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RX 7700 XT vs RX 6700 XT – what’s new from AMD?

Should you should spend on the new card or stick to the established last gen?

Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

Last Updated on November 23, 2023
RX 7700 XT vs RX 6700 XT - face-off cards
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The battle between the RX 7700 XT vs RX 6700 XT showcases AMD’s relentless pursuit of innovation and improvement. As we delve into the intricacies of these two graphics cards, the pertinent question emerges – what’s new from AMD’s latest RX 700 XT graphics card? Let’s journey through the technical advancements, comparing the established RX 6700 XT with its newer sibling, the RX 7700 XT.

ASRock STEEL LEGEND Radeon RX 7700 XT

ASRock STEEL LEGEND AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT graphics card with three green fans, accompanied by its packaging box.

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RX 7700 XT vs RX 6700 XT: Specs

At first glance, it’s evident that the RX 7700 XT is a leap forward from its predecessor in terms of technology and raw power. Built on the Navi 32 architecture, the 7700 XT enjoys the benefits of a more refined and updated design. This new architecture allows for better performance optimization and a more streamlined gaming experience.

One of the most striking improvements is in the realm of ray tracing. The AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT boasts 54 RT Accelerators, a significant bump up from the 40 found in the RX 6700 XT. This not only means enhanced ray-tracing capabilities but also smoother graphics with fewer artifacts. Coupled with an increase in the number of cores, the 7700 XT promises a noticeable jump in overall performance.

SpecificationsRX 7700 XTRX 6700 XT
GPU architectureNavi 32Navi 22
RT Accelerator5440
Cores34562560
VRAM12 GB GDDR612GB GDDR6
Memory Interface Width    192-bits192 bit
Memory bandwidth432.0 GB/s384.0 GB/s
Process TechnologyTSMC 5nmTSMC 7nm
Base clock speed2171 MHz2321 MHz
Boost Clock speed2544 MHz2424 MHz
Graphics Card Power (TDP)245W230 W
L3 cache48 MB96MB
MSRP$449$479

The shift from TSMC’s 7nm process in the 6700 XT to a more advanced 5nm in the 7700 XT further highlights AMD’s commitment to innovation. This transition allows for greater power efficiency and a denser chip design, fostering better performance. Interestingly, despite the 7700 XT’s clear advancements in most areas, it’s noteworthy that the 6700 XT retains a larger L3 cache. Nevertheless, with a more appealing price point and the latest technological enhancements, the RX 7700 XT emerges as a testament to AMD’s progress in the graphics card market.

RX 7700 XT vs RX 6700 XT: Performance

When it comes to sheer performance, the distinction between the RX 7700 XT and its predecessor, the RX 6700 XT, is stark. The RX 7700 XT is not just an incremental upgrade; it’s a game-changer, outpacing the 6700 XT in virtually every aspect. While the older card made strides in its time, the 7700 XT elevates the game to an entirely new level, running where the RX 6700 XT walks and soaring effortlessly when its predecessor merely attempts to run.

One key differentiator is the RX 7700 XT’s compatibility with cutting-edge features that modern gamers crave. All Radeon 7000 GPUs, including the RX 7700 XT, come armed with support for AV1 encoding, DisplayPort 2.1, and AMD’s impressive suite of software attributes.

These include innovations like Smart Access Memory, Radeon Anti-Lag, Radeon Super Resolution, and the much-talked-about FSR. However, the RX 7700 XT goes a step further. With the introduction of FSR 3 and the eagerly anticipated Hyper-RX feature, AMD’s newest offering achieves unparalleled performance heights, rivaling even Nvidia’s DLSS 3, thanks to the “AMD Fluid Motion Frames.”

RX 7700 XT vs RX 6700 XT: Price

When it comes to the pricing front, both the RX 7700 XT and the RX 6700 XT boast MSRPs that are in a similar ballpark. This might cause some initial confusion for prospective buyers, especially when the RX 6700 XT can occasionally be found at discounted rates. However, the true value of a GPU isn’t merely in its sticker price.

Evaluating the price-to-performance ratio, the RX 7700 XT emerges as a clear front-runner. For a marginally higher (or sometimes even equivalent) cost, consumers get a substantial performance leap, making it an enticing choice for those wanting to maximize the bang for their buck.

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As we look towards the horizon of GPU technology, it’s evident that the future is brighter and faster, and holds tremendous promise for AMD. The RX 7700 XT exemplifies this trajectory, illustrating a potent combination of power and speed. It stands as a testament to AMD’s commitment to fortifying its dominance in the mid-range market segment.

While there’s an acknowledgment that AMD still trails in certain spheres, particularly in ray tracing and AI super-sampling, the gap is narrowing. Cards like the RX 7700 XT underscore AMD’s aspirations – not just to match but to exceed, to innovate rather than emulate. This drive is a clear message to both competitors and fans: AMD is in the race to provide top-tier performance, striving to exceed expectations and continuing its tradition of catering to its dedicated user base. Read our sister title WePC’s RX 7700 XT review.

Kevin is the Editor of PC Guide. He has a broad interest and enthusiasm for consumer electronics, PCs and all things consumer tech - and more than 15 years experience in tech journalism.