With two new graphics cards from AMD on the way on September 6th, you might be wondering: RX 7800 XT or RX 7700 XT – which is right for you? If you’ve been caught between the RX 7800 XT and RX 7700 XT since the launch at Gamescom, we’re here to help simplify things. This guide breaks down the specifics of both GPUs, so you can determine which is right for you. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture and be ready to make a confident choice out of the two new releases to the RX 7000 series.
RX 7800 XT or RX 7700 XT: specs breakdown
According to AMD and the specs sheet, both these AMD Radeon RX GPUs are tailored for a 1440p resolution experience and battling Nvidia and its Geforce RTX range for the privilege of your cash. So, if you’re aiming to ignore older cards and truly harness the power of these new cards, ensuring you have a 1440p display is potentially non-negotiable.
Now, although the 7700 XT targets the RTX 4060 Ti, while the 7800 XT targets the RTX 4070, prices look like they might be fairly similar. So you might be wondering, “Why the difference?” and “Which one is the better deal for me?” Over the next sections, we’ll explore what each spec in these 7000 series XT graphics cards means for your day-to-day usage and gaming sessions. And help you determine which of these AMD Navi 32 GPU options offerings aligns best with your unique needs.
| Specifications | RX 7700 XT | RX 7800 XT |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Navi 32 | Navi 32 |
| Compute units | 54 | 60 |
| Cores | 3456 | 3840 |
| VRAM | 12 GB GDDR6 | 16 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory bus | 192-bits | 256 bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 432.0 GB/s | 620.8 GB/s |
| Process Technology | TSMC 5nm | TSMC 5nm |
| Base clock speed | 2171 MHz | 1800 MHz |
| Boost Clock speed | 2544 MHz | 2430 MHz |
| Graphics Card Power (TDP) | 245W | 263 W |
| L3 cache | 48 MB | 64 MB |
| DisplayPort | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| Total board power | 245 W | 263 W |
| MSRP | $449 | $499 |
Gaming Performance and Video Memory: RX 7800 XT’s dominance
If you’re a hardcore gamer who’s not only into AAA titles (and you’re looking toward what AMD calls “AAA titles of tomorrow”) but who also delves into other demanding games, the RX 7800 XT appears to be a clear frontrunner. When we talk about Star Wars Jedi Survivor and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, the RX 7800 XT consistently outperforms the RX 7700 XT by a significant margin according to AMD’s benchmarks.
A notable difference lies in their video memory. While both RDNA 3 GPUs utilize GDDR6 memory, the RX 7800 XT boasts a solid 16GB at speeds of 19.5GBps, as opposed to the RX 7700 XT’s 12GB at 18GBps.
For users seeking the peak of performance and wanting every bit of prowess in frame generation to run a diverse range of high-end games, the RX 7800 XT ensures you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Energy efficiency and 1440p performance: RX 7700 XT’s sweet spot
For those who view sustainability and power consumption with a keen eye, the RX 7700 XT has an edge. With a slightly lower board power (245W against the 263W of the RX 7800 XT), it’s a tad gentler on the energy bill and the environment. And while it might not be the powerhouse its counterpart is, it’s no slouch either. Achieving 63fps in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and 62fps in The Last of Us Part I is proof of its adeptness.
If your gaming needs revolve mostly around AAA titles at 1440p and you value energy efficiency, the RX 7700 XT might be your perfect match. Those extra bucks saved could be invested in a higher-range CPU, amplifying your system’s overall output. For a perfect processing match, check out our picks of the best CPU for gaming in 2023.
Monitor considerations: RX 7700 XT for transitional gamers
If you’re still using a 1080p monitor and contemplating a 1440p upgrade, then the RX 7700 XT could be your bridge. Although it might seem like overkill for a 1080p setup, it ensures you’re future-proofed for when you decide to upgrade your display. It strikes a fine balance, delivering stellar performance without completely overshadowing the capabilities of a 1080p monitor.
For gamers in transitional phases concerning their monitor setup, and not in an immediate rush to max out every game setting, the RX 7700 XT offers a judicious blend of over-the-top and just-right.
Price Consideration: extracting value from your GPU investment
At first glance, the $50 price difference between the RX 7800 XT and RX 7700 XT may not seem substantial. But, in the world of tech, every dollar can count. For power gamers who demand the utmost from their games and are seeking that additional FPS boost, the extra investment in the RX 7800 XT is justifiable.
On the other hand, for those who play primarily AAA titles at 1440p and are content with impressive, yet not the absolute peak performance, saving that $50 on the RX 7700 XT can be channeled elsewhere. Pricing and availability won’t be properly known until release, so watch these spaces. Release day will see what Asus, Gigabyte, Powercolor, and other partners’ 7000 series graphics cards are available, and at what prices.
Final thoughts – making the right GPU choice for you
For avid gamers who won’t settle for anything less than the top tier, aiming for a broad spectrum of games beyond just AAA titles, the RX 7800 XT is the go-to choice. Its stellar performance metrics and beefier video memory justify the extra $50.
However, for those primarily engrossed in AAA titles, wanting an excellent 1440p performance without the absolute max settings, and perhaps even seeking energy efficiency, the RX 7700 XT offers an enticing package. Plus, with the slight price save, you could allocate those funds elsewhere in your gaming setup.
