When embarking on the journey of building a gaming PC, selecting the best graphics card is a pivotal decision. Opting for an AMD graphics card can be a smart choice, particularly if you're looking to save money without sacrificing performance. All of AMD's current-generation graphics cards support ray tracing and feature FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), an upscaling technology compatible with most major PC games.
While more powerful options exist, AMD's Radeon RX 9070 XT delivers exceptional 4K performance at a more accessible price point, typically staying well below the $2,000 mark. For those interested in a mid-range option for 1440p gaming, AMD's offerings are particularly compelling, providing outstanding value and performance.
These Are the Best AMD Graphics Cards
The best 4K AMD graphics card### Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 7900 XTX
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Best AMD Graphics Card (For Most People)### AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT
6See it at Newegg
Best AMD Graphics Card for 1440p### AMD Radeon RX 9070
5See it at Newegg
Best AMD Graphics Card for 1080p### Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC Windforce
6See it at Amazon
Best 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 powers both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, making it easier for developers to optimize console games for PC when using AMD graphics cards. This doesn't guarantee perfect optimization, but it certainly helps. If you're interested in Nvidia's offerings, you can find a guide to the best Nvidia graphics cards elsewhere.
Choosing the best AMD GPU isn't just about the fastest card on the market. It's crucial to consider the resolution at which you plan to play your games and your budget.
Graphics Card Basics
Graphics cards are complex devices, but understanding a few key points can help you choose a great GPU. For AMD graphics cards, it's important to identify if it's a current-generation model. AMD recently changed its naming convention; the Radeon RX 9070 XT is the latest top-end card, following the RX 7900 XTX. Cards with a '9' as the first digit are current-generation, while '7' and '6' indicate older generations.
An "XT" or "XTX" suffix indicates a higher performance version within the same class. This naming convention began with the Radeon RX 5700 XT in 2019. Older models, like the RX 580 or RX 480, should be avoided unless you find them for $100 or less.
Generally, higher model numbers suggest better performance, but you should also consider specific specs. Video memory (VRAM) is crucial; more is better, especially at higher resolutions. For 1080p gaming, 8GB is sufficient, but for 1440p, aim for 12GB-16GB, and for 4K, as much as you can afford.
Compute units are another key spec; each contains multiple streaming multiprocessors (SMs), which are often called shaders. The latest AMD cards have 64 SMs per compute unit. Recent generations also include dedicated hardware for ray tracing in each compute unit.
When selecting a graphics card, ensure your PC can support it. Check your case for space and verify that your power supply unit (PSU) has the necessary wattage. Each graphics card will have a recommended PSU rating.
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 excellent 4K performance at a competitive price, making it a standout choice. It launched at $599, undercutting the $749 RTX 5070 Ti while delivering slightly better performance on average. This card also handles ray tracing well, though not as effectively as Nvidia's counterparts.
The RX 9070 XT introduces FSR 4, an AI-based upscaling method that enhances image quality, albeit with a slight performance hit compared to FSR 3.1. This makes it ideal for single-player games where image quality is prioritized over frame rate.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks
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The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT sets a high bar for 4K gaming, offering robust performance and value.
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
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The AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a powerhouse for 4K gaming, capable of running most AAA titles at maximum settings. Priced around $900, it offers excellent performance and value, especially when compared to the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080. Its 24GB of VRAM ensures it can handle high-resolution textures with ease.
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, offering strong performance at a price point close to the RX 9070 XT. It delivers triple-digit frame rates in most games and outperforms the Nvidia RTX 5070 by an average of 12%. The card also introduces FSR 4, enhancing image quality through AI upscaling.
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 is perfect for 1080p gaming, delivering strong performance at a budget-friendly price. It can handle demanding games at high settings and comes equipped with 16GB of VRAM, ensuring longevity in the face of increasingly VRAM-hungry games.
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 a last-gen card, remains a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers, particularly those focused on esports titles. It offers impressive performance at 1080p and can be found for around $199, making it an affordable option for multiplayer gaming.
What is FSR?
FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD's upscaling technology for PC gaming. It uses a software-based approach to upscale lower resolution frames to the native resolution of your display. FSR 3 improves frame rates by rendering at a lower resolution and then upscaling, while FSR 4 uses AI to enhance image quality, though it may slightly reduce performance.
What is Ray Tracing?
Ray tracing is a technique used to render light realistically in 3D scenes. It allows light sources to interact naturally with the environment, adding significant computational demand. Early implementations were limited, but recent advancements in RT cores have enabled full path tracing in games, enhancing visual fidelity at the cost of performance.
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