RX 7800 XT vs RX 7900 XT – which card is for you?

AMD goes head to head with its own cards, sporting an old option and an upcoming entry

RX 7800 XT vs RX 7900 XT - hero image, cards face off

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When delving into AMD’s newest GPU lineup, it’s always intriguing to pinpoint where the performance sweet spot lies in its own cards, although Nvidia is the clear competitor. With the RX 7800 XT showcasing impressive capabilities, many wonder just how close it inches toward one of the pinnacles of this generation – the RX 7900 XT. Let’s delve deep into a direct face-off: RX 7800 XT vs 7900 XT, and discern how their specs, performance, and price compare.

RX 7800 XT vs 7900 XT: Specs

Diving into the detailed specifications, AMD’s Radeon RX 7900 XT emerges as a clear heavyweight. One step down from the super-heavyweight RX 7900 XTX it’s still pushing boundaries with its specs. One of the standout features is its VRAM capacity; with a whopping 20GB GDDR6 memory, it surpasses the 16GB GDDR6 of the RX 7800 XT. This extra memory capacity undoubtedly plays a pivotal role in managing intensive graphical tasks, making the 7900 XT an ideal choice for tasks demanding higher memory usage.

The broader memory interface width of 320 bits on the 7900 XT compared to the 7800 XT’s 256 bits also aids in enhancing the bandwidth capabilities. This is evident with the 7900 XT boasting an impressive 800.0 GB/s memory bandwidth, a noticeable leap from the 620.8 GB/s of the 7800 XT. Such bandwidth strengths mean that the 7900 XT is aptly equipped to handle high-resolution textures and data-heavy environments more efficiently.

SpecificationsRX 7800 XTRX 7900 XT
 RX 7800 XTRX 7900 XT
ArchitectureNavi 32Navi 31
Compute Units6084
Cores38405376
VRAM16 GB GDDR620GB GDDR6
Memory Interface Width    256-bit320-bit
Memory bandwidth620.8 GB/s800.0 GB/s
Process TechnologyTSMC 5nmTSMC 5nm
Base clock speed1800 MHz1500 MHz
Boost Clock speed2430 MHz2394 MHz
Graphics Card Power (TDP)263 W300 W
L3 cache64 MB80 MB
MSRP$499$899
RX 7800 XT vs RX 7900 XT specs

Furthermore, the core count tells a similar story. The RX 7900 XT, with its 5376 cores, significantly overshadows the 3840 cores of the 7800 XT. While both GPUs are manufactured using the TSMC 5nm process technology, the core and memory advantages of the 7900 XT truly position it as a beast in performance potential.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge the commendable boost in the game clock of the 7800 XT, rising to 2124MHz. Plus, with HDMI 2.1 48Gbps and DisplayPort 2.1 54Gbps connectors, both cards guarantee a modern connectivity suite, though the 7800 XT’s support for AV1 decoding and encoding is a noteworthy addition.

RX 7800 XT vs 7900 XT: Performance

In the realm of GPUs, performance is paramount, and the differences in memory specifications between the RX 7800 XT and the 7900 XT are pivotal in forecasting their relative capabilities. To begin with, the RX 7900 XT has an evident advantage with its 20GB GDDR6 VRAM, as opposed to the 7800 XT’s 16GB GDDR6.

A larger VRAM essentially means that the GPU can store and handle more data simultaneously, reducing the need to constantly fetch data from the main system memory. This boosts overall speed and efficiency, especially in graphically-intensive tasks like or high-resolution video editing and 4K gaming, where the 7800 XT could deliver – but where the 7900 XT will be better.

Furthermore, memory bandwidth and interface width play a crucial role in determining how fast data moves within the GPU. The RX 7900 XT’s wider memory interface of 320 bit, in comparison to the 7800 XT’s 256 bit, allows for greater data throughput.

This is reinforced by the fact that the 7900 XT boasts a memory bandwidth of 800.0 GB/s, a substantial jump from the 620.8 GB/s of the 7800 XT. Such a considerable bandwidth means faster data retrieval and processing, promising smoother gameplay and quicker render times.

Given these specifications, it’s logical to infer that the RX 7900 XT will deliver superior performance in most scenarios. While the 7800 XT is undoubtedly a strong contender, the heightened memory capacities and bandwidths of the 7900 XT position it as the more robust GPU in this comparison.

RX 7800 XT vs 7900 XT: Price

Price often delineates the line between sheer power and value for money. The 7900 XT, while undeniably superior in terms of raw capabilities, comes at a heftier price tag, making it almost twice as expensive as its counterpart, the 7800 XT.

Such a disparity in cost is not without reason; the 7900 XT’s heightened specs and the promises they bring to the table warrant its elevated price point. But when we step back and consider the 7800 XT, its pricing presents a compelling proposition. Given the anticipated performance, based on the specifications we’ve seen, the 7800 XT offers what appears to be a balanced blend of power and affordability. All will become somewhat clearer at the RX 7800 XT release date though. September 6th will show where the retail price is, and where the 7800 arrives against the Nvidia Geforce RTX lineup.

PC Guide view

In a direct face-off, the 7900 XT undoubtedly secures the title of the more formidable GPU, exhibiting superior specs and expected performance. However, not all battles are won on brute strength alone. The 7800 XT, with its more approachable price tag, presents an attractive choice for gamers and casual users alike, delivering potent performance without breaking the bank.

If your pursuits revolve around gaming and general tasks, the 7800 XT emerges as a more value-driven proposition. Conversely, for those with ambitious projects that demand the utmost in graphical prowess, be it in content creation, high-end gaming, or data-heavy applications, the 7900 XT stands ready to offer the muscle you require.