Expert Picks: Top AMD GPUs Reviewed

When you're setting out to build a gaming PC, the most critical decision you'll make is selecting the best graphics card for your build. With a plethora of options available, choosing an AMD graphics card is a smart move, particularly if you're looking to save money without sacrificing performance. All of AMD's current-generation graphics cards support ray tracing and come equipped with FSR, or FidelityFX Super Resolution, a widely supported upscaling method in major PC games.

Although there are more powerful graphics cards on the market, AMD's Radeon RX 9070 XT stands out with its excellent 4K performance, yet it avoids the steep price tags often seen with other high-end options. If you're eyeing a mid-range card for 1440p gaming, AMD excels here too, offering strong performance at a competitive price.

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 powers both the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X, which can facilitate smoother transitions for console games to PC, aiding in optimization for AMD hardware. While this doesn't guarantee perfect performance on PC, it certainly helps. For those interested in Nvidia's options, you can check out my guide to the best Nvidia graphics cards.

Choosing the best AMD GPU isn't just about grabbing the fastest card on the market. It's crucial to consider the resolution you'll be playing at and your budget. Let's delve into some basics to help you make an informed decision.

Graphics Card Basics

Graphics cards are complex devices, but you don't need to be an expert to choose a great GPU. For AMD graphics cards, the first thing to look for is whether it's a current-generation part. AMD recently updated its naming convention with the launch of the Radeon RX 9070 XT, which succeeded the RX 7900 XTX. Cards with a '9' as the first digit are current-generation, while '7' and '6' represent the preceding generations.

Some AMD models are followed by "XT" or "XTX," indicating a higher performance tier within the same class. This naming convention began with the Radeon RX 5700 XT in 2019. Older cards like the RX 580 or RX 480 are now outdated and should only be considered if they're extremely affordable.

Generally, higher model numbers indicate better performance. Key specifications to consider include VRAM, which is crucial for higher resolutions. At 1080p, 8GB is sufficient, but for 1440p, aim for 12GB to 16GB, especially for graphically intensive games. At 4K, the more VRAM, the better, which is why the Radeon RX 9070 XT comes with 16GB.

Another spec to look at is the number of compute units, each containing multiple streaming multiprocessors (shaders). For the latest AMD cards, each compute unit has 64 Streaming Multiprocessors. For instance, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX has 96 Compute Units, totaling 6,144 SMs. Recent AMD cards also include dedicated ray tracing hardware in each Compute Unit, with the 7900 XTX featuring 96 RT Cores.

When choosing your GPU, ensure your PC can support it. Check your case size, especially for high-end cards, and verify that your power supply has sufficient wattage. Each graphics card will list its recommended power supply requirements.

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 reasonable price.
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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 price
• Ample VRAM

CONS

• Market shortages may affect availability

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT reintroduced the value proposition that AMD was once known for. Despite current market challenges, this card launched at $599, significantly undercutting the $749 RTX 5070 Ti while offering better average performance. My review showed it was about 2% faster than the RTX 5070 Ti across various tests, a notable achievement given the price difference. It handles ray tracing well, though not quite as efficiently as Nvidia's offerings.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

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The Radeon RX 9070 XT also introduces FSR 4, an AI-based upscaling solution that enhances image quality over FSR 3.1, though with a slight performance hit. However, the improved visual quality makes it worthwhile, particularly for single-player games where frame rates aren't as critical.

AMD's success with the Radeon RX 9070 XT may not necessitate a more powerful successor immediately, as it already delivers strong 4K performance at a competitive 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 is a powerhouse capable of running most AAA games at 4K with max settings.
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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

• Outstanding 4K performance
• Generous VRAM

CONS

• May lag in ray tracing compared to competitors

For those seeking the ultimate 4K gaming experience, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a top choice. Priced around $900, it offers incredible performance, often matching or surpassing the more expensive Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080. Recent tests continue to show its prowess, especially in games without heavy reliance on ray tracing.

While the Radeon RX 9070 XT offers competitive 4K performance, the 7900 XTX's 24GB of VRAM makes it ideal for games with demanding textures. If you're willing to invest in a high-end component, the 7900 XTX provides excellent value for games focused on traditional performance metrics.

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 delivers strong 1440p performance at a competitive price.
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
• Introduces AI upscaling to AMD

CONS

• Priced close to the RX 9070 XT

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 is a solid choice for 1440p gaming, offering impressive performance for its price. It may be slightly outclassed by the 9070 XT, but for those committed to 1440p, the extra cost might not be justified. My review highlighted its ability to achieve high frame rates at 1440p, and it significantly outperforms its Nvidia counterpart, the RTX 5070.

The RX 9070 also introduces FSR 4, enhancing image quality through AI upscaling. While it may not boost frame rates as much as FSR 3, the improved visuals make it a valuable feature for gamers prioritizing image quality.

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, offering longevity with 16GB of VRAM.
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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

• Strong performance at 1080p
• Compact size suitable for any build

CONS

• Struggles with ray tracing in demanding games

1080p remains the most popular resolution for PC gaming, and the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT is perfect for this setting. Priced at around $309, it delivers solid performance, achieving high frame rates in popular titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Far Cry 6. It may struggle with ray tracing in more demanding games, but its 16GB of VRAM ensures it can handle future titles as well.

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 choice for budget-conscious gamers.
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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

• Excellent for esports gaming
• Very affordable

CONS

• Last-gen technology

The AMD Radeon RX 6600, while an older model, offers great value for budget gamers, especially those focused on esports. Available for around $199, it still performs well at 1080p, delivering impressive frame rates in games like Final Fantasy XIV and Horizon Zero Dawn. It may not handle the latest, most demanding games as well, but it's a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers.

What is FSR?

FidelityFX Super Resolution, or FSR, is AMD's upscaling technology for PC gaming. It uses information from recent frames and motion vectors to upscale lower-resolution images to the native display resolution. Before FSR 4, this was a software-based solution processed by the same streaming multiprocessors used for rendering. While it doesn't provide the same performance boost as Nvidia's DLSS, it significantly improves frame rates compared to native rendering at higher resolutions.

FSR 4 introduces AI-based upscaling, using dedicated hardware accelerators within the GPU for a cleaner image, though with a slight performance cost. Users can choose between FSR 3 for maximum frame rates or FSR 4 for enhanced image quality. FSR also includes frame generation, which adds extra frames to improve performance but can introduce latency if used at lower frame rates.

What is Ray Tracing?

Ray tracing is a rendering technique that simulates the natural behavior of light in 3D environments. Instead of static light sources, ray tracing traces each light ray as it interacts with the scene, creating more realistic lighting effects. This technology demands significant GPU power, especially in real-time applications.

Initially, ray tracing was limited to specific effects like reflections or shadows in games. However, with advancements in RT cores, games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong now use full path tracing, replacing all lighting with ray-traced effects for a transformative visual experience. This is facilitated by RT cores in both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards, often requiring upscaling methods like FSR to maintain playable performance.