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We’re taking a look at the RX 7800 XT vs RX 6800 XT comparison to help you decide if you should upgrade or not.
With the release of the RX 7800 XT, it’s time to take a closer look at AMD’s latest entry to the RX 7000-series lineup. The RX 7800 XT is meant to provide rock-solid performance across all resolutions, including 4K. AMD has also introduced its latest FSR and the Hyper-RX pipeline along with the RX 7800 XT. These new features are meant to bring performance improvements for all AMD cards, including the RX 7800 XT. Make sure you know where to buy the RX 7800 XT from if you want to get it.
The RX 6800 XT was released back in late 2020. Ever since its release, the RX 6800 XT quickly made a name for itself as one of the best bang for the buck 1440p and 4K gaming graphics cards. If you’re looking to go for it, then make sure you get the best RX 6800 XT graphics card.
Is the RX 6800 XT still good for the next couple of years, or is it worth it to upgrade to the RX 7800 XT?
RX 7800 XT vs RX 6800 XT – architecture
Whenever you’re choosing between different graphics cards, make sure you go over their architectures to get a deeper look at their performance, efficiency, and other features.
The RX 7800 XT is based on the RDNA 3 architecture. RDNA 3 is a big upgrade from RDNA 2 because it is the first architecture in the world to bring a chiplet design for GPUs. Plus, it is also the first time AMD has shifted to TSMC’s 5nm process node from 7nm. As a result, the RX 7000-series cards are up to 50% more power efficient than their RX 6000-series cards. RDNA 3 also brings AI Acceleration to the table for the first time, along with 2nd gen Infinity Cache and 2nd gen Raytracing.
The RX 6800 XT is built using the RDNA 2 architecture. Since RDNA 2 is a predecessor of RDNA 3, it is not as powerful or efficient as RDNA 3. It uses TSMC’s 7nm process node and features 1st gen Raytracing and 1st gen Infinity Cache. However, this does not mean that the RDNA 2 or the GPUs based on it lack power or efficiency. These are still very well-built graphics cards that perform flawlessly to this.
In short, when it comes to architecture, the RX 7800 XT takes the lead. When we compare RDNA 3 to RDNA 2, RDNA 3 is a clear winner in every aspect.
RX 7800 XT vs RX 6800 XT – specs comparison
| Specs | RX 7800 XT | RX 6800 XT |
| GPU Architecture | RDNA 3.0 | RDNA 2.0 |
| Cores | 3840 | 4608 |
| Base clock | 1800 MHz | 1825 MHz |
| Boost clock | 2430 MHz | 2250 MHz |
| Die Size | 346 mm² | 520 mm² |
| Memory | 16 GB GDDR6 | 16 GB GDDR6 |
| Bandwidth | 624 GB/s | 512 GB/s |
| TGP | 263 W | 300W |
Glancing over the specifications, the overall upgrade from RX 6800 XT to RX 7800 XT seems disappointing. Sure, the boost clock speed and the memory bandwidth are higher, but that’s pretty much all. The RX 6800 XT actually has 768 more cores than its successor, which is quite shocking.
Plus, the card also has a higher base clock speed, although that’s negligible. With the exact same VRAM, another place where the RX 7800 XT manages to stay ahead of its predecessor is its TGP, which is 37 W less. As such, the RX 7800 XT should generate less heat and consume less power than the RX 6800 XT.
Overall, as far as specifications go, the RX 7800 XT barely stands on top of the RX 6800 XT. Yes, the RX 6800 XT has more cores, but the higher boost speed and more memory bandwidth, along with the improved architecture, give the RX 7800 XT an edge.
RX 7800 XT vs RX 6800 XT – performance
You also need to go over the performance of the two cards to make an informed purchase decision. The RX 7800 XT can handle 1440p gaming with zero hiccups. In fact, it can also run 4K gaming with really good FPS.
On the other hand, the RX 6800 XT should give you around 170-180 average FPS at 1080p, 140 to 150 FPS at 1440p, and somewhere around 70 to 80 FPS at 4K. Now that FSR 3 is coming, and it is supported by all RX 5000 and above graphics cards, you should be able to enjoy even more performance with the RX 6800 XT. FSR 3 brings both upscaled resolution and AI frame generation to the table, so you can have better performance at higher resolutions.
Nevertheless, the RX 7800 XT is still the better GPU in performance. It will benefit and utilize FSR 3 more than the RX 6800 XT, and its improved architecture also means better future-proofing.
RX 7800 XT vs RX 6800 XT – price comparison
AMD has listed the RX 7800 XT at $500. Therefore, its AIB variants will also fall in the same price range. This is very good pricing from AMD, as you get 16 GB VRAM for 500 bucks. As for the RX 6800 XT, it was $650 on launch. However, you can get one for as low as $500 right now.
If we talk about the prices as of now, then the RX 7800 XT stands to offer more value for money. It is the latest card, has more performance, and will last you for several years to come. When the RX 6800 XT eventually declines in price, that’s when the RX 6800 XT will offer more value for money.
XFX SPEEDSTER QICK319 AMD Radeon RX 7800XT
Base clock
1290 MHz
Boost clock
2430 MHz
VRAM
16GB GDDR6
Dimensions
335 x 130 x 50mm
Recommended PSU
700W
XFX SPEEDSTER MERC319 AMD Radeon RX 7800XT
Base clock
1620 MHz
Boost clock
2565 MHz
VRAM
16GB GDDR6
Dimensions
335 x 129 x 50 mm
Recommended PSU
700
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 7800XT GAMING OC
Base clock
2124 MHz
Boost clock
2430 MHz
VRAM
16GB GDDR6
Dimensions
302 x 130 x 56mm
Recommended PSU
700W
RX 7800 XT vs RX 6800 XT – final words
All in all, if you currently own an RX 6800 XT, then there is no need to upgrade to the RX 7800 XT. The card still offers excellent performance, and now with FSR 3, it should be even better. However, if you’re looking for a new graphics card, then it depends on your how much you can spend. You should go for the RX 7800 XT if you have a $500 budget. Similarly, if you’re looking for something cheaper, then wait for RX 6800 XT to drop in prices.
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