When embarking on the journey to build a gaming PC, the choice of graphics card stands out as a pivotal decision. Opting for an AMD graphics card is a wise move, especially for those looking to avoid the premium costs associated with unnecessary features. All of AMD's current-generation graphics cards come equipped with ray tracing capabilities and support for FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), a popular upscaling technology embraced by many major PC games.
While there are more powerful options available, AMD's Radeon RX 9070 XT delivers exceptional 4K performance without the exorbitant price tags often seen with top-tier GPUs. For gamers targeting 1440p, AMD's mid-range offerings provide a compelling blend of performance and value, making them an excellent choice.
These Are the Best AMD Graphics Cards
The best 4K AMD graphics card
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 7900 XTX
8See it at Amazon!
Best AMD Graphics Card (For Most People)
AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT
6See it at Newegg!
Best AMD Graphics Card for 1440p
AMD Radeon RX 9070
5See it at Newegg!
Best AMD Graphics Card for 1080p
Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC Windforce
6See it at Amazon!
Best 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 also used in the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, which can simplify optimization for developers when porting console games to PC. While this doesn't guarantee perfect performance on AMD GPUs, it certainly aids in the process. However, if you're interested in Nvidia's offerings, you might want to check out the guide to the best Nvidia graphics cards.
Selecting the best AMD GPU isn't just about grabbing the fastest card; it's about matching your desired gaming resolution with your budget. Let's dive into the essentials of graphics cards to help you make an informed decision.
Graphics Card Basics
Graphics cards are intricate devices, but understanding a few key points can help you choose the right GPU. For AMD graphics cards, it's crucial to identify if it's a current-generation model. AMD has recently revamped its naming system; the Radeon RX 9070 XT is their latest flagship, succeeding the RX 7900 XTX. Cards with a '9' as the first digit are part of the current generation, while '7' and '6' indicate the previous generations. The 'XT' or 'XTX' suffix signifies a performance boost within the same model series.
When it comes to performance, a higher model number typically means better performance. Key specs to consider include VRAM, which is vital for higher resolutions. For 1080p gaming, 8GB of VRAM is generally sufficient, but for 1440p, aim for 12GB to 16GB, and for 4K, the more VRAM, the better. The Radeon RX 9070 XT, for instance, comes with 16GB of VRAM.
Another important spec is the number of compute units, which contain streaming multiprocessors (SMs). The Radeon RX 7900 XTX, with 96 compute units, boasts 6,144 SMs. Recent AMD cards also feature dedicated ray tracing hardware in each compute unit, enhancing their ability to handle ray tracing.
Before finalizing your choice, ensure your PC can accommodate the selected GPU. Check your case dimensions and power supply wattage to ensure compatibility and sufficient power for your new graphics card.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT – Photos
4 Images
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 is an excellent 4K graphics card that won't cost you an arm and a legSee 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 money
- Plenty of VRAM
Cons:
- Brings GPU prices down to sanity (in theory)
The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT has redefined value in the GPU market, launching at a competitive $599, significantly undercutting the $749 RTX 5070 Ti. In our tests, it averaged 2% faster performance than the RTX 5070 Ti, a notable achievement considering the price difference. This GPU handles 4K gaming and ray tracing effectively, closing the gap with Nvidia's offerings.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks
11 Images
The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT also introduces FSR 4, an AI-based upscaling technology that, while slightly less performant than FSR 3.1, offers significantly improved image quality. This makes it a great choice for single-player games where visual fidelity is more important than frame rate.
The future of AMD's lineup remains to be seen, but the Radeon RX 9070 XT currently stands as a testament to AMD's commitment to delivering high-performance graphics at a reasonable price.
AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX – Photos
11 Images
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 an extremely powerful graphics card, easily able to power most AAA games at 4K max 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:
- 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 top-tier gaming performance, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a compelling choice. Priced around $900, it offers performance that rivals or exceeds the more expensive Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 in many scenarios. Our repeated tests have shown that the RX 7900 XTX continues to impress, particularly in non-ray tracing games. Its 24GB of VRAM ensures it can handle even the most demanding 4K textures.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 – Photos
4 Images
Best for 1440p: AMD Radeon RX 9070
Best AMD Graphics Card for 1440p
AMD Radeon RX 9070
5While its priced uncomfortably close to the RX 9070 XT, the Radeon RX 9070 is an excellent 1440p graphics card for the money. 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:
- 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 is a strong contender for 1440p gaming, delivering triple-digit frame rates in most games tested. It outperforms its Nvidia counterpart, the RTX 5070, by an average of 12% at a similar price point. With the introduction of FSR 4, it offers enhanced image quality through AI upscaling, making it an attractive option for gamers focused on visual fidelity at 1440p.
AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT
5 Images
Best for 1080p: AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT
Best AMD Graphics Card for 1080p
Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC Windforce
6With 16GB of VRAM, the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT is going to power top-end games at 1080p for years to come. 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:
- 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 1080p, the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT shines, offering robust performance for a reasonable $309. It delivers impressive frame rates in popular games like Forza Horizon 5 and Far Cry 6, making it an ideal choice for gamers who prefer this resolution. The 16GB of VRAM ensures longevity, supporting future games with higher VRAM demands.
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 is a last-gen graphics card, but it's still able to pump out the frames in 1080p games, especially if you play a lot of esports games with friends. 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:
- Great for esports
- Very affordable
Cons:
- It's a last-gen graphics card
The AMD Radeon RX 6600, while a last-generation model, remains a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers, especially those focused on esports. Priced at around $199, it offers competitive performance at 1080p, delivering high frame rates in less demanding games like Final Fantasy XIV and Horizon Zero Dawn.
What is FSR?
FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD's upscaling technology for PC gaming. It uses a software-based approach to upscale lower resolution frames to your native resolution, improving performance while maintaining visual quality. The latest iteration, FSR 4, leverages AI to enhance image quality, offering a trade-off between performance and visual fidelity. FSR also includes frame generation to further boost frame rates, although it may introduce latency at lower frame rates.
What is Ray Tracing?
Ray tracing is a rendering technique that simulates the physical behavior of light in real-time, enhancing the realism of game graphics. It allows for natural light interactions within the game environment, significantly improving visual quality. However, it demands substantial GPU power, often requiring dedicated hardware like RT cores found in modern AMD and Nvidia GPUs. Full ray tracing, or path tracing, as seen in games like Cyberpunk 2077, provides a transformative visual experience but typically requires upscaling technologies like FSR for smooth gameplay.
