AMD GPU Buying Guide: Expert Picks for Graphics Cards

When you’re setting out to build a gaming PC, the most crucial decision you’ll face is choosing the right graphics card. If you're looking for a cost-effective solution without sacrificing performance, AMD graphics cards are a smart choice. All of AMD’s current-generation graphics cards support ray tracing and feature FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), an upscaling method compatible with most major PC games.

While more powerful options exist, AMD's Radeon RX 9070 XT delivers outstanding 4K performance at a more reasonable price point, typically under $2,000. For gamers targeting 1440p, AMD shines with mid-range cards that offer excellent value for money.

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 also powers the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, facilitating easier optimization for developers when porting console games to PC. While this doesn't guarantee perfect PC optimization, it certainly helps. If you're interested in Nvidia's offerings, check out my guide to the best Nvidia graphics cards.

Choosing the best AMD GPU involves more than just selecting the fastest card; consider your desired gaming resolution and budget constraints.

Graphics Card Basics

Graphics cards are complex devices, but understanding a few key aspects can help you choose the right one. For AMD graphics cards, it’s essential to know if it’s a current-generation model. AMD recently revamped its naming convention, with the Radeon RX 9070 XT as the latest top-end card, succeeding the RX 7900 XTX. Current-generation cards start with a '9', while '7' and '6' denote previous generations.

The "XT" or "XTX" suffix indicates a performance step-up within the same class. This naming started with the Radeon RX 5700 XT in 2019. Older models with three-digit names, like the RX 580 or RX 480, are outdated and best avoided unless priced below $100.

A simple rule of thumb is that higher numbers usually mean better performance, but specific specs like VRAM are crucial. More VRAM is beneficial, especially at higher resolutions. For 1080p, 8GB is sufficient, but for 1440p, aim for 12GB-16GB, and for 4K, as much as you can afford. The Radeon RX 9070 XT, for instance, comes with 16GB.

Compute units, each containing multiple streaming multiprocessors (shaders), are another critical aspect. The Radeon RX 7900 XTX, with 96 Compute Units, boasts 6,144 streaming multiprocessors. Recent AMD cards also feature dedicated ray tracing hardware in each Compute Unit, with the 7900 XTX having 96 RT Cores.

Before purchasing, ensure your PC can support the card. Check case dimensions and power supply wattage, as high-end GPUs require 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 exceptional 4K performance at a more affordable 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 for its value proposition, launching at $599 compared to the $749 RTX 5070 Ti, yet offering faster average performance. In my tests, it was 2% faster than the RTX 5070 Ti across various games. This card is a testament to AMD's competitive edge in providing high-performance 4K gaming at a lower cost, with commendable ray tracing capabilities.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

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The Radeon RX 9070 XT introduces FSR 4, which uses AI for upscaling, offering improved image quality over FSR 3.1, though with a slight performance hit. FSR 4 enhances visual fidelity, making it ideal for single-player games where frame rate isn't the top priority.

Whether AMD will release a more powerful successor remains to be seen, but the Radeon RX 9070 XT currently provides excellent 4K performance for the price.

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 delivers top-tier performance for 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 performance at 4K
• More VRAM than needed for gaming

CONS

• Can fall behind in ray tracing performance

For those seeking the ultimate 4K gaming experience, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a premium choice, priced around $900. It matches or exceeds the performance of the more expensive Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 in many tests, offering a superior price-to-performance ratio. In games like Forza Horizon 5 and Total War: Warhammer 3, it performs exceptionally well, particularly in non-ray traced scenarios.

While the newer Radeon RX 9070 XT outperforms it in some 4K games, the 7900 XTX's 24GB of VRAM ensures it excels in games with high-resolution textures. If you're willing to invest in a high-end component, the RX 7900 XTX offers the best value for traditional performance-focused gaming.

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 is a solid choice for 1440p gamingSee 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 to AMD graphics cards

CONS

• Priced closely to the RX 9070 XT

The AMD Radeon RX 9070, while slightly less powerful than the 9070 XT, is an excellent choice for 1440p gaming. It delivers impressive frame rates and outperforms its Nvidia counterpart, the RTX 5070, by an average of 12%. The introduction of FSR 4 enhances image quality, making it a great option for gamers focused on visual fidelity at 1440p.

AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT – Photos

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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 ideal 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 ray-traced games

For gamers focused on 1080p, the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT offers a cost-effective solution. Priced at around $309, it delivers strong performance in games like Forza Horizon 5 and Far Cry 6, making it suitable for high-refresh rate gaming. While it may struggle with some ray-traced titles, 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 is a budget-friendly option for 1080p gamingSee 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
• Very affordable

CONS

• Last-generation technology

The AMD Radeon RX 6600, though a last-generation card, remains a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers. Priced around $199, it excels in 1080p gaming, particularly in esports titles. While it may not handle the latest demanding games as well, it's a reliable option for multiplayer gaming and less demanding genres.

What is FSR?

FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD's upscaling technology for PC gaming. It uses software to upscale lower resolution frames to your native resolution, improving performance. FSR 3.1 uses a temporal solution, while FSR 4 introduces AI upscaling, offering better image quality at the cost of a slight performance hit. FSR also includes frame generation to further boost frame rates, though it may introduce latency at lower frame rates.

What is Ray Tracing?

Ray tracing enhances the realism of light in 3D scenes by simulating the natural behavior of light rays. This technology, supported by dedicated RT Cores in modern GPUs, significantly increases the workload on the graphics card. While early implementations focused on specific elements like reflections, newer games like Cyberpunk 2077 use full path tracing for a more immersive experience, often requiring upscaling technologies like FSR for playable performance.