Hey everyone! I'm building my first PC and I'm quite new to the whole component selection process. I'm currently considering GPUs for my new setup which will be based on the AM5 platform. I want something efficient, with low power consumption while still delivering great FPS at 1080p or 1440p (I might upgrade my monitor later). My budget is around the three GPUs I mentioned in the title: the 9070 (16 GB), the 9070 XT, and the 5060 Ti (16 GB). Here are a few questions I have:
1. Do the Radeon GPUs from the 9060/9070 series always pull 100% TDP during gameplay, or do they consume less power when used at lower percentages? Anyone has hands-on experience?
2. Will these new GPUs still reach 100% usage (and consequently 100% watts consumption) when I cap my frame rate at 60? My current GPU (Radeon 5700) uses less power at lower loads, so I'm curious.
3. Should I invest in the 5060 Ti 16 GB or go for the 9070? I'm skeptical about the 9070 XT due to heat and power concerns, especially since the 5060 Ti costs about 490€ while the 9070 is around 640€. Ideally, I want the Asus triple fan model for both NVIDIA and AMD, as it seems to be the most efficient.
4. I'm pairing the GPU with an AMD 5 7600X3D. Is this setup overkill, too weak, or just right for future-proofing? I'm considering a PCI 5-ready motherboard as well.
5. For my case, I'm thinking about the "be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX". Is this a good choice for airflow and dust management, or are there better options since I'm not keen on cleaning it often?
Oh, and for context, I play with VSync at 60Hz/60fps to keep my room cool. My current GPU runs hot at around 80 degrees even when it's only taking 150 watts. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
I think there's a misconception about how heat generation works. The temperature your GPU reaches is based on the power it consumes; a cooler running GPU just means it's dissipating heat faster. If you're set on keeping your room cool, look into undervolting your GPU to use less power - that should help. Between the options, the 5060 Ti and 9060 XT will draw less power compared to the 9070 series, making them more efficient overall.
In general, GPUs with a larger core count tend to be more efficient at lower clocks, which is something to consider. Among the GPUs you're looking at, the 9070 and 9070 XT would likely be the most efficient, but if you prioritize lower wattage, the 5060 Ti is a good choice too. Just keep in mind the clock speeds; higher clock speeds can lead to more heat.
So, if I want lower power usage, I should lean toward the 9070? Even if it has a higher clock speed?
When it comes to GPU power consumption, it really does scale with utilization. If you set a frame limit that's below what your GPU can handle, it will use less power. AMD’s Adrenaline software also has options for power limit adjustments and undervolting, which can help keep things cooler and quieter.
Regarding question 3, you’d be correct that the 9070 and 9070 XT should perform similarly in terms of power draw if capped at 60 fps. If you're looking for longevity with your next card, the 9070 might be the safer bet, especially if you want to avoid needing another upgrade in just a few years.
That's a good point! I didn’t realize you could adjust those settings. If I don’t mind a bit of tinkering, I might actually prefer the 9070 for some future-proofing.
Thanks for the insight! Just one more thing - does undervolting impact the longevity of the GPU?