The RX 6800 is one of the best mid-range gaming cards, providing exceptional value in performance and feature set. Costing just $80 more than the Nvidia RTX 3070 based on MSRP, the RX 6800 GPU offers 16 GB of VRAM, double that of the 3070, and an average improvement of 16% in gaming performance. Therefore, we have decided to review the 8 best RX 6800 Graphics Cards you should consider buying.
While Nvidia cards have the advantage of superior Ray Tracing capabilities and DLSS 2.0, we doubt that they would be of much importance to buyers at this price range. The RX 6800 GPU is based on the RDNA2 architecture, which comes with a number of new features. The card now supports Ray Tracing, a feature previously exclusive to Nvidia. However, until AMD releases their DLSS-equivalent FidelityFX Super Resolution, performance will take a hit with Ray Tracing turned on. AMD also announced Smart Access Memory which lets a supported Ryzen CPU use the faster 16GB of VRAM instead of system memory, giving you higher framerates in games.
Manufactures such as XFX and Powercolor have already begun to sell custom RX 6800 AIB variants with faster clocks and improved cooling solutions. So, if you’re looking for one of these GPUs, this comprehensive list of the best RX 6800 cards should be helpful.
RX 6800 Comparison Table
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XFX RX 6800 16GB Speedster MERC319
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Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 6800 Graphics Card
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PowerColor Red Dragon RX 6800 Graphics Card
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ASUS RX 6800 16GB ROG STRIXOC
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GIGABYTE Radeon RX 6800 16GB AORUS Master
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ASUS RX 6800 16GB TUF OC
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GIGABYTE RX 6800 16GB GAMING OC
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ASROCK Radeon RX 6800 16GB Phantom Gaming D OC
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Best RX 6800Graphics Cards
1. XFX RX 6800 16GB Speedster MERC319
Stream Processors: 3,840 | Core Clock: 1.85 GHz (2.19 GHz boost) | Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 2xHDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 1.4aIf you’re looking for a custom model of the RX 6800 that can provide the best performance, then the Speedster Merc 319 from XFX is an excellent choice. It comes with a 4% increase in the boost clock and an 8.8% improvement in the base clock. The base clock buff brings it to 1,850 MHz, even more than the RX 6800 XT reference model, and will improve your gaming performance by a significant margin.
The cooling solution is the standard triple-fan system, with XFX sticking to a 13-blade fan system for pushing more air through the heatsink. The fans turn off when the GPU is on idle or performing low-intensity workloads, and XFX has implemented this exceptionally well, making the card one of the quietest RX 6800s out there. The heatsink structure includes six heat pipes connected to the GPU and VRAM modules via a copper contract. The GPU features a decent amount of venting at the backplate for letting the warm air from the heatsink pass through without getting recirculated.
The power delivery system on the card is another place where XFX has improved on the reference design with a 10+2 VRM design over the standard 7+2 phase design, ensuring better stability on loads and maximizing the overclocking headroom. XFX also features a Dual BIOS system, which lets you switch between performance and the quieter Stealth modes without needing to tweak any settings via software.
RGB on the card is absent, with XFX instead opting for a minimalistic light-up logo. The GPU also replaces the USB-C port from the reference design with a more standard DisplayPort for easier multi-monitor setups. Thanks to its superior performance, clean design, and silent functionality, the XFX Speedster Merc 319 is one of the best RX 6800 cards you can get right now.
2. Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 6800 Graphics Card
Stream Processors: 3,840 | Core Clock: Up to 2.17 GHz boost | Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aThe Pulse Radeon RX 6800 Graphics Card is Sapphire’s ideal RX 6000 GPU variant due to its great performance and design that improves on AMD’s already excellent reference model. Moreover, it features a beefier cooler and unique aesthetics that will look good in almost any PC. This card also comes factory overclocked out of the box with a boost clock of up to 2170 MHz.
The cooling system comes with various enhancements that help the card go beyond its stock limits and keep noise levels low for distraction-free gaming. The three fans feature a hybrid design that combines an axial fan’s quietness with a blower fan’s larger airflow, giving you the best of both worlds. The card features multiple heatsinks with unique wave-shaped fins and V-shaped cutouts to reduce noise and improve heat dissipation.
A separate heatsink for the VRM and memory modules complete with two additional heat pipes and an independent fin stack enhances stability and increases the overclocking headroom. The card features a triple BIOS system, which lets you switch between the performance and silent modes manually or via software.
Sapphire’s TriXX Boost functionality, one of the card’s most underrated features, allows you to achieve better gaming performance by setting the screen resolution to a custom value. RGB on the GPU is limited to the light-up logos and a strip along the upper edge. You can use the TriXX software for RGB control, overclocking and even software BIOS switching.
As for outputs, the card replaces the USB-C port from the reference model for a more standard DisplayPort and is excellent if you’re looking at a triple monitor setup. Overall, the Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 6800 is one of the best RX 6800 cards you can buy.
3. PowerColor Red Dragon RX 6800 Graphics Card
Stream Processors: 3,840 | Core Clock: Up to 2.17 GHz boost | Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 1x USB Type-C, 1x HDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 1.4aThe PowerColor Red Dragon AMD Radeon™ RX 6800 Graphics Card is a fantastic choice if you are looking to purchase a custom RX 6800 GPU. This card comes with a factory overclock up to 2,170 MHz boost which is on par with the top RX 6800 GPUs out there.
The PowerColor Red Dragon RX 6800 features a large cooling design that causes it to occupy three slots in size. The triple-fan system features two 100mm fans on the outside and a 90mm fan at the center. The fans are optimized for static pressure and will provide better airflow at the cost of fan noise. The fans are switched off below 60℃, letting the entire system be passively cooled, thereby reducing noise levels on light and medium loads.
A total of 7 heat pipes connect the two heatsinks, and a large cutout at the center will ensure that hot air passes through without being recirculated. A sizeable cold plate also cools the VRAM modules and the GPU for better performance and overclocking capabilities. The card’s Dual BIOS feature enables easy switching between the performance-focused OC mode and silent mode via a hardware switch.
Simply put, the PowerColor Red Dragon RX 6800 card includes a 12 + 2 phases VRM, a sizeable cooling solution, factory overclock, and an overall good design that makes it one of the best RX 6800 graphics cards to buy.
4. ASUS RX 6800 16GB ROG STRIX LC OC
Stream Processors: 3,840 | Core Clock: 1.7 GHz (2.19 GHz boost) | Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aASUS’ ROG Strix lineup has long been associated with premium graphic cards that offer zero compromises in performance, features, and quality. The ROG Strix RX 6800 is no less, costing $50 more than the reference RX 6800 XT. At such a price premium, we expect nothing but the best to get our money’s worth. Right off the bat, the card comes with a 4% boost in the boost clock out of the box, which we expect to go even further, thanks to the card’s massive 2.9-slot cooling solution.
The three fans feature ASUS’ axial-tech fan design with 11 blades on the auxiliary and 13 on the center fan. The fans are surrounded by O-rings, which allow the air to be channeled into the heatsink. The fans also are configured to spin in opposite directions to reduce turbulence and switch off below temperatures of 55 Celsius, reducing noise considerably. The GPU contact is precision machined to allow for the best connection for efficient heat transfer to the massive 2.9-slot heatsink.
The PCB features two additional fan headers that are extremely useful for hooking up with case fans and can be controlled via a fan curve based on CPU and GPU loads. A Dual BIOS switch is also present and will let you switch between two different profiles without the need for software. The card features a metal backplate with venting for hot air to pass through and a reinforced frame between the heatsink and PCB to prevent the card from sagging.
The card features a unique aesthetic that will fit nicely with minimalist builds, thanks to its muted grey tone. RGB is limited to an addressable strip on the top that can be customized via the Armory Crate software. The GPU Tweak II utility lets you fine-tune your GPU and fan settings to get the most out of your card via overclocking.
If you’re impressed by the aesthetic and functionality of the ROG Strix RX 6800 and willing to pay the high price premium for it, then the card is the right choice. However, we recommend you go with the RX 6800 XT since even the card’s entry-level models will outperform the Strix RX 6800 for the same price.
5. GIGABYTE Radeon RX 6800 16GB AORUS Master
Stream Processors: 3,840 | Core Clock: 1.85 GHz (2.19 GHz boost) | Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: HDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 1.4aThe Gigabyte Aorus Master RX 6800 is a premium graphics card that comes jam-packed with features that help boost the card’s performance and make it one of the best-looking RX 6800’s so far. Although Gigabyte has yet to release information on the boost and core clock speeds, we expect it to be on top with the other flagships that factory overclocks their premium GPUs.
Starting with the cooling solution, we have Gigabytes Max-covered cooling that features a unique fan system and beefy heatsink. The three 100 mm fans have their edges sightly overlap each other ensuring complete coverage of the heatsink by eliminating all possible blind spots of airflow.
Two Wind Claw air channelers also direct the airflow more evenly into the heatsink and significantly reduce turbulence. The fans spin in alternate directions to each other to further smoothen the airflow. The GPU’s copper base plate is fused with the seven heat pipes to promote the efficient transfer of heat from the GPU die to the heatsink.
The large metal backplate helps reinforce the card and prevents the PCB from sagging over time. It also features a cutout to let the warm air out of the heatsink and prevent it from recirculating. The card includes a Dual BIOS with a performance-focused OC option and a quieter Silent option.
One of the most prominent features of this card is its unique aesthetic. The GPU features an LCD on the top that can be customized to provide real-time temperatures or custom images, text, or GIFs. RGB is minimal, with some accents on the edges and a light-up logo on the back. The entire card is covered in a dark finish making it an excellent choice for low-profile PC builds. The GPU also includes two HDMI 2.1 ports supporting a high resolution, high refresh rate dual-monitor setup.
6. ASUS RX 6800 16GB TUF OC
Stream Processors: 3,840 | Core Clock: 1.78 GHz (2.19 GHz boost) | Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aThe ASUS TUF RX 6800 is a decent midrange RX 6800 that offers a decent number of features from the more expensive Strix lineup while cutting down on perks that will not be used by a majority of buyers. The card also comes with a factory overclock, giving it a 2,190 MHz Boost clock like other premium RX 6800s.
The card comes with ASUS’s axial-tech fan design with two 11-blade auxiliary fans and a 13-blade fan at the center. The fans feature barrier rings on their circumference to channel air directly into the heatsink. The fans spin in opposite directions, reducing turbulence for smoother airflow and low noise levels. At temperatures below 55 Celsius, the fans completely turn off, letting the heatsink passively cool the GPU for a silent operation. The massive 2.9-slot heatsink features a precision machined heat spreader that is extra flat for efficient heat transfer between the GPU die and heatsink.
The card is also built exceptionally well with an all-aluminum shroud, metal backplate, and reinforced frame for increased durability. The metal backplate also features venting cutouts for hot air to pass through instead of being recycled. The card also includes a Dual-BIOS switch for easier switching between Performance and Quiet modes without the need for software. RGB on the card is mainly absent save for a small sliver over the TUF logo. Overall, the TUF Gaming RX 6800 is a way better choice than most premium RX 6800s like the Strix, as it’s priced way lower and only skips out on a few features like the RGB.
7. GIGABYTE RX 6800 16GB GAMING OC
Stream Processors: 3,840 | Core Clock: 1.7 GHz (2.15 GHz boost) | Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 1.4aIf you’re looking for a custom RX 6800 that does not break the bank, then the Gigabyte RX 6800 Gaming OC is one of the best options out there. Although the factory overclock of the card might not be as high as the other cards available, we are confident that its cooling solution will be capable enough to go beyond the on-paper specs.
The cooling solution includes three 80mm fans that spin in opposite directions to improve airflow and decrease noise. Furthermore, the fans stop spinning when the GPU is idle or performing lighter workloads. The heatsink includes five heat pipes, which are in direct contact with the GPU die for optimal heat transfer. Additional heat pipes are also present to cool the VRAM via a large metal plate.
The card features a metal backplate that provides structural rigidity and protection to the GPU. A cutout on the backplate also prevents hot air from recirculating back into the heatsink. A Dual BIOS switch is present on the GPU and can be used to switch easily between performance and quiet modes without manual tuning. RGB on the card is limited to the Gigabyte light-up logo and is controlled via the RGB Fusion 2.0 software.
8. ASROCK Radeon RX 6800 Phantom Graphics Card
Stream Processors: 3,840 | Core Clock: 1.85 GHz (2.19 GHz boost) | Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aThe ASRock Phantom RX 6800 is the brand’s flagship GPU that adds to the reference design with a factory overclock and improved cooling solution. The card also features a unique aesthetic and a fair share of RGB for those looking to make their new GPU stand out in their new PC build.
The fans included on the phantom feature a striped design to enhance airflow, and they turn off at low temperatures to reduce system noise. The large heatsink comes with six heat pipes and has V-shaped cutouts and air vents to direct the air more evenly through the heatsink and improve its thermal efficiency. The heat pipes are consolidated together over the large copper base to ensure the best heat dissipation.
The metal backplate only covers the back of the PCB, leaving part of the extended heatsink open for the proper venting of hot air from the heatsink. The card features RGB on the central fan and a light strip on the top edge, controlled via the Polychrome Sync software. For those looking to tweak the GPU, the ASRock Tweak 2.0 software gives you several options. Connectivity includes three DisplayPort 1.4 and one HDMI 2.1 output.
Final Thoughts
The RX 6800 is a great alternative to the RTX 3070 if you care more about performance than you do Ray Tracing. The premium RX 6800 AIB options listed above offer better performance, improved cooling, and focus more on features such the aesthetics and build quality compared to the founder’s edition. You really can’t go wrong with any of these GPUs.
