Best GPU for Ryzen 9 7900X & 7950X in 2024 – top options to pair with
The Ryzen 9 7900X and the 7950X are the highest-end CPUs from AMD at the moment. These are CPUs built for power users, overclockers, and anybody who has to use demanding apps and tools. With a CPU like this, you’re free to use any high-end GPU. However, we understand that perfection is key. In this post, we will give you a compilation of the best GPUs for the Ryzen 9 7900x & 7950X. This AMD CPU series is built using TSMC’s advanced 5nm process, resulting in a compact chiplet design with a die size of 2 x 70mm² that incorporates 13.4 billion transistors.
Products at a Glance
How we picked the best GPUs for Ryzen 9 7900x & 7950X
These CPUs come in different configurations and prices. The 7950X boasts 16 cores and 32 threads, with a TDP of 170W and a price tag of $699. On the other hand, the 7900X has 12 cores, 24 threads, a TDP of 170W, and a retail price of $549. Both are high core-dense units, that are capable of achieving any tasks required.
To make this list, we understand that the most fitting GPUs would be at the high end of the market, so we’ve considered some of the best GPUs around with the likes of the RTX 4090, RX 7900 XT, and XTX. This is based on our first-hand knowledge of those cards, while we’ve also been hands-on with the Ryzen 9 7950X, so have first-hand experience of what these processors need to reach their respective potentials. If you don’t yet have a motherboard, check out our best motherboards for Ryzen 9 7900X article.
We have considered a couple of additional options outside of the obvious ones, but we’ve opted for high-end overall because it makes little sense to pair a 7900X or 7950X with say an RTX 4060 or an RX 7600. Right, let’s get into the best GPUs for the Ryzen 9 7900X and 7950X.
Product Reviews
- Blistering speed and fastest card available of the 40-series
- Offers 3rd-gen DLSS and ray tracing
- Excellent for content creation due to pure performance and throughput
- The most expensive card of the 40-series lineup
- High total power draw at around 450W
Undoubtedly, the RTX 4090 is the ultimate graphics card. It belongs to the cutting-edge RTX 4000 series from Nvidia and the AD102-300 GPU variant is the flagship model released in October 2022. However, its MSRP of $1,599 isn’t affordable for everyone. Still, the RTX 4090 is what we consider the best GPU for the 7900X and 7950X. It boasts a boost core clock speed of 2,640 MHz, 16,384 CUDA cores, and 24GB of GDDR6X memory, all adding up to tremendous power for a perfect GPU partner for either the Ryzen 9 7900X or 7950X.
Beyond its extreme power, perhaps the most important aspect of this GPU – and the sole point where Nvidia stands off – is its ray tracing and DLSS technology. Although the rasterization power of an AMD GPU is unmatchable, Nvidia has made its best efforts to provide its client base with Deep Learning Super Sampling features that will come in handy for power users basing their PC use on machine learning or extreme levels of gaming.
Ultimately, as our 4090 review shows, this card is designed for users who require the highest level of performance for demanding tasks such as 4K gaming, VR, and content creation – and these are jobs the Ryzen 9 79XX CPUs are also well suited to work towards. For the 4090, its massive memory and CUDA core count can handle complex and resource-intensive tasks with ease, delivering a card for those who want to achieve the best possible experiences.
However, its high TBP of 450W and MSRP of $1,599 make it an overpriced luxury item for most users, and it’s wholly unsuitable for those looking for an economical solution or if you have limited power supply options – it requires a 1000W PSU. Another minus point for the 4090 is its standard dimensions (357.6 x 149.3 x 70.1mm), but if you’re looking for the best you’ll want to make that work.
- The fastest 7000 series AMD GPU to pair with the fastest concurrent AMD CPUs
- Excellent power efficiency with max draw of 355W
- Can handle VR, 4K, and content creation tasks
- Supports AV1 and DisplayPort 2.1
- Lacks Nvidia's features, including DLSS
- Cannot match the power of the RTX 4090 and lags behind 4080 Super
One of the best things about AMD is the price. With the 7900 XTX, you’ll have a top-of-the-notch GPU capable of delivering incredible performance at a more reasonable price than the 4090. Also, another advantage of the 7900 XTX is its rasterization power.
The Sapphire RX 7900 XTX is considered one of the best models of the best AMD GPU on the market, and we’ve rated it 4.5 out of 5 too. With a base clock speed of 1,895 MHz, a shader and game clock speed of 2,395 MHz, and a boost clock speed of 2,565 MHz, this 7900XTX provides a high level of performance. The 6,144 stream processors and 24GB of GDDR6 memory make it a suitable choice for demanding applications and games, which is what you’ll want if you’re opting for either the ryzen 9 7900X or 7950X
In addition, the GPU’s dimensions of 352.9 x 158.2 x 72.6mm make it compatible with many PC cases, and the required 850W power supply ensures a more affordable build. The TBP (max power draw) of 355W is reasonable, given the GPU’s performance capabilities, and it allows for a balanced trade-off between performance and energy efficiency.
Considering the specs, this GPU is ideal for users who want a high-performance GPU that can handle demanding tasks, such as 4K gaming, VR, and content creation. The higher power requirements and TBP should be taken into consideration when building a system around this GPU, but it’s not as demanding as the 4090 Our best AMD GPU for Ryzen 9 7900X & 7950X.
- More affordable RX 7000 series option
- Excellent for 1440p gaming and 4K gaming
- Offers AV1 encoding and supports AMD FSR
- Lacks the edge provided by Nvidia features like DLSS
- Handles 4K but not the best for frames per second
If you can’t justify the price required for the RX 7900 XTX, the next best offering for AMD is the smaller sibling, the RX 7900 XT. The XT variant still has plenty to offer as a top AMD graphics card, as we’ve pointed out in our review. Its specs are impressive, offering 5,376 Stream Processors, plus 20GB GDDR6 VRAM and a 320-bit memory bus. Combined with a 2,2025 MHz game clock speed and 2,500 MHz boost clock speed, there’s plenty of power here to enjoy.
Excellent in terms of its 1440p gaming prowess and 4K abilities, the 7900 XT will have no issues in supporting strong performance alongside a Ryzen 9 7900X or 7950X, and will keep your system as highly capable for some time to come. The benefits of the 7900 XT are several though. Not only is it highly capable, it’s also around $200 cheaper than the XTX, which puts it firmly into Nvidia 40-series mid-tier category as well. A pricing masterstroke.
The XT maintains some of the more impressive features of the XTX too. AV1 encoding is present, as is support for DisplayPort 2.1 (Nvidia’s 40-series cards go for the older 1.4a), and the XT supports AMD Fidelity Super Resolution and Noise Suppresion tools too – useful for gamers and content creators.
- Excellent performance and step beyoind the 4080
- Designed to deliver brilliant 4K gaming
- Improved value vs the RTX 4080 with the same MSRP
- Still fairly pricey as a 40-series card vs AMD options
- Triple-slot card, so ample case space is required
Let’s say you don’t want the highest-end GPU but you still need and crave a powerful unit. Here’s where the 4080 Super comes in handy. Due to the ray tracing, DLSS, and the faster memory of Nvidia, both new-gen AMD cards initially chose the 4080 as the main competition. Team Red knew that the 4090 was untouchable, so it focused its sights little lower. Then the RTX 4080 Super came out, and pushed things a little further, leading to AMD’s dropping of prices to more directly compete with Nvidia’s mid-tier.
While the RX 7900 XTX is still good competition for the 4080 Super on value, the latter is simply the second fastest GPU of the 40-series and RX 7000 series era – only behind the RTX 4090. So if you’re looking for super potential performance from a PC with the Ryzen 9 7900X or 7950X then – based on raw performance numbers – this is the second best card to opt for.
The RTX 4080 Super presents as an excellent card in almost any way you can think of. With excellent 4K gaming and plenty of VR potential, the 4080 Super is a real bonus for content creators due to its ability to…just handle what’s thrown at it. As our hands-on review shows, there’s little this card can’t do and it would do well as a top-tier option but for the existence of the 4090.
There are downsides of course. Price is the key one, but it’s also large, with standard dimensions of 310 mm x 140 mm x 61 mm making it at least a triple-slot card. But those are the sorts of trade-offs that exist with a card that has a base clock speed of 2295 MHz, a boost clock of 2550 MHz, and ships with 10,240 CUDA cores. Undoubtedly one of the best GPUs for the Ryzen 9 7900X or 7950X, but not for everyone.
Considerations for the best GPU for Ryzen 9 7900X and 7950X
System specifics
Before selecting a GPU, keep in mind that these are the latest generation AMD CPUs, and therefore, not compatible with older hardware. To use the Ryzen 9 7900X or 7950X, you need to have an AM5 motherboard and DDR5 RAM.
Clock speeds
When choosing the best GPU for these CPUs, the first aspect to consider is speed. The GPU should have a high clock speed to prevent CPU bottlenecking, making a high-end GPU like the 7900 XTX or 4090 a better choice.
Power requirements
Once the speed is taken care of, consider the TDP and price. The best GPU will give you the most performance for your money, while also requiring power you’re prepared to provide for it. Good power efficiency not only saves you money on electricity bills, but it also ensures a smoother experience with less noise from the GPU. A more power-efficient GPU will provide a better performance, making less noise. However, if you want top performance you may need to compromise. For example, to run an RTX 4090 you’ll want a 1000W PSU…which can add to costs.
What GPU should I pair with a Ryzen 9 7900X?
It depends on budget. If you can afford it then the RTX 4090 is the best possible option, but given its high price, the RTX 4080 Super is a handy Nvidia alternative. The best AMD card would be the RX 7900 XTX, while the RX 7900 XT will also pair well with a Ryzen 9 7900X.
Our Verdict
In conclusion, when considering the best GPU for your setup, there are several options to choose from. Each GPU has its own unique set of specs and features, such as clock speed, VRAM, display ports, and TDP, that cater to different user requirements and budgets.
The Radeon RX 7900 XTX has a TBP of 355W and is a solid choice for budget-conscious users, while the RX 7900 XT offers an even more affordable but compelling option. While he RTX 4080 offers exceptional power, pushing the 40-series further once more in terms of overall capabilities.
But the RTX 4090, although expensive, is the top-of-the-line graphics card from Nvidia and offers 24GB of GDDR6X memory, 16,384 CUDA cores, and a TBP of 450W. Ultimately, the is our choice for the best GPU for Ryzen 9 7900X and 7950X, but you should make the choice that is right for you.