Best RX 7900 XT graphics card – our top picks
Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock
Table of Contents
In the dynamic world of graphics cards, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT stands as a beacon of high-end performance over the guise of Nvidia’s ray tracing proponents. Join us as we delve into the world of the best RX 7900 XT graphics card, unearthing cards that stand tall in the GPU ecosystem.
The 7900 XT certainly is no RX 7900 XTX or any other models among XTX graphics cards, but it offers a robust platform built on the AMD RDNA 3 architecture with some impressive specs that make it a powerful option for any gaming PC. Designed with precision and power in mind, this GPU is tailored for those seeking unparalleled efficiency in content creation projects and immersive experiences in high-resolution gaming.
Products at a Glance
How we picked the best 7900 XT graphics card
Selecting the best bunch of 7900 XT cards was a process founded first and foremost using a combination of market research and hands-on experience drawn from our own RX 7900 XT review. While it may be playing second best to the excellent AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX in terms of flagship performance, you’ve still got 5,376 Stream Processors, 20GB VRAM, and a 2.5 MHz boost clock speed that places it firmly in competition with Nvidia’s upper mid-range; AKA, the RTX 4070 Ti. This led us to award the 7900 XT a solid four out of five stars. From drawing on our personal use of the 7900 XT, our familiarity with GPU partner features, and a knowledge of what actually adds value to a graphics card, we’ve picked the specific models we’d opt for ourselves. But that’s not all.
Choosing a GPU, especially one as advanced as the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT, requires a holistic approach, as in addition to reviews and hands-on experience, the consideration lies in understanding the user’s primary needs. If the GPU is primarily for gaming, then factors such as frame rates, game settings, and resolution become paramount.
However, for content creation, elements like CUDA cores or Stream, Processors, memory size, and software compatibility take precedence. Moreover, it’s also vital to evaluate the future-proofing aspect of the GPU. With technological advancements happening at a rapid pace, ensuring the RX 7900 XT’s capabilities will remain relevant in the coming years is essential.
With such a powerful graphics card comes the necessity for an optimal PSU, which can be found in our handy guide for the best PSU for RX 7900 XT. You’ll also want a valiant processor that’s equal in power and performance, so look no further than our best CPUs for the RX 7900 XT.
Product Reviews
- Comes in at bang on the cards MSRP at $799
- Sleek and modern design with a good quality build, as most of the card is metal
- In terms of connectivity, it only uses 2 - 8 pin connectors for power
- Lacks some flashy design features, and there's no RGB
- On the whole you won't get the ray tracing experience a Nvidia card will give you
- Uses the slower GDDR6 memory
Starting with the specs, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT Reference Card ticks all the right boxes for a top-of-the-line graphics card, and is the exact model used in our review. Sporting a clock speed of 2394MHz and backed with 20GB of GDDR6 VRAM, this GPU is designed to handle high-end gaming and content creation tasks effortlessly.
While many might be attracted to the shiny, RGB-laden designs of aftermarket cards, there’s something to be said about the elegance of the base designs. The Radeon 7000 series GPUs, especially this 7900 XT, showcase a futuristic aesthetic that looks sleek and minimalistic. The build quality is up there too, with a durable design that’s got a nearly full metal body.
However, not everything is roses. While the GPU’s design is certainly appealing, the lack of flashy features like RGB might deter those looking to have a dazzling light show inside their rig. Performance-wise, it’s essential to note that being a reference card, the RX 7900 XT is foundational, and while it offers robust performance, other variants might squeeze out that extra bit of power for overclocking and the like.
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio, often costing under MSRP
- Enhanced cooling with exposed dual ball bearing fans
- Notably higher clock speeds of up to 2535 MHz
- Considerably larger form factor than the previous model, so the card might sag
- Again, there's a lack of RGB lighting and a pretty basic design
- You might get a touch of noisy coil whine
Jumping straight into the specs, the XFX Speedster Merc310 RX 7900 XT isn’t just your everyday GPU. It’s powered by a base clock of 2.1GHz and a boost clock speed up to a whooping 2.5GHz. With 20GB GDDR6 VRAM and those 10752 CUDA cores, you’re looking at a GPU that promises stellar performance without leaving your pockets entirely empty.
Shifting from the numbers to the looks, the Speedster Merc310 sets itself apart. Instead of diving deep into the futuristic aesthetics that dominate the market, it takes a delightful detour into nostalgia. This GPU, with its retro appearance, reminds one of the simpler times in gaming, making it an exciting pick for those who cherish the classics.
However, like any GPU, the Speedster Merc310 does have its challenges. Its large form factor, measuring 344mm, makes it a tad bulkier compared to its contemporaries. For those aiming to build compact rigs, this might be a point of contention. At around $800 MSRP, it also proves to be a rather easy pickup for this Merc option under XFX.
- Stellar overclocking potential, with a boost clock that reaches 2560 MHz
- Superior cooling system from Sapphire's Vapor-X technology
- Robust non-reference design, with a funky dual ARGB light bar
- Pricier compared to its peers, costing above $900
- Missing USB-C port, so it lacks VR compatibility
- Could feel overkill for non-enthusiasts or those just needing 1080p
Diving right into the heart of this beast, the Sapphire NITRO+ RX 7900 XT Vapor-X isn’t merely a regular high-end GPU; it’s a powerhouse. With a blazing 2560MHz clock speed and 20GB of GDDR6 VRAM all snugly packed into a 6-inch design, this card clearly doesn’t mess around when it comes to raw power and capabilities.
Overclocking enthusiasts, perk up your ears. While most GPUs on paper promise good overclocking potential, it’s the real-world results that count. Here, the Sapphire NITRO+ truly stands out. Thanks to its non-reference design, users can harness an overclock speed nearing 3000MHz, all the while ensuring the system remains cool and noise-free.
The price tag of this card is noticeably on the higher end. The trade-off, however, is its impeccable cooling system and performance that arguably justifies the investment. It is worth noting though, that at its price point, you could invest a little more and get an XTX instead. As for the lack of a USB-C port, it might be a bummer for some, especially those who are looking ahead into the realm of VR.
- Superb airflow and thermal performance from the three Windforce fans
- Aesthetically pleasing futuristic design with subtle RGB lighting
- Compact design relative to its peers, with dimensions of 13.03 x 5.43 x 1.97 inches
- Unfortunately this variant is placed $30 above MSRP at $827
- Performance boost not quite justifying the higher price
- Could be said that it overlaps in price with more potent GPU options
Heading right into the heart of the high-end GPUs, last up we’re looking at Gigabyte’s RX 7900 XT. At the center of its appeal is the impeccable Windforce cooling system, renowned for optimizing airflow and efficient heat dissipation. It’s like the secret sauce that keeps this GPU ahead of its peers in the thermal game.
What stands out with this beast is its balance between aesthetics and function. Gigabyte hasn’t merely slapped on a pretty RGB lighting system and called it a day. Instead, they’ve coupled it with design refinements aimed at enhanced airflow. It’s like that cool, efficient guy at work who also happens to dress well.
But, as with everything in life, there’s no such thing as perfect. This card’s price tag is its Achilles’ heel, rubbing elbows with other more potent variants in the market, making us wonder if it’s worth the splurge, especially given that its performance boost over the reference card isn’t groundbreaking. Its boost clock is 2535 MHz compared to the 2400 MHz of the Reference card. Coming in at $827.60 for this model, you could also bag yourself an RTX 4070 Ti Super and get performance rivaling that of the 4080, one of Nvidia’s top gaming GPUs/
Features and considerations
The AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT brings to the table a plethora of advanced features and specifications, making it one of the most potent GPUs in the current market. Its architecture is optimized to handle intense graphics processes, ensuring that creators and gamers alike witness seamless performance. When it comes to specific features and considerations for the RX 7900 XT, we’re first weighing in on the memory advantages the card has, and secondly on the importance of size when it comes to choosing the right model.
Memory
One of the distinct advantages of this card is its ample memory, which is crucial for tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and handling high-resolution textures in games. With 20GB of GDRR6 VRAM, the 7900 XT gets you set with high-fidelity graphics across your gaming and professional workflows, and achieved leading figures in our synthetic performance benchmarks. Moreover, its cooling solutions and power management ensure that the GPU performs optimally without overheating, even under prolonged and intense usage. Of course, you’ll only benefit from the optimizations achieved by pairing it with the best CPUs for the RX 7900 XT.
You should also be aware of Smart Access Memory, a feature only available in PCs that leverage AMD-paired GPU and CPU. SAM specifically refers to the feature that allows these components to more efficiently sparse data, allowing games and other workflows to run much smoother.
Size
The RX 7900 XT is a commendable choice, especially when considering its performance metrics. It outpaces the RTX 4070 by about 31% at 4K. For those setting their sights on 4K gaming, the 7900 XT undoubtedly provides value for the extra expenditure, even when taking into account the older AMD drivers. However, its big performance also correlates to a big size, and when you’re choosing an individual model this is one of the more important things to keep in mind.
The RX 7900 XT is quite a beefy card, with the bigger models such as the XFX Speedster 7900 XT measuring 13.54 x 5.04 x 2.17 inches, and the Sapphire edition a whopping 17.75 x 10 x 4.5 inches. So, you’ll want to find PC cases that can fit this mammoth of a GPU, otherwise, you’ll be left trying to stuff the component into a case without much wiggle room or, most importantly, ample airflow. It’s important to double-check the precise measurements of your case as if your graphics card doesn’t fit, you may need to end up returning it and getting a new one entirely.
Our Verdict
As we delve into the myriad of choices available within the RX 7900 XT lineup, it’s evident that AMD is truly pushing the envelope with this series, offering both enthusiasts and average users powerful GPU solutions tailored to their specific needs with arguably one of the best AMD graphics cards ever made.
Whether it’s the reference card’s strikingly sleek design, the overclocking prowess of the Sapphire NITRO+, or the balanced design of the Gigabyte OC, there’s a clear intent by manufacturers to cater to diverse requirements. Each model presents a combination of aesthetics, performance, and value, making the RX 7900 XT not just a mere upgrade but a significant leap in gaming and content creation capabilities.
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