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

When embarking on the journey to build a gaming PC, the most critical choice you'll face is selecting the best graphics card for your setup. With a plethora of options available, opting for an AMD graphics card can be a savvy move, especially if you're looking to save money without sacrificing performance. All of AMD's current-generation graphics cards support ray tracing and come equipped with FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), a popular upscaling technology compatible with most major PC games.

While more powerful options exist, AMD's graphics cards, such as the Radeon RX 9070 XT, deliver impressive 4K performance at a more reasonable price point, typically avoiding the steep $2,000+ price tags. For those targeting 1440p gaming, AMD shines in the mid-range segment, offering excellent value for your investment.

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 underpins both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, simplifying optimization for developers when porting console games to PC. Although this doesn't guarantee flawless PC game performance, it certainly aids in the process. If you're interested in Nvidia's offerings, check out my guide to the best Nvidia graphics cards.

Choosing the best AMD GPU isn't about simply picking the fastest card on the market. It's about determining your desired gaming resolution and your budget.

Graphics Card Basics

Graphics cards are inherently complex devices, but you don't need to be an expert to choose a great GPU. For AMD graphics cards, the key is to identify whether you're looking at a current-generation model.

AMD recently overhauled its naming convention. The Radeon RX 9070 XT is the latest top-tier offering, following the RX 7900 XTX. Notably, AMD skipped the '8' series and rearranged some numbers. A card with a '9' at the start is current-generation, while '7' and '6' represent previous generations.

Some AMD models are denoted with "XT" or "XTX," indicating a performance upgrade within the same class. This naming approach began with the Radeon RX 5700 XT in 2019. Previously, AMD used a three-digit naming scheme, like the RX 580 or RX 480, which are now outdated and should be avoided unless found for under $100.

As a rule of thumb, "higher number = better performance," but you can delve into specific specs for a clearer picture. The VRAM (video memory) is a straightforward spec to consider; more VRAM is beneficial, especially at higher resolutions. At 1080p, 8GB is typically sufficient, but for 1440p, aim for 12GB to 16GB, particularly for demanding titles. For 4K gaming, the more VRAM, the better, which is why the Radeon RX 9070 XT comes with 16GB.

Another crucial metric is the number of compute units, each containing multiple streaming multiprocessors (shaders). For instance, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX boasts 96 Compute Units and 6,144 SMs. Recent AMD cards also feature dedicated ray tracing hardware in each Compute Unit, with 96 RT Cores in the 7900 XTX, enhancing ray tracing performance.

Once you've chosen your graphics card, ensure your PC can accommodate it. Check your case dimensions, especially for high-end GPUs, and verify your power supply unit (PSU) has adequate wattage. Each card specifies a recommended PSU wattage, so ensure yours meets or exceeds this requirement.

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

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The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT offers exceptional 4K gaming performance without breaking the bank. At launch, it was priced at $599, undercutting the $749 RTX 5070 Ti while delivering superior average performance. My review showed it was about 2% faster than the RTX 5070 Ti across various tests. It handles ray tracing well, though not as adeptly as Nvidia's offerings, but it's closing the gap.

The Radeon RX 9070 XT introduces FSR 4, which uses AI to upscale games to your native resolution, enhancing image quality at the cost of a slight 10% performance hit compared to FSR 3.1. This trade-off is worthwhile for single-player games where image quality is paramount over frame rate.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

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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

8

The AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a powerhouse capable of running most AAA games at 4K with max settings. Priced around $900, it offers excellent value for money. In reviews, it matched or surpassed the more expensive Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 in many tests. Its 24GB of VRAM ensures it can handle high-resolution textures, making it ideal for games that demand substantial memory.

While the RX 9070 XT has surpassed it in some 4K benchmarks, the RX 7900 XTX remains the top choice for games requiring extensive VRAM. If you're willing to invest in a high-end component, this card delivers exceptional performance, particularly for games that prioritize traditional rendering over ray tracing.

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

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The AMD Radeon RX 9070 is an excellent choice for 1440p gaming, despite being priced close to the RX 9070 XT. It delivers strong performance at 1440p, easily achieving triple-digit frame rates in most games. My review showed it outperforming the Nvidia RTX 5070 by 12% on average. The RX 9070 also introduces FSR 4, improving image quality over FSR 3, although it may slightly reduce frame rates.

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

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The AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT, with 16GB of VRAM, is well-equipped for high-end 1080p gaming. Priced at around $309, it's an affordable choice that delivers solid performance. In my review, it achieved 113fps in Forza Horizon 5 and 128fps in Far Cry 6 at 1080p with max settings. It performs well in non-ray-traced games but may struggle with more demanding ray-traced titles.

Best on a Budget: AMD Radeon RX 6600

Best AMD Graphics Card on a Budget### XFX Speedster SWFT Radeon RX 6600

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The AMD Radeon RX 6600, though from the previous generation, remains a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers. Priced around $199, it's ideal for 1080p gaming, particularly for esports titles. My 2021 review showed it delivering 134fps in Final Fantasy XIV and 85fps in Horizon Zero Dawn at 1080p. While it may not handle the latest demanding games well, it's a great option for less-intensive genres.

What is FSR?

FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD's upscaling technology for PCs. It uses information from recent frames and motion vectors to upscale lower-resolution frames to your native resolution. Initially a software-based solution, FSR 3.1 offered performance boosts by rendering games at lower resolutions and then upscaling. The latest FSR 4, introduced with the Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT, uses AI accelerators for more accurate upscaling, enhancing image quality at a slight performance cost. FSR also includes frame generation to further improve frame rates, though it's best used at higher frame rates to avoid latency.

What is Ray Tracing?

Ray tracing simulates realistic light behavior in 3D scenes by tracing each ray of light as it bounces around. This technique, while demanding on GPUs, enhances visual fidelity. Early implementations were limited to specific effects like reflections, but newer games like Cyberpunk 2077 use full path tracing for comprehensive lighting. Dedicated RT cores in modern AMD and Nvidia GPUs make this possible, though upscaling technologies like FSR are often required to maintain playable frame rates.