AMD RX 7800 XT:
Architecture:
This AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT is the fourth card in our hands to benefit from the brand-new RDNA3 architecture. This new architecture succeeds RDNA2, which was represented in particular by the latest high-end model, the RX 6950 XT. AMD has chosen to launch its two top-of-the-range models directly, as NVIDIA has done with its RTX 4090. AMD had and still has stocks of cards from the previous generation, hence this choice of launch.
On the other hand, with this RX 7800 XT, we’re in a “mid-range” offering for 1440p 60 FPS definition. The RX 7700 XT version is also aimed at this definition, but at a lower price. We’ll be able to judge the difference in performance in the tests published today.
We’ve taken the table provided by our VideoCardz colleagues, which lists the characteristics of the various GPUs built around RDNA3. The RX 7800 XT uses the entire GPU chip named Navi 32 XT, with 60 CUs, 128 AI Accelerators, 16 GB GDDR6 memory clocked at 19.5 Gbps on a 256-bit bus. It should be noted, however, that the RX 7800 XT has fewer cores than the last-generation RX 6800 XT, which had 72 CUs. This should have an impact on performance between the two models.
As for the RX 7000 generation, the range is now complete, and AMD has no plans to release further cards based on this architecture. It remains to be seen whether other cards will be added for the RTX 4000 on the green side.
The bundle:
As you can see from the photos below, the box containing our copy of AMD’s RX 7800 XT has the same layout as the other three cards. The model number can be found at the top left of the box, which measures 320 x 170 x 75 mm. We’re talking about compact packaging, which is good news for the size of the card.
There’s no technical information on the rear, but there is information about the Adrenaline Edition software. The front panel opens to reveal the card itself. As soon as you open it, you’ll see the annotation: ” Welcome to the red team “.
This is the reference card offered by AMD, as NVIDIA does with its Founders Edition. However, while on the green side only NVIDIA sells its Founders Edition, AMD offers its partners the opportunity to buy this reference board and then resell it by simply adding their brand. Unfortunately, it would seem that the cost of a sticker sometimes pushes up the price, as some brands do not hesitate to increase the price of the reference board even though it is totally identical to the one offered by AMD. Please note that AMD will not be offering a reference model for sale for the RX 7700 XT.
Cooling:
Our reference board features a cooling system consisting of two 80 mm fans. The reference board’s design is visually very pleasing, with no hint of RGB backlighting. Its dark aesthetic will match any motherboard and any case.
The two fans keep the heat sink in contact with the graphics chip and the various PCB components cool. These fans have 9 blades and remain at rest when the board is not in use, and vice versa. They become active again when the temperature requires it. As you can see, hot air only escapes through the top edge of the board, as the bracket is not perforated.
The rear of the board is protected by a thick black backplate. Its role is to prevent the PCB from twisting, but it also plays a role in heat dissipation, with the presence of pads between it and the PCB. As you can see, the backplate is joined to the fan shroud, giving the impression that the PCB is encased in a shell. We also note the presence of a small icon indicating that this is a hot surface. We’ll be able to judge the temperature of the latter during our tests. In terms of thickness, our sample occupies 2 slots.
Connectors :
To power our card, and this is excellent news, AMD has chosen to retain two 8-pin power connectors. AMD claims a power consumption of 263 watts for the reference RX 7800 XT. We also know that, as far as memory is concerned, AMD is using GDDR6 instead of GDDR6X for both boards, mainly because it consumes less power and is incidentally less expensive.
AMD has opted for DisplayPort 2.1 support on these new boards. AMD offers simultaneous encoding or decoding for AV1, which will be of interest to content creators. All in all, we have three DisplayPort 2.1s and one HDMI 2.1.
