When building your dream gaming PC, choosing the right graphics card is paramount. Opting for an AMD graphics card is a smart move, especially if you want to avoid overpaying for unnecessary features. All current-generation AMD graphics cards come equipped with ray tracing capabilities and support for FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), an upscaling technology that enhances performance in most major PC games.
While there are more potent options available, AMD's Radeon RX 9070 XT delivers exceptional 4K performance without the steep price tag often associated with high-end GPUs. For gamers focused on 1440p, AMD offers compelling mid-range options that provide excellent value for money.
TL;DR: 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 used in both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, making it easier for developers to optimize console games for AMD hardware when porting them to PC. While this doesn't guarantee perfect PC optimization, it certainly helps. If you're more inclined towards Nvidia's GPUs, check out my guide to the best Nvidia graphics cards.
Selecting the best AMD GPU involves more than just picking the fastest card available. You need to consider your desired gaming resolution and budget constraints.
Graphics Card Basics
Graphics cards are complex devices, but understanding a few key aspects can help you choose the right one. With AMD graphics cards, it's crucial to identify whether the model is current-generation. AMD recently updated its naming convention; the Radeon RX 9070 XT is the latest top-tier card, succeeding the RX 7900 XTX. Cards with a '9' as the first digit are current-generation, while '7' and '6' denote the previous generations. Models with "XT" or "XTX" suffixes indicate enhanced performance within the same class.
The old naming convention used three digits, like the RX 580, which are now outdated and best avoided unless found for $100 or less. Generally, higher model numbers suggest better performance, but specific specs like VRAM are also important. For 1080p gaming, 8GB of VRAM suffices, but for 1440p, aim for 12GB-16GB, and for 4K, get as much VRAM as you can afford.
Compute units are another vital spec; each unit contains multiple streaming multiprocessors (SMs). The latest AMD cards have 64 SMs per compute unit. For instance, the RX 7900 XTX boasts 96 compute units, totaling 6,144 SMs. Additionally, recent AMD GPUs include dedicated hardware for ray tracing, with one RT Core per compute unit.
When selecting a GPU, ensure your PC can accommodate it. Check your case's dimensions and your power supply's wattage to ensure compatibility with your chosen card.
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 outstanding 4K performance at a reasonable price. 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
- Ample VRAM
CONS
- May not significantly lower GPU prices in the current market
The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT reintroduces the era when AMD GPUs offered superior value compared to Nvidia. Launched at $599, it's more affordable than the $749 RTX 5070 Ti and delivers better average performance. In testing, the RX 9070 XT was about 2% faster than the RTX 5070 Ti. This card is an excellent choice for 4K gaming and handles ray tracing well, though not as effectively as Nvidia's offerings.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks
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The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT introduces FSR 4, which uses AI for upscaling, unlike the temporal solution of FSR 3.1. While FSR 4 may have a slight performance loss, it offers superior image quality, ideal for single-player games where high frame rates are less critical.
The success of the RX 9070 XT sets a high bar, and it remains to be seen if AMD will release an even more powerful GPU. Currently, the RX 9070 XT delivers excellent 4K performance at a competitive price, making it a top choice for 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 excels at 4K gaming with its powerful performance. 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
- Exceptional 4K performance
- More VRAM than needed for gaming
CONS
- May lag behind in ray tracing performance
While 1440p and 1080p are popular resolutions, the RX 7900 XTX is ideal for those seeking top-tier 4K performance. Priced around $900, it offers competitive performance against Nvidia's RTX 4080. In multiple tests, the RX 7900 XTX matches or surpasses the RTX 4080, especially in non-ray tracing games. Its 24GB of VRAM ensures it can handle demanding 4K games effectively.
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 is a solid choice for 1440p gaming, offering excellent value. 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 gaming performance
- Introduces AI upscaling with FSR 4
CONS
- Priced close to the more powerful RX 9070 XT
The AMD Radeon RX 9070 is slightly less powerful than the RX 9070 XT but still excels at 1440p gaming. It offers triple-digit frame rates in most games and outperforms the Nvidia RTX 5070 by an average of 12%. The RX 9070 also introduces FSR 4, enhancing image quality through AI upscaling, though it's an optional feature you can toggle off for better frame rates.
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 perfect for 1080p gaming and future-proofed with 16GB of VRAM. 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 1080p performance at a good price
- Compact size fits most PC builds
CONS
- May struggle with ray tracing in demanding games
1080p remains the most popular gaming resolution due to its affordability and quality. The RX 7600 XT, priced around $309, is ideal for high-end 1080p gaming. It delivers impressive frame rates in games like Forza Horizon 5 and Far Cry 6, and its 16GB of VRAM ensures longevity as games become more demanding.
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 an affordable last-gen option that excels at 1080p gaming, especially for esports titles. 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 gaming
- Very affordable
CONS
- Last-generation technology
Although older, the RX 6600 remains a great budget option, priced around $199. It delivers solid performance in 1080p games, particularly in less demanding genres like MMOs and MOBAs, making it ideal for multiplayer gaming with friends.
What is FSR?
FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD's upscaling technology for PCs, using recent frames and motion vector data to upscale lower resolution images to your monitor's native resolution. While earlier versions were software-based, FSR 4, introduced with the RX 9070 and 9070 XT, uses AI accelerators for more accurate upscaling, improving image quality at a slight performance cost. FSR also includes frame generation, which can boost frame rates but may introduce latency if used at lower frame rates.
What is Ray Tracing?
Ray tracing enhances the realism of lighting in games by simulating how light rays interact with the environment. Initially limited to specific elements like reflections, advancements in RT cores have enabled full path tracing in games like Cyberpunk 2077, significantly enhancing visual quality. However, ray tracing demands more from the GPU, often requiring upscaling technologies like FSR to maintain playable frame rates.
