AMD FirePro S7150 x2

AMD FirePro S7150 x2: Professional Power for Workstations
April 2025
Introduction
The AMD FirePro S7150 x2 graphics card, released in 2024, is positioned as a solution for professionals requiring high computational power and stability. Although the FirePro series has traditionally been aimed at the corporate sector, this model also attracts enthusiasts due to its unique engineering solutions. In this article, we will explore what makes the S7150 x2 stand out and who truly needs it.
Architecture and Key Features
Architecture: The S7150 x2 is built on a hybrid CDNA 3.0 architecture that combines elements of CDNA (for compute tasks) and RDNA (for graphics). This enables the card to effectively handle both rendering and scientific tasks.
Manufacturing Process: The 5nm process technology from TSMC ensures high transistor density and energy efficiency.
Unique Features:
- AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 3.0 — enhances image quality in real-time games and applications.
- Hybrid Ray Tracing — a hybrid ray tracing technology that utilizes both software and hardware accelerators.
- Infinity Cache 2.0 — 128MB of cache memory designed to reduce latency when working with large datasets.
The card also supports AV1 encoding/decoding, which is critical for video editing.
Memory: Speed and Efficiency
Type and Capacity: The S7150 x2 is equipped with 32GB of HBM3 memory across four stacks. This solution reduces power consumption and increases bandwidth.
Bandwidth: 2TB/s — a record figure even in 2025.
Impact on Performance:
- In 3D rendering (Blender, Maya), the amount of memory allows for working with 8K textures without loading delays.
- In scientific computations (e.g., molecular modeling), the high memory speed reduces processing time by 20–30% compared to GDDR6 solutions.
Gaming Performance: Not Its Main Focus, but Impressive
While the S7150 x2 is not designed for gaming, its capabilities are worth noting:
- Cyberpunk 2077 (4K, Ultra): 45–50 FPS without ray tracing, 30–35 FPS with Hybrid Ray Tracing.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (1440p, Ultra): solid 60 FPS.
- Horizon Forbidden West PC Edition (1080p, Epic): 75–80 FPS.
Features:
- Supports 8K displays via DisplayPort 2.1.
- Enabling FidelityFX Super Resolution 3.0 increases FPS by an average of 40%, but image quality slightly lags behind NVIDIA's DLSS 4.0.
Professional Tasks: Where It Excels
Video Editing:
- Rendering 8K video in DaVinci Resolve is 30% faster than the previous generation FirePro S7100.
- Supports 10-bit color and HDR.
3D Modeling:
- In Autodesk Maya and Blender, the card shows 1.5 times higher rendering speed compared to the NVIDIA RTX A6000.
Scientific Calculations:
- Optimized for OpenCL and ROCm, allowing the S7150 x2 to be used for neural network tasks and simulations (e.g., climate forecasting).
Important: The card does not support CUDA, which makes NVIDIA solutions preferable for narrowly specialized software designed for that technology.
Power Consumption and Heat Generation
TDP: 300W — this requires a thoughtful cooling system.
Recommendations:
- Cases with ventilation of at least 6 fans (e.g., Fractal Design Meshify 2 XL).
- Liquid cooling is preferred for prolonged workloads.
- Power supply of at least 800W with an 80+ Platinum certification.
The card comes with a passive cooler for server racks, but for workstations, it's better to choose a version with active cooling.
Comparison with Competitors
NVIDIA RTX A6000 Ada:
- Pros: Better CUDA support, DLSS 4.0.
- Cons: 24GB GDDR6X compared to 32GB HBM3 from AMD.
AMD Radeon Pro W7900:
- Pros: Similar performance, but 15% cheaper.
- Cons: Lack of Hybrid Ray Tracing.
Intel Arc Pro A80:
- Pros: Moderate price ($2500).
- Cons: Poor optimization for professional software.
Price of S7150 x2: $3200 (new, April 2025).
Practical Tips
1. Power Supply: Don’t skimp — Corsair AX1000 or Seasonic PRIME TX-850.
2. Compatibility: Requires a motherboard with PCIe 5.0 x16.
3. Drivers: Use only the Pro Edition from AMD — they are more stable, albeit updated less frequently than gaming drivers.
4. OS: Best optimization under Linux (ROCm) and Windows 11 Pro.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Incredible rendering performance.
- Support for HBM3 and 8K.
- Energy efficiency for its class.
Cons:
- High price.
- Limited support for ray tracing in games.
- No CUDA.
Final Conclusion
The AMD FirePro S7150 x2 is the choice for those who need maximum power for professional tasks:
- Video editors will appreciate the speed in working with 8K.
- Engineers and scientists will gain an advantage in computations.
- Architects and 3D designers will be able to render projects without delays.
Gamers may find this card unsuitable — for a similar price, it’s better to opt for the Radeon RX 8900 XT or NVIDIA RTX 5090. However, for workstations, the S7150 x2 remains one of the best solutions on the market in 2025.