Introduction
AMD’s Radeon RX 7700 XT GPU is finally here! Releasing alongside the RX 7800 XT, this graphics card helps to fill out the Radeon 7000 series line-up, adding a current-gen option from AMD for mid-range gaming PCs. Due to its proposed price to performance metrics, this card is bound to be a popular choice among PC building enthusiasts.
As is the case with most graphics cards, the RX 7700 XT is set to release with plenty of variations from a range of manufacturers. But which of these SKUs will provide the best bang for your buck? And what options are worth considering for your mid-range build?
In this buyers guide, we’ll be taking a look at the best AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT graphics cards to buy right now, with an extensive look at how each SKU varies from one another. On top of this, we’ll provide a brief overview on how you can expect AMD’s shiny new GPU to perform compared to rest of AMD and Nvidia’s current-gen offerings.
Suggested Article: Best Power Supplies to Buy for AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT
Our Recommendations
1. Sapphire Pulse RX 7700 XT
👑 The best budget RX 7700 XT GPU.
To start things off, we have a GPU that shares identical performance with AMD’s reference card, the Sapphire Pulse RX 7700 XT. As AMD’s premier partner company, it’s no surprise to see this design stick to the RX 7700 XT’s base performance and price point. Because of this, consumers will know exactly what to expect in terms of performance, making it one of the safest choices. Despite the lack of performance enhancements, the original RX 7700 XT design will have more than enough firepower to provide smooth 1440p gameplay in a range of different titles.
The only major difference compared to the reference card comes with the aesthetics, as the Sapphire Pulse boasts a more eccentric black and red colour scheme across the shroud. This allows Sapphire’s variant to stand out slightly more than the monotone look found on the refence design, adding some much-needed variation to the cheaper MSRP designs.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Sapphire Pulse RX 7700 XT |
|---|---|
| Video Memory | 12GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192 bit |
| Base Clock Speed | 2.17GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 2.54GHz |
| Stream Processors | 3456 |
| Power Consumption | 245W |
| Ray Accelerators | 54 |
| PCI-E Generation | PCI-E 4.0 |
| GPU Length | 280mm |
| Fans | 2 |
| RGB | No |
Things We Like
Priced at MSRP: For gamers looking to pick up an alternative to AMD’s own RX 7700 XT without having to spend any more for the privilege, then this GPU is the ideal choice for you.
Small form factor: With this SKU sticking to the dual-fan layout, it is a lot shorter than many of the other designs variants. Because of this, consumers should have no issues fitting this GPU into their current PC case.
Things We Don’t Like
Same performance as reference model: One of the main advantages to picking up an AIB model of any GPU tends to be the slight boost in performance. However, this GPU is identical to the reference model when it comes to gaming performance.
Less advanced cooling solution: With the decision to stick to a dual-fan layout and stick to MSRP, the Sapphire Pulse lacks any major changes to thermal regulation. Therefore, users should expect similar characteristics to the reference model.
Summary
For those looking to pick up a brand-new RX 7700 XT at MSRP, the Sapphire Pulse design is a solid alternative to AMD’s reference model. Whilst it doesn’t offer significant changes to performance or aesthetic, the more striking aesthetic will appeal to lots of gamers. On top of this, consumers will know what to expect in terms of price to performance.
Design: 4.2/5
Performance: 4/5
Thermals: 4/5
Value for Money: 4.7/5
Pros
- Available at MSRP
- Compact design
- Solid alternative to reference card
Cons
- Lacks enhancements
- Limited cooling
Where to Buy
Buy the Sapphire Pulse RX 7700 XT on:
2. Gigabyte Gaming OC RX 7700 XT
👑 The best RX 7700 XT GPU for gaming.
Moving onto to a RX 7700 XT graphics card that comes with a sufficient boost to gaming performance, the Gigabyte Gaming OC RX 7700 XT. This variation of AMD’s latest mid-range GPU comes with noticeable boosts to both the base and boost clock speeds, which will result in a small improvement to frame rates in a number of games. It won’t drastically improve your gaming experience, but it’s always nice to get some additional FPS and stability where possible.
In terms of design, the Gigabyte Gaming OC comes with an larger triple-fan layout that bulks out the shroud to increase durability. As for the aesthetics, most of this SKU is kept fairly simple, with an all black shroud that includes a few etchings to create a cybernetic look. However, it does come with a hint of RGB on the fans and the side, which lets consumers brighten up their PC build if they want to.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Gigabyte Gaming OC RX 7700 XT |
|---|---|
| Video Memory | 12GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192 bit |
| Base Clock Speed | 2.27GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 2.59GHz |
| Stream Processors | 3456 |
| Power Consumption | 254W |
| Ray Accelerators | 54 |
| PCI-E Generation | PCI-E 4.0 |
| GPU Length | 302mm |
| Fans | 3 |
| RGB | Yes |
Things We Like
Improved gaming performance: With base and boost clock speeds of 2.27GHz and 2.59GHz respectively, the Gigabyte Gaming OC is a strong choice for any gamers that want to get the best performance possible from a RX 7700 XT graphics card.
Improved thermal regulation: Thanks to the additional fan and the implementation of Gigabyte’s Windforce technology, this graphics card will be able to remain at a low temperature, even during more intense loads.
Things We Don’t Like
Larger form factor: Sizing has proven to be the Achilles heel of many of the latest generation of graphics cards, with many being considered too big. Whilst this design isn’t quite the same level as some of Nvidia’s high-end offerings, it is a step up from the dual-fan variants.
Summary
If you’re looking to optimise the performance of the RX 7700 XT, then Gigabyte’s Gaming OC design is a great pickup. With significant boosts to clock speeds and cooling, this AIB will be able to add a slight bump to this card’s overall gaming performance. Also, it provides some improvements to the appearance in the form of custom RGB lighting.
Design: 4.4/5
Performance: 4.4/5
Thermals: 4.3/5
Value for Money: 4.3/5
Pros
- Boosted performance in games
- Better thermal regulation
- RGB lighting
Cons
- Bulky compared to other SKUs
- Increased size
Where to Buy
Buy the Gigabyte Gaming OC RX 7700 XT on:
3. Powercolor HellHound RX 7700 XT
👑 The best wildcard RX 7700 XT GPU.
Another AIB option that boosts the performance and thermals of the original design is Powercolor’s HellHound RX 7700 XT. This variant falls just shy of Gigabyte’s offering in terms of performance, with the 2.26GHz base clock and 2.58GHz boost clock speeds being a fraction off the pace. However, there are plenty of reasons other than performance as to why consumers would be interested in picking up this SKU. For example, the exposed nature of this design allows for plenty of airflow, which is supported further by the 3 fan layout. As a result, the HellHound remains calm and collected under stress, meaning you shouldn’t have to worry about your system getting too hot. On top of this, the PowerColor HellHound includes bright LED lighting on each of the included fans, which gives consumers the chance to add a blue or purple glow to their system.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | Powercolor HellHound RX 7700 XT |
|---|---|
| Video Memory | 12GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192 bit |
| Base Clock Speed | 2.26GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 2.58GHz |
| Stream Processors | 3456 |
| Power Consumption | 245W |
| Ray Accelerators | 54 |
| PCI-E Generation | PCI-E 4.0 |
| GPU Length | 322mm |
| Fans | 3 |
| RGB | Yes |
Things We Like
Great airflow: The triple-fan layout and open design creates plenty of airflow to circulate around this GPU, resulting in a very efficient cooling method that can handle more demanding scenarios.
Good performance in games: Featuring significantly higher clock speeds than what’s found on the reference RX 7700 XT, this offering from Powercolor is worth considering for anyone that wants an extra bump in performance.
Things We Don’t Like
Increased size: As the longest GPU to feature in this roundup, this AIB is not ideal for those with limited space within their PC case, as it is bound to cause some clearance issues when placed inside a smaller chassis.
Design not for everyone: The exposed nature and lack of custom RGB lighting on this variant is likely to deter a large audience away from this model, especially when you consider the lack of pricing benefits.
Summary
Powercolor’s HellHound RX 7700 XT is a solid variant for gamers that want a slight increase to their performance and cooling. The cooling is certainly a highlight here, as the open shrouding allows more air to flow through this card, allowing it to remain consistently cool.
Design: 4.3/5
Performance: 4.3/5
Thermals: 4.4/5
Value for Money: 4.2/5
Pros
- Excellent thermal regulation
- Solid boost to performance
- Bright LED lighting
Cons
- Less compatible with smaller PC cases
- Design not for everyone
Where to Buy
Buy the Powercolor HellHound RX 7700 XT on:
4. ASUS TUF Gaming RX 7700 XT OC Edition
👑 The best RX 7700 XT GPU design.
Finally, we have one of the more premium RX 7700 XT AIBs from ASUS, with their TUF Gaming RX 7700 XT OC Edition. In terms of GPU designs, the industrial appearance used throughout the ASUS TUF Gaming collection is always one of the more sought after, and it seems to be the same for the RX 7700 XT. Compared to AMD’s reference model, this design looks significantly bulkier due to it’s less rounded form factor. On top of this, the lighter shade and hint of RGB lighting allows this design to stand out more than most designs, making it a solid choice for more luxurious gaming PCs.
Performance-wise, the 3 axial-tech fans drastically increases airflow, resulting in a design that can remain at lower temperatures for longer. Additionally, the premium design will offer a slight boost to clock speeds, leading to additional frames per second in select titles.
Key Specs
| Key Specs | ASUS TUF Gaming RX 7700 XT OC Edition |
|---|---|
| Video Memory | 12GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192 bit |
| Base Clock Speed | 2.27GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 2.59GHz |
| Stream Processors | 3456 |
| Power Consumption | 245W |
| Ray Accelerators | 54 |
| PCI-E Generation | PCI-E 4.0 |
| GPU Length | 320mm |
| Fans | 3 |
| RGB | Yes |
Things We Like
Premium aesthetic: In our opinion, ASUS’ TUF Gaming graphics cards are one of the best looking AIBs on the market, with the industrial-based appearance being right at home within a high-end gaming rig.
Improved clock speeds: The additional speed provided by this SKU will result in a few additional frames in a range of games, making it an ideal choice for those looking to optimise their build.
Things We Don’t Like
Bulky design: Whilst most consumers picking up this GPU will likely have a premium chassis that is big enough to accommodate it, the bulkier form factor could cause problems for those using a smaller PC case.
Expensive compared to MSRP: Considering this design is not far off the price of some RX 7800 XT variants, gamers could get a much better boost to their gaming performance elsewhere.
Summary
As one of the more luxurious AIBs on the market, the ASUS TUF Gaming RX 7700 XT is a design that will be of interest gamers that treat the performance and appearance of a GPU equally. Along with an eye-catching design with custom RGB lighting, this GPU includes significant boosts to clock speeds and thermal regulation, making it an incredibly luxurious offering for RX 7700 XT users.
Design: 4.5/5
Performance: 4.4/5
Thermals: 4.4/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Pros
- Design looks premium
- Bolstered clock speeds
- Efficient cooling system
Cons
- Bulkier form factor
- Not great value for money
Where to Buy
Buy the ASUS TUF Gaming RX 7700 XT OC Edition on:
AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT Gaming Benchmarks
After having a look at all of the different RX 7700 XT graphics cards currently on the market, you may be wondering what performance you can generally expect from AMD’s latest addition to the Radeon 7000 series line-up? Luckily for you, we’ve managed to get our hands on one of these cards to test how the RX 7700 XT copes with the latest and greatest gaming titles.
During our benchmarking sessions, we experimented with various settings to see how this card would be able to compete with other mid-range offerings in various scenarios.
Here is a glimpse at some of our results:
Starfield @ 1440p
For our first benchmark, we fired up Starfield, which is Bethesda’s brand new title, coincidentally releasing on the exact same day. Performance in this game can only described as average. All of the cards that we’ve tested in this game did suffer to a degree, which is a testament to how unoptimised this title is. But regardless of the poor optimisations, the 7700 XT pushed through offering around 74FPS on average, which is more than can be said of the 4060 Ti.
Warzone 2.0 @ 1080p
In Warzone 2.0 at high settings with FSR/DLSS settings enabled, the RX 7700 XT managed to hit 145FPS on average. This makes it an ideal choice for competitive gaming at 1080p, as it will match the output of a 144Hz gaming monitor. This result is also fairly impressive when compared to the rest of the market, as the RX 7700 XT outperformed the RX 6800 and RTX 4060Ti.
@ 1440p
It was a similar story at 1440p, as the RX 7700 XT managed to outperform a lot of Nvidia’s mid-range, including the RTX 4060Ti and RTX 4070.With an average of 137FPS, this graphics card will provide smooth and responsive gameplay while bumping up the visual fidelity.
Hogwarts Legacy @ 1080p
In Hogwarts Legacy, the RX 7700 XT impressed yet again. Compared to the rest of the mid-range market, this GPU managed to eclipse them all, outperforming the likes of Nvidia’s RTX 4070 and AMD’s own RX 6750 XT pretty comfortably. With an 111FPS average at 1080p high settings, this graphics card will provide a smooth ride through this wizarding world.
Why You Can Trust Us
When testing out any of the latest graphics card, our team of PC hardware experts and gaming enthusiasts put them through the wringer in a range of gaming benchmarks. During this time, we also get a general feel of how the GPU deals with general tasks and how it fits into a PC build. This gives us a detailed overview of the product in question, which is shared to our audience via YouTube videos and written content.
If you’d like to know more, head on over to the ‘About Us’ section.
How We Tested the Best RX 7700 XT GPUs:
In order to test and evaluate the best AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT graphics cards, there are a number of factors that we take into account, these are:
- Performance
- Thermals
- Form Factor
- Aesthetic
- Value for Money
Conclusion
Best RX 7700 XT GPU: Gigabyte Gaming OC RX 7700 XT
If we had to select one RX 7700 XT graphics card to slot into our 1440p gaming PC, it would be Gigabyte’s Gaming OC edition. This GPU provides significant improvements to gaming performance, as well as an enhanced design that improves cooling capabilities, making it worth the small hike in price compared to MSRP of AMD’s latest release.
Read our full 7700 XT review, or Buy the Gigabyte Gaming OC RX 7700 XT on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RX 7700 XT Good for Gaming?
Yes. AMD’s Radeon RX 7700 XT is an incredible option for mid-range gamers, offering stellar performance at 1440p. As a result, this card immediately puts itself in contention for being the best value GPU on the market right now.
Does the RX 7700 XT Support FSR 3?
Yes. FSR 3 is set to run on all of AMD’s Radeon 7000 series graphics cards, and even supports Nvidia and Intel GPUs as well. Unfortunately, FSR 3 will only work in a handful of titles at launch, but this should change over time.
How Much Does an RX 7700 XT Cost?
On release, the RX 7700 XT stands at an MSRP of $449, which puts it within the mid-range category. However, AIB models will vary in price and could easily reach up to the $500 mark.
Is 12GB VRAM Good for Gaming?
Yes. 12GB VRAM should be enough to play most games at 1440p max settings, or even at 4K. However, the increasing demands of games could see this change sooner than we would hope.
