The RX 6800 XT is AMD’s answer to the Nvidia RTX 3080, and it performs exceptionally well, beating the 3080 in several games while coming in at $50 cheaper based on its’s $649 MSRP. The RX 6800 XT card’s real power, though, lies with custom AIB board partners like Asus and Sapphire that feature faster clocks and improved cooling. Therefore, in this article, we have reviewed the 8 best RX 6800 XT Graphics Cards.
The RX 6800 XT GPU packs a ton of features thanks to AMD’s RDNA2 architecture. The 128 GB of “Infinity” cache on the card helps reduce latency and increase memory bandwidth. Smart Access Memory enables a compatible AMD CPU to access the GPU’s video memory for FPS improvements in games. Ray Tracing, previously an Nvidia exclusive, also comes included with this card. However, you will have to wait for AMD’s DLSS equivalent, FidelityFX Super Resolution, to achieve playable framerates with Ray tracing enabled at higher resolutions.
Nevertheless, we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of the best RX 6800 XT cards considering factors such as performance, feature set, and price to help you make a better decision.
RX 6800 XT Comparison Table
|
1
PowerColor Red Devil RX 6800 XT Graphics Card
|
Features:
|
Specs:
|
Check Price |
|
2
Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
|
Features:
|
Specs:
|
Check Price |
|
3
XFX RX 6800 XT 16GB Speedster MERC319
|
Features:
|
Specs:
|
Check Price |
|
4
ASUS RX 6800 XT 16GB ROG STRIX LC OC
|
Features:
|
Specs:
|
Check Price |
|
5
ASUS RX 6800 XT 16GB TUF OC
|
Features:
|
Specs:
|
Check Price |
|
6
MSI RX 6800 XT 16GB GAMING X TRIO
 |
Features:
|
Specs:
|
Check Price |
|
7
GIGABYTE RX 6800 XT 16GB GAMING OC
 |
Features:
|
Specs:
|
Check Price |
|
8
ASROCK RX 6800 XT 16GB Taichi X OC
|
Features:
|
Specs:
|
Check Price |
Best RX 6800 XT Graphics Cards
1. PowerColor Red Devil RX 6800 XT Graphics Card
Specifications
Stream Processors: 4,608 | Core Clock: Up to 2.34 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, 1x DisplayPort 1.4aThe PowerColor Red Devil RX 6800 XT Graphics Card is a behemoth in terms of both its performance and form factor. With a triple-slot design that dwarfs other third-party offerings. A majority of the card’s heft is occupied by the cooling solution that helps it achieve an impressive boost clock of 2,340 MHz.
The cooling system features three fans, two 100 mm fans on either side, with a 90mm central fan. Below the fans lies a large heatsink that spans the card’s width and features seven heat pipes for efficient heat transfer. The heatsink also includes a central cutout that enables the warm air to flow out of the system. In a bid to reduce system noise, the card’s fans turn off at temperatures below 60°C.
The card requires two 8-pin PCIe power connectors to run and has a TDP of approximately 300W. You’ll need at least a 750W PSU to run this GPU, though we would recommend a higher wattage if you’re looking to overclock. The card’s 14+2-phase VRM should guarantee stability when running it for extended periods at boost clocks and allow for significant overclocking. The Dual-BIOS system on the GPU allows you to easily switch between silent and performance profiles while also serving as a backup during overclocking.
Connectivity-wise, the card comes with one HDMI 2.1 and 3 DisplayPorts. Overall, the PowerColor Red Devil RX 6800 XT Graphics Card offers a small performance boost over AMD’s reference offering, a beefy cooling system, better power delivery, and faster clock speeds make it a great custom RX 6800 card to buy.
2. Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
Specifications
Stream Processors: 4,608 | Core Clock: Up to 2.31 GHz boost | Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aThe Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT is a fan-favorite RX 6800 XT card that improves AMD’s stock variant’s already excellent design by providing extra hardware and software features that make the best of what the 6800 XT has to offer. The improvements are visible in the card’s boost speed of 2,310 MHz, one of the highest among custom RX 6800 XT cards. Add to this the Trixx software, which includes Trixx Boost, a feature that enables you to set custom resolutions and significantly improve the card’s performance in games, even toppling the RTX 3090.
The cooling system is no slouch either. With a 12-blade hybrid fan design that pushes large volumes of air while keeping the quiet axial fan design from previous generations, the card can achieve better cooling without becoming too loud. The heatsink’s new wave fin design reduces turbulence and lets air flow smoothly, improving thermals and reducing noise. The heatsink also covers the memory and VRM modules, which usually get very hot, improving the card’s performance and lifespan.
The GPU comes with three BIOS options, two of which, Quiet and Performance, can be changed via a dedicated switch. The third BIOS will let you switch between the Quiet and Performance modes via the Trixx software.
TheSapphire Pulse replaces the USB-C port from the reference card with a DisplayPort connection, which is great if you’re looking to hook the card up to a triple monitor setup. While the Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT is priced fairly high compared to the reference card, we are sure that enthusiasts looking to purchase one of the best RX 6800 XT cards will value this GPU for all it has to offer.
3. XFX RX 6800 XT 16GB Speedster MERC319
Specifications
Stream Processors: 4,608 | Core Clock: 1.92 GHz (2.36 GHz boost) | Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 2xHDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 1.4aXFX’s new flagship RX 6800 XT, the Speedster Merc 319, is one of the largest gaming graphics cards you can get with an impressive 34cm length and 2.9-slot profile. The card’s large form factor enables it to use a beefy cooler that lets the system remain surprisingly silent for most workloads and maintain an impressive boost clock speed of 2,360 MHz on the Rage BIOS. The card also features improved base clocks of 1900-1925 MHz depending on the BIOS configuration.
The massive cooling system features an axial 13-blade triple fan system with two 100 mm fans on either side of the 92mm central fan. A single heat sink covers the entirety of the card and features seven copper heat pipes. The aluminum backplate features a vent for warm air to pass through easily and not recirculate in the system. The heatsink’s copper heat spreader also encompasses both the GPU die and memory modules.
The card features a custom power delivery system with a 14+2 VRM layout for better system stability and overclocking headroom. The card lacks any RGB, instead of going for a more industrial look, which some buyers may prefer. The GPU features a Dual-BIOS with a Primary and Raged mode. The system is surprisingly quiet, even on heavy workloads, thanks to the powerful cooling system and fans that turn off at lower temperatures. The Merc 319 is a premium graphics card with no compromises and delivers a strong performance while being discreet.
4. ASUS RX 6800 XT 16GB ROG STRIX LC OC
Specifications
Stream Processors: 4,608 | Core Clock: 1.82 GHz (2.36 GHz boost) | Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aThe ROG Strix “Liquid Cooled” OC is one of the only AIO liquid-cooled RX 6800 XT’s available in the market right now. The card features the same board as the regular Strix card but adds a custom shroud that connects to a 240 mm radiator via braided tubing. Apart from the water-cooling loop, a blower-style cooler and a low-profile heatsink keep the power-delivery components cool and aid in expelling hot air from the system.
Asus also custom-designed the cold plate to extend over the GPU die and VRAM modules. With liquid cooling offering better thermals than traditional air-coolers, expect the card to perform well under high loads. The 240 mm radiator comes with two 120mm fans that support RGB and are optimized for high static pressure. The braided tubing is 600mm long and should work in most cases. ASUS gives the option of connecting the AIO fan cables directly to fan headers present on the GPU.
The top shroud of the card features extensive use of RGB, and it, along with the two fans on the AIO, can be controlled with ASUS’ AuraSync software. ASUS’ GPU Tweak II utility can be used to fine-tune your GPU clocks, voltages, and fan speeds to achieve better performance. The graphics card’s two-slot width paired with its liquid-cooling capabilities makes it the best card for small form-factor cases.
Enthusiasts will love this card thanks to the baked-in water-cooling, which gives it a high overclocking headroom. Asus already used the excellent thermals to crank up the boost clock to 2,360 MHz, the highest you can achieve from an AiB. The card will still use 2x 8-pin PCIe connectors for power, meaning that the power limit will be restricted. Overall, this will be one of the fastest RX 6800 XT’s available, but better make sure you will use it to its full potential since it comes with a considerable price premium.
5. ASUS RX 6800 XT 16GB TUF OC
Specifications
Stream Processors: 4,608 | Core Clock: 1.875 GHz (2.34 GHz boost) | Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aIf you’re in the market for a custom RX 6800 XT that provides a decent performance improvement over the reference card while not coming with the exorbitant price premium of the enthusiast cards, the TUF OC from ASUS is your best bet. The TUF series was once known for its durable build quality, but nowadays, it serves the more affordable range of Asus GPUs. You still get a decent amount of performance with this card, though, with a boost clock of 2,340 MHz in the OC mode.
The cooling system features three axial fans, two 11-blade auxiliary fans, and a central 13-blade spinner. ASUS alternated the adjacent fan’s direction, allowing for a streamlined flow and more air to be pushed into the heatsink. The fans also stay idle below 55°C, reducing the system noise and improving fan life. Asus also claims to have precision machined the GPU die contact for a better heat transfer. The heatsink also features a massive 2.9-slot design to maximize the area of heat transfer.
The card uses premium components like the all-aluminum shroud, which even many premium cards tend to omit. The metal backplate features a vent that lets warm air pass through and avoids being recirculated. On the software side, the Dual-BIOS functionality allows for quick switching between different thermal profiles. RGB on the card is minimal, with just a small strip above the TUF Gaming logo. ASUS’ GPU Tweak software provides the functionality for those looking to overclock the RX 6800 XT.
6. MSI RX 6800 XT 16GB GAMING X TRIO
Specifications
Stream Processors: 4,608 | Core Clock: 1.85 GHz (2.28 GHz boost) | Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4aMSI’s Gaming X Trio lineup has been one of the most feature-packed and top-performing custom graphic cards you can get in the market. The RX 6800 XT variant is no less with a new generation of Tri Frozr cooling, updated aesthetic and improved acoustics.
The new Tri Frozr 2 thermal solution employs fans with dual-linked blades, enabling the airflow to be more focused on the heatsink. The heatsink features precision-machined heat pipes that have direct contact with the GPU die for efficient heat transfer. To reduce noise, MSI went with deflectors in the heatsink, reducing turbulence and fans that remain idle at lower temperatures. An additional DisplayPort output is included for those looking to hook up a triple monitor setup with their GPU.
The card comes with various useful software that you can use to customize your card’s performance and lighting. The MSI Afterburner utility is one of the best overclocking software and provides an easy way to tweak the clock speeds, voltage, and power limits of your card. The RGB on the card can be controlled via the Mystic Light software. Overall, the MSI Gaming X Trio’s excellent build and reliable performance make it an ideal option for those looking forward to a premium RX 6800 XT.
7. GIGABYTE RX 6800 XT 16GB GAMING OC
Specifications
Stream Processors: 4,608 | Core Clock: 1.82 GHz (2.28 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 Gaming OC is a custom RX 6800 XT that features small upgrades over AMD’s reference design with a more comprehensive cooling solution, Dual-BIOS support, and more. With a boost clock of 2,285 MHz, the card’s performance is identical to the reference design, unless you plan on overclocking the GPU yourself.
The Windforce cooling system features three 80mm fans that spin in opposite directions for smoother airflow. The heatsink consists of 6 copper heat pipes and a large copper plate in contact with the GPU die and VRAM. The heatsink extends beyond the PCB, allowing air to flow through it and out from the cutout in the back for better heat dissipation.
The card features a sturdy metal backplate that reinforces the card, preventing sag. The Dual-BIOS lets you switch between Silent and OC profiles depending on your preference. The only hint of RGB on the GPU is the light-up Gigabyte that can be synced with its RGB Fusion 2.0 software. Connectivity includes two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs, great for running dual monitor setups. Honestly, the Gigabyte Gaming OC is the RX 6800 XT choice we recommend most buyers go with since the more premium options offer very little to justify their high price tags.
8. ASROCK RX 6800 XT 16GB Taichi X OC
Specifications
Stream Processors: 4,608 | Core Clock: 1.92 GHz (2.36 GHz boost) | Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 16 Gbps | Power Connectors: 3x PCIe 8-pin | Outputs: 1x USB Type-C, HDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 1.4aThe ASRock Taichi X is the manufacturer’s premium variant of the RX 6800 XT. It’s one of the only RX 6800 XT’s to feature a triple 8-pin PCIe power connector giving the card an increased headroom for overclocking. The 2,360 MHz boost clock of the card is the best you can get and on par with other premium offerings from third-party manufacturers. ASRock also increased the base clock by 100 MHz for even better performance gains.
The Taichi 3x Cooling System features three 11-blade fans aiming for the sweet spot between cooling performance and noise. The fans stop spinning at lighter workloads, letting the massive heatsink passively cool the GPU. The six heat pipes condense together over a copper base covering both the GPU and VRAM modules for efficient heat transfer. The card also includes a metal frame between the PCB and heatsink to reinforce the GPU and reduce sag.
The card comes with a Dual-Bios with Performance and Quiet modes that can be toggled with a dedicated switch. The GPU comes with several lighting options with the central fan, top edge, and backplate logo featuring ARGB LEDs. The PCB also contains a single ARGB header, connecting to a light strip or other RGP peripheral. A switch will let you turn the card’s RGB on or off. We recommend the ASRock Taichi X to those looking for an RX 6800 XT packed with many features while providing a substantial performance improvement over AMD’s reference card.
Final Thoughts
The RX 6800 XT is an excellent card because of the great price-to-performance ratio it manages to provide. But, while many RX 6800 XT AiBs offer several extra features, it all boils down to your personal preference in terms of performance, feature set, budget, and aesthetics. Which are the main factors we took into account when coming up with this RX 6800 XT GPU list.
