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For those who appreciate the blower-style cooler on the current Radeon RX 5700 XT and RX 5700 graphics cards, you’re in luck – every model currently available features it. However, for those seeking alternative cooling solutions, custom-designed Navi cards are on the horizon. Among these are ASRock’s Challenger series, factory-overclocked versions of both the RX 5700 XT and RX 5700.

AMD previously stated that partner cards would begin releasing around mid-August. While it was hoped the Challenger series would debut then, it remains unclear when these new ASRock cards will hit the market. It’s possible ASRock might follow suit with other manufacturers like Asus, launching their custom models in September or even later.

ASRock Challenger RX 5700 Series Graphics Card

ASRock Challenger RX 5700 Series: Specifications and Features

Here’s a breakdown of the Challenger series’ specifications compared to the reference blower-style cards:

RX 5700 XT:

• Challenger: 1650MHz base clock, 1905MHz boost clock, 1795MHz game clock
• Reference (Blower-Style): 1605MHz base clock, 1905MHz boost clock, 1755MHz game clock

RX 5700:

• Challenger: 1515MHz base clock, 1725MHz boost clock, 1675MHz game clock
• Reference (Blower-Style): 1465MHz base clock, 1725MHz boost clock, 1625MHz game clock

ASRock has increased both the base and game clocks for both the RX 5700 XT and RX 5700 Challenger models, while maintaining the same boost clock as the reference cards. This should translate to improved performance in most gaming scenarios.

ASRock Challenger RX 5700 Series Graphics Card Backplate

The Challenger cards feature a dual-fan cooling solution and a metal backplate for added rigidity and aesthetics. The dual-fan design should provide significantly better cooling and lower noise levels compared to the reference blower-style cooler. The inclusion of a backplate also adds a premium touch and helps protect the card’s PCB.

Which Cooling Solution Reigns Supreme?

The debate between blower-style and custom coolers continues. Blower-style coolers exhaust hot air directly out of the case, while custom coolers often recirculate some hot air within the chassis. The choice often comes down to specific case airflow and user preference. With the introduction of ASRock’s Challenger series, gamers now have another option to consider in the custom-cooled arena.

Conclusion: More Choice for Navi Gamers

The arrival of ASRock’s Challenger series brings welcome variety to the Radeon RX 5700 market. With factory overclocks and a robust dual-fan cooling solution, these cards offer a compelling alternative to the reference blower-style designs. While the official release date remains unknown, gamers eager for a quieter and potentially cooler-running Navi card should keep an eye out for the ASRock Challenger RX 5700 and RX 5700 XT.

Source: PC Gamer