AMD GPU Buying Guide: Expert Picks for Graphics Cards

When embarking on the journey to build a gaming PC, choosing the best graphics card is crucial. Opting for an AMD graphics card can be a wise decision, especially for those looking to avoid the extra costs associated with unnecessary features. AMD's current-generation graphics cards support ray tracing and come equipped with FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), a widely supported upscaling technology that enhances game performance across most major PC titles.

While there are more powerful options available, AMD graphics cards like the Radeon RX 9070 XT offer excellent 4K performance without the hefty price tags often seen with other high-end cards. For those interested in a mid-range option for 1440p gaming, AMD's offerings provide exceptional value, delivering robust performance without breaking the bank.

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 utilized in both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, which can facilitate easier optimization for developers when porting console games to PC. While this doesn't guarantee perfect optimization for PC games with an AMD graphics card, it certainly aids the process. However, if you're more inclined towards Nvidia's offerings, you can explore my guide on the best Nvidia graphics cards.

Choosing the best AMD GPU involves more than just selecting the fastest card available; it's about matching your desired gaming resolution and budget.

Graphics Card Basics

Graphics cards are complex devices, but understanding a few key aspects can help you choose the right GPU. For AMD cards, it's essential to identify if it's a current-generation model. AMD recently revamped its naming convention, with the Radeon RX 9070 XT marking the latest top-end card, bypassing the 8-series and rearranging numbers. Cards with a '9' as the first digit are current-generation, while '7' and '6' represent older generations.

Some model numbers end with "XT" or "XTX," indicating a higher performance variant within the same series. This naming began with the Radeon RX 5700 XT in 2019. Older models, like the RX 580 or RX 480, should be avoided unless you can find them for $100 or less due to their outdated technology.

As a general guideline, higher numbers typically denote better performance, but delving into specific specs can provide a clearer picture. VRAM (video memory) is a key spec; more VRAM is beneficial, particularly at higher resolutions. For 1080p gaming, 8GB is usually sufficient, while 1440p benefits from 12GB to 16GB, and 4K gaming requires as much VRAM as you can afford, with the Radeon RX 9070 XT featuring 16GB.

Another important spec is the number of compute units, each containing multiple streaming multiprocessors (SMs). For example, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX boasts 96 compute units, totaling 6,144 SMs. Recent AMD cards also include dedicated hardware for ray tracing, with the 7900 XTX having 96 RT Cores, enhancing its ray tracing capabilities.

Before finalizing your choice, ensure your PC can support the selected GPU. Check your case dimensions and power supply wattage against the card's requirements to avoid compatibility issues.

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 gaming performance at a competitive 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 money
• Plenty of VRAM

Cons

• Brings GPU prices down to sanity (in theory)

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT reintroduced the era when AMD cards offered superior value compared to Nvidia's. Launched at $599, it undercuts the RTX 5070 Ti's $749 price tag while delivering faster average performance. In my review, the RX 9070 XT averaged 2% faster than the RTX 5070 Ti across various tests. This makes it an attractive option for 4K gaming, with commendable ray tracing capabilities, though not quite on par with Nvidia's offerings.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

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The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT also introduces FSR 4, which uses AI for upscaling, offering better image quality at the cost of a 10% performance hit compared to FSR 3.1. This trade-off is worthwhile in single-player games where high frame rates are less critical.

While AMD may release more powerful cards in the future, the Radeon RX 9070 XT currently stands out for its excellent 4K performance and value.

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 for 4K gaming, handling AAA titles at maximum 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

• Excellent performance at 4K
• More VRAM than you'll need for gaming

Cons

• Can fall behind in ray tracing performance

While 1440p and 1080p are popular resolutions, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX caters to those seeking top-tier performance at 4K. Priced around $900, it offers unmatched value, often outperforming the more expensive Nvidia RTX 4080 in non-ray tracing scenarios. Continuous testing has reaffirmed its impressive performance, making it a compelling choice for those willing to invest in a high-end component.

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 excellent 1440p performance at a reasonable price.
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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

Though slightly less powerful than the RX 9070 XT, the Radeon RX 9070 is an excellent choice for 1440p gaming. It handles games well at this resolution, achieving high frame rates and outperforming Nvidia's RTX 5070 by an average of 12%. The RX 9070 also introduces FSR 4, enhancing image quality, which can be toggled off for higher frame rates if preferred.

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-suited for high-end 1080p gaming.
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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

• 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 a popular choice for PC gaming due to its affordability and performance. The AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT, priced around $309, is ideal for this resolution, delivering high frame rates in games like Forza Horizon 5 and Far Cry 6. While it may struggle with ray tracing in more demanding titles, its 16GB of VRAM ensures longevity and versatility.

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 cost-effective option for 1080p gaming, especially for esports enthusiasts.
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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

• Great for esports
• Very affordable

Cons

• It's a last-gen graphics card

The AMD Radeon RX 6600, though a last-generation card, remains a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers. Priced around $199, it performs well in 1080p gaming, especially for less demanding genres like MMOs and MOBAs. Its performance in games like Final Fantasy XIV and Horizon Zero Dawn highlights its capability to handle modern titles effectively.

What is FSR?

FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD's upscaling technology designed to enhance game performance on PC. It works by upscaling lower resolution frames to the native resolution using data from recent frames and motion vectors. Prior to FSR 4, this was a software-based solution, but with the Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT, FSR 4 leverages AI for more accurate upscaling, though at a slight performance cost. FSR also includes frame generation to boost frame rates, which is most effective at higher frame rates.

What is Ray Tracing?

Ray tracing is a technique for rendering realistic light in 3D environments by tracing the path of light rays as they interact with surfaces. This method adds significant computational load, especially in real-time applications. Early implementations focused on specific elements like reflections, but recent advancements allow for full path tracing, enhancing the visual fidelity of games like Cyberpunk 2077. Both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards feature dedicated RT Cores to handle these calculations, often requiring upscaling technologies like FSR to maintain playable frame rates.