This Radeon overview has been within the making for months, not simply because testing takes a substantial period of time, but additionally as a result of acquiring practically each Radeon RX 9070 XT mannequin available on the market has been a significant problem. Nonetheless, we have managed to do it – nicely, nearly.
The one lacking fashions are the Asrock Challenger and PowerColor Reaper, neither of which is at the moment in manufacturing. Producers are prioritizing higher-end, higher-margin elements as a result of overwhelming demand. We do not agree with that technique, however from a enterprise perspective, it is sensible, and finally we’ve no affect over it.
The excellent news is that we’ve 14 fashions readily available. All have been rigorously examined, evaluating each gaming and thermal efficiency, together with their particular person function units. Let’s check out every mannequin individually earlier than diving into the outcomes.
The Playing cards
Asrock Metal Legend
We’ll start with the Asrock RX 9070 XT Metal Legend, a white graphics card – although there’s a ‘Darkish’ model in black. The Metal Legend at the moment prices $715. For a base mannequin 9070 XT, it’s pretty well-equipped.
It encompasses a triple-fan cooler with ARGB lighting and a full-length backplate with a cutout. The cardboard measures 296 mm in size, 130 mm in peak, and 57 mm in width, making it a triple-slot mannequin. It weighs 1,153 grams.
As for energy, Asrock has opted for 2 8-pin connectors, which is a typical configuration. Sadly, there is no such thing as a twin BIOS function. As a substitute, Asrock consists of an RGB header and a change to toggle lighting on or off. Show output is commonplace, with three DisplayPorts and a single HDMI.
The Metal Legend has a noticeably plastic look. Whereas some might recognize the lighting results, the cardboard does feel and look low-cost total.
Asrock Taichi
The Taichi is Asrock’s flagship RX 9070 XT mannequin, at the moment priced at $800. This model is barely obtainable in black and is actually a bigger, extra sturdy model of the Metal Legend. Whereas the design is kind of comparable, Asrock has added a number of aluminum components to the fan shroud, giving it a extra premium feel and look.
This mannequin additionally consists of twin BIOS help and swaps the 2 8-pin PCIe energy connectors for a single 12V Excessive Energy connector.
General, it’s a bigger, heavier graphics card, weighing 1,470 grams. It measures 330 mm in size, 139 mm in peak, and 60 mm in width, making it one other triple-slot mannequin. The Taichi seems to have all of it, so we’re particularly curious to see the way it performs.
Asus Prime
Essentially the most reasonably priced RX 9070 XT mannequin from Asus is the Prime, priced at $720. It’s a pretty fundamental graphics card, nevertheless it consists of all of the necessities, akin to a full-length aluminum backplate, twin BIOS help, and a strong array of show outputs: three DisplayPorts and a single HDMI.
It is a triple-fan mannequin weighing 1,100 grams and measuring 313 mm lengthy, 131 mm tall, and 50 mm vast, making it one other triple-slot card. It makes use of three 8-pin PCIe energy connectors, so there’s ample energy enter. Being a Prime mannequin, it lacks RGB lighting, providing as an alternative a clear and easy black design.
Asus TUF Gaming
The opposite Asus RX 9070 XT mannequin is the TUF Gaming, which is priced at a steep $850. That stated, when it comes to design, it is likely one of the extra premium fashions. In comparison with the Asrock playing cards, it options considerably much less plastic, although it’s not totally aluminum like some GeForce fashions.
Nonetheless, it makes use of a considerable quantity of aluminum, contributing to a extra strong and premium really feel. This card can be large, measuring 330 mm in size, 140 mm in peak, and 63 mm in width. It weighs 1,448 grams, placing it near the Taichi. Asus has once more opted for 3 8-pin PCIe connectors and twin BIOS help, and this time consists of tasteful ARGB lighting. General, the TUF Gaming is a really hefty RX 9070 XT graphics card.
Gigabyte Gaming
Transferring on to Gigabyte, which additionally gives two fashions, we are going to begin with the “Gaming.” Sure, a 9070 XT graphics card that’s merely named “Gaming.” So, I suppose you’ll know what to do with it – mine bitcoin?
The Gaming is a really basic-looking graphics card. It’s fairly compact for a triple-fan model, measuring simply 289 mm in size and 128 mm in peak, although it’s 55 mm thick and can occupy three slots. It additionally weighs a strong 1,261 grams.
For energy, Gigabyte has used a triple 8-pin configuration. As for show outputs, the cardboard encompasses a much less widespread setup with two DisplayPorts and two HDMI ports. When you require twin HDMI outputs, this can be the appropriate mannequin for you. It additionally consists of twin BIOS performance, ARGB lighting, and a full-size aluminum backplate with a passthrough space. General, the Gaming seems to test all of the packing containers.
Gigabyte Elite
The very best-end 9070 XT mannequin from Gigabyte is the “Elite,” which presents a way more refined and critical look in comparison with the Gaming. Pricing is round $760, though availability is restricted in the US.
In comparison with the Gaming, the Elite is 23 % heavier and far bigger, measuring 334 mm lengthy, 136 mm tall, and 60 mm vast. It’s a true triple-slot card. Just like the Gaming, it options two DisplayPorts and two HDMI ports and makes use of three 8-pin PCIe energy connectors.
Gigabyte has included twin BIOS performance, a full-size aluminum backplate with a passthrough space, and a formidable array of ARGB results. The halo lighting across the followers seems to be particularly putting. Whereas the fan shroud is made solely of plastic, the design nonetheless manages to look high-end with some considerate detailing. General, it’s a great-looking mannequin that ought to carry out nicely.
PowerColor Hellhound (Black)
Now it’s time to have a look at what PowerColor has to supply. Please word that we’re skipping the Reaper, as PowerColor is now not producing it. We had been unable to acquire one both.
That leaves the Hellhound as essentially the most reasonably priced PowerColor 9070 XT, at the moment priced at $750, making it the most affordable 9070 XT obtainable there. The Hellhound is available in each black and white variants. We are going to take a fast have a look at the white model subsequent.
The Hellhound is a fundamental mannequin, nevertheless it consists of all of the necessities: twin BIOS help, a full-size aluminum backplate, three DisplayPorts, and a single HDMI output. It’s also pretty compact for a triple-fan card.
In complete, it measures 328 mm in size, 127 mm in peak, and 50 mm in width, occupying three slots. It weighs 1,172 grams. The fan shroud seems to be like aluminum however is definitely plastic. Even so, the cardboard seems fairly premium for a base mannequin. It doesn’t function ARGB results, however there are delicate blue LEDs on the finish of the cardboard. Nonetheless, because the colour can’t be modified, customers who aren’t followers of sunshine blue might want to flip them off.
PowerColor Hellhound (White)
Now for a fast have a look at the white model of the Hellhound. PowerColor has accomplished a superb job with this mannequin. In contrast, the white model of the Asrock Metal Legend isn’t very cohesive – its plastic fan shroud is partly white with grey areas, the backplate is usually white, the heatsink is silver, and the PCB is black. It doesn’t supply a very clear white aesthetic.
The Hellhound White, alternatively, is a murals. The followers, shroud, heatsink, heatpipes, energy connectors, PCB, fan cables, backplate, and even the I/O bracket are all white. The one non-white elements are the GPU retention bracket and the rear screws. Every part else seen with the cardboard totally assembled is white, making it an ideal match for any white-themed construct. Wonderful work from PowerColor.
PowerColor Purple Satan
PowerColor’s flagship 9070 XT mannequin is the well-known Purple Satan, which can be obtainable in an all-white model. The Purple Satan is priced at $820. As a flagship product, it is rather giant, measuring 340 mm lengthy, 134 mm tall, and 64 mm vast. It’s also one of many heaviest 9070 XT fashions we’ve seen, weighing in at 1,545 grams.
The Purple Satan options the usual three DisplayPorts and one HDMI output, together with a 3 8-pin PCIe energy connector structure, widespread amongst higher-end playing cards. Extra options embrace twin BIOS help, a full-size aluminum backplate, and ARGB lighting. PowerColor has additionally applied a phase-change thermal pad on the GPU to boost thermal effectivity, which we’re keen to guage.
Sapphire Pulse
Subsequent up is Sapphire, and we’re beginning with essentially the most reasonably priced mannequin: the 9070 XT Pulse, priced at $720. The Pulse is giant however comparatively fundamental, with an obvious emphasis on cooling efficiency, which is a welcome focus.
What it lacks are flashy lighting results and twin BIOS performance. It’s extra of a barebones card. Like PowerColor, Sapphire has used a two DisplayPort and two HDMI output configuration, together with twin 8-pin PCIe energy connectors.
Whereas the PowerColor Hellhound is kind of compact, the Pulse is taller and wider. Nonetheless, the 2 playing cards weigh practically the identical. The Pulse is barely 3 % heavier, regardless of being 20 % wider and 5 % taller. Its total dimensions are 321 mm in size, 133 mm in peak, and 60 mm in width, and it makes use of a triple-slot mounting bracket.
The backplate options a big cutout and the heatsink is huge, so we anticipate it to carry out competitively when it comes to thermal effectivity.
Sapphire Pure
Subsequent is the Sapphire Pure, priced at $740. It’s only obtainable in white, as that’s the theme of the “Pure” branding. Nonetheless, in contrast to PowerColor, Sapphire’s white fashions aren’t totally white.
The PCB is black, the heatsink is silver, and the facility connectors are black. Whereas it’s going to nonetheless mix fairly nicely with white builds, it’s not as cohesive because the Hellhound White.
When it comes to specs, the cardboard consists of two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs, two 8-pin PCIe energy connectors, a triple-slot bracket (not white), and a few ARGB backlit Sapphire branding. The one omission is twin BIOS help. It weighs 1,233 grams and measures 323 mm lengthy, 133 mm tall, and 61 mm vast. It options three white followers.
Sapphire Nitro+
Lastly, we’ve Sapphire’s flagship mannequin: the Nitro+, priced at $770. Amongst all of the 9070 XT playing cards, this one is our favourite. It seems to be wonderful and consists of a number of distinctive options. That stated, our solely criticism is the dearth of black and white choices. Whereas the silvery gray colour is exclusive, it doesn’t match many builds. A white model could be excellent.
Some standout options embrace a facet grill design with an ARGB lightbar and a hidden energy connector behind a detachable magnetic backplate, creating a really clear look. As with different Sapphire playing cards, there are two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs. It’s a triple-slot card, measuring 327 mm lengthy, 141 mm tall, and 64 mm vast.
Regardless of solely being barely bigger than the Pure, it’s considerably heavier, weighing 1,894 grams – a 54 % enhance. The detachable backplate alone weighs 309 grams, accounting for 16 % of the cardboard’s complete weight. The truth is, the Nitro+ successfully has two backplates, which explains the added bulk.
Behind the detachable backplate, you will see that a single 12-pin high-power connector and an ARGB header. It’s a very intelligent and efficient design.
XFX Swift
Essentially the most reasonably priced RX 9070 XT we’ve from XFX is the Swift, priced at $720, making it one of many extra accessible fashions. This stealth black card has a smooth look that we expect seems to be nice. Just like the PowerColor Hellhound, the fan shroud is made solely of plastic, nevertheless it nonetheless manages to really feel strong and fairly premium.
It encompasses a full-size aluminum backplate, and apparently, it’s fairly vast at 65 mm. XFX labels it a 3.5-slot card, however in actuality, it occupies 4 slots, successfully blocking the fourth PCIe slot. Regardless of being comparatively compact in size at 320 mm, it’s fairly vast.
It is a triple-fan mannequin, and at 1,350 grams, it’s pretty heavy for its dimension. XFX has included three DisplayPorts, a single HDMI output, and two 8-pin PCIe energy connectors. Twin BIOS help is current, however there is no such thing as a ARGB lighting – only a clear white backlit XFX emblem that matches the understated aesthetic.
XFX Quicksilver
The XFX Quicksilver might be bought for ~$740, it is primarily a bigger and heavier model of the Swift. It’s roughly 7 % greater and 14 % heavier, with a width of 69 mm that once more blocks 4 enlargement slots. It measures 348 mm in size, 130 mm in peak, and weighs 1,545 grams.
It additionally consists of twin BIOS performance however no ARGB lighting results, simply the identical backlit XFX emblem. The cardboard makes use of two 8-pin PCIe energy connectors and consists of three DisplayPort outputs together with a single HDMI.
The model we’ve options Magnetic Air followers, that are simple to take away for cleansing or alternative if wanted. It is a good contact, though the usual mannequin delivers an identical cooling efficiency. Presently, the Magnetic Air model is more durable to search out and considerably dearer, so the usual model is probably going the higher alternative.
XFX Mercury
XFX’s flagship RX 9070 XT, the Mercury is priced at $780. If the Quicksilver is a step up from the Swift, then the Mercury is an much more superior and feature-rich model of the Quicksilver.
This card weighs 1,705 grams, making it 10 % heavier than the Quicksilver. It’s barely longer at 349 mm, significantly taller at 142 mm, and wider at 72 mm. The truth is, the Mercury is the longest, tallest, and widest 9070 XT available on the market.
It’s also one of many best-looking playing cards we’ve seen, with a clear, premium design obtainable in both white or black. We’ve the white model readily available. The LED lightbar operating throughout the cardboard is visually spectacular. Though the white mannequin doesn’t function a white heatsink, the general look stays very cohesive. XFX has gone with the everyday output structure of three DisplayPorts and one HDMI.
Energy is offered by three 8-pin PCIe connectors. As anticipated, it consists of twin BIOS help, a full-size aluminum backplate with a passthrough space, and ARGB lighting via the lightbar. It is a totally featured mannequin with an outsized cooler, and we’re excited to see the way it performs.
Check System Specs
Now it’s time for testing, beginning with thermal efficiency. The info was recorded after one hour of looping the F1 25 benchmark at 4K decision. The case used is the Antec Flux Professional in its commonplace configuration, with a 360 mm AIO cooler mounted on the prime.
The CPU used is the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. All exams had been carried out with an ambient room temperature of 21°C, and circumstances had been saved constant all through.
Benchmarks (Inventory)
Common GPU Temperature
First, allow us to check out the typical GPU temperature. That is calculated by averaging the readings from the varied temperature sensors positioned throughout the RDNA4 GPU. This worth is usually 20 to 30°C cooler than the most well liked level inside the GPU die, generally known as the hotspot, which we are going to study subsequent.
When reviewing these inventory outcomes, you will need to perceive that this isn’t a direct apples-to-apples comparability. The info displays out-of-the-box efficiency with no guide tuning. Variations in fan pace, energy consumption, and working frequency from one mannequin to a different introduce variables that have an effect on the outcomes. For reference, we’ve included fan pace and common core clock frequency for every mannequin on the graph.
The XFX Mercury and Asus TUF Gaming delivered the bottom common GPU temperature at 51°C, each sustaining comparatively excessive clock speeds of round 2,680 MHz. Nonetheless, this was achieved with reasonably excessive fan speeds of 1,600 and 1,700 RPM, respectively.
The vary of common GPU temperatures throughout all fashions was comparatively slim, with simply an 11-degree unfold between the best and warmest playing cards. Even the warmest, the Sapphire Pulse at 62°C, remained very cool total. Allow us to now check out hotspot temperatures.
GPU Hotspot Temperature
Hotspot temperatures additionally confirmed a good vary, with solely a 13-degree distinction between the best and warmest fashions. As soon as once more, the XFX Mercury led the group with a peak hotspot temperature of 76°C, adopted by the Swift and Quicksilver at 79°C. XFX has accomplished a superb job right here, although it’s value noting that the Swift and Quicksilver reported decrease common clock frequencies, which we are going to issue into efficiency later.
A lot of the RX 9070 XT fashions operated between 80 and 85°C. This slim vary reveals constant thermal conduct. Though the Purple Satan and Nitro+ appeared additional down the graph than anticipated, their fan speeds had been decrease whereas sustaining excessive working frequencies.
On the different finish of the spectrum, the Asrock Metal Legend and Gigabyte Gaming had been among the many worst performers. These playing cards not solely ran the most well liked however had been additionally a number of the loudest throughout testing.
GPU Reminiscence Temperature
Subsequent, we examined GPU reminiscence temperatures beneath inventory circumstances. Outcomes ranged from 74°C as much as 90°C. The perfect-performing fashions on this space included the Asus Prime, XFX Swift, XFX Quicksilver, and surprisingly, the Gigabyte Gaming.
There was a noticeable bounce with the XFX Mercury at 82°C, adopted by the Gigabyte Elite and Asus TUF Gaming at 84°C.
GPU VRM Temperature
In relation to VRM temperature, we noticed the widest vary but. The Gigabyte Elite carried out finest at simply 57°C, with the Gigabyte Gaming shut behind at 59°C. Clearly, Gigabyte is doing one thing proper on this space. The XFX Mercury and Asus TUF Gaming additionally delivered sturdy outcomes at 64°C.
On the alternative finish, we once more discovered the Sapphire Pulse struggling, reaching 86°C. Whereas that is nonetheless inside a protected working vary, it’s notably hotter than most different base fashions.
Benchmarks (Noise Normalized)
Common GPU Temperature
With the graphics playing cards noise normalized, we nonetheless face the problem of some fashions operating at considerably larger clock speeds than others. Normalizing that side is rather more tough. Below these noise-normalized circumstances, the Asrock Taichi performs nicely when it comes to common GPU temperature, as do the XFX Quicksilver, XFX Mercury, and Sapphire Nitro+. On the opposite finish of the spectrum, weaker performers embrace the PowerColor Hellhound, Gigabyte Elite, and particularly the Asus Prime and Gigabyte Gaming.
GPU Hotspot Temperature
hotspot temperatures, all XFX fashions carried out very nicely. The Mercury was a couple of levels hotter than the Quicksilver, doubtless as a result of its common clock pace being 6 % larger – a major enhance. Sapphire fashions additionally delivered sturdy outcomes. The Nitro+ ran barely hotter than the Pure and Pulse but additionally maintained the next clock pace.
As soon as once more, the weakest performers had been the Asrock Metal Legend and Gigabyte Gaming. It’s value noting that Gigabyte Gaming was reported to be clocking very aggressively on this check.
GPU Reminiscence Temperature
When it comes to reminiscence temperatures, XFX takes the lead with the Quicksilver and Swift fashions exhibiting one of the best outcomes. Following these, there’s roughly a ten°C bounce to the Asus Prime and Gigabyte Gaming.
Most fashions operated between 78°C and 85°C. The PowerColor Hellhound and Asrock Metal Legend had been the warmest at 84°C and 85°C, respectively, although these temperatures stay nicely inside protected working limits.
GPU VRM Temperature
An attention-grabbing commentary is that, regardless of weaker GPU and reminiscence thermals in comparison with the competitors, the Gigabyte Gaming mannequin carried out very nicely in VRM cooling, peaking at simply 59°C. The Gigabyte Elite did even higher at solely 51°C. Most different fashions additionally ran very cool, with the Asrock Metal Legend and Asus Prime being the warmest at 71°C, which continues to be a protected and cheap degree.
Gaming Checks
Black Fable Wukong
Allow us to now have a look at gaming efficiency, beginning with Black Fable: Wukong utilizing the built-in benchmark at 1440p with the Excessive preset. On this check, we noticed a 6 % efficiency unfold between the quickest and slowest RX 9070 XT fashions.
The XFX Mercury, Sapphire Nitro+, and Asrock Taichi led the pack, adopted by the Sapphire Pure, PowerColor Purple Satan, Gigabyte Elite, and Asus TUF Gaming. The weakest performers had been the XFX Swift, XFX Quicksilver, and Sapphire Pulse.
Name of Responsibility Black Ops 6
In Name of Responsibility: Black Ops 6, outcomes had been extra carefully grouped, exhibiting only a 4 % distinction between the quickest and slowest fashions – extra according to expectations. As soon as once more, the Sapphire Nitro+ carried out very nicely, whereas the Asus TUF Gaming and PowerColor Purple Satan had been additionally among the many prime performers.
The XFX Mercury slipped barely however was nonetheless solely 2 % behind the Nitro+. The slowest fashions on this check had been the Sapphire Pulse, XFX Swift, and Asrock Metal Legend.
Horizon Zero Daybreak Remastered
Lastly, in Horizon Zero Daybreak: Remastered, we returned to a 6 % unfold between the quickest and slowest fashions. The outcomes right here carefully resembled these of Name of Responsibility, with the Sapphire Nitro+ main the way in which.
The Asrock Taichi, PowerColor Purple Satan, Sapphire Pure, XFX Mercury, and Asus TUF Gaming all adopted carefully, touchdown inside 1 % of the top-performing mannequin. Once more, the Sapphire Pulse, XFX Swift, and Asrock Metal Legend had been the slowest performers.
Wrap Up and Suggestions
That concludes our have a look at the fourteen Radeon RX 9070 XT fashions at the moment obtainable. As for which one to purchase, that may largely depend upon pricing and availability in your area. The excellent news is that there are not any outright dangerous fashions, though a couple of are much less fascinating, such because the Gigabyte Gaming and Asrock Metal Legend.
The perfect fashions embrace the XFX Mercury, Sapphire Nitro+ and Pure, PowerColor Purple Satan, and Asrock Taichi. These playing cards carried out nicely each out of the field and beneath noise-normalized circumstances, whereas additionally delivering wonderful gaming outcomes.
Every part else within the lineup might be thought of mid-range, however nonetheless completely acceptable. For instance, the PowerColor Hellhound was a strong mid-tier performer, however pricing in some areas like Australia may be very enticing and thus it stands out an awesome worth possibility.
The XFX Swift can be a great worth in a couple of areas, nonetheless it was among the many weakest performers in gaming, coming in round 4 to six % slower than the top-tier fashions. This decrease efficiency contributed to higher thermal outcomes, because it operated at a decrease clock pace and consumed much less energy. When it comes to options, each the Hellhound and Swift test all of the packing containers, though it’s value noting that the Swift is kind of cumbersome and occupies as much as 4 slots.
In the US, the Metal Legend and Swift are equally priced. In that case, the XFX Swift is the higher alternative, because it seems to be and feels extra premium, consists of twin BIOS help, and delivers higher thermal efficiency.
The Asus TUF Gaming is a strong product total. Its thermal efficiency was not significantly spectacular, however gaming efficiency was usually sturdy. It’s also feature-rich and really nicely constructed. Nonetheless, its present pricing is tough to justify – at $850 within the US or $1,500 in Australia, it’s dearer than each the Sapphire Nitro+ and XFX Mercury, that are superior in practically each approach.
The Asus Prime 9070 XT is extra fairly priced at $720 within the US and $1,350 in Australia, nevertheless it landed close to the underside in each thermal and gaming exams. Whereas it’s not a foul card, there are clearly higher choices obtainable when it comes to each efficiency and worth.
Amongst all of the fashions examined, our favourite is the XFX Mercury. We additionally enormously recognize what Sapphire has achieved with the Nitro+. If a black or white model of the Nitro+ had been obtainable, it might need taken the highest spot total. From a worth standpoint, the PowerColor Hellhound stands out – particularly the white variant, which is visually putting and fairly distinctive.
In the end, your best option for you’ll depend upon native pricing and availability, however you need to now have the ability to type your personal precedence listing based mostly on the outcomes from this overview. And with that, we wrap issues up.
Procuring Shortcuts:
- XFX Mercury Radeon RX 9070 XT on Amazon
- Sapphire Nitro+ Radeon RX 9070 XT on Amazon
- Sapphire Pure Radeon RX 9070 XT on Newegg
- PowerColor Hellhound (Black) Radeon RX 9070 XT on Amazon
- PowerColor Hellhound (White) Radeon RX 9070 XT on Amazon
- PowerColor Purple Satan Radeon RX 9070 XT on Amazon
- Asrock Taichi Radeon RX 9070 XT on Newegg
- Asus Prime Radeon RX 9070 XT on Amazon
