AMD GPU Selection: Expert Graphics Card Reviews

When embarking on the journey to build your own gaming PC, choosing the right graphics card is paramount. Opting for an AMD graphics card can be a smart move, especially if you're looking to save on unnecessary extras. All of AMD's current-generation graphics cards come equipped with ray tracing capabilities and support for FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), an upscaling technology widely adopted by major PC games.

While there are more powerful options available, AMD's Radeon RX 9070 XT stands out with its impressive 4K performance without the steep price tag often seen with top-tier cards. For those targeting 1440p gaming, AMD's offerings are particularly compelling, offering robust performance at a reasonable cost.

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 AmazonAMD's graphics architecture is also utilized in the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, which can facilitate smoother optimization for PC games ported from consoles. While this doesn't guarantee perfect performance, it does help. If you're leaning towards Nvidia, consider checking out a guide dedicated to their graphics cards.

Selecting the best AMD GPU involves more than just choosing the fastest card; it's about aligning your gaming resolution and budget.

Graphics Card Basics

Graphics cards are intricate devices, but understanding a few key points can help you choose the right one. For AMD cards, it's crucial to identify if it's a current-generation model. AMD has recently updated its naming convention, with the Radeon RX 9070 XT as the flagship, skipping the 8 series. A '9' in the model number indicates a current-generation card, while '7' and '6' represent previous generations. The "XT" or "XTX" suffix signifies a higher-end model within its class.

Older models like the RX 580 or RX 480 are outdated and should be avoided unless available for under $100. Generally, a higher number suggests better performance, but specifics like VRAM are important. For 1080p gaming, 8GB of VRAM suffices, while 1440p requires 12GB to 16GB, and 4K demands as much VRAM as you can get, exemplified by the 16GB on the Radeon RX 9070 XT.

Compute units, which house streaming multiprocessors (or shaders), are another performance indicator. Recent AMD cards feature dedicated ray tracing hardware in each compute unit, enhancing ray tracing capabilities.

When selecting a graphics card, ensure your PC can support it, particularly regarding case space and power supply wattage. Each card specifies a recommended power supply, so make sure yours meets those requirements.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT – Photos

4 ImagesIf 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 cost you an arm and a legSee it at NeweggProduct SpecificationsStreaming Multiprocessors4096Base Clock1660 MHzGame Clock2400 MHzVideo Memory16GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth644.6 GB/sMemory Bus256-bitPower Connectors2 x 8-pinPROSExcellent 4K gaming performance for the moneyPlenty of VRAMCONSBrings GPU prices down to sanity (in theory)At launch, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT offered a value proposition that harked back to when AMD GPUs outshone Nvidia's in terms of cost-effectiveness. Despite current shortages, it debuted at $599, significantly less than the $749 RTX 5070 Ti, and performed better on average. My review found it 2% faster than the RTX 5070 Ti across a wide range of tests, making it a standout choice for 4K gaming with ray tracing capabilities.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

11 ImagesWith the introduction of FSR 4, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT utilizes AI to upscale games, improving image quality at a slight performance cost. While FSR 4 may not offer the same performance boost as FSR 3.1, its enhanced image quality makes it preferable for single-player games where high frame rates are less critical.

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX – Photos

11 ImagesBest 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 power most AAA games at 4K max settings. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStreaming 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-CPROSExcellent performance at 4KMore VRAM than you'll need for gamingCONSCan fall behind in ray tracing performanceFor those seeking the ultimate 4K gaming experience, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a top contender. Priced at around $900, it delivers exceptional performance, often matching or surpassing the more expensive Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 in various tests. Its 24GB of VRAM ensures it can handle high-resolution textures effortlessly, particularly in games that don't heavily rely on ray tracing.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 – Photos

4 ImagesBest for 1440p: AMD Radeon RX 9070

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

5While its priced uncomfortably close to the RX 9070 XT, the Radeon RX 9070 is an excellent 1440p graphics card for the money. See it at NeweggProduct SpecificationsStreaming Multiprocessors3584Base Clock1330 MHzGame Clock2520 MHzVideo Memory16GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth644.6 GB/sMemory Bus256-bitPower Connectors2 x 8-pinPROSExcellent 1440p gaming performanceBrings AI upscaling to an AMD graphics cardCONSPriced a little too closely to the RX 9070 XTThe AMD Radeon RX 9070 is ideal for 1440p gaming, offering robust performance at a competitive price. Although it's closely priced to the more powerful RX 9070 XT, it remains a strong choice for those focused on 1440p gaming. In my tests, it consistently delivered high frame rates and outperformed the Nvidia RTX 5070 by an average of 12%. Additionally, it introduces FSR 4, enhancing image quality through AI upscaling.

AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT

5 ImagesBest 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 going to power top-end games at 1080p for years to come. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStreaming Multiprocessors2048Base Clock1980 MHzGame Clock2470 MHzVideo Memory16GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth288 GB/sMemory Bus128-bitPower Connectors1 x 8-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1a, 3 x DisplayPort 2.1PROSSolid performance for the moneySmall enough to fit in any PC buildCONSWill struggle in some super-demanding games with ray tracing enabledFor gamers who prefer 1080p, the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT is an affordable yet powerful option, available for around $309. It excels in popular titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Far Cry 6, delivering high frame rates even with max settings. Its 16GB of VRAM ensures it can handle future games, though it may struggle with ray tracing in more demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077.

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 it's still able to pump out the frames in 1080p games, especially if you play a lot of esports games with friends. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStreaming Multiprocessors1792Base Clock1626 MHzGame Clock2044 MHzVideo Memory8GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth224 GB/sMemory Bus128-bitPower Connectors1 x 8-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4aPROSGreat for esportsVery affordableCONSIt's a last-gen graphics cardThe AMD Radeon RX 6600, though a last-gen model, remains a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers. Priced at around $199, it performs well in 1080p games, particularly in esports titles, delivering high frame rates in games like Final Fantasy XIV and Horizon Zero Dawn.

What is FSR?

FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD's upscaling technology for PC gaming. It enhances performance by rendering games at a lower resolution and then upscaling them to your native resolution. Earlier versions of FSR were software-based, but the latest, FSR 4, leverages AI for improved image quality, albeit with a slight performance hit. FSR also includes frame generation to boost frame rates, though it's best used when you're already achieving 50-60fps to avoid added latency.

What is Ray Tracing?

Ray tracing is a technique that simulates realistic light behavior in 3D environments by tracing the path of light rays. This adds significant computational load, requiring dedicated hardware like RT cores in modern AMD and Nvidia GPUs. While initially limited to specific effects, recent games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong utilize full ray tracing, enhancing visual fidelity at the cost of performance, often necessitating upscaling technologies like FSR for smooth gameplay.