It seems that AMD might implement the USB-C port on some of the Big Navi GPU models. The information comes from a Reddit user who discovered this data through an AMD open-source kernel driver for Linux that provides support for the USB-C interface.
As most of you know, USB-C is an industry-standard connector for transferring data and power in a single cable. This connector is heralded as the solution for all our future cable needs, as it combines power and data supply with display and audio connectivity. Unfortunately, the standard has not delivered on all its initial promises.
NVIDIA has recently eliminated the VirtualLink USB Type-C connector on Ampere RTX 30 series graphics cards. The company has decided not to support VirtualLink on its new graphics card line. The first products to include the new connector were the Turing family products (the GeForce RTX 20 series). AMD has never released a graphics card with this connector, although it was part of the consortium.
Despite its popularity, the USB-C port of Nvidia’s Turing GeForce RTX 20 series was just an interface adopted by Nvidia to support VR headsets, a feature that never really caught on, as it required higher TDP values and thus higher GPU costs.
Now AMD would add USB-C support to Big Navi 21
According to the Reddit leak, a user has discovered a new patch for AMD’s open-source AMDGPU kernel driver for Linux that provides support for this USB-C interface. The patch and source code clearly mention the name SIENNA CICHLID, which is supposed to be the code name for the Big Navi 21 GPU.
Given the rapid growth of USB-C monitors in recent years, AMD plans to introduce this technology in the hope of supporting the new wave of monitors. In contrast to the offer of Nvidia, this offer is more widespread. Navi 21 will be the largest of the upcoming Navi 2x family (which will have three GPUs).
AMD would also be working on an upgrade of Navi 10 to satisfy lower budget and medium-range players, as Navi 23 will probably be comparatively more expensive.