RDNA 2
AMD's 2020 graphics architecture, adding hardware ray tracing, mesh shaders and variable-rate shading. RDNA 2 graphics in the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S are the GPU technology for powering games like the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI. RDNA 2 also powers Valve's Steam Deck and AMD Radeon RX 6000 series graphics cards.
- 2020Introduced
- Ray tracingIn hardware
- 52 CUsXbox Series X
- 36 CUsPlayStation 5
What is RDNA 2?
RDNA 2 is the second generation of AMD's Radeon DNA graphics architecture. It added hardware-accelerated ray tracing, mesh shaders for more detailed geometry and variable-rate shading, which renders less important parts of a frame at lower resolution to save performance.
Sony and Microsoft both built their current consoles around custom RDNA 2 graphics, making it the GPU technology for powering games like the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI. The same architecture shipped in AMD's Radeon RX 6000 series graphics cards and in Valve's Steam Deck.
Gaming hardware that uses RDNA 2 graphics
| Device | Compute units | Clock | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X | 52 CUs | 1.825 GHz (fixed) | 12 TFLOPS |
| PlayStation 5 | 36 CUs | Up to 2.23 GHz (variable) | 10.28 TFLOPS |
| Xbox Series S | Custom RDNA 2 | — | — |
| Steam Deck | 8 CUs | 1.6 GHz | 1.6 TFLOPS |
| Radeon RX 6000 series | Varies by card | Varies | Desktop and laptop GPUs |
Specifications are from manufacturer and published teardown sources listed below. A dash means the figure is not covered by those sources.
Why it matters for component buyers
RDNA 2 lives inside AMD-designed chips, but every RDNA 2 graphics card and console board depends on supporting parts that independent distributors source: GDDR6 memory ICs, multiphase voltage regulators, power stages, inductors and high-speed connectors. When those parts go on allocation or end-of-life, repair depots and manufacturers look to the independent market.
Frequently asked questions
Does the PS5 use RDNA 2?
Yes. The PlayStation 5 uses a custom RDNA 2 GPU with 36 compute units at up to 2.23 GHz, rated at 10.28 TFLOPS.
Does the Xbox Series X use RDNA 2?
Yes. The Xbox Series X uses a custom RDNA 2 GPU with 52 compute units at 1.825 GHz, rated at 12 TFLOPS.
Which graphics architecture will run Grand Theft Auto VI?
Grand Theft Auto VI launches on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, whose graphics are built on AMD's RDNA 2 architecture. The PS5 Pro uses an upgraded AMD GPU.
Which graphics cards use RDNA 2?
AMD's Radeon RX 6000 series desktop and laptop graphics cards use RDNA 2.
Sources
- Rockstar launch details via IBTimes
- Tom's Hardware: PS5 vs Xbox Series X specs
- PCGamesN: PS5 and Xbox Series X specs
- ITMO University: console GPU features
- Engadget: Xbox Series X vs PS5 Pro
- Steam Deck tech specs
- GamingBolt: how console SoCs are made
- TechPowerUp: Nintendo Switch 2 specifications
- Wikipedia: AMD Jaguar console chips
Trademark and affiliation notice. Grand Theft Auto and Grand Theft Auto VI are trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. PlayStation is a trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Steam Deck is a trademark of Valve Corporation. Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo. AMD, Ryzen, Radeon, RDNA and EPYC are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. NVIDIA and Tegra are trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation. Hybrid Electronics is an independent electronic-components sourcing company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by any of these companies. Console chips named on this page are not offered for sale. Information is compiled from public sources for educational and reference purposes. Last updated October 27, 2026.