Buying Guide
The Best AMD Radeon Graphics Cards
Five Radeon graphics cards from the RX 7600 to the RX 9070 XT, compared on VRAM, size, power plugs and cooling.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
AMD's Radeon line runs from budget 1080p cards to the RX 9070 XT, and every card here uses standard 8-pin PCIe power plugs rather than a 16-pin connector. The main choices are how much memory you need and how large a card your case takes.
We compared these five Radeon cards using maker specifications and Amazon listings; the guide is research-based, not a hands-on test. Check FSR support in the games you play.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best AMD Overall
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB OC
An RX 9070 XT with a 3030MHz OC-mode boost and a 2.5-slot cooler.
Best for: 1440p and 4K gaming on AMD.
Our take Check price for ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Best Mid-Range Radeon
XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 OC Triple Fan Gaming Edition
16GB of GDDR6 on the RX 9070.
Best for: 1440p gaming for less than an RX 9070 XT.
Our take Check price for XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 OC Triple Fan Gaming Edition (opens in a new tab)
Best Documented RX 9070 XT
ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Steel Legend 16GB
A 298mm length, 2.9-slot width and 800W PSU guidance.
Best for: Builders who want every fit figure up front.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Steel Legend 16GB (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Radeon
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G
An RX 9060 XT with a WINDFORCE cooler.
Best for: 1080p gaming on RDNA 4.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Power Needs
ASRock Radeon RX 7600 Challenger Pro 8GB OC
A 550W PSU recommendation.
Best for: Older PCs with a smaller power supply.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7600 Challenger Pro 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best AMD Overall1 of 5
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's Prime RX 9070 XT lists the highest boost clock among these Radeon cards and keeps to 2.5 slots.
Best for
- 1440p and 4K gaming on AMD.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
A quiet/performance BIOS switch and 0dB fan stop make it easy to live with. On video memory it ties with the XFX Swift RX 9070 and the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend at 16GB. It matches the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro on cooler thickness (2.5-slot).
It shares an RX 9070 XT gpu with the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend; the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro goes with an RX 7600 gpu. No other pick in this guide offers a 3030MHz (OC mode) boost clock; compare the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro, which has a 2695MHz boost clock. It also comes with dual-ball fan bearings.
Only the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. There is no published card length figure, whereas the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend comes in at 298mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9070 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 3030MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Quiet/performance BIOS switch
- 0dB fan stop
- Dual-ball fan bearings
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro at the time of writing
Best Mid-Range Radeon2 of 5
XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 OC Triple Fan Gaming Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The RX 9070 keeps 16GB of memory but costs less than the XT.
Best for
- 1440p gaming for less than an RX 9070 XT.
Skip if
- Its cooler thickness is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
XFX's Swift version uses a triple-fan cooler with a 2700MHz boost and three DisplayPort outputs. It matches the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT and the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend on video memory (16GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RX 9070 gpu; compare the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB, which has an RX 9060 XT gpu.
You get a 2700MHz boost clock here, which sets it apart from the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend and its a 2970MHz boost clock. No dimensions are published for the XFX Swift RX 9070; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB and the pricier ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its card length; if that figure matters, the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend comes in at 298mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9070
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 2700MHz
- Outputs: 1 x HDMI, 3 x DisplayPort
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler
- RX 9070 gpu, the only one here
- 2700MHz boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro at the time of writing
Best Documented RX 9070 XT3 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Steel Legend 16GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's Steel Legend is the RX 9070 XT to choose when you want to check the fit before buying: 298mm long, 2.9 slots, two 8-pin plugs and an 800W PSU are all listed.
Best for
- Builders who want every fit figure up front.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: calls for a 800W or larger PSU.
Why we like it
On video memory it ties with the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT and the XFX Swift RX 9070 at 16GB. Its 2.9-slot cooler thickness is the thickest in this group; the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT leads at 2.5-slot. It shares an RX 9070 XT gpu with the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT; the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB goes with an RX 9060 XT gpu.
No other pick in this guide offers a 2970MHz boost clock; compare the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT, which has a 3030MHz (OC mode) boost clock. You also get 64 compute units, Polychrome SYNC lighting and a reinforced metal frame. It was priced above the XFX Swift RX 9070 and below the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9070 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 298mm
- Thickness: 2.9-slot
- Recommended PSU: 800W
- Power connector: 2 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 2970MHz
- Outputs: DisplayPort 2.1a, HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- 64 compute units
- Polychrome SYNC lighting
- Reinforced metal frame
Cons
- Calls for a 800W or larger PSU
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Cooler thickness trails the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT (2.5-slot)
Best Budget Radeon4 of 5
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB is the entry to AMD's RDNA 4 generation, with Hawk fans and RGB lighting.
Best for
- 1080p gaming on RDNA 4.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
Its 8GB of memory suits 1080p more than 1440p. It matches the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro on video memory (8GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RX 9060 XT gpu; compare the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend, which has an RX 9070 XT gpu.
It also offers server-grade thermal conductive gel. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB with the maker.
On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro and the pricier XFX Swift RX 9070, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its card length; if that figure matters, the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend comes in at 298mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans
- Server-grade thermal conductive gel
- RGB lighting
- RX 9060 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro at the time of writing
Lowest Power Needs5 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7600 Challenger Pro 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The RX 7600 is the older RDNA 3 chip, but ASRock's Challenger Pro asks for only a 550W PSU and one 8-pin plug.
Best for
- Older PCs with a smaller power supply.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent game is a problem.
Why we like it
It is 303mm long, so check clearance in small cases. It matches the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB on video memory (8GB). On cooler thickness it ties with the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT at 2.5-slot.
No other pick in this guide offers an RX 7600 gpu; compare the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend, which has an RX 9070 XT gpu. You get a 2695MHz boost clock here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT and its a 3030MHz (OC mode) boost clock. You also get a triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop, 32MB of Infinity Cache, a PCIe 4.0 x8 interface and a metal backplate.
It undercut the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The trade-off is video memory; for more, the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT offers 16GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7600
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 303mm
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Recommended PSU: 550W
- Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 2695MHz
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1 x HDMI 2.1
Pros
- A modest 550W PSU recommendation
- A single 8-pin power connector
- Triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop
- 32MB of Infinity Cache
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT (16GB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Price tier
- We grouped picks by price at the time of writing rather than by listed clock speed.
- Fit
- We recorded length and slot thickness where the maker lists them, plus low-profile and SFF-Ready status.
- Power
- We noted the power connector and recommended power supply where listed.
- GPU and memory
- We compared the chip, video memory capacity and memory type stated in each listing.
What to Look for in an AMD GPUs
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
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.
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.
Pair it with a balanced CPU
A fast card with an old CPU can stall at high frame rates, especially at 1080p. At 4K the GPU does most of the work, so the CPU matters less.
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.
Count the display outputs
Most cards offer three DisplayPort outputs and one HDMI, but some swap that balance. Check that the ports match your monitors, TV or VR headset.
How to Choose an AMD GPUs
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1440p and 4K gaming on AMD | ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT | An RX 9070 XT with a 3030MHz OC-mode boost and a 2.5-slot cooler |
| 1440p gaming for less than an RX 9070 XT | XFX Swift RX 9070 | 16GB of GDDR6 on the RX 9070 |
| Builders who want every fit figure up front | ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend | A 298mm length, 2.9-slot width and 800W PSU guidance |
| 1080p gaming on RDNA 4 | Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB | An RX 9060 XT with a WINDFORCE cooler |
| Older PCs with a smaller power supply | ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro | A 550W PSU recommendation |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT | RX 9070 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| XFX Swift RX 9070 | RX 9070 | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend | RX 9070 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 298mm |
| Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB | RX 9060 XT | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro | RX 7600 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 303mm |
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 RX 7600 Challenger Pro, Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB |
| About $500 to $1000 | XFX Swift RX 9070, ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend, ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Is an 8GB graphics card still enough?
For 1080p with tuned texture settings, often yes. For 1440p or high textures in new games, 12GB or 16GB is safer.
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.
How big a power supply do I need?
Use the maker's recommendation for your exact card, then add headroom if you run a high-power CPU. Also check the connectors, not just the wattage.
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.
Should I choose AMD or NVIDIA?
Compare price and memory at your budget first, then features such as DLSS or FSR support in your games and hardware encoding if you stream.
Bottom Line
The ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT is the best all-round Radeon, the XFX Swift RX 9070 keeps 16GB for less, and the ASRock Steel Legend is the best-documented RX 9070 XT.
For 1080p, the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT 8GB is the current-generation budget pick, and the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro suits older, lower-wattage systems.