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Best RX 7700 XT – our picks for overclocking, budget, and overall

Last Updated on September 13, 2023
Best RX 7000 XT graphics card. Image shows the text "Best RX 7700 XT" next to the Sapphire Radeon RX 7700 XT Pulse and the ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT Steel Legend OC with three question marks, on a purple blue gradient background.

Here are our picks of the best RX 7700 XT. 

Outshining its Nvidia counterpart in a myriad of benchmarks, the RX 7700 XT has proven to be more than just a cost-effective option. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll spotlight the four top RX 7700 XT GPUs that can optimize your rig’s performance.

The RX 7700 XT, released by AMD on September 6th, has rapidly gained traction in the gaming and tech communities. Positioned as a mid-range GPU, it may not boast the sheer power of its sibling, the RX 7800 XT, with a cut-down version of the Navi 32 GPU. The 7700 may feature fewer compute units and AI accelerators, but don’t be mistaken: this GPU can hold its own.

Products at a Glance

How do we Pick the Best RX 7700 XT?

Our methodology for selecting the best RX 7700 XT graphics cards is a rigorous one, grounded in both empirical data and user experience. We kick off by scrutinizing the technical specifications. Performance benchmarks play a central role in our evaluation process, helping to determine how each GPU stacks up against its competitors in real-world scenarios.

However, raw performance isn’t our sole metric. We also factor in user feedback, gleaning insights from a broad spectrum of users, from professional gamers to graphic designers. Reliability, temperature control, noise levels, and even the software experience are all part of the equation.

The RX 7700 features the latest innovations from AMD. Not only does it utilize the RDNA 3 architecture, but the RX 7700 XT and RX 7800 XT offer considerable gains over their predecessors, such as the RX 6700 XT. This is partly due to incorporating the FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) and HYPR-RX technologies for advanced ray tracing. With so many advancements at hand, choosing the right RX 7700 can be tricky. Our list makes sure to include a budget GPU, as well as a flashier one for those looking for RGB effects.

It’s fair to say that the right GPU will truly shine when paired with the right processor. If you’re set on choosing the 7700 XT over the 7800, then you can check out the best CPUs for the RX 7700 XT.

Our Recommended

Best RX 7700 XT – our picks for overclocking, budget, and overall

1
PROS
  • Competitive price
  • Direct Touch Copper Base for cooling
  • Durable dual-ball bearings
CONS
  • No RGB effects
  • No overclocking support

Right off the bat, this Fighter card from PowerColor asserts itself with noteworthy features like its hefty 12GB GDDR6 memory and a robust boost clock of 2585 MHz. Dive a bit deeper, and you’ll notice the GPU’s unique strengths: a reinforced backplate and a Direct Touch Copper Base. The latter ensures rapid heat dissipation, which is a godsend for those intense gaming marathons.

Now, who is this card for? If you’re someone who cares more about performance and reliability rather than flashing RGB lights, this is the card for you. The lack of overclocking support might irk some, but honestly, for the everyday gamer, this card does more than justice to modern titles. With RAM allocations of 12GB, you’re investing in a future-proof purchase.

At its competitive $449 price point, it’s a sweet deal for anyone on a budget but not willing to compromise too much on performance. Your money will get you playing with high frame rates at 1440p, with the addition of occasional 4k. Plus, with its dual-ball bearings, you’re assured of its longevity, ensuring your gaming sessions remain uninterrupted for a good long while. Overall, it’s definitely one of the best RX 7700 XT cards out there.

2
PROS
  • Attractive launch price point
  • Efficient heat management
CONS
  • No RGB lighting
  • Lacks factory overclocking

If you’re in the market for a no-frills, reliable GPU, the Sapphire Pulse RX 7700 XT might just be your pick. Now, don’t be thrown off by the ‘no-frills’ label. This new Radeon RX GPU is still a solid choice, even without the RGB lighting and factory overclocking. This card boasts the original specs of the RX 7700 XT, including the 12GB VRAM, 192-bit memory bandwidth and 54 ray accelerators. And if you’re a gamer who’s all about that 1440p gameplay, this one won’t let you down. It’s designed to handle the demands of many modern titles, and it does so with ease.

Price-wise, the Sapphire Pulse gives you value for your money. Set at the $450 launch MSRP, this card is for those who want optimal performance without the extra decorative features. Even with the lower price point, this card still holds its own against the Geforce RTX 4060 Ti in the AMD vs Nvidia competition.

 

3
PROS
  • Performance uplift with higher clock speeds
  • Sleek and simple design
  • Effective WINDFORCE cooling system
CONS
  • Minimal RGB customization options
  • No major game-changing features
  • Might not fit budget constraints for everyone.

If you’re keen on squeezing a few more frames per second from your games, the Gigabyte OC model has your back. With boosted clock speeds across the board, this GPU provides a noticeable bump in performance. While it’s not going to revolutionize your gameplay, it sure doesn’t hurt to have those bonus FPS for smoother visuals and more stability. Combined with the cards Hypr-RX, AMD’s alternative to DLSS, you can expect even extra boost and anti-lag optimization.

Now, let’s talk design. Gigabyte has gone with a minimalistic yet futuristic aesthetic. The all-black shroud has this cybernetic etching, which looks pretty slick. And if you’re a fan of RGB (let’s face it, who isn’t?), the Gigabyte logo lights up to add a pop of color to your rig. With a boost clock of up to 2599 MHz, this 7700 XT is a great choice for overclocking.

4

ASRock STEEL LEGEND Radeon RX 7700 XT

PROS
  • Aesthetic white design with RGB
  • Enhanced clock speeds
  • Superior cooling with triple fans
CONS
  • Requires a spacious case
  • Power-hungry (650W PSU recommended)

For users looking for a bit of flair in their GPU, ASRock’s Steel Legend OC has you covered. With its all-white design and the addition of customizable RGB color effects, it’s sure to be the centerpiece of any gaming rig. But beyond its looks, this card has some serious muscle. It sports an improved base clock speed, game clock, and boost clock, ensuring that it not only looks cool but also performs like a beast.

So, who’s this beauty for? If you’re a gamer who appreciates a blend of aesthetics and performance, then look no further. The performance uplift, thanks to those enhanced clock speeds, translates to smoother gameplay in demanding titles. However, its 3,456 stream processors mean this card performs well in productive tasks as well as gameplay. Now, here’s a heads-up: It’s a pretty substantial card in terms of size. So, before diving in, ensure your PC case has the space to accommodate it, and don’t skimp on the power supply either.

Features and Considerations

When deliberating on the best RX 7700 XT for your needs, there’s an assortment of features and considerations to weigh. First and foremost, the GPU’s clock speeds will play a pivotal role in its overall performance. A higher base and boost clock speed translate to swifter processing of graphics data, thereby enhancing gaming and rendering experiences.

Another feature that cannot be overlooked is the cooling system. Given the workload these GPUs endure, an efficient cooling system is paramount to prevent overheating and ensure consistent performance. Be it dual-fan or triple-fan configurations, airflow dynamics, and noise levels should be assessed.

What is RX 7700 XT's equivalent?

It competes against the RTX 4060 Ti. While both cards cater to a similar audience, the RX 7700 XT consistently shows better performance at 1440p compared to the Nvidia counterpart. This makes it an enticing choice for gamers who are keen on maximizing their 1440p gaming experience.

Our Verdict

Final thoughts

The journey through the world of the RX 7700 XT has been insightful, and hopefully you can now make an informed choice about which model is right for your rig. While each model boasts its unique features and advantages, they all revolve around the core strengths of the RX 7700 XT chipset.

This GPU, even in its subtler versions, has proven itself formidable against various competitors. It’s clear that whether you’re seeking aesthetics, performance tweaks, or a simple, trustworthy workhorse, there’s a 7700 XT out there tailored to your needs.

Making the right choice boils down to identifying what you prioritize the most in a GPU. Regardless of your preference, the RX 7700 XT lineup provides diverse options, each promising a high-quality gaming experience.