Expert Picks: Top AMD GPUs Reviewed

When you’re setting out to build a gaming PC, choosing the best graphics card is crucial. Opting for an AMD graphics card can be a smart choice, particularly if you're looking to save money without sacrificing performance. All of AMD’s current-generation graphics cards support ray tracing and feature FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), an upscaling method compatible with most major PC games.

While there are more powerful options available, AMD graphics cards like the Radeon RX 9070 XT deliver excellent 4K performance at a more affordable price point, often staying well below the $2,000 mark. For those targeting 1440p gaming, AMD's mid-range offerings provide exceptional value, delivering strong performance for your investment.

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

Moreover, AMD’s graphics architecture powers both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, which can simplify game optimization for developers when transitioning from consoles to PC. This doesn’t guarantee perfect PC performance, but it does aid in smoother transitions. For those interested in Nvidia’s offerings, check out the guide to the best Nvidia graphics cards.

Choosing the right AMD GPU involves considering your desired gaming resolution and budget. It's not just about the fastest card available; it's about finding the best fit for your needs.

Graphics Card Basics

Graphics cards are complex devices, but understanding a few key aspects can help you choose the right one. For AMD graphics cards, it’s important to identify if it’s a current-generation model. AMD recently updated its naming convention, with the Radeon RX 9070 XT being the latest top-end model, succeeding the RX 7900 XTX. Cards with a '9' as the first digit are current-generation, while '7' and '6' indicate older generations. The "XT" or "XTX" suffix indicates a higher-performing variant within the same series.

Older models like the RX 580 or RX 480 are outdated and should be avoided unless found at a very low price. Generally, higher model numbers indicate better performance, but specific specs like VRAM, compute units, and ray tracing capabilities are crucial for determining a card’s suitability.

VRAM, or video memory, is crucial for higher resolutions. For 1080p gaming, 8GB is sufficient, while 1440p requires 12GB-16GB, and 4K benefits from as much VRAM as possible. The Radeon RX 9070 XT, for example, comes with 16GB of VRAM.

Compute units and their associated streaming multiprocessors (SMs) are also key to performance. Each compute unit contains 64 SMs, and more compute units generally mean better performance. Additionally, the latest AMD cards include dedicated hardware for ray tracing, with each compute unit having an RT Core.

Before purchasing, ensure your PC can support the chosen graphics card. Check your case for sufficient space and verify that your power supply has enough wattage to handle the card's demands.

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 offers excellent 4K performance at a competitive price, making it a standout choice for gamers seeking value and performance.

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
• Plenty of VRAM

Cons:

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

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT reintroduces value to the high-end graphics card market, launching at $599, significantly less than the $749 RTX 5070 Ti. In testing, it averaged 2% faster than the RTX 5070 Ti, demonstrating AMD's competitive edge. While it may not match Nvidia's ray tracing capabilities, the Radeon RX 9070 XT provides a compelling 4K gaming solution.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

11 Images

The Radeon RX 9070 XT introduces FSR 4, which uses AI to upscale games, offering improved image quality over FSR 3.1, though with a slight performance cost. FSR 4 is ideal for single-player games where image quality is prioritized over frame rate.

The success of the Radeon RX 9070 XT solidifies its position as a top choice for 4K gaming, providing excellent performance for the 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 a powerhouse capable of running most AAA games at 4K with maximum 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:

• Exceptional 4K performance
• More VRAM than typically needed for gaming

Cons:

• Can fall behind in ray tracing performance

For those willing to invest in the best, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX offers top-tier performance, often matching or beating the more expensive Nvidia RTX 4080 in non-ray tracing scenarios. Its 24GB of VRAM ensures it can handle the most demanding 4K games with ease.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 – Photos

4 Images

Best for 1440p: AMD Radeon RX 9070

Best AMD Graphics Card for 1440p### AMD Radeon RX 9070

5The AMD Radeon RX 9070 delivers exceptional performance for 1440p gaming, offering great value despite being close in price to the RX 9070 XT.

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 graphics cards

Cons:

• Priced closely to the RX 9070 XT

The Radeon RX 9070 is ideal for gamers focused on 1440p resolution, offering high frame rates and robust performance, especially when ray tracing is disabled. It outperforms its Nvidia counterpart, the RTX 5070, by 12% on average, and introduces FSR 4 for enhanced image quality.

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

6The AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT is a solid choice for 1080p gaming, providing ample performance for years to come with its 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 performance at 1080p
• Compact design suitable for any PC build

Cons:

• Struggles with ray tracing in very demanding games

At 1080p, the Radeon RX 7600 XT offers strong performance for games like Forza Horizon 5 and Far Cry 6, delivering high frame rates with maximum settings. Its 16GB of VRAM ensures longevity, making it a great choice for budget-conscious gamers.

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, despite being a last-gen model, remains a compelling budget option for 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:

• Great for esports
• Very affordable

Cons:

• Last-gen technology

The Radeon RX 6600, priced around $199, provides solid 1080p performance, especially for less demanding games like MMOs and MOBAs. It's an excellent choice for budget builds focused on multiplayer gaming.

What is FSR?

FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD’s upscaling technology for PC gaming. It uses software to upscale lower resolution frames to your native resolution, improving frame rates while minimizing performance loss. With the Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT, FSR 4 introduces AI-based upscaling for enhanced image quality, though with a slight performance trade-off compared to FSR 3. FSR also includes frame generation, which can boost frame rates but may increase latency if not used appropriately.

What is Ray Tracing?

Ray tracing enhances the realism of light rendering in 3D scenes by simulating the natural path of light rays. This technique, supported by dedicated RT cores in AMD and Nvidia graphics cards, significantly increases GPU workload. Initially limited to specific effects like reflections, full path tracing is now implemented in games like Cyberpunk 2077, offering a transformative visual experience but requiring powerful hardware and often an upscaling method like FSR to maintain playable frame rates.