When embarking on the journey to build your dream gaming PC, one of the most critical choices you'll make is selecting the right graphics card. With a plethora of options on the market, opting for an AMD graphics card is a smart move, especially if you're looking to maximize value without splurging on unnecessary frills. All of AMD's current-generation graphics cards boast support for ray tracing and come equipped with FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), an upscaling technology compatible with most major PC games.

While there are more powerful GPUs available, AMD's offerings, such as the Radeon RX 9070 XT, deliver stellar 4K performance without breaking the bank. For those eyeing a mid-range option tailored for 1440p gaming, AMD truly shines, offering robust performance at a competitive price point.

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 underpins both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, making it easier for developers to optimize console games for PC when transitioning. This isn't a guarantee of flawless PC optimization, but it certainly aids in the process. If you're interested in exploring Nvidia's GPUs instead, you can check out my guide to the best Nvidia graphics cards.

Choosing the best AMD GPU isn't just about picking the fastest card available. You must consider the resolution at which you want to play your games and, more importantly, your budget.

Graphics Card Basics

Graphics cards are inherently complex devices, but you don't need to be an expert to select a great GPU. For AMD graphics cards, it's crucial to identify if it's a current-generation model. Recently, AMD revamped its naming convention. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT, for instance, is the latest top-end offering, succeeding the RX 7900 XTX. A notable change is the shift in numbering, with cards starting with '9' being current-generation, while '7' and '6' denote older generations.

Some AMD cards carry an "XT" or "XTX" suffix, indicating a performance boost without crossing into the next tier. This naming began with the Radeon RX 5700 XT in 2019. Older models, such as the RX 580 or RX 480, are outdated and should be avoided unless they're extremely affordable.

Generally, higher model numbers equate to better performance, but diving into specifications like VRAM is helpful. More VRAM is beneficial, particularly at higher resolutions. For 1080p gaming, 8GB suffices, while 1440p requires 12GB to 16GB, and for 4K, you'll want as much VRAM as possible. The Radeon RX 9070 XT, for example, includes 16GB.

Additionally, consider the number of compute units, each containing numerous streaming multiprocessors (SMs). The Radeon RX 7900 XTX, with 96 compute units, totals 6,144 SMs. Recent AMD GPUs also feature dedicated ray tracing hardware within each compute unit, enhancing their ability to handle ray tracing.

Once you've chosen your GPU, ensure your PC can support it. Check your case's dimensions and ensure your power supply (PSU) has adequate wattage. Each GPU lists its recommended PSU wattage, so make sure 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

6The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is an excellent 4K graphics card that won't cost you an arm and a legSee it at Newegg

Product Specifications

PROS

• Excellent 4K gaming performance for the money
• Plenty of VRAM

CONS

• Brings GPU prices down to sanity (in theory)

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT made waves by offering superior value compared to Nvidia's offerings. Launched at $599, it's significantly cheaper than the $749 RTX 5070 Ti and, on average, performs 2% better across a comprehensive test suite. This card excels at 4K gaming and handles ray tracing well, though not quite as effectively as Nvidia's counterparts.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

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The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT also introduces FSR 4, an AI-based upscaling solution that enhances image quality over FSR 3.1, albeit with a slight performance hit of about 10%. This trade-off is worthwhile for single-player games where frame rate isn't as critical as visual fidelity.

The Radeon RX 9070 XT's success in delivering high performance at a reasonable price suggests that AMD might not need to rush a more powerful successor. It currently stands out as an excellent choice 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 is an extremely powerful graphics card, easily able to power most AAA games at 4K max settings. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

PROS

• Excellent performance at 4K
• More VRAM than you'll need 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 an investment worth considering. Priced around $900, it offers top-tier performance that often matches or exceeds the more expensive Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080. Over time, its price-to-performance ratio has become increasingly attractive, making it a standout choice for high-end 4K 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

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 Newegg

Product Specifications

PROS

• Excellent 1440p gaming performance
• Brings AI upscaling to an AMD graphics card

CONS

• Priced a little too closely to the RX 9070 XT

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 might be overshadowed by the 9070 XT, but for 1440p gaming, it's a stellar choice. It delivers high frame rates and, with the introduction of FSR 4, offers enhanced image quality without sacrificing too much performance. It outpaces its Nvidia counterpart, the RTX 5070, by an average of 12% across various tests.

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 Amazon

Product Specifications

PROS

• Solid performance for the money
• Small enough to fit in any PC build

CONS

• Will struggle in some super-demanding games with ray tracing enabled

At 1080p, the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT is a fantastic choice for gamers looking to build a high-end setup without breaking the bank. Priced at around $309, it offers impressive performance at this resolution, delivering high frame rates in popular titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Far Cry 6. Its 16GB of VRAM ensures longevity, even as games become more demanding.

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 Amazon

Product Specifications

PROS

• Great for esports
• Very affordable

CONS

• It's a last-gen graphics card

The AMD Radeon RX 6600, although a last-generation model, remains an excellent budget option for 1080p gaming. Priced at around $199, it offers solid performance for esports and less demanding titles, making it a great choice for gamers looking to save money without sacrificing too much performance.

What is FSR?

FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is AMD's upscaling technology for PC gaming. It uses information from previous frames and motion vectors to upscale lower resolution images to your monitor's native resolution. Earlier versions relied on software-based solutions, but with the introduction of FSR 4 on the Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT, AMD has shifted to an AI-based model that enhances image quality at the cost of a slight performance dip. FSR also includes frame generation, which can further boost frame rates, though it's best used when you're already achieving 50-60fps to minimize latency.

What is Ray Tracing?

Ray tracing is a rendering technique that simulates the behavior of light in 3D environments more realistically. It allows light sources to project light naturally, with each ray traced as it bounces around the scene, adding significant computational load to the GPU. Initially, ray tracing was limited to specific effects like reflections or shadows, but with advancements in hardware, full path tracing has become possible, enhancing overall lighting in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong. Ray tracing requires powerful GPUs and often benefits from upscaling technologies like FSR to maintain playable frame rates.