContact, an industry-first GPU cooling technology featuring an enhanced copper heat-spreader that directly contacts the GPU. MaxContact utilizes precision machining to provide a 10X-flatter surface for up to 2X more contact area with the GPU than traditional heat spreaders, resulting in improved thermal transfer. Strix RX Vega64 is also constructed with 40% more heatsink surface area than previous dual-slot designs, further improving heat dissipation for dramatically cooler and quieter performance.
A patented wing-blade fan design delivers maximum air flow and 105%-greater static pressure over the heatsink for more efficient cooling and up to 3X-quieter operation than reference cards. The fans are certified under the International Protection Marking (IP code) as IP5X dust resistant for improved reliability and a longer lifespan. This stringent certification process ensures Strix RX Vega64 provides optimal fan performance, even under severe operating conditions. Additionally, 0dB technology stops the fan completely when the GPU temperature is below a set level, letting gamers enjoy light gaming in complete silence.
ASUS FanConnect II features two four-pin hybrid-controlled headers that can be connected to both PWM and DC system fans for optimal system cooling. The connected fans reference both the GPU and CPU, and operate automatically based on the one with the higher temperature. A comprehensive set of tuning options allow gamers to tune fan speeds for efficient cooling.
Standard Edition ASUS RX Vega64
That's not all. In common with many of ASUS ROG Strix gaming lineup the Strix Vega64 will be tooled out with customisable RGB LED lighting made possible by ASUS AURA Sync. Not only can your tailor your lighting to your preference, you also synchronise it with other AURA Sync compatible devices - an ASUS X370 or X399 motherboard for instance...
The Strix RX Vega64 also supports front-panel HDMI-out via a header on the card itself. Ideal for connecting VR HMD's, this innovation is slowly being seized upon by chassis manufacturers keen to set themselves apart from the competition.
As with all ASUS and ASUS ROG graphics cards, the RX Vega64 is manufactured using Auto-Extreme technology, a 100% automated manufacturing process which has been implemented to maintain very high quality standards not achievable through a piecemeal approach to production. Super Alloy Power II components meanwhile provide better thermal performance and reduced buzzing, leading to a better user experience over longer life-spans.
On the software side, ASUS provide GPU Tweak II and XSplit Gamecaster with retail units of their gaming graphics cards for additional value.
Redesigned with an intuitive user interface, GPU Tweak II makes gaming and overclocking easier than ever, while retaining advanced options for seasoned overclockers. With one click, the Gaming Booster function maximizes system performance by removing redundant processes and allocating all available resources automatically. An included one-year XSplit Gamecaster premium license — a $99 value — lets gamers easily stream or record gameplay via a convenient, in-game overlay. The overlay also displays GPU clock speed, temperature, and VRM usage, and has GPU Tweak II controls, so gamers can choose a gaming profile and boost performance with just one click.
ASUS RX Vega64 Water Cooled Edition, with Limited Edition reference cooling
If you can't wait for September, ASUS will be launching the ASUS RX Vega64 Water Cooled Edition and ASUS RX Vega64 Air Cooled Edition on August 14th.
