I keep seeing the RX 9070 XT recommended for gaming. Is it really the best value, or are there better options depending on the price and what you're playing?
Is the RX 9070 XT the best value GPU right now?
Asked by
tinsel.on.trial
Answers
It can be a strong value for 1440p gaming, but check the regular RX 9070 too. If the XT costs substantially more for a relatively small performance gain, the non-XT may be the better deal. If the prices are close, the extra speed makes the XT easier to justify.
Reply to this answer
Best value at what budget? A cheaper RX 9060 XT 16GB could make more sense if it runs your games well enough. The 9070 XT gives you more performance, but spending more isn't automatically the best deal for everyone.
Reply to this answer
Don't judge it on average frame rates alone. If ray tracing or Nvidia features like DLSS matter to you, compare it with the RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti in the games you actually play. For productivity or machine learning, check whether your software supports the GPU and its software stack before buying.
Reply to this answer
For an older system, the CPU can change the value calculation. At 1440p, a 9700K paired with a 9070 XT should still be a sizable upgrade from an RTX 2060, but some games can be CPU limited, especially when chasing high frame rates. How much performance you leave on the table depends on the game and settings.
crisp.7:
There is some disagreement about how much that limit matters. I'd look for benchmarks close to your CPU, resolution, and target frame rate.
Reply to this answer
If you're open to used cards, compare those prices too. An RX 6800 XT or RTX 4070 might be worth considering for 1440p, though the deal depends on condition, price, and what features you want. A good used deal could beat a new 9070 XT on value.
Reply to this answer
Add your answer
Answers are reviewed before publication.
0x91!chalkboard:
Compare the actual prices in your area rather than assuming the gap is always the same. Sales can change the math quite a bit.