Buying Guide
The Best RX 7900 XT Cards, Premium First
We weighed four graphics cards on video memory and card length, and the PowerColor 7900 XT costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
The RX 7900 XT has 20GB and handles 4K in most games. Every pick is an RX 7900 XT or XTX, ordered with the most expensive first.
Rankings weigh GPU, VRAM and memory as the makers state them; we did not test these graphics cards ourselves, and if a maker skips length, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Premium Pick
Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
A 2.7-slot cooler, thinner than the Nitro+ at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX Vapor-X
A Vapor-X vapor chamber cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want Vapor-X vapor chamber cooler.
Our take Check price for Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX Vapor-X (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT
A 313mm length.
Best for: Buyers who want 313mm length.
Our take Check price for Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
PowerColor AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT
A lower price than the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for PowerColor AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 2.7-slot cooler, thinner than the Nitro+ at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX (opens in a new tab) |
| A Vapor-X vapor chamber cooler. | Buyers who want Vapor-X vapor chamber cooler. | Check price for Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX Vapor-X (opens in a new tab) |
| A 313mm length. | Buyers who want 313mm length. | Check price for Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT and the rest when we checked. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for PowerColor AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 4
Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Sapphire's Pulse is a 2.7-slot, 313mm RX 7900 XTX, thinner than the Nitro+, with a 2525MHz boost.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the PowerColor 7900 XT cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its boost clock reaches up to 2525MHz, and the 24GB of GDDR6 sits on a 384-bit bus. The cooler is 2.7 slots thick and 313mm long, and the outputs are two HDMI and two DisplayPort. It measures 313mm long and 2.7 slots thick, and it carries 24GB of GDDR6 on a 384-bit bus with two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs.
On video memory it ties with the Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX at 24GB. On card length it ties with the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT at 313mm. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX with the maker. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7900 XTX
- VRAM: 24GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 313mm
- Thickness: 2.7-slot
- Boost clock: 2525MHz
Pros
- 24GB of VRAM, room for large local AI models as well as games
- 2.7-slot cooler, thinner than the Nitro+
- 313mm length
- Card length of 313mm, ahead of the Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX
Cons
- Costs more than the PowerColor 7900 XT at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 4
Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX Vapor-X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Sapphire's Nitro+ Vapor-X offers a 2680MHz boost, the highest of these 7900 XTX cards, on a 3.5-slot, 320mm vapor chamber cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who want Vapor-X vapor chamber cooler.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when its 3.5-slot cooler covers the slots belo is a problem.
Why we like it
It game-clocks up to 2510MHz with 24GB on a 384-bit bus at 20Gbps. At 3.5 slots and 320mm long, it needs a roomy case. It matches the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX on video memory (24GB).
Its 320mm card length is the longest in this group; the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX leads at 313mm. A 2680MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX uses a 2525MHz boost clock. It also comes with two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs.
Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX with the maker. Its price falls between the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT and the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7900 XTX
- VRAM: 24GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 320mm
- Thickness: 3.5-slot
- Boost clock: 2680MHz
- Outputs: 2 x DisplayPort, 2 x HDMI
Pros
- 24GB of VRAM, room for large local AI models as well as games
- Vapor-X vapor chamber cooler
- Two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs
- 2680MHz boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- Its 3.5-slot cooler covers the slots below
- Card length trails the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX (313mm)
- Cooler thickness trails the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX (2.7-slot)
Strong Alternative3 of 4
Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Sapphire's Pulse 7900 XT is 313mm long with a 2.7-slot triple-fan cooler and a 2450MHz boost.
Best for
- Buyers who want 313mm length.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the PowerColor 7900 XT was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It has two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs, and its 20GB of memory runs at 20Gbps on a 320-bit bus. On video memory it ties with the PowerColor 7900 XT at 20GB. On card length it ties with the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX at 313mm.
It shares an RX 7900 XT gpu with the PowerColor 7900 XT; the Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX goes with an RX 7900 XTX gpu. No other pick in this guide offers a 2450MHz boost clock; compare the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX, which has a 2525MHz boost clock. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT with the maker. It was priced above the PowerColor 7900 XT and below the Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7900 XT
- VRAM: 20GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 313mm
- Thickness: 2.7-slot
- Boost clock: 2450MHz
Pros
- 20GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- 313mm length
- 2.7-slot triple-fan cooler
- Card length of 313mm, ahead of the Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX
Cons
- Costs more than the PowerColor 7900 XT at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 4
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
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX offers 24GB.
Why we like it
On video memory it ties with the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT at 20GB. It shares an RX 7900 XT gpu with the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT; the Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX goes with an RX 7900 XTX gpu. No other pick in this guide offers a 2400MHz boost clock; compare the Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX, which has a 2680MHz boost clock.
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. It cost the least of the 4 picks at the time of writing, with the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT the next step up. It gives ground on video memory, where the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX offers 24GB.
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
- A lower price than the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT and the rest when we checked
Cons
- Video memory trails the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX (24GB)
- No published card length
- No published cooler thickness
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared four cards on GPU, video memory, memory and card length from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX to the PowerColor 7900 XT, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The PowerColor 7900 XT gives no card length; the PowerColor 7900 XT gives no cooler thickness.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the PowerColor 7900 XT ($500 to $1000) to the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX (over $1500).
What to Look for in an RX 7900 XT Cards, Premium First
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much video memory you need
Here video memory runs from 20GB on the PowerColor 7900 XT to 24GB on the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX. The Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX comes second for less money.
Card length
Here card length runs from 320mm on the Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX to 313mm on the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX. For less, the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT is the runner-up at 313mm. No figure for the PowerColor 7900 XT.
Cooler thickness
Here cooler thickness runs from 3.5-slot on the Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX to 2.7-slot on the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX. The Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT comes second for less money. No figure for the PowerColor 7900 XT.
Boost clock
The Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX lists 2525MHz; the Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX lists 2680MHz; the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT lists 2450MHz; the PowerColor 7900 XT lists 2400MHz. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Fit and compatibility
Measure for 313mm and 2.7 slots before ordering the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX. Measure for 320mm and 3.5 slots before ordering the Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX. Measure for 313mm and 2.7 slots before ordering the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT.
How to Choose an RX 7900 XT Cards, Premium First
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX | A 2.7-slot cooler, thinner than the Nitro+ at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who want Vapor-X vapor chamber cooler | Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX | A Vapor-X vapor chamber cooler |
| Buyers who want 313mm length | Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT | A 313mm length |
| Keeping the budget tight | PowerColor 7900 XT | A lower price than the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT and the rest when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX leads on video memory at 24GB, ahead of the Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX at 24GB. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX | RX 7900 XTX | 24GB | GDDR6 | 313mm |
| Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX | RX 7900 XTX | 24GB | GDDR6 | 320mm |
| Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT | RX 7900 XT | 20GB | GDDR6 | 313mm |
| PowerColor 7900 XT | RX 7900 XT | 20GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The PowerColor 7900 XT was the lowest-priced pick and the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $500 to $1000 | PowerColor 7900 XT |
| About $1000 to $1500 | Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT, Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX |
| Over $1500 | Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX add over the PowerColor 7900 XT?
On paper it adds video memory (24GB against 20GB). The PowerColor 7900 XT was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the PowerColor 7900 XT our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for a lower price than the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT and the rest when we checked. It suits keeping the budget tight.
Do the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX and the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT differ on GPU?
The Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX and the Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX use RX 7900 XTX; the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT and the PowerColor 7900 XT use RX 7900 XT.
Will the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT work with my setup?
Measure for 313mm and 2.7 slots before ordering the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT with the maker. In this guide it ranks third of 4.
What extras do the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX and the Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX include?
The Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX: a 2.7-slot cooler, thinner than the Nitro+. The Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX: a Vapor-X vapor chamber cooler. The Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT: a 313mm length.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XTX, chosen for a 2.7-slot cooler, thinner than the Nitro+ at the highest price in the group. Look at the Sapphire Nitro+ 7900 XTX for a Vapor-X vapor chamber cooler, the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT for a 313mm length and the PowerColor 7900 XT for a lower price than the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT and the rest when we checked if those matter more to you.
Check the case for a 3-slot cooler before ordering.