Best RX 7900 XTX graphics card 2023
AMD's latest Radeon flagship is here and these are the very best
- 01Best RX 7900 XTX
- 02Budget RX 7900 XTX
- 03Water-cooled RX 7900 XTX
With the all-new AMD RDNA 3 architecture, came a variety of choices for gamers and creators alike, offering us lucky devils next-generation performance. Here at the top-end, differences between the various models is negligible, so choosing the best RX 7900 XTX graphics card isn’t going to be too much trouble. This flagship GPU will take care of all your gaming needs without a hitch, delivering high FPS no matter if you need to support 4K gaming or high refresh rates.
We extensively tested the ASUS TUF RX 7900 XTX and found it offered a great balance of quality and performance for the price. While this model falls just shy of Nvidia’s best GPU, it offers a lot of value and comes with an easier to swallow price point.
Best RX 7900 XTX
ASUS TUF Radeon RX 7900 XTX OC
Core Clock Speed
1,895 MHz base, 2,395 MHz shader & game, 2,565 MHz boost
Stream processors
6,144
Memory Size
24GB GDDR6
Dimensions
352.9 x 158.2 x 72.6 mm
PSU Required
850W
TBP
355W
- Great cooling solution that improves thermals and fan curves over reference
- Improved power management from an experienced brand
- High quality build and overclocked for top tier performance
- A slightly more expensive option for its better perfromance and quality
ASUS delivers great-quality graphics cards, so it’s no surprise it’s ASUS TUF Radeon RX 7900 XTX OC that tops the chart. It combines both quality and performance to lead the pack.
The higher-quality build allows the card to last a long while. With no performance hindrance as the cooling solution is well thought out and effective. With great heatsinks and a vented build, it allows the large axial tech fans to keep the temps under wraps.
Whilst also offering the overclocked version to further push what the card can offer. Which means it is the best one to pick out when it comes to the performance of the GPU.
Best budget RX 7900 XTX
XFX SPEEDSTER MERC 310 AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
Core Clock Speed
1,855 MHz base, 2,455 MHz game, 2,615 MHz boost
Stream processors
6,144
Memory Size
24GB GDDR6
Dimensions
344 x 128 x 57mm
PSU Required
850W
TBP
355W
- A cheap basic altrernative without any extras on top
- Simple and basic design without any additions
- Lower quality build with plastic builds
Sometimes when it comes to buying a new graphics card, you just want to get the best without any extra costs. So for the best budget RX 7900 XTX you have the XFX SPEEDSTER MERC 310.
The design is just under 3 slots and so it keeps it slim and simple. With a plastic shroud and covered backplate, it can stifle the airflow apart from the sides.
Although it is a more basic solution it still is capable of reaching the performance of other solutions. And so there is usually no hindrance apart from how far it can be pushed.
Best water cooled RX 7900 XTX
ASRock AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX AQUA
Core Clock Speed
2,510 MHz game, 2,680 MHz boost
Stream processors
6,144
Memory Size
24GB GDDR6
Dimensions
275 X 157 X 22mm
PSU Required
1000W
TBP
355W
- Watercooling option offering the best perfromance without limitations
- RGB 3-pin and toggle switch offering best personalization
- More expensive than any air cooled option
- Not all in one and requires a loop
Now for unhindered performance, you may want to go for a water-cooled option. One to fit into your loop in your build, there is the option of the ASRock AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX AQUA.
The card utilizes a transparent block. Allowing you to peer at the cooling in the system as it happens. As well as a cover with built-in RGB that can be controlled and turned off for some styles.
This solution also minimizes the size of the card, although the 7900 XTX size, isn’t an issue. But where the card might fall back is with how much extra it will likely cost you.
High performance RX 7900 XTX
Gigabyte AORUS RX 7900 XTX ELITE
Core Clock Speed
1,855 MHz base, 2,510 MHz game, 2,680 MHz boost
Stream processors
6144
Memory Size
24GB GDDR6
Dimensions
335 x 137 x 69 mm
PSU Required
850W
TBP
355W
- Top overclock of the range so it is one of the best performing choices
- Great cooling design that will keep the card under wraps no matter the load and pressure
- Good design with some RGB aspects, that give the choice of cards some variety
- Much more expensive option that is also harder to find in stock
For another top-performance card, we look to the Gigabyte AORUS range. The brand aimed at the top premium gaming space. And the AORUS RX 7900 XTX Elite is the graphics card in that space.
Utilizing the Windforce cooling system does well to keep the core under wraps, especially as an overclocked model. With 10 heat pipes and a vapor chamber to really move that heat away to be dissipated by the three alternate spinning fans.
As it can boost up to 2,680 MHz and with a game clock of 2,510 MHz it does lead the pack in its performance. But it does ask for a more premium price than the others for a bigger performance boost.
How we test
We use our experience and knowledge to evaluate these cards to bring you the best choices. When we get hands-on, we make sure the cards live up to what they promise. Firstly testing out the performance, being able to compare the cards to other choices so you know how they compare.
As well as putting them through rigorous testing to see how well it stands up. Or if we cannot, we look through reviews and knowledge of the manufacturers and previous releases to know what to look for and expect from them.
Find out more on our page outlining how we test GPUs.
RX 7900 XTX specs
Comparing some options for the different RX 7900 XTX models, then you want to know the basics of what’s on offer with the graphics card. So we run down on what you can expect.
- GPU: Navi 31 XTX
- Architecture: RDNA 3
- Foundry: TSMC 5 & 6nm
- Transistors: 58 billion
- Die size total: 529mm²
- Bus interface: PCIe 4.0 x16
- Compute Units: 96
- Stream processors: 6,144
- Ray accelerators: 96
- Base frequency: 1,855 MHz
- Shader & game clock: 2.269 MHz
- Boost clock: 2,499 MHz
- VRAM: 24GB GDDR6
- Memory bus: 384-bit
- Bandwidth: 960 GB/s
- TBP: 355W
Things to consider
Now between the different models available, there are some differences that may offer something else between them. As the basics will be kept the same, there are a few things that can change.
Frequency
One of the big factors that change between models, is the clock rate of the card. This is how often the GPU processes instructions and creates the final image that you see. So the speed of it will give you a better performance. As such the factory clock seen by the reference card is improved upon. Custom cards offering overclocked options that will increase the performance of those to stand out from the rest.
Cooling
Another difference between the options will be the cooling solution used by those cards. As they will get the PCB the AIBs will have to create these solutions to keep the graphics cards cool.
The overall design also influences the look of the card and how well it removes the heat from the card. Which will make sure it does not throttle and keeps up the performance over time. As well as stopping it from deteriorating and reducing the lifespan of the card so it can last over time.
Size
With a custom cooling solution, the cards will have different sizing. And as a card with a large thermal power, it means that it has more heat to dissipate. As such it might need more cooling capacity.
So when you’re looking for the best 7900 XTX to fit into your build, you need to make sure it fits into your case. As some become longer or bigger they may get stopped by the rest of your components, so you have to check compatibility.
Pricing
Another difference will be the pricing. The MSRP is only usually achieved by the reference model or the basic offerings from the companies. As such if it’s more important then check the basic option. Then you’re looking for the more simple option. No RGB or overclocking will keep the price down and still give you the great basic performance offered by the general card.
Final word
So when it comes to picking out the best RX 7900 XTX then there are a few options for you. There will only be slight differences but it’s overall a good card to go for and should deliver strong results for years to come. If you feel AMD’s flagship GPU is a bit too pricey, you could always check out the best RX 7900 XT instead.
Other GPU guides
FAQs
What is the best 7900 XTX?
When it comes to choosing the best option, then there are plenty of qualities that may influence your choice. But when it comes to the core differences, what really can change is the boost clock of the cards. So when it comes to the custom cards of the 7900 XTX there are a few cards that reach a boost of 2,679 MHz. The ASRock Aqua and Taichi OC, Gigabyte AORUS Elite, and Sapphire Nitro+. However, we also like the design and build of the ASUS TUF and XFX for their budget option.
What is the recommended price for 7900 XTX?
The RX 7900 XTX launched with a recommended price of $999 USD. Although not all the cards are going to be worth that much. Only the reference option is and some base models, whilst the custom cards are going to charge more. With overclocked and more featureful options a much bigger investment.
What is the 7900 XTX equivalent to?
The 7900 XTX is most closely related to the RTX 4080. The performance level is slightly better and the price is also much better. Where it falls behind is in the ray tracing performance with a much bigger hit than the better-optimized Nvidia option.
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