Expert Picks: Choosing the Right AMD GPU for You

When embarking on the journey to build a gaming PC, the most critical decision you'll face is selecting the right graphics card. Opting for an AMD graphics card is a smart move, especially if you're looking to avoid the extra cost of unnecessary features. All of AMD's current-generation graphics cards support ray tracing and come equipped with FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), a widely supported upscaling technology in major PC games.

Although there are more powerful options available, AMD's Radeon RX 9070 XT delivers outstanding performance at 4K without the hefty price tag that often exceeds $2,000. For those aiming for a 1440p setup, AMD shines with its mid-range offerings, providing excellent value for your investment.

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

Choosing the best AMD GPU isn't just about picking the fastest card; it's about matching your desired gaming resolution and budget. Let's delve into the essentials of graphics cards to help you make an informed decision.

Graphics Card Basics

Graphics cards are complex devices, but understanding a few key points can help you select a great GPU. With AMD graphics cards, it's crucial to identify whether it's a current-generation model. Recently, AMD revamped its naming convention, launching the Radeon RX 9070 XT as its top-end card, succeeding the RX 7900 XTX. The new convention uses '9' to denote the latest generation, with '7' and '6' representing earlier ones.

You'll notice some models have an "XT" or "XTX" suffix, indicating a performance boost without entering the next tier. This naming started with the Radeon RX 5700 XT in 2019. Previously, AMD used a three-digit naming system, like the RX 580 or RX 480, which are now outdated unless you find them for under $100.

A general rule of thumb is that higher numbers equate to better performance, but you can dive deeper into specs like VRAM (video memory). More VRAM is beneficial, especially at higher resolutions. For 1080p gaming, 8GB suffices, but for 1440p, aim for 12GB to 16GB, particularly for demanding titles. At 4K, the more VRAM, the better, which is why the Radeon RX 9070 XT comes with 16GB.

Another key spec is the number of compute units, each containing multiple streaming multiprocessors (shaders). For example, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX has 96 compute units, totaling 6,144 streaming multiprocessors. Recent AMD cards also feature dedicated ray tracing hardware in each compute unit, enhancing their ray tracing capabilities.

Before finalizing your choice, ensure your PC can support the card. Check your case for space and your power supply for sufficient wattage, as high-end GPUs require more power. Each card will list a recommended power supply, so make sure yours meets the requirement.

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 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 stands out by offering superior value compared to Nvidia's offerings. Despite current market shortages, it launched at $599, significantly less than the RTX 5070 Ti's $749. In my tests, the RX 9070 XT averaged 2% faster performance than the RTX 5070 Ti. It's a $599 4K card that handles ray tracing well, closing the gap with 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, improving image quality over FSR 3.1, though with a 10% performance hit. This trade-off is worthwhile for single-player games where high frame rates are less crucial. The RX 9070 XT's strong 4K performance at its price point is unmatched, making it a top choice.

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 an extremely powerful graphics card, easily able to run most AAA games at 4K max settings. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Streaming Multiprocessors: 6144
• Base Clock: 1929MHz
• Game Clock: 2365MHz
• 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 who want the ultimate gaming experience, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a premium choice, priced around $900. In testing, it matched or outperformed the more expensive Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080, offering a better price-to-performance ratio. Over time, it has consistently impressed in games without heavy ray tracing, like Forza Horizon 5 and Total War: Warhammer 3. Despite the newer RX 9070 XT's superior performance in some games, the 7900 XTX's 24GB VRAM ensures it excels in high-resolution textures.

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 it's priced 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 slightly less powerful than the 9070 XT but offers exceptional 1440p performance. My tests showed it achieving triple-digit frame rates in most games, with the option to disable ray tracing for even better results. It outperforms its Nvidia competitor, the RTX 5070, by an average of 12%. Both the RX 9070 and 9070 XT support FSR 4, enhancing image quality through AI upscaling, which can be toggled in the AMD Adrenalin software for preference.

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 top-end 1080p gaming 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

1080p remains the most popular resolution for PC gaming, and the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT is an ideal choice for this resolution. Priced at around $309, it delivers strong performance at 1080p, achieving high frame rates in games like Forza Horizon 5 and Far Cry 6. While it may struggle with some ray tracing-intensive games, its 16GB 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 a last-gen graphics card but still performs admirably in 1080p games, especially for esports enthusiasts. 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, though an older model, remains a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers, particularly those focused on esports. Priced at around $199, it holds up well in 1080p gaming, delivering high frame rates in less demanding titles. While it may struggle with newer, more demanding games, it's a reliable option for multiplayer gaming with friends.

What is FSR?

FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD's upscaling technology for PC gaming. It uses information from recent frames and motion vectors provided by the game engine to upscale lower-resolution frames to your monitor's native resolution. Prior to FSR 4, this was a software-based solution, but FSR 4 now leverages AI accelerators for more accurate upscaling, though with a slight performance cost. FSR also includes frame generation to boost frame rates, which is best used at higher frame rates to minimize latency.

What is Ray Tracing?

Ray tracing enhances the realism of lighting in 3D scenes by simulating the natural path of light rays. This technology, supported by dedicated RT cores in AMD and Nvidia GPUs, significantly increases the workload on the graphics card. Initially limited to specific elements like reflections, modern games now implement full path tracing, replacing traditional lighting methods with ray-traced lighting for a more immersive visual experience.