It appears that the Radeon RX 5700 series will only be available with reference design when it launches on July 7th as custom versions from usual AMD AIB partners won't be available before mid-August, in best case scenario.

It was quite surprising that usual AMD AIB partners did not announce custom RX 5700 versions when AMD unveiled the Radeon RX 5700 series, which moved us to ask around and some partners confirmed they are working hard and expect them on retail/e-tail shelves in mid-August, at least if all goes well with design and supply. Of course, we expect announcements from usual suspects in July.

AIB partners need some time to get these custom cards designed and tested, but we are sure there will be plenty of cards to choose from when they come. At launch, you will be able to get a reference one with a sticker from your favorite partner.

The good part of the story is AMD went to great lengths with the design of the Radeon RX 5700 XT cooler with new aluminum shroud and backplate, vapor chamber cooling and graphite-based TIM, as well as the PCB with 7-phase VRM. Such design promises good cooling and additional overclocking potential, something that Scott Herkelman, VP & GM of AMD's Radeon Business Unit, was quite keen to note at the Next Horizon Gaming event at E3 2019 show in LA.

Unfortunately, it is not clear if the RX 5700 (non-XT) shares the same PCB as the XT version, as we do know it comes with a different cooler. Also, partners were vague about the information regarding the reference RX 5700 but we'll know soon enough.

In case you missed it, AMD's RX 5700 series will become available on July 7th with a price set at $449 for the Radeon RX 5700 XT and $379 for the RX 5700 (non-XT). There is also the special 50th Anniversary Edition with higher clocks and special cooler with gold accents and a Lisa Su's signature, which will be available directly from AMD at $499.