AMD GPU Selection Guide from a Graphics Card Expert

When embarking on the journey of building a gaming PC, one of the most critical decisions you'll make is selecting the right graphics card. Choosing an AMD graphics card can be a smart move, particularly if you're looking to avoid the premium prices often associated with additional features. All of AMD's current-generation graphics cards boast support for ray tracing and feature AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), a popular upscaling technology compatible with many top PC games.

While there are more powerful options available, AMD graphics cards such as the Radeon RX 9070 XT deliver impressive 4K performance at a more reasonable price, typically below the $2,000 mark. For those seeking a mid-range solution for 1440p gaming, AMD's offerings provide exceptional value, ensuring top-notch 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

Additionally, AMD's graphics architecture powers both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, simplifying game optimization for developers when titles transition to PC. While this doesn't guarantee perfect PC performance, it certainly aids in smoother transitions. For those interested in Nvidia's offerings, check out my guide on the best Nvidia graphics cards.

Selecting the best AMD GPU isn't just about grabbing the fastest card available; it's about matching the resolution you want to play at and balancing your budget accordingly.

Graphics Card Basics

Graphics cards are inherently complex, but you don't need to be an expert to choose a great one. When considering AMD graphics cards, it's crucial to identify whether it's a current-generation model. AMD recently revamped its naming convention. The newly launched Radeon RX 9070 XT is the top-tier option, succeeding the RX 7900 XTX. Notably, AMD skipped the '8' series and rearranged some numbers. Any card starting with '9' is from the current generation, with '7' and '6' denoting older generations.

You might encounter model numbers with "XT" or "XTX" suffixes, indicating a performance boost within the same tier. This naming started with the Radeon RX 5700 XT in 2019. Previously, AMD used three-digit names like RX 580 or RX 480, which are now outdated and should be avoided unless priced at $100 or less.

Generally, higher numbers signify better performance, but diving into specific specs can provide a clearer picture. Video RAM (VRAM) is a key spec; more is typically better, especially at higher resolutions. For 1080p gaming, 8GB is sufficient, while 1440p benefits from 12GB to 16GB, and 4K demands as much VRAM as you can afford, as seen with the 16GB on the Radeon RX 9070 XT.

Another important spec is the number of compute units, each containing numerous streaming multiprocessors (SMs), or shaders. The latest AMD cards have 64 SMs per compute unit. For instance, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX, with 96 compute units, totals 6,144 SMs. Recent AMD cards also include dedicated ray tracing hardware in each compute unit, enhancing their ray tracing capabilities.

Before finalizing your choice, ensure your PC can support the card. Check your case dimensions and power supply wattage against the card's requirements, which are typically listed in the product specifications.

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 performance at a reasonable price pointSee 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 stands out by offering performance that rivals Nvidia's more expensive options, such as the RTX 5070 Ti, which launched at $749 compared to the RX 9070 XT's $599. My review showed the RX 9070 XT to be approximately 2% faster on average, making it a compelling choice for value-conscious gamers. It also handles ray tracing well, though not quite at the level of Nvidia's offerings.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

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The RX 9070 XT introduces FSR 4, an AI-powered upscaling method that improves image quality over FSR 3.1, albeit with a slight 10% performance hit. However, the enhanced visual quality makes it a worthwhile trade-off, particularly for single-player games where high frame rates are less critical.

AMD's success with the Radeon RX 9070 XT raises questions about future releases, but for now, it remains a top pick for 4K gaming on a budget.

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 outstanding performance for high-end 4K gamingSee 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

• Excellent 4K performance
• More VRAM than needed for gaming

CONS

• Can lag in ray tracing performance compared to competitors

For gamers aiming to push their PCs to the limit at 4K, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a powerhouse, priced around $900. It often matches or exceeds the performance of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080, particularly in non-ray-traced games. My colleague Bo's review highlighted its competitive edge, and subsequent tests have only reinforced its value, especially considering its price-to-performance ratio.

While the newer AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT outperforms it in some 4K scenarios, the RX 7900 XTX's 24GB of VRAM makes it ideal for games with high-resolution textures. If you're investing in top-tier performance and don't prioritize ray tracing, this card is a solid choice.

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 competitive priceSee 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 with FSR 4

CONS

• Priced closely to the more powerful RX 9070 XT

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 is a strong contender for 1440p gaming, offering robust performance at a price point that's just below the RX 9070 XT. My review found it capable of achieving triple-digit frame rates in most games at 1440p, and it outperforms Nvidia's RTX 5070 by an average of 12%. The introduction of FSR 4 enhances image quality, making it an attractive option for gamers focused on visual fidelity.

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 a solid choice for high-end 1080p gamingSee 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 for the price
• Compact size suitable for any PC build

CONS

• Struggles with some demanding games when ray tracing is enabled

1080p remains the most popular resolution for PC gaming due to its affordability and performance. The AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT, priced around $309, is an ideal choice for high-end 1080p gaming. My review showed it delivering strong performance in games like Forza Horizon 5 and Far Cry 6, with frame rates well above 100fps. While it may struggle with ray tracing in more demanding titles, its 16GB of VRAM ensures longevity.

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 offers great value for budget-conscious gamersSee 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-generation technology

The AMD Radeon RX 6600, though a last-generation card, remains a compelling option for budget gamers, especially at around $199. My 2021 review for TechRadar praised its performance at 1080p, and it continues to hold up well, particularly for esports and less demanding genres. While it may struggle with newer, more intensive games, it's a solid choice for those looking to maximize value.

What is FSR?

FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD's upscaling technology for PC gaming. It uses information from recent frames and motion vectors to upscale lower resolution images to your monitor's native resolution. Prior to FSR 4, it was a software-based solution, offering performance improvements but with potential image fuzziness. AMD's latest cards, like the Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT, introduce FSR 4, which leverages AI for more accurate upscaling, albeit with a slight performance cost. FSR also includes frame generation to further boost frame rates, though it's best used at higher frame rates to minimize latency.

What is Ray Tracing?

Ray tracing enhances the realism of lighting in 3D scenes by simulating the natural path of light rays. Initially limited to specific effects like reflections or shadows, advancements in RT cores have enabled full path tracing in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong. This technology, supported by both AMD and Nvidia, significantly increases the GPU's workload, often requiring upscaling methods like FSR to maintain playable frame rates.