AMD GPU Selection Guide: Expert Picks for Graphics Cards

When you're setting out to build a gaming PC, choosing the right graphics card is crucial, and opting for an AMD graphics card can be a smart move, particularly if you're looking to save on unnecessary frills. All of AMD's current-generation graphics cards support ray tracing and feature FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), a popular upscaling method that enhances performance in most major PC games.

While there are more powerful options on the market, AMD graphics cards like the Radeon RX 9070 XT offer exceptional 4K performance without breaking the bank. If you're targeting 1440p, AMD's mid-range cards deliver outstanding value, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.

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 is used in both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, which can simplify optimization for developers when porting console games to PC. While this doesn't guarantee perfect PC game performance with an AMD graphics card, it certainly helps. If you're more interested in Nvidia's offerings, check out our guide to the best Nvidia graphics cards.

Choosing the best AMD GPU isn't just about selecting the fastest card available; it's about matching your desired gaming resolution and budget. Here's what you need to know about AMD graphics cards to make an informed decision.

Graphics Card Basics

Graphics cards are complex devices, but you don't need to be an expert to choose the right one. For AMD graphics cards, start by checking if it's a current-generation model. AMD recently revamped its naming convention, with the Radeon RX 9070 XT marking the top-end of the new generation, replacing the RX 7900 XTX. Remember, any AMD card starting with '9' is current-generation, while '7' and '6' indicate older generations.

Cards with "XT" or "XTX" in their model numbers are enhanced versions but not necessarily in the next performance tier. This naming system started with the Radeon RX 5700 XT in 2019. Older cards, like the RX 580 or RX 480, should generally be avoided unless you can snag them for $100 or less.

A good rule of thumb is "higher number = better performance," but diving into specific specs can provide more insight. Video RAM (VRAM) is crucial; more is better, especially at higher resolutions. For 1080p, 8GB is typically sufficient, but 12GB to 16GB is ideal for 1440p, especially for graphically intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077. At 4K, aim for as much VRAM as your budget allows.

Compute units, which contain streaming multiprocessors (SMs), are another key factor. The latest AMD cards have 64 SMs per compute unit. For example, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX with 96 compute units has 6,144 SMs. Additionally, recent AMD cards include dedicated ray tracing hardware, with each compute unit featuring an RT Core.

Before finalizing your choice, ensure your PC can support the new graphics card. Check your case for space, especially for high-end GPUs, and confirm your power supply has enough wattage to handle the card's demands.

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 is an excellent 4K graphics card that won't cost you an arm and a legSee it at NeweggProduct SpecificationsStreaming Multiprocessors4096Base Clock1660 MHzGame Clock2400 MHzVideo Memory16GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth644.6 GB/sMemory Bus256-bitPower Connectors2 x 8-pinPROSExcellent 4K gaming performance for the moneyPlenty of VRAMCONSBrings GPU prices down to sanity (in theory)

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT stands out as a fantastic value option, launching at $599, significantly less than the $749 RTX 5070 Ti, while offering superior performance. In testing, it proved to be 2% faster on average than the RTX 5070 Ti, making it a compelling choice for 4K gaming with admirable ray tracing capabilities, though not quite matching Nvidia's performance in this area.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

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The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT introduces FSR 4, an AI-based upscaling method that prioritizes image quality over the performance-focused FSR 3.1. While FSR 4 might result in a slight performance loss of about 10%, it significantly enhances image quality, 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 offers an unbeatable balance of performance and price for 4K gaming.

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 is an extremely powerful graphics card, easily able to power most AAA games at 4K max settings. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStreaming Multiprocessors6144Base Clock1929MHzGame Clock2365MHzVideo Memory24GBMemory Bandwidth960 GB/sMemory Bus384-bitPower Connectors 2 x 8-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1a, 2 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x USB-CPROSExcellent performance at 4KMore VRAM than you'll need for gamingCONSCan fall behind in ray tracing performance

For those aiming to build the ultimate gaming PC, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is an expensive but highly rewarding choice, priced around $900. It often matches or exceeds the performance of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080, offering better value for money. In games without heavy reliance on ray tracing, the RX 7900 XTX remains competitive, sometimes even outperforming Nvidia's more costly option.

The RX 7900 XTX's 24GB of RAM makes it particularly suitable for 4K gaming, handling high-resolution textures with ease. If you're investing in top-tier performance and traditional rendering over ray tracing, the RX 7900 XTX is an excellent 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

5While its priced uncomfortably close to the RX 9070 XT, the Radeon RX 9070 is an excellent 1440p graphics card for the money. See it at NeweggProduct SpecificationsStreaming Multiprocessors3584Base Clock1330 MHzGame Clock2520 MHzVideo Memory16GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth644.6 GB/sMemory Bus256-bitPower Connectors2 x 8-pinPROSExcellent 1440p gaming performanceBrings AI upscaling to an AMD graphics cardCONSPriced a little too closely to the RX 9070 XT

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 is a strong contender for 1440p gaming, offering excellent performance at a price point that's close to the more powerful RX 9070 XT. It delivers triple-digit frame rates in most games at 1440p, and even when ray tracing is turned off, performance remains impressive. The RX 9070 also introduces FSR 4, enhancing image quality through AI upscaling, making it a versatile choice for gamers looking to balance performance and 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

6With 16GB of VRAM, the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT is going to power top-end games at 1080p for years to come.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStreaming Multiprocessors2048Base Clock1980 MHzGame Clock2470 MHzVideo Memory16GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth288 GB/sMemory Bus128-bitPower Connectors1 x 8-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1a, 3 x DisplayPort 2.1PROSSolid performance for the moneySmall enough to fit in any PC buildCONSWill struggle in some super-demanding games with ray tracing enabled

For gamers focused on 1080p, the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT is an affordable yet powerful option, available for around $309. It excels in games like Forza Horizon 5 and Far Cry 6, delivering high frame rates at this resolution. While it may struggle with ray tracing in more demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, its 16GB of VRAM ensures longevity and the ability to handle 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 last-gen graphics card, but it's still able to pump out the frames in 1080p games, especially if you play a lot of esports games with friends. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStreaming Multiprocessors1792Base Clock1626 MHzGame Clock2044 MHzVideo Memory8GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth224 GB/sMemory Bus128-bitPower Connectors1 x 8-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4aPROSGreat for esportsVery affordableCONSIt's a last-gen graphics card

The AMD Radeon RX 6600, though a last-generation card, is still a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers. Available for around $199, it performs admirably at 1080p, especially in less demanding genres like MMOs and esports titles. Despite its age, it remains a cost-effective solution for multiplayer gaming.

What is FSR?

FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD's upscaling technology that improves game performance by rendering at a lower resolution and then upscaling to the native resolution. Earlier versions used a software-based temporal solution, but with the AMD Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT, FSR 4 introduces AI-based upscaling, which enhances image quality at a slight performance cost. FSR also includes frame generation to boost frame rates, though it's recommended to use this feature only when already achieving 50-60fps to avoid latency issues.

What is Ray Tracing?

Ray tracing enhances the realism of light in 3D scenes by simulating the path of light rays as they bounce around the environment. This technology, supported by RT cores in modern AMD and Nvidia graphics cards, significantly increases the workload on the GPU. While early implementations were limited to specific elements like reflections, newer games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong use full path tracing, completely transforming lighting with the aid of upscaling technologies like FSR to maintain playable frame rates.