Buying Guide
The Best AMD Graphics Card
We weighed five graphics cards on video memory and recommended power supply; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend has the lowest recommended power supply, and it also costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
AMD's Radeon cards offer generous VRAM for the money and FSR upscaling. Every pick is a Radeon card, ordered by VRAM.
We ranked these graphics cards on GPU, VRAM and memory using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these graphics cards ourselves, and where a maker leaves out recommended PSU, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming OC 24GB
96MB of Infinity Cache.
Best for: Buyers who want 96MB of Infinity Cache.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming OC 24GB (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
PowerColor Hellhound AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
The top of this price range, adding DisplayPort 2.1 outputs.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for PowerColor Hellhound AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming OC 20GB
80MB of Infinity Cache.
Best for: Buyers who want 80MB of Infinity Cache.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming OC 20GB (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White 20GB OC
A white shroud and backplate.
Best for: Buyers who want white shroud and backplate.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White 20GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Recommended Power Supply
ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC
The lowest recommended power supply here (700W).
Best for: Buyers who put recommended power supply first.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming OC 24GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's Phantom Gaming OC offers a 2615MHz boost, 96MB of Infinity Cache and 0dB silent cooling at light load.
Best for
- Buyers who want 96MB of Infinity Cache.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: calls for a 800W or larger PSU.
Why we like it
It was the least expensive 7900 XTX here at the time of writing. On video memory it ties with the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX at 24GB. On recommended power supply it ties with the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX at 800W.
It shares an RX 7900 XTX gpu with the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX; the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White goes with an RX 7900 XT gpu. No other pick in this guide offers a 2615MHz boost clock; compare the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming, which has a 2450MHz boost clock. No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7900 XTX
- VRAM: 24GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Recommended PSU: 800W
- Boost clock: 2615MHz
Pros
- 24GB of VRAM, room for large local AI models as well as games
- 96MB of Infinity Cache
- 0dB silent cooling at light load
- 2615MHz boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- Calls for a 800W or larger PSU
- Costs more than the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
PowerColor Hellhound AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
PowerColor's Hellhound is 320mm long, uses DisplayPort 2.1 outputs and states an 800W minimum power supply.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: calls for a 800W or larger PSU.
Why we like it
It has 6,144 stream processors and a switch between an OC mode at 2,330MHz and a quieter Silent mode at 2,270MHz game clock. The Silent mode suits a quiet room. On video memory it ties with the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming at 24GB.
The PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX is 320mm long; compare that with your case's GPU limit. PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX: the maker suggests a PSU of 800W or more. At our last price check it topped the group, with the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming the nearest cheaper option. Recommended power supply is its weakest area, and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend covers it better at 700W.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7900 XTX
- VRAM: 24GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 320mm
- Recommended PSU: 800W
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x HDMI 2.1
Pros
- 24GB of VRAM, room for large local AI models as well as games
- DisplayPort 2.1 outputs
- 800W minimum PSU stated by the maker
- The top of this price range, adding DisplayPort 2.1 outputs
Cons
- Calls for a 800W or larger PSU
- Recommended power supply trails the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (700W)
- Costs more than the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming OC 20GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's Phantom Gaming OC offers a 2450MHz boost, 80MB of Infinity Cache and two 8-pin power connectors.
Best for
- Buyers who want 80MB of Infinity Cache.
Skip if
- Pass on it if needs two 8-pin PCIe power cable rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It was the least expensive 7900 XT here at the time of writing. It matches the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White on video memory (20GB). Like the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White, it has an RX 7900 XT gpu, while the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend uses an RX 7800 XT gpu.
A 2450MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend uses a 2520MHz boost clock. No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its price falls between the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed recommended power supply should compare it with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, which offers 700W.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7900 XT
- VRAM: 20GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Power connector: 2 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 2450MHz
Pros
- 20GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- 80MB of Infinity Cache
- Triple-fan Phantom Gaming cooler
- 2450MHz boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- No published recommended power supply
- Costs more than the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White 20GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Phantom Gaming White is ASRock's white 7900 XT, with a white shroud and backplate on a 320-bit memory bus.
Best for
- Buyers who want white shroud and backplate.
Skip if
- Pass if a published recommended power supply matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
A reinforced metal frame keeps the card from sagging in the slot. It shares an RX 7900 XT gpu with the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming; the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX goes with an RX 7900 XTX gpu. No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White with the maker. Another plus is 20GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures. There is no published recommended power supply figure, whereas the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend offers 700W.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7900 XT
- VRAM: 20GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- 20GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- White shroud and backplate
- 320-bit memory bus
Cons
- No published recommended power supply
- Costs more than the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend at the time of writing
Lowest Recommended Power Supply5 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Steel Legend adds a white-and-silver finish and a 2520MHz boost, and it has a 700W recommended power supply.
Best for
- Buyers who put recommended power supply first.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables.
Why we like it
Its 16GB video memory is the smallest in this group; the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming leads at 24GB. Its 700W recommended power supply is the lowest here; the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming comes next at 800W. A 2520MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming uses a 2450MHz boost clock.
No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Power for the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend comes through 2 x 8-pin, with 700W the maker's minimum PSU.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7800 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Recommended PSU: 700W
- Power connector: 2 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 2520MHz
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- White-and-silver Steel Legend finish
- 700W recommended PSU
- Lowest recommended power supply of the picks (700W)
Cons
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Video memory trails the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming (24GB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- GPU and memory
- We compared the chip, video memory capacity and memory type stated in each listing.
- Cooling and extras
- We checked cooler design, fan-stop modes, dual BIOS, support brackets and display outputs.
- Power
- We noted the power connector and recommended power supply where listed.
- Fit
- We recorded length and slot thickness where the maker lists them, plus low-profile and SFF-Ready status.
What to Look for in an AMD Graphics Card
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Where these picks differ: video memory
Among these picks, video memory runs from 16GB on the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend to 24GB on the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming. Settle how much you need before comparing prices, since paying for more rarely helps if your use never reaches it.
Treat 8GB of VRAM as the floor
Some recent games already push past 8GB at high texture settings. Cards with 12GB or 16GB give more room, especially at 1440p and above.
Two versions of the same chip can differ only in memory; check the capacity in the exact model name.
Plan the power connector and PSU
Cards use one or two 8-pin PCIe plugs or a single 16-pin 12V-2x6 plug. Confirm your power supply has the right cables and meets the maker's recommended wattage.
Compare upscaling and encoders
NVIDIA cards support DLSS, AMD cards FSR and Intel cards XeSS. Each game supports a different mix, so check the titles you play.
Streamers should also compare hardware video encoders.
Match the card to your monitor
Resolution and refresh rate decide how much GPU you need. A 1080p screen at 144Hz asks far less than 1440p at 165Hz or 4K.
Buy for the monitor you use now or will buy soon, not for a resolution you may never run.
How to Choose an AMD Graphics Card
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 96MB of Infinity Cache | ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming | 96MB of Infinity Cache |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX | The top of this price range, adding DisplayPort 2.1 outputs |
| Buyers who want 80MB of Infinity Cache | ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming | 80MB of Infinity Cache |
| Buyers who want white shroud and backplate | ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White | A white shroud and backplate |
| Buyers who put recommended power supply first | ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | The lowest recommended power supply here (700W) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Recommended PSU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming | RX 7900 XTX | 24GB | GDDR6 | 800W |
| PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX | RX 7900 XTX | 24GB | GDDR6 | 800W |
| ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming | RX 7900 XT | 20GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White | RX 7900 XT | 20GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 700W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend |
| About $500 to $1000 | ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming, ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White |
| About $1000 to $1500 | ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming, PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick leads on recommended power supply?
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, at 700W. The ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming follows at 800W, while the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX has 800W.
Which pick costs the least here?
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend. It undercut the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming when we checked, while the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX cost the most of the group.
Will my CPU hold the card back?
It depends on resolution and the games you play. At 1080p and high refresh rates the CPU matters more; at 4K the GPU sets the limit.
Do I need a GPU support bracket?
Long, heavy cards can sag and stress the slot. Some come with a support stand or bracket; otherwise one is inexpensive to add.
Will a PCIe 5.0 card work in a PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 slot?
Yes, the interface is backward compatible. Cards with a narrow x8 link can lose some performance on PCIe 3.0 boards.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming, chosen for 96MB of Infinity Cache. Look at the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX for the top of this price range, adding DisplayPort 2.1 outputs, the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming for 80MB of Infinity Cache and the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White for a white shroud and backplate if those matter more to you.
Radeon cards often use 8-pin power connectors; check your PSU cables.