The Radeon RX 6700 XT from AMD is a graphics card that offers performance similar to Nvidia’s 3070 GPU while pricing slightly lower if you can get it at or close to MSRP. The 6700 XT card comes equipped with AMD’s Navi 22 which cuts the number of processing units down to 2,560 and features one of the fastest clock speeds in the new RDNA2 generation yet. With several board partners releasing their custom AIB versions of the card, it’s time to look at the best RX 6700 XT graphics cards on the market right now.
Since AMD had to run the 6700 XT at high clock speeds to ensure its performance, the card’s efficiency took a blow as AMD had to increase the power limit to 220W in games. For those looking to overclock for that extra bit of performance, choosing the best 6700 XT card is essential. A subpar power delivery system or ineffective cooling solution will prevent you from gaining a significant performance improvement.
Choosing various custom boards available in the market can be frustrating, especially with confusing marketing by multiple manufacturers. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the top RX 6700 XT GPUs.
RX 6700 XT Comparison Table
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POWERCOLOR Radeon RX 6700 XT 12GB Red Devil Limited Edition
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ASUS RX 6700 XT 12GB ROG STRIX OC
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XFX RX 6700 XT 12GB Speedster MERC319
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GIGABYTE RX 6700 XT 12GB Aorus Elite
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SAPPHIRE RX 6700 XT 12GB NITRO+
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ASUS RX 6700 XT 12GB TUF OC
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ASROCK RX 6700 XT 12GB Phantom Gaming D OC
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MSI RX 6700 XT 12GB GAMING X TRIO
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Best RX 6700 XT Graphics Cards
1. POWERCOLOR RX 6700 XT Red Devil
Specifications
Stream Processors: 2,560 | Core Clock: 2.32 GHz (2.62GHz boost) | Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 1xHDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aPowerColor’s premium model of the RX 6700 XT leaves nothing out in features and performance. With a sizeable triple-slot heatsink, decked-out RGB, dual-BIOS switch, and more, you can certainly be assured of getting your money’s worth when purchasing this card.
The triple-slot cooling solution features two outer 100mm fans and a single 90mm spinner at the center. PowerColor optimized the fans for static pressure, allowing for better airflow and circulation. Paired with the fans is the large aluminum heatsink that will occupy a total of three slots in your case, providing a large surface area for heat dissipation. A total of six heat pipes are responsible for transferring heat out of the GPU. The cooling solution is even capable of passively cooling the card at idle and lower loads below 60℃.
The Red Devil features a 10+2 phase VRM power delivery system that is the best-in-class and is sure to offer the best results in tasks like overclocking, allowing you to gain a bit of performance. The GPU comes overclocked out of the box with a boost clock gain of around 100 MHz compared to stock. If you want your card to run quietly, the option to switch performance modes via the Dual-BIOS is also a great feature, saving you from needing to tweak any software.
RGB on the card is extreme, with lighting at the edges, side, shroud, and logo at the back. The GPU includes an aRGB header for those looking to sync up their lighting with the motherboard. The ports also feature individual LEDs for easier access in dark environments. For additional protection, the card has a metal backplate that also features multiple cutouts to let warm air pass.
The PowerColor Red Devil is one of the best 6700 XT GPU’s out there yet, with several valuable features that you can make use of. For overclockers and gaming enthusiasts, the powerful cooling solution and VRM should be an excellent reason to pick the Red Devil over other offerings.
2. ASUS RX 6700 XT ROG STRIX OC
Specifications
Stream Processors: 2,560 | Core Clock: 2.46 GHz (2.62GHz boost) | Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 1xHDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aThe ROG Strix OC from Asus, a reputed manufacturer producing custom boards for both Nvidia and AMD, is a premium graphics card for buyers looking to get the maximum out of the RX 6700 XT. Featuring a top-notch build quality, sizeable cooler, and minimalist aesthetic, the ROG Strix never fails to impress. Asus also equipped the card with factory overclocks to both the base and boost clocks ensuring you get the best performance straight out of the box.
Cooling on the ROG Strix includes a triple-fan configuration with a hefty 2.9-slot heatsink. Featuring Asus’ Axial-tech design, the three fans increase the static pressure while keeping noise low. The central fan features 13 blades and spins opposite the two 11-blade fans adjacent to it, reducing turbulence and smoothening airflow. At temperatures below 55℃, the fans are cut off for a quieter operation. For better contact between the GPU die and heatsink, Asus engineered the heat spreader with a smooth finish.
For easy switching between quiet and performance modes, the ROG Strix features a Dual-BIOS. You can shift between both modes by simply flicking the switch on the card’s side without depending on any software. The card also comes with a reinforced frame to prevent the card from sagging and a large metal backplate for protection. A vent on the back also allows air to pass out, preventing the recycling of warm exhaust.
RGB on the ROG Strix is bold with a grill-like light strip on the top that also illuminates the fan area. The card also features an ARGB header for syncing the RGB with the rest of your system and two fan headers to pair with chassis fans, saving you from the hassle of using splitters.
Overall, the ROG Strix is the best you can get with the RX 6700 XT card. The card is worth the price premium, jam-packed with useful features, and coming overclocked with the highest speeds outside the box.
3. XFX Radeon RX 6700 XT Speedster Merc 319
Specifications
Stream Processors: 2,560 | Core Clock: 2.42 GHz (2.62GHz boost) | Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 1xHDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aIf you prefer running a quiet system, the XFX Speedster Merc 319 is the ideal RX 6700 XT AiB for you. Featuring one of the largest heatsinks among any custom card, the cooling power of the Merc 319 is capable enough of running at low decibel levels, even when pushed to the limit during heavy gaming and overclocking. The card’s clean aesthetic also makes it appealing to PC builders seeking a unique style for their builds.
The three 13-blade fans are distributed with two 90mm fans on the periphery and a single 100mm fan at the center. The fans are optimized to run quietly and turn off completely when idling or performing light loads like browsing the web. The heatsink features five 6mm copper heat pipes that dissipate heat away from the GPU die and other internals. The copper base is also in contact with the VRAM modules for improved memory temperatures. XFX also went ham with the thermal pads, ensuring that they adequately cover components on both sides of the PCB.
The Merc 319 includes a Dual-BIOS switch, which primarily serves as a backup for failed overclocks. Unlike other manufacturers who use the Dual-BIOS for quiet and performance modes, the thermals and noise of the Merc 13 are good enough to stick with the same BIOS in both slots. RGB on the card is absent, with XFX instead opting for a cleaner look. Lights are only limited to the logos present on the top of the card.
The card’s aluminum backplate also serves as a heat spreader and includes a large vent to let air pass. With a length of 330 mm, the Merc 13 is one of the largest 6700 XT’s available yet, so make sure your case can fit the card before deciding on a purchase.
Offering the quietest operation yet, the XFX Merc 13 is one of the best 6700 XT cards out there yet. Offering much more than a quiet operation, the Merc 13 can attain the highest boost clocks, thanks to its factory overclock giving you extra performance for the money.
4. GIGABYTE Radeon RX 6700 XT AORUS ELITE
Specifications
Stream Processors: 2,560 | Core Clock: 2.46 GHz (2.62GHz boost) | Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 2xHDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 1.4aGigabyte’s Aorus Elite is a custom board of the RX 6700 XT and is what you would expect when spending the extra money for a high-end graphics card. Featuring an all-black shroud and a minimalist aesthetic, the Aorus Elite is quite popular with PC building enthusiasts looking to match the card’s theme with their case and other components.
The Windforce 3x cooling system on the card uses three 80mm fans that spin in opposite directions for optimal airflow and reduced turbulence. The five copper heat pipes combine at the GPU die for improved contact leading to a better heat transfer. The memory models also feature a heat spreader that carries heat away through the dedicated heat pipes.
Gigabyte tuned the fans to turn off at lighter loads or when the GPU idles to increase their life and reduce noise. An LED fan indicator at the top displays the fan’s status. The large heatsink extends over the PCB, allowing air to pass through it and out of the card’s rear via the metal backplate’s vent.
The Aorus Elite employs one 8-pin and one 6-pin PCIe connector for power delivery, with each connector featuring an LED that displays the power status. RGB on the card is limited to light strips around the fans and is best visible when mounting the GPU vertically. RGB control is possible via Gigabyte’s RGB Fusion 2.0 software. The card also features two HDMI and DP ports for better use with dual-screen setups.
For the price premium, the Gigabyte Aorus Elite seems worth it only if you can use the powerful cooling solution to overclock or need the unique aesthetic for your build. Otherwise, it’s better to save money and consider cheaper options.
5. SAPPHIRE RX 6700 XT NITRO+
Specifications
Stream Processors: 2,560 | Core Clock: 2.42 GHz (2.62GHz boost) | Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 1x PCIe 8-pin, 1x PCIe 6-pin | Outputs: 1xHDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aThe Sapphire Nitro+ lineup has long been the staple choice of AMD cards for the general gamer and enthusiast alike. Tuned with factory overclocks and featuring an upgraded power delivery system, the Nitro+ is sure to push some extra frames in games compared to the reference design.
Employing a cooling solution comprising of specially designed hybrid fans optimized for air pressure as well as low noise, the Nitro+ should let you play games distraction-free. Sapphire also included their innovative V-shaped wave fin design that effectively increases the surface area while keeping the heatsink size the same. A separate cooling module for the VRMs and memory modules ensures that temperatures remain low across the board.
The Nitro+ design is also sure to make the graphics card stand out in your case. It includes a healthy dose of RGB lighting with a light strip and a light-up logo at the top of the card. Syncing the RGB with your motherboard is now even more accessible, thanks to the aRGB header present at the card’s back. The triple-BIOS switch on the GPU features a performance and quiet mode, with the third mode handing control over to the software.
Apart from the excellent hardware, Sapphire’s Trixx software is outstanding, offering features no other manufacturer does. It manages to provide a significant improvement solely through software by rendering games at lower resolutions and employing AMD’s Image Sharpening feature to output a visually similar image. This feature alone helps the Nitro+ go ahead of the competition without needing additional hardware.
We highly recommend the Sapphire Nitro+ to buyers looking for the best gaming experience without going through the additional overclocking process. Offering a relatively quiet operation, stellar performance, and numerous features, you cannot go wrong by choosing the Sapphire Nitro+ 6700 XT.
6. ASUS TUF Gaming Radeon RX 6700 XT OC
Specifications
Stream Processors: 2,560 | Core Clock: 2.41 GHz (2.53 GHz boost) | Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 1xHDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aAsus’ durability-focused TUF variant of 6700 XT is a mid-range graphics card that offers excellent value for the features it brings to the table. Inheriting many of the more expensive features from the ROG Strix 6700 XT, the TUF is a fantastic bargain if aesthetics and extreme overclocking are not crucial to you.
Equipped with axial fans, the triple-slot cooling system of the TUF runs quieter than a traditional fan while offering a boosted static pressure for faster airflow. The 13-blade fan at the center spins counter to the 11-blade fans at the periphery yielding lesser turbulence for smoother airflow. The 2.9-slot heatsink offers a wide surface area for heat dissipation and includes a precision machined heat spreader for better contact with the GPU die and VRAM modules.
The TUF features an all-metal shroud and backplate for protection and a metal bracket to support the PCB. Asus claims the components on the TUF are more durable and factory tested for endurance. The TUF also features a Dual-BIOS switch if you need to switch between performance and quiet operation quickly. RGB on the card is just limited to a tiny strip under the TUF branding, and you can control it via Asus’ AuraSync utility.
Offering features exclusive to premium cards and pricing relatively cheaper, the TUF Gaming RX 6700 XT is an excellent value for many buyers. While the card may not come with factory overclocks like its premium counterparts, a custom overclock should go far enough to ensure you get the best performance.
7. ASROCK RX 6700 XT 12GB Phantom Gaming D OC
Specifications
Stream Processors: 2,560 | Core Clock: 2.46 GHz (2.62GHz boost) | Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 1xHDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aThe ASRock Phantom D is the company’s high-end variant of the RX 6700 XT, offering a capable cooling solution that is sure to handle power users and overclockers’ requirements. The Phantom D focuses more on providing a quieter experience and includes many durability features that will ensure a longer lifespan.
A triple-slot cooling solution features axial fans with airflow channeling stripes to efficiently direct airflow into the heatsink. The fans turn off completely at lower temperatures, ensuring a silent operation when not in use. The heatsink features V-shaped vents and fins to direct the cold air more efficiently through the system. The GPU die and memory modules are also adequately covered through a large heat spreader.
RGB on the Phantom D is present on the central fan and along the card’s top edge. You can control the RGB via ASRock’s Polychrome Sync software or sync it to other components of your PC via the ARGB header. A dedicated LED on/off switch helps you switch off the built-in RGB and any other devices connected to the GPU when not required. The Phantom D also features a metal bracket and backplate for additional support. Vents on the backplate allow air to flow through the extended heatsink.
Overall, the ASRock Phantom D is a reliable 6700 XT variant that is great for overclocking. For those who need a ton of RGB in their PC case, the ARGB header and light control switch are bonuses worth the price premium.
8. MSI Radeon RX 6700 XT MECH 2X OC
Specifications
Stream Processors: 2,560 | Core Clock: 2.32 GHz (2.62 GHz boost) | Memory: 12 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 1xHDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aLacking the extra, often unnecessary features of the more premium custom boards, the MSI Mech 2x is an excellent option if you were looking to pick up a custom version of the 6700 XT for a more affordable price. Featuring a two-fan design, those with lower capacity cases can make the best use of the card, especially since a tight fit with a larger card will cause overheating issues in the long run. Performance is also relatively unaffected, with the boost clocks being factory overclocked to speeds comparable to other triple-fan configurations.
The cooling system of the Mech 2x utilizes MSI’s signature Torx Fan 3.0 tech, which employs a mix of two different blades for a more considerable static pressure than traditional fans. The heatsink and ton of thermal heat pads are capable enough to allow for a fanless operation when idle or running lighter loads. The card lacks any RGB, which one should expect for the price, but it does come with a protective metal backplate that spans the card’s length.
The MSI Mech 2x RX 6700 XT is the best option for buyers on a tight budget looking to get the best of AMD’s latest graphics card. It also makes sense for buyers with smaller cases, though if you need RGB lighting or a better cooling solution, the more premium MSI Gaming X RX 6700 XT is a better option, provided it fits your budget.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right RX 6700 XT card for your use case is essential. Buying a card without needing the features could cost you the money you could have directed to other parts of your PC build and adversely affect your performance. The competition between AMD and Nvidia is tough in the midrange segment, and you can consult our handy guides if you need any advice on other cards.
