AMD GPU Selection Guide: Expert Reviews

When you’re setting out to build a gaming PC, the most crucial decision you'll make is choosing the best graphics card for your setup. With a plethora of options available, opting for an AMD graphics card can be a smart choice, particularly if you're looking to avoid the premium price tags associated with unnecessary extras. All current-generation AMD graphics cards boast support for ray tracing and come equipped with FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), a widely supported upscaling technology in major PC games.

While more powerful alternatives exist, AMD graphics cards such as the Radeon RX 9070 XT deliver exceptional 4K performance without the hefty price tag that often exceeds $2,000. For those eyeing a mid-range solution for 1440p gaming, AMD's offerings provide compelling performance at a reasonable cost.

TL;DR: These Are the Best AMD Graphics Cards

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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 Xbox Series X, which can simplify optimization for developers when porting console games to PC. While this doesn't guarantee perfect PC performance, it certainly helps. If you're interested in Nvidia's offerings, you can check out my guide to the best Nvidia graphics cards.

Choosing the best AMD GPU isn't just about selecting the fastest card available. It's about determining your desired gaming resolution and, crucially, your budget.

Graphics Card Basics

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Graphics cards are inherently complex devices. While you don't need to be an expert to choose a great GPU, understanding a few key points can be beneficial. For AMD graphics cards, it's important to identify whether it's a current-generation model.

AMD recently revamped its naming convention. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT, for instance, is the latest top-end graphics card, succeeding the RX 7900 XTX. The new naming skips the number 8 and rearranges some digits. A key takeaway is that any AMD card starting with '9' is from the current generation, while '7' and '6' denote the previous generations.

Some AMD graphics card model numbers include "XT" or "XTX," indicating a performance upgrade within the same class.

This naming convention began with the Radeon RX 5700 XT in 2019. Prior to that, AMD used a three-digit naming system, like the RX 580 or RX 480, which are now outdated and should be avoided unless you can find them for $100 or less.

Generally, a higher number suggests better performance, but diving into specific specs can provide a clearer picture.

Video RAM (VRAM) is a straightforward spec to consider. More VRAM is beneficial, especially at higher resolutions. For 1080p gaming, 8GB is typically sufficient, but for 1440p, aim for 12GB to 16GB, particularly for demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Black Myth: Wukong. For 4K gaming, maximizing VRAM is advisable, which is why the Radeon RX 9070 XT comes with 16GB.

Another important spec is the number of compute units, each containing multiple streaming multiprocessors (SMs). For the latest AMD cards, each compute unit has 64 SMs. For example, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX, with 96 compute units, totals 6,144 SMs.

Recent AMD graphics cards also feature dedicated ray tracing hardware in each compute unit. The latest models have one RT Core per compute unit, totaling 96 for the 7900 XTX. More RT Cores generally mean better ray tracing performance.

Once you've selected your graphics card, ensure your PC can support it. Check your case dimensions, especially for high-end GPUs, and verify your power supply's wattage against the card's 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 is an excellent 4K graphics card that won't break the bankSee it at Newegg

Product Specifications

Streaming Multiprocessors4096Base Clock1660 MHzGame Clock2400 MHzVideo Memory16GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth644.6 GB/sMemory Bus256-bitPower Connectors2 x 8-pin

PROS

Excellent 4K gaming performance for the pricePlenty of VRAM

CONS

Brings GPU prices down to a more reasonable level (in theory)

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT has made a significant impact by offering value that rivals Nvidia's offerings. Launched at $599, it's considerably cheaper than the $749 RTX 5070 Ti and, on average, performs faster. In my review, the Radeon RX 9070 XT was 2% faster than the RTX 5070 Ti across various tests. This performance edge, combined with its lower price, marks a victory for AMD. The card handles 4K gaming and ray tracing well, though it doesn't quite match Nvidia's ray tracing capabilities.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

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The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT introduces FSR 4, which uses AI to upscale games to your native resolution, unlike the traditional temporal upscaling of FSR 3.1. While FSR 4 may result in a 10% performance loss compared to FSR 3.1, it offers superior image quality, making it ideal for single-player games where high frame rates are less critical.

It remains to be seen if AMD will release a more powerful successor to the Radeon RX 9070 XT, but for now, it provides excellent 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 maximum settings. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

Streaming Multiprocessors6144Base Clock1929MHzGame Clock2365MHzVideo Memory24GBMemory Bandwidth960 GB/sMemory Bus384-bitPower Connectors 2 x 8-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1a, 2 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x USB-C

PROS

Excellent performance at 4KMore VRAM than needed for gaming

CONS

Can lag behind in ray tracing performance

While 1440p and 1080p are popular, some gamers seek the ultimate 4K experience. The AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX, priced around $900, delivers top-tier performance. In reviews, it matched or outperformed the more expensive Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 in many tests. Over time, its price-to-performance ratio has become even more compelling.

In my retests, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX continued to impress, often matching or surpassing the RTX 4080 Super in games without heavy reliance on ray tracing. For example, in Forza Horizon 5, it achieved 158fps compared to the RTX 4080 Super's 159fps, and in Total War: Warhammer 3, it led by up to 8%.

Although the newer AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT outperforms the 7900 XTX in some 4K games, the 7900 XTX's 24GB of RAM makes it superior for games with high-resolution textures. If you're willing to invest in a high-end component, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX offers the best value for traditional performance-focused gaming.

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

5While priced closely to the RX 9070 XT, the Radeon RX 9070 is an excellent choice for 1440p gaming. See it at Newegg

Product Specifications

Streaming Multiprocessors3584Base Clock1330 MHzGame Clock2520 MHzVideo Memory16GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth644.6 GB/sMemory Bus256-bitPower Connectors2 x 8-pin

PROS

Excellent 1440p gaming performanceBrings AI upscaling to AMD graphics cards

CONS

Priced a bit too closely to the RX 9070 XT

The AMD Radeon RX 9070, though slightly less powerful than the 9070 XT, is ideal for 1440p gaming. It offers strong performance at this resolution, with the added benefit of 16GB of VRAM. In my review, it consistently delivered triple-digit frame rates at 1440p, and even in games where it hit 70fps, disabling ray tracing boosted performance significantly. It outperforms its Nvidia counterpart, the RTX 5070, by an average of 12%.

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 image quality is a significant advantage, and it's optional, allowing you to prioritize frame rate if desired.

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

6With 16GB of VRAM, the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT is well-equipped for high-end 1080p gaming. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

Streaming Multiprocessors2048Base Clock1980 MHzGame Clock2470 MHzVideo Memory16GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth288 GB/sMemory Bus128-bitPower Connectors1 x 8-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1a, 3 x DisplayPort 2.1

PROS

Solid performance for the priceCompact enough for any PC build

CONS

May struggle with some demanding games when ray tracing is enabled

1080p remains the most popular resolution for PC gaming due to its affordability and quality. The AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT, available for around $309, is perfect for high-end 1080p gaming. In my review, it excelled at this resolution, achieving 113fps in Forza Horizon 5 and 128fps in Far Cry 6 at max settings.

Even in games where it didn't reach 100fps, like Total War: Warhammer 3, it still performed well at 89fps. With ray tracing, performance varies; in Cyberpunk 2077, it managed 44fps at 1080p on the Ray Tracing Ultra preset, suggesting adjustments may be needed for optimal performance.

The RX 7600 XT's 16GB of GDDR6 ensures it can handle future games, making it a solid long-term investment for 1080p gaming.

Best on a Budget: AMD Radeon RX 6600

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

5The AMD Radeon RX 6600, though a last-gen card, still delivers strong performance for 1080p gaming, especially for esports titles. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

Streaming Multiprocessors1792Base Clock1626 MHzGame Clock2044 MHzVideo Memory8GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth224 GB/sMemory Bus128-bitPower Connectors1 x 8-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a

PROS

Great for esportsAffordable

CONS

It's a last-gen graphics card

The AMD Radeon RX 6600, priced around $199, is an excellent budget option. In my 2021 review for TechRadar, it impressed at 1080p, delivering 134fps in Final Fantasy XIV and 85fps in Horizon Zero Dawn. Despite its age, it remains capable of handling most PC games at 1080p, particularly less demanding genres like MMOs, shooters, and MOBAs.

While newer, more demanding games like Black Myth: Wukong may challenge it, the RX 6600 is still a solid choice for casual and esports gaming.

What is FSR?

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FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD's upscaling technology for PC gaming. It uses information from recent frames and motion vectors to upscale lower resolution frames to your native resolution. Before FSR 4, it was a software-based solution, less efficient than AI-based models like Nvidia's DLSS but still effective in improving frame rates.

FSR 4, introduced with the AMD Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT, uses AI accelerators for more accurate upscaling, though it may slightly reduce performance. It also offers frame generation to further enhance performance, though this can introduce latency at lower frame rates.

What is Ray Tracing?

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Ray tracing enhances the realism of light in 3D scenes by simulating the natural path of light rays. This technology, supported by RT cores in modern GPUs, significantly increases the workload on the GPU, especially in real-time applications.

Initially, ray tracing was limited to specific elements like reflections or shadows, but advancements in RT cores have enabled full path tracing in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong, transforming the visual experience. However, achieving playable performance often requires the use of upscaling technologies like FSR.