Sapphire seems to be gearing up for the launch of its new flagship RDNA 4 graphics card, as the first unboxing video of the Nitro+ RX 9070 XT Phantom Link shows on Chinese social media platform BiliBili. This version follows the aesthetics of the original Nitro+, updated with the latest advancements in cable-free power delivery.
The Phantom Link first appeared during Computex 2025, offering 12V-2×6 and GC-HPWR power connections. This allows it to be compatible with both the old, existing systems as well as the future-looking BTF motherboards. When the latter supports the GC-HPWR connection, the graphics card can pull all its power needs through it, without requiring any cables, resulting in a clean-looking build. Otherwise, the GC-HPWR finger-extension/adapter can be removed and replaced by a 12V-2×6 cable.
That said, unlike Asus’ ROG Matrix Platinum RTX 5090, which can combine both inputs to boost the total power available to the GPU, Sapphire’s design seems to only allow one power source at a time. Not a big deal, really, since the RX 9070 XT is only rated for 304W – 330W for the Nitro+. As such, the 600W limit of the 12V-2×6 or 1,000W of the GC-HPWR is more than enough even when overclocking.
Because of this, Sapphire has added a conflict detection system and LED indicator in case both the 12V-2×6 and GC-HPWR are connected to power, forcing the card into a self-protection mode. The card also appears to have a revised cable-routing channel that should better control the cable bend and reduce stress on the 12V-2×6 connector.
Other than this, the card seems identical to the original Nitro+, meaning that we can expect similar gaming and cooling performance. During our testing, we measured 59°C at 36db, which is great. As for pricing, we can expect a little extra due to the additional features, so something around $750/£650 seems about right.
Though Sapphire has yet to provide a release date, it has been six months since the initial reveal. And with today’s unboxing, which appears to be of a retail unit, all point to the launch not being far away.
