AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT review

Reviewing the AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT looks like déjà vu, because it in some ways looks like we’re again on the launch of RDNA 3 once more. As was the case again then, one graphics card feels just like the clearly higher possibility whereas the opposite struggles to flee from beneath its sibling’s shadow. Sadly, this GPU falls into the latter camp, considerably spoiling its in any other case respectable efficiency and worth.

I’ve been testing the RX 7700 XT for per week or so now, testing it with our benchmark suite along with taking part in video games with it in my spare time. When it’s not been in our take a look at rig, the AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT has taken its place, and its presence can be keenly felt all through this evaluation. Anticipate some Nvidia GeForce graphics playing cards to indicate face too, on this bid for a spot on our best graphics card information.

AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT specs

The AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT specs characteristic a reduce down model of the Navi 32 GPU, with six fewer stream processors, compute models, and ray accelerators. Given this represents a ten% discount, its value strains up accordingly, barely disappointingly so – it will’ve been good to see the worth drop/efficiency ratio enhance barely on the cheaper card.

Taking a look at its predecessor, the 7700 XT shares a number of similarities with the RDNA 2-based AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT and some shocking upgrades too. Each pixel pushers characteristic 12GB of GDDR6 VRAM on a 192-bit bus, however the RDNA 3 graphics card boasts a great addition in bandwidth due to increased clocks.

Whereas I might’ve most popular to see 16GB right here, I’m glad to see an possibility with capability larger than 8GB beneath $500, aside from the marginally pointless GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16GB. You must step as much as the $600 GeForce RTX 4070 for a aggressive Nvidia possibility with this a lot VRAM.

Each sport and increase clock speeds are decrease this time round, however the variety of core parts has dramatically elevated in order that that is mainly a moot level. That is with out even taking the enhancements supplied by the RDNA 3 microarchitecture into consideration.

It’s unclear whether or not effectivity has taken a knock right here, given the souped up specs, however the 7700 XT does have the next TBP of 245W. Taking a look at different playing cards within the RDNA 3 line up, just like the Radeon RX 7900 XTX, that is seemingly the case, however it’s a minor gripe regardless.

In contrast to all its different relations, the 7700 XT doesn’t have a reference design. As an alternative, it’s solely out there from board companions, just like the ASUS TUF Gaming instance we now have for this evaluation.

AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT benchmarks

Earlier than we get into our AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT benchmarks, I need to spotlight that I used to be unable to check the GPU with the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, as I’ve in all our different GPU critiques.

Instead, I’ve used the AMD Ryzen 9 7900, which ought to present comparable body charges at 1440p and 4K however is probably not indicative of this card’s efficiency ceiling at 1080p. We’ll intention to replace our findings as soon as we’re in a position to retest the graphics card with the 7800X3D.

The next AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT benchmarks include body fee knowledge for native 1080p, 1440p, and 4K resolutions. In my testing, I’ve recorded metrics utilizing the best high quality preset for every sport, toggling between ray tracing and non-ray-traced settings. Every benchmark was run 3 times to supply a median consequence.

Listed below are the specs of our take a look at system:

• GPU: ASUS TUF Gaming Radeon RX 7700 XT
• Driver: Adrenalin 23.20.01.05
• OS: Home windows 11 Professional 22H2 (22621.2134)
• Motherboard: Asus TUF Gaming X670E-Plus (BIOS model 1636)
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7900
• RAM: Corsair Vengeance 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR5 6,000MHz
• SSD: WD_Black SN850X 1TB
• PSU: Corsair RMx SHIFT Sequence 1000W
• Case: Corsair 5000D RGB Airflow

For extra info on our benchmarking course of, see our how we test web page.

AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT ray tracing off

Delivering on its promise to craft a suitably highly effective 1440p card, AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT rasterization efficiency is expectedly good. Regardless of 4K proving an excessive amount of for the graphics card in some instances, it naturally can stretch its legs all of the extra at 1080p.

The 7700 XT pulls forward towards the RTX 4060 Ti 8GB in all however two of our gaming benchmarks. Nevertheless, these are each at 1080p and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D might very nicely shut the hole right here. Even with out the best gaming CPU at its aspect, although, it’s as a rule both in spitting distance of or impressively beating the RTX 4070.

That is felt all of the extra at 1440p, even within the Nvidia strongholds which are Hitman 3 and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Sadly, it’s unattainable to disregard the outcomes from the 7800 XT, which gives a median of 16% extra efficiency for an additional 11% in price ($50).

The shadow of the 7800 XT grows ever bigger at 4K too, blasting the 7700 XT away by 15-30% in common body charges. This uncomfortable reality badly results the worth of this card. If AMD slashed the price of the 7700 XT by $50 or so, matching the worth of the RTX 4060 Ti 8GB, it will be in a much better place.

To be clear, the efficiency right here is loads to make most players blissful. It simply feels as if AMD is repeating the identical mistake it made with the Radeon RX 7900 XT, pricing it too intently to a different mannequin at launch solely to inevitably rectify its mistake with value cuts. This is able to additionally make the dearth of a DLSS Body Era competitor sting much less, which I’ll contact on extra shortly.

AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT ray tracing

AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT ray tracing efficiency follows the identical trajectory of different graphics playing cards in its household. In contrast to the AMD Radeon RX 7600, nevertheless, playable body charges are literally attainable.

Even so, its rasterized prowess at 1440p doesn’t translate right here, attempt as it would. Actually, the RTX 4060 Ti typically matches or beats the 7700 XT at 1080p and above, save for in F1 22. The one exception right here is Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy at 4K, however the 12GB of VRAM isn’t fairly sufficient to make this a victory because of stutters.

To make issues worse, the 7800 XT continues to supply higher worth in ray tracing too. That very same 11% value distinction nets a further 16-17% efficiency enchancment, which grows to a whopping 53% while you take Cyberpunk 2077 and Hitman 3 at 4K into consideration. Nevertheless, I’d sooner low cost these outcomes since neither GPU produces playable body charges.

Introducing DLSS Body Era into the equation leaves the 7700 XT within the mud. This isn’t an issue that’s distinctive to this specific AMD GPU, however it’s a bigger drawback given its direct competitors is already cheaper. For what feels just like the umpteenth time, AMD FSR 3 can not come quickly sufficient.

AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT value

As I’ve alluded to all through this evaluation, the AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT value is the largest subject going through this graphics card. At $449, it merely begs to be $50 cheaper, at the least.

At its present value, it stays a stable purchase, however there’s merely no purpose to purchase it as a substitute of the 7800 XT until your funds completely can’t  presumably stretch that far. With that in thoughts, the 7700 XT is on the very least higher worth for cash than the RTX 4060 Ti 8GB, however the bar wasn’t set notably excessive there.

I’m satisfied that we are going to see the 7700 XT value fall not lengthy after launch, nevertheless, as has been the case with earlier Radeon releases. At $400, the 7700 XT will turn into one thing of a no brainer for at present’s video games and past.

That is in the event you’re not bothered about ray tracing, after all. Wherein case, you could be higher off selecting up a secondhand GeForce RTX 3000 collection GPU (assuming you will get one at a good value) as different present era choices at this value merely aren’t definitely worth the cash.

Is the AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT price it?

The AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT is the most cost effective present era graphics card that I can typically suggest, however that is much less concerning the GPU itself and extra a commentary on the poor state of the market.

To its credit score, it options the minimal quantity of VRAM that I might anticipate from a contemporary midrange graphics card, and places in a robust exhibiting in terms of taking part in video games with out ray tracing. I merely want it was greater than $50 cheaper than the RX 7800 XT, as that card presents higher worth proper now.

When AMD seemingly course corrects with a value drop, I hope this ends in the corporate grabbing one thing of a stranglehold on the midrange market. This could, hopefully, drive Nvidia to likewise push costs down within the brief time period. Seeking to the longer term although, I anticipate this to turn into the brand new flooring of upcoming generations, as we merely can’t be sure by the constraints of 8GB VRAM buffers any longer.

Professionals:

• Extra VRAM than RTX 4060 Ti 8GB
• Good rasterization efficiency
• Higher specs than earlier era

Cons:

• 7800 XT looks like higher worth
• Ray tracing efficiency is considerably missing
• No reply for DLSS Body Era

AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT alternate options

Need to know what different graphics card choices you’ve got earlier than selecting the AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT? Listed below are a number of of our picks:

AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT

The AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT could price $50 greater than the 7700 XT, however it gives larger worth by way of efficiency and specs that exceed its value distinction.

Try our AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT review for extra particulars.