"Expert Picks: Choosing the Right AMD GPU for You"

When building your gaming PC, choosing the right graphics card is crucial. Opting for an AMD graphics card can be a smart move, especially if you're looking to save on unnecessary extras. AMD's latest graphics cards support ray tracing and come equipped with FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), a powerful upscaling technology embraced by many top PC games.

While there are pricier options on the market, AMD's Radeon RX 9070 XT offers stellar 4K performance without breaking the bank. For those focusing on 1440p gaming, AMD shines in the mid-range segment, providing exceptional value for money.

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

AMD's graphics architecture also powers the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, making it easier for developers to optimize console games for AMD hardware on PC. While this doesn't guarantee perfect PC optimization, it certainly helps. If you're interested in Nvidia's options, check out my guide on the best Nvidia graphics cards.

Selecting the best AMD GPU involves more than just choosing the fastest card available. Consider the resolution at which you plan to play and your budget.

Graphics Card Basics

Graphics cards are complex, but understanding a few key aspects can help you choose the right one. For AMD cards, it's important to know if you're looking at a current-generation model. AMD's recent naming convention shift means that any card with a '9' at the start is current-gen, while '7' and '6' denote older generations. The 'XT' or 'XTX' suffix indicates a higher performance tier within the same generation.

Older AMD cards with three-digit naming, like the RX 580, are outdated and should be avoided unless priced very low. Generally, higher numbers indicate better performance, but it's also useful to look at specific specs like VRAM, compute units, and ray tracing capabilities.

VRAM is vital for higher resolutions. For 1080p, 8GB suffices, but 1440p requires 12GB to 16GB, and 4K benefits from as much VRAM as you can get. The Radeon RX 9070 XT, for example, comes with 16GB of VRAM, ideal for 4K gaming.

Compute units, each containing Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs), are another key spec. The Radeon RX 7900 XTX, with 96 compute units, boasts 6,144 SMs. Additionally, modern AMD cards include dedicated ray tracing hardware in each compute unit, enhancing their ray tracing performance.

Ensure your PC can support your chosen GPU. Check your case for space and your power supply for sufficient wattage, as higher-end cards demand more power.

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 delivers exceptional 4K performance at a reasonable price.
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

• Can't compete with Nvidia's ray tracing performance

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT offers a compelling value proposition, launching at $599 compared to the more expensive RTX 5070 Ti at $749. In tests, the RX 9070 XT averaged 2% faster than the RTX 5070 Ti, showcasing AMD's competitive edge in performance per dollar.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

11 Images

The Radeon RX 9070 XT introduces FSR 4, which uses AI to upscale games, offering better image quality than FSR 3.1, albeit with a slight performance hit. FSR 4 is ideal for single-player games where frame rate isn't as critical.

The RX 9070 XT remains a top choice for those seeking high 4K performance without spending excessively.

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 for 4K gaming, capable of running most AAA titles at max 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

• Superb 4K performance
• Abundant VRAM for future-proofing

Cons

• Lags behind in ray tracing performance

The Radeon RX 7900 XTX, priced around $900, provides top-tier performance at 4K, often matching or exceeding the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 in non-ray tracing scenarios. Its 24GB of VRAM ensures it's ready for high-resolution textures and future games.

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 offers excellent 1440p performance at a competitive price, though it's close 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

• Strong 1440p gaming performance
• Introduces FSR 4 for better image quality

Cons

• Priced closely to the RX 9070 XT

The RX 9070 excels at 1440p, delivering triple-digit frame rates in most games. It also introduces FSR 4, improving image quality, though it's optional for those prioritizing frame rate.

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 ideal for high-end 1080p gaming, offering strong performance and 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 fits in most PC builds

Cons

• Struggles with some ray tracing-intensive games

The RX 7600 XT is perfect for 1080p gaming, delivering high frame rates in games like Forza Horizon 5 and Far Cry 6. Its 16GB of VRAM 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 remains a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers, 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 gaming
• Very affordable

Cons

• Last-gen technology

The RX 6600, while an older model, still performs well in 1080p gaming, especially for less demanding genres like MMOs and shooters.

What is FSR?

FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD's upscaling technology that enhances game performance by rendering at a lower resolution and then upscaling to the native resolution. Earlier versions relied on software-based temporal solutions, but FSR 4, introduced with the RX 9070 and 9070 XT, uses AI for improved image quality. FSR also includes frame generation to boost frame rates, though it's recommended to use this feature only when achieving 50-60fps.

What is Ray Tracing?

Ray tracing simulates realistic lighting in games by tracing light rays as they bounce around a 3D scene. Initially limited to specific effects like reflections, modern games now use full path tracing, which requires dedicated hardware (RT cores) in GPUs. Ray tracing significantly increases the workload on the GPU, often necessitating upscaling technologies like FSR for smooth gameplay.