AMD GPU Buying Guide: Expert Picks from a Graphics Card Reviewer

When you're setting out to build a gaming PC, one of the most critical decisions you'll face is choosing the best graphics card for your build. With numerous options available, opting for an AMD graphics card can be a smart choice, especially if you're looking to save money without sacrificing on performance. All of AMD's current-generation graphics cards support ray tracing and come equipped with FSR, or FidelityFX Super Resolution, an upscaling technology that enhances gameplay across a wide range of popular PC games.

While there are more powerful graphics cards on the market, AMD's offerings like the Radeon RX 9070 XT deliver exceptional 4K performance at a more affordable price point, typically not exceeding the $2,000 mark. For those interested in a mid-range option for 1440p gaming, AMD excels in providing top-notch performance at a competitive price.

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

Moreover, AMD's graphics architecture is also used in the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, which can ease the optimization process for developers when porting console games to PC. Although this doesn't guarantee flawless performance, it certainly aids in smoother transitions. If you're interested in Nvidia's offerings, consider checking out my guide to the best Nvidia graphics cards.

Selecting the best AMD GPU isn't just about grabbing the fastest card available; it's about aligning your choice with your desired gaming resolution and budget constraints.

Graphics Card Basics

Graphics cards are inherently complex devices, but understanding a few key aspects can help you make an informed decision. When considering AMD graphics cards, it's essential to identify whether it's a current-generation model. AMD recently revamped its naming convention. For instance, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT, the top-end card succeeding the RX 7900 XTX, marks a shift where any card with a '9' as the first digit is from the current generation, while '7' and '6' denote the preceding generations.

You'll also notice model numbers followed by "XT" or "XTX," indicating a performance step-up within the same class. This naming convention began with the Radeon RX 5700 XT in 2019, moving away from the three-digit names like RX 580 or RX 480, which are now outdated and best avoided unless you can snag them for under $100.

A general rule of thumb is that a higher model number often equates to better performance. To delve deeper, look at specifications such as VRAM, or video memory. More VRAM is generally better, especially at higher resolutions. For 1080p gaming, 8GB suffices for most games, but 1440p requires 12GB to 16GB, particularly for demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Black Myth: Wukong. At 4K, maximizing VRAM is crucial, which is why the Radeon RX 9070 XT boasts 16GB.

Another key spec is the number of compute units, each containing dozens of streaming multiprocessors, also known as shaders. The latest AMD graphics cards feature 64 Streaming Multiprocessors per compute unit, with the Radeon RX 7900 XTX having 96 Compute Units and a total of 6,144 SMs.

Recent generations of AMD cards also include dedicated hardware for ray tracing within each Compute Unit. For example, the 7900 XTX has 96 RT Cores, and more RT Cores typically mean better ray tracing performance.

Once you've chosen your graphics card, ensure your PC can support it. Check your case dimensions and power supply wattage against the card's requirements, as high-end GPUs demand more power.

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 price 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 price
- Ample VRAM

CONS

- May not lower GPU prices as expected due to market shortages

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT has revolutionized the market by offering superior value compared to Nvidia's offerings. Launched at $599, it's significantly cheaper than the $749 RTX 5070 Ti, and on average, it's 2% faster. This makes the RX 9070 XT an exceptional choice for 4K gaming, including support for ray tracing, though not as advanced as Nvidia's.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

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The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT introduces FSR 4, which leverages AI to upscale games to your native resolution. While FSR 4 may cause a 10% performance drop compared to FSR 3.1, it significantly improves image quality, making it ideal for single-player games where frame rates aren't as critical.

AMD's next move remains to be seen, but the Radeon RX 9070 XT currently provides the best bang for your buck at 4K resolutions.

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 delivers unparalleled power for 4K gaming with AAA titles at maximum settingsSee 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

- Exceptional 4K performance
- Abundant VRAM for gaming

CONS

- May lag in ray tracing performance compared to Nvidia counterparts

For those seeking the ultimate gaming PC experience, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a top choice. Priced around $900, it offers incredible performance, often matching or surpassing the more expensive Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080. Continuous testing has shown its strength in non-ray traced games, and its 24GB of RAM ensures it can handle high-resolution textures effortlessly.

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 provides excellent 1440p performance at a competitive price pointSee 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 closely to the more powerful RX 9070 XT

The AMD Radeon RX 9070, while slightly less powerful than the RX 9070 XT, remains an excellent choice for 1440p gaming. It delivers high frame rates and can outperform Nvidia's RTX 5070 by 12% on average. The inclusion of FSR 4 enhances image quality, providing a great gaming experience.

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 high-end 1080p gaming with its 16GB of VRAMSee 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 size for any PC build

CONS

- Struggles with ray tracing in demanding games

1080p remains a popular choice for PC gaming due to its affordability and quality. The AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT, available for around $309, is well-suited for this resolution, delivering strong performance in games like Forza Horizon 5 and Far Cry 6. Its 16GB of GDDR6 memory ensures longevity for future games.

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 choice for 1080p gaming, especially for esports titlesSee 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

Though an older model, the AMD Radeon RX 6600 remains a viable option for budget-conscious gamers. Priced at about $199, it can handle most 1080p games, particularly less demanding genres like MMOs and MOBAs.

What is FSR?

FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD's upscaling technology designed to enhance PC gaming performance. FSR works by upscaling lower resolution frames to your native resolution using software-based solutions, which, while less efficient than AI-based models like Nvidia's DLSS, still significantly boosts frame rates. With the introduction of FSR 4 in the Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT, AMD has integrated AI accelerators to provide better image quality, though at a slight performance cost. FSR also includes frame generation technology to further enhance performance, particularly beneficial when frame rates are already high.

What is Ray Tracing?

Ray tracing enhances the realism of lighting in 3D scenes by simulating how light rays interact with the environment. Initially limited to specific aspects like reflections or shadows, recent advancements in RT cores have enabled full path tracing in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong, drastically improving visual fidelity. However, ray tracing is computationally intensive, often requiring upscaling techniques like FSR to maintain playable frame rates.