AMD GPU Selection: Expert Graphics Card Reviews

When embarking on the journey of building a gaming PC, selecting the right graphics card is a pivotal choice. Opting for an AMD graphics card is a smart move, especially for those looking to avoid the premium price tags often associated with unnecessary features. AMD's latest generation of graphics cards not only supports ray tracing but also includes FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), a widely supported upscaling technology that enhances your gaming experience across most major PC titles.

While there are more powerful options on the market, AMD's Radeon RX 9070 XT stands out with its impressive 4K performance at a more reasonable price point, typically staying well below the $2,000 mark. For gamers aiming for a 1440p setup, AMD's mid-range offerings provide exceptional value, delivering strong performance without breaking the bank.

TL;DR: These Are the Best AMD Graphics Cards

The best 4K AMD graphics card### Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 7900 XTX

8See it at AmazonBest AMD Graphics Card (For Most People)### AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT

6See it at NeweggBest AMD Graphics Card for 1440p### AMD Radeon RX 9070

5See it at NeweggBest AMD Graphics Card for 1080p### Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC Windforce

6See it at AmazonBest AMD Graphics Card on a Budget### XFX Speedster SWFT Radeon RX 6600

5See it at Amazon

It's worth noting that AMD's graphics architecture is the powerhouse behind the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, which simplifies the process for developers to optimize console games for PC. While this doesn't guarantee flawless performance on every PC game, it certainly helps. If you're interested in Nvidia's alternatives, check out my guide to the best Nvidia graphics cards.

Choosing the right AMD GPU isn't just about grabbing the fastest card available. It's crucial to consider the resolution at which you plan to play and your budget constraints.

Graphics Card Basics

Graphics cards are inherently complex, but understanding a few key aspects can guide you to the right choice. For AMD cards, knowing whether you're looking at a current-generation model is crucial. AMD has recently revamped its naming convention; the Radeon RX 9070 XT, for instance, is the latest top-tier model, succeeding the RX 7900 XTX. A key takeaway is that any AMD card starting with '9' is current-gen, while '7' and '6' denote older generations.

AMD's model numbers might end with "XT" or "XTX," indicating a performance upgrade within the same class. This naming began with the Radeon RX 5700 XT in 2019. Older models like the RX 580 or RX 480 are now outdated and should be avoided unless found at a very low price.

A general rule of thumb is that a higher number often means better performance, but diving into specific specs can give you a clearer picture. Video RAM (VRAM) is a straightforward metric; more is better, especially at higher resolutions. For 1080p gaming, 8GB is usually sufficient, but 1440p gamers should aim for 12GB to 16GB, and 4K enthusiasts should go for the highest VRAM possible, like the 16GB on the Radeon RX 9070 XT.

Another spec to consider is the number of compute units, which house streaming multiprocessors (SMs). For the latest AMD cards, each compute unit contains 64 SMs. The Radeon RX 7900 XTX, for example, boasts 96 compute units, totaling 6,144 SMs. Recent AMD cards also feature dedicated hardware for ray tracing, with each compute unit equipped with an RT Core.

Ensuring your PC can handle your chosen GPU is vital. Check your case's dimensions to ensure it can accommodate the card, and verify your power supply unit (PSU) has enough wattage, as recommended by the graphics card's specifications.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT – Photos

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If You Just Want the Best: AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT

Best AMD Graphics Card (For Most People)### AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT

6The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT offers exceptional 4K performance at a more affordable price point compared to its competitors.

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Product Specifications:

• Streaming Multiprocessors: 4096
• Base Clock: 1660 MHz
• Game Clock: 2400 MHz
• Video Memory: 16GB GDDR6
• Memory Bandwidth: 644.6 GB/s
• Memory Bus: 256-bit
• Power Connectors: 2 x 8-pin

Pros:

• Excellent 4K gaming performance for the money
• Plenty of VRAM

Cons:

• Brings GPU prices down to sanity (in theory)

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT reintroduces value to the high-end GPU market. Launched at $599, it's significantly cheaper than the $749 RTX 5070 Ti, and my tests showed it's 2% faster on average. This card excels in 4K gaming and handles ray tracing well, though it doesn't quite match Nvidia's prowess in this area.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

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The Radeon RX 9070 XT introduces FSR 4, an AI-based upscaling method that offers superior image quality compared to FSR 3.1, though it comes with a slight performance hit. FSR 4 is ideal for single-player games where image quality is prioritized over frame rate.

The Radeon RX 9070 XT's success suggests that AMD may not need to rush a more powerful successor, as it currently delivers excellent 4K performance for the price.

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX – Photos

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Best For 4K: AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

The best 4K AMD graphics card### Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 7900 XTX

8The AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX delivers unparalleled 4K gaming performance, making it ideal for those seeking the ultimate gaming experience.

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Product Specifications:

• Streaming Multiprocessors: 6144
• Base Clock: 1929MHz
• Game Clock: 2365MHz
• Video Memory: 24GB
• Memory Bandwidth: 960 GB/s
• Memory Bus: 384-bit
• Power Connectors: 2 x 8-pin
• Outputs: 1 x HDMI 2.1a, 2 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x USB-C

Pros:

• Excellent performance at 4K
• More VRAM than you'll need for gaming

Cons:

• Can fall behind in ray tracing performance

For those willing to invest in the best, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX, priced around $900, offers top-tier performance. It often matches or surpasses the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 in non-ray traced games, providing a better price-to-performance ratio.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 – Photos

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Best for 1440p: AMD Radeon RX 9070

Best AMD Graphics Card for 1440p### AMD Radeon RX 9070

5The AMD Radeon RX 9070 offers a cost-effective solution for 1440p gaming, delivering excellent performance at a competitive price.

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Product Specifications:

• Streaming Multiprocessors: 3584
• Base Clock: 1330 MHz
• Game Clock: 2520 MHz
• Video Memory: 16GB GDDR6
• Memory Bandwidth: 644.6 GB/s
• Memory Bus: 256-bit
• Power Connectors: 2 x 8-pin

Pros:

• Excellent 1440p gaming performance
• Brings AI upscaling to an AMD graphics card

Cons:

• Priced a little too closely to the RX 9070 XT

The AMD Radeon RX 9070, though slightly overshadowed by the 9070 XT, excels at 1440p with triple-digit frame rates in many games. It also introduces FSR 4, enhancing image quality without significantly impacting performance.

AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT – Photos

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Best for 1080p: AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT

Best AMD Graphics Card for 1080p### Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC Windforce

6The AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT is perfect for high-end 1080p gaming, offering robust performance at an affordable price.

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Product Specifications:

• Streaming Multiprocessors: 2048
• Base Clock: 1980 MHz
• Game Clock: 2470 MHz
• Video Memory: 16GB GDDR6
• Memory Bandwidth: 288 GB/s
• Memory Bus: 128-bit
• Power Connectors: 1 x 8-pin
• Outputs: 1 x HDMI 2.1a, 3 x DisplayPort 2.1

Pros:

• Solid performance for the money
• Small enough to fit in any PC build

Cons:

• Will struggle in some super-demanding games with ray tracing enabled

At $309, the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT is ideal for 1080p gaming, delivering strong frame rates in popular titles. While it may struggle with ray tracing in more demanding games, it's a solid choice for high-refresh-rate gaming at 1080p.

Best on a Budget: AMD Radeon RX 6600

Best AMD Graphics Card on a Budget### XFX Speedster SWFT Radeon RX 6600

5The AMD Radeon RX 6600, though a last-gen card, remains a great option for budget-conscious gamers looking to play at 1080p.

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Product Specifications:

• Streaming Multiprocessors: 1792
• Base Clock: 1626 MHz
• Game Clock: 2044 MHz
• Video Memory: 8GB GDDR6
• Memory Bandwidth: 224 GB/s
• Memory Bus: 128-bit
• Power Connectors: 1 x 8-pin
• Outputs: 1 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a

Pros:

• Great for esports
• Very affordable

Cons:

• It's a last-gen graphics card

Priced at around $199, the AMD Radeon RX 6600 is perfect for budget builds focused on 1080p gaming, especially for esports titles. It may not handle the latest demanding games as well, but it's a reliable choice for less intensive games.

What is FSR?

FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD's upscaling technology for PC gaming. It uses information from previous frames and motion vector data to upscale lower resolution images to your native resolution. FSR 3.1 was a software-based solution, but the latest FSR 4 uses AI acceleration for improved image quality, though with a slight performance trade-off. FSR also features frame generation, which can boost frame rates but may introduce latency if not used at higher frame rates.

What is Ray Tracing?

Ray tracing enhances visual realism by simulating the natural behavior of light in 3D environments. It allows for more accurate reflections and shadows, significantly improving the visual quality of games. Modern games like Cyberpunk 2077 utilize full ray tracing, or path tracing, to replace all lighting with ray-traced effects, but this requires powerful GPUs and often an upscaling method like FSR to maintain playable frame rates.