AMD’s recent decision to end targeted game optimization support for its RDNA1 and RDNA2 architecture GPUs has sparked significant backlash from the PC gaming community. Despite these GPUs still being capable and available on the market in 2025, AMD has shifted their driver support into what they call a “maintenance mode,” focusing only on critical bug fixes and security updates while prioritizing new game enhancements for the RDNA3 and RDNA4 generations.
The Shift in AMD’s Driver Support Policy
With the release of the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 25.10.2 driver, AMD has effectively bifurcated their driver paths. RDNA3 and RDNA4 series GPUs (Radeon RX 7000 and 9000 series) will continue to receive ongoing game-specific optimizations and new technological improvements such as enhanced Vulkan API support and FSR 4 INT8 integration. Conversely, RDNA1 and RDNA2 GPUs (Radeon RX 5000 and 6000 series) will no longer benefit from these advancements, receiving only vital security and bug patching moving forward.
Why This Decision Is Controversial
Many users and reviewers find AMD’s move puzzling and disappointing. RDNA2 GPUs, for instance, were launched as recently as late 2020, with refreshed models arriving in 2022 and some being sold as recently as 2025, such as the RX6600 and RX6500 XT, still purchasable from major retailers. These GPUs remain capable of running contemporary games competently at popular resolutions and settings, which raises questions about the rationale behind halting their game optimization support so early.
Moreover, this move undermines the value and longevity of these GPUs in the secondary market, as future buyers and sellers may face reduced performance improvements and longer-term compatibility challenges. It also contrasts starkly with competitor Nvidia’s practices, which continue to support some GPU architectures—like Turing and even older Pascal models—with driver updates and optimizations for up to 7 to 9 years.
Implications for Radeon Users and AMD’s Brand Trust
For AMD’s loyal customer base, this change feels like a betrayal. It disrupts the expectation of several years of sustained driver support, which many gamers consider a key factor when investing in a GPU. AMD’s decision could erode customer trust and loyalty, compelling users to reconsider their next GPU purchase, as Nvidia now holds a tangible advantage in prolonged driver and feature support.
This situation also highlights broader concerns about AMD’s decision-making within its Radeon division, which has faced criticism in the past for inconsistent strategies. Ending game optimization support for still-competent, recently sold GPUs diminishes the perceived commitment AMD has toward its customers and the viability of its Radeon brand as a long-term investment.
Impact on Related Products and Future Expectations
Another important dimension is AMD’s use of the RDNA2 architecture in several current-generation APUs, including those powering devices such as the Steam Deck and Ryzen 7000 series mobile processors. These products might also face reduced driver improvements and game optimization support under the new maintenance mode policy, although AMD has yet to provide clear communication on their exact roadmap for these integrated graphics solutions.
Looking ahead, the community and industry analysts expect AMD to reconsider or clarify the support timeline to better align with consumer expectations and compete effectively in the GPU market. A sustained driver support window of at least seven years, similar to Nvidia’s approach, is widely seen as a reasonable standard that AMD has so far failed to match.
Conclusion
AMD’s move to curtail game-specific driver optimizations for RDNA1 and RDNA2 GPUs is a controversial and unpopular decision that affects a broad user base still reliant on these cards. Given that some RDNA2 models are still being sold and are capable of running modern titles, the shift to a maintenance-only support model limits their long-term relevance and undermines consumer confidence. AMD risks losing ground to competitors with longer support horizons, and the decision may ultimately harm its Radeon brand reputation. For now, AMD users and potential buyers must weigh the trade-offs between hardware capabilities and guaranteed driver support when selecting their next GPU.
