Buying Guide
The Best Powercolor Graphics Cards
From the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan to the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX: three graphics cards ranked on video memory and card length, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
PowerColor builds only AMD Radeon cards, from Hellhound to Red Devil. Every pick is a PowerColor card, ordered by VRAM.
We sorted these picks by GPU, VRAM and memory, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips length, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Video Memory
PowerColor Hellhound AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
The largest video memory here (24GB).
Best for: Buyers who put video memory first.
Our take Check price for PowerColor Hellhound AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
PowerColor AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT
A 750W minimum PSU stated by the maker.
Best for: Buyers who want 750W minimum PSU stated by the maker.
Our take Check price for PowerColor AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
PowerColor Twin Fan AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
A lower price than the PowerColor 7900 XT and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for PowerColor Twin Fan AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest video memory here (24GB). | Buyers who put video memory first. | Check price for PowerColor Hellhound AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX (opens in a new tab) |
| A 750W minimum PSU stated by the maker. | Buyers who want 750W minimum PSU stated by the maker. | Check price for PowerColor AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the PowerColor 7900 XT and the rest when we checked. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for PowerColor Twin Fan AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Video Memory1 of 3
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
- Buyers who put video memory first.
Skip if
- Pass on it if calls for a 800W or larger PS rules it out for your setup.
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. Its 24GB video memory is the largest here; the PowerColor 7900 XT comes next at 20GB.
Its 800W recommended power supply is the highest in this group; the PowerColor 7900 XT leads at 750W. It is the only pick here with an RX 7900 XTX gpu; the PowerColor 7900 XT has an RX 7900 XT gpu instead. 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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the PowerColor 7900 XT.
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
- RX 7900 XTX gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Calls for a 800W or larger PSU
- Recommended power supply trails the PowerColor 7900 XT (750W)
- Costs more than the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 3
PowerColor AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
PowerColor's 7900 XT runs AMD's reference 2400MHz boost and states a 750W minimum power supply.
Best for
- Buyers who want 750W minimum PSU stated by the maker.
Skip if
- The maker gives no card length, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
Its 20GB video memory ranks second of 3 here, behind the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX (24GB) and ahead of the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan (16GB). It matches the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan on recommended power supply (750W). No dimensions are published for the PowerColor 7900 XT; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
PowerColor 7900 XT: the maker suggests a PSU of 750W or more. Its price falls between the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan and the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed card length should compare it with the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan, which comes in at 260mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7900 XT
- VRAM: 20GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Recommended PSU: 750W
- Boost clock: 2400MHz
Pros
- 20GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- 750W minimum PSU stated by the maker
- Reference 2400MHz boost clock
- Recommended power supply of 750W, ahead of the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX
Cons
- No published card length
- Costs more than the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 3
PowerColor Twin Fan AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
PowerColor's Twin Fan is 260mm long, the shortest RX 7800 XT here, with two 8-pin connectors.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
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 PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX leads at 24GB. It matches the PowerColor 7900 XT on recommended power supply (750W). It also comes with a dual-fan cooler.
Power for the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan comes through 2 x 8-pin, with 750W the maker's minimum PSU. It also brings 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures. Worth noting too: short 260mm length suits compact cases.
It also brings RX 7800 XT gpu, the only one here. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the PowerColor 7900 XT was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7800 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 260mm
- Recommended PSU: 750W
- Power connector: 2 x 8-pin
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Short 260mm length suits compact cases
- 260mm length, the shortest 7800 XT here
- Dual-fan cooler
Cons
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Video memory trails the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX (24GB)
How We Chose These Powercolor Graphics Cards
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- 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.
- 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.
What to Look for in a Powercolor Graphics Card
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Where these picks differ: recommended power supply
Among these picks, recommended power supply runs from 800W on the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX to 750W on the PowerColor 7900 XT. Settle how much you need before comparing prices, since paying for more rarely helps if your use never reaches it.
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.
Check length and thickness
Partner cards of the same GPU can differ by several centimetres. Compare the card's length with the case's GPU clearance, allowing for front fans or a radiator, and check how many slots it covers.
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.
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.
How to Choose a Powercolor Graphics Card
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put video memory first | PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX | The largest video memory here (24GB) |
| Buyers who want 750W minimum PSU stated by the maker | PowerColor 7900 XT | A 750W minimum PSU stated by the maker |
| Spending as little as possible | PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan | A lower price than the PowerColor 7900 XT and the rest when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX | RX 7900 XTX | 24GB | GDDR6 | 320mm |
| PowerColor 7900 XT | RX 7900 XT | 20GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 260mm |
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 $500 to $1000 | PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan, PowerColor 7900 XT |
| About $1000 to $1500 | PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick leads on video memory?
The PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX leads at 24GB, ahead of the PowerColor 7900 XT at 20GB; the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan sits at the other end with 16GB.
Which pick costs the least here?
That was the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan at our last check; if you can stretch, the PowerColor 7900 XT is the next step up and the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX the priciest.
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.
Do partner cards of the same GPU perform differently?
Only slightly. Factory overclocks add a few percent at most; cooling, noise, size and price differ more.
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.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX, chosen for the largest video memory here (24GB). Look at the PowerColor 7900 XT for a 750W minimum PSU stated by the maker and the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan for a lower price than the PowerColor 7900 XT and the rest when we checked if those matter more to you.
Radeon cards use 8-pin power; count your PSU's PCIe cables.