I Review Graphics Cards for a Living, Let Me Help You Pick an AMD GPU

When embarking on the journey to build a gaming PC, one of the most pivotal decisions you'll face is selecting the right graphics card. Opting for an AMD graphics card can be a smart move, especially if you're 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 features FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), an upscaling technology that enhances performance in many popular PC games.

While there may be more powerful options on the market, AMD's offerings, such as the Radeon RX 9070 XT, deliver impressive 4K performance without the hefty price tags that can exceed $2,000. For those seeking a mid-range solution optimized for 1440p gaming, AMD shines by offering robust performance at a reasonable cost.

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 can simplify the optimization process for developers when porting console games to PC. While this doesn't guarantee flawless performance on PC, it certainly helps. If you're interested in exploring Nvidia's alternatives, you can check out our guide on the best Nvidia graphics cards.

Choosing the best AMD GPU isn't just about snagging the fastest card available; it's about matching your desired gaming resolution with your budget. Understanding your needs is crucial to making an informed decision.

Graphics Card Basics

Graphics cards are intricate devices, but you don't need to be an expert to choose a great one. For AMD cards, it's important to identify whether it's a current-generation model. AMD has recently revamped its naming convention. The latest top-tier card, the Radeon RX 9070 XT, replaces the RX 7900 XTX, skipping the '8' and shuffling some numbers. Cards beginning with '9' are the newest generation, followed by '7' and '6' from previous generations.

You might see "XT" or "XTX" appended to some model numbers, indicating a performance boost within the same class. This naming shift started with the Radeon RX 5700 XT in 2019. Older models like the RX 580 or RX 480 are now outdated, and best avoided unless you find them for around $100 or less.

A general rule of thumb is "higher number = better performance," but delving into specific specs can give you a clearer picture. Video RAM (VRAM) is a straightforward spec to understand; more is typically better, especially at higher resolutions. For 1080p gaming, 8GB should suffice, but for 1440p, aim for 12GB-16GB, and for 4K, the more VRAM the better, which is why the Radeon RX 9070 XT boasts 16GB.

Another key spec to consider is the number of compute units, each containing numerous streaming multiprocessors (or shaders). For AMD's latest cards, each compute unit includes 64 streaming multiprocessors. For instance, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX, with 96 compute units, has 6,144 streaming multiprocessors.

Recent AMD graphics cards also feature dedicated ray tracing hardware within each compute unit. The latest models, like the 7900 XTX, have one RT core per compute unit, totaling 96, which significantly enhances ray tracing capabilities.

Before finalizing your choice, ensure your PC can support the graphics card. Check your case size and power supply wattage against the card's requirements to avoid compatibility issues.

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 delivers outstanding 4K performance at a competitive price, making it an excellent choice for most gamers. See it at Newegg

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 price
• Sufficient VRAM for demanding games

Cons:

• Market shortages may affect availability

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT stands out by offering superior value compared to Nvidia's offerings. Launched at $599, it undercuts the $749 RTX 5070 Ti while delivering slightly better average performance. My tests showed the RX 9070 XT outperforming the RTX 5070 Ti by about 2%, making it a compelling choice for 4K gaming with ray tracing support.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

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The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT also introduces FSR 4, an AI-based upscaling technology that improves image quality, albeit with a slight performance hit compared to FSR 3.1. FSR 4's focus on image quality makes it ideal for single-player games where frame rate isn't the top priority.

The success of the Radeon RX 9070 XT has set a high bar, but AMD doesn't need to rush a follow-up. Its current offering provides exceptional value for 4K gaming, which is what truly matters to many gamers.

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 is a powerhouse, capable of running most AAA games at 4K with maximum settings. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Streaming Multiprocessors: 6144
• Base Clock: 1929 MHz
• Game Clock: 2365 MHz
• 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:

• Superior 4K performance
• Ample VRAM for future-proofing

Cons:

• Ray tracing performance can lag behind Nvidia

For those aiming for the ultimate 4K gaming experience and willing to invest around $900, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is unmatched. It competes closely with the more expensive Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080, often matching or surpassing it in non-ray traced games. Its 24GB of VRAM ensures it can handle high-resolution textures and demanding games with ease.

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 excellent value for 1440p gaming, though it's priced closely to the more powerful RX 9070 XT. See it at Newegg

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:

• Strong 1440p performance
• Introduces AI upscaling with FSR 4

Cons:

• Priced closely to the RX 9070 XT

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 is a solid choice for 1440p gaming, delivering impressive frame rates and outperforming Nvidia's RTX 5070 by about 12%. It also introduces FSR 4, enhancing image quality at the expense of a slight performance dip, which is a trade-off worth considering for those prioritizing visuals.

AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT

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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 well-equipped for 1080p gaming with its 16GB of VRAM, ensuring longevity in performance. See it at Amazon

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:

• Good performance at 1080p
• Compact size for easy integration

Cons:

• Struggles with some demanding ray-traced games

At 1080p, the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT is a budget-friendly choice that delivers solid performance. Priced around $309, it's ideal for gamers looking to build a high-end 1080p gaming PC. It performs well in popular titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Far Cry 6, and its 16GB of VRAM ensures it's ready for future games.

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, despite being a last-gen model, remains a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers focused on 1080p and esports. See it at Amazon

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:

• Excellent for esports
• Very affordable

Cons:

• Older generation card

The AMD Radeon RX 6600, priced around $199, is an affordable option for those looking to game at 1080p without breaking the bank. It's particularly well-suited for esports titles, delivering high frame rates in games like Final Fantasy XIV and Horizon Zero Dawn, making it a great choice for budget-conscious gamers.

What is FSR?

FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD's upscaling technology designed to boost performance on PC. FSR works by rendering games at a lower resolution and then upscaling them to your native resolution using recent frame data and motion vector information. Before FSR 4, this was a software-based solution, but the latest AMD cards introduce FSR 4, which uses AI to enhance image quality, albeit with a slight performance trade-off. FSR also includes frame generation to further improve frame rates, though it's best used when you're already achieving 50-60fps to minimize latency.

What is Ray Tracing?

Ray tracing is a technique for rendering light in 3D environments more realistically. It simulates how light rays bounce around a scene, creating more lifelike lighting, shadows, and reflections. Initially limited to specific aspects like reflections, advancements in RT cores on modern graphics cards now allow for full path tracing, as seen in games like Cyberpunk 2077. This technology significantly increases the workload on GPUs, often requiring upscaling methods like FSR to maintain playable frame rates.