TUF Gaming RX 7800 XT OC:
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. Will this have an impact on performance between the two models? Our test will answer that question.
As far as the RX 7000 generation is concerned, the range is now complete, and AMD has no plans to release any 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 the TUF Gaming RX 7800 XT OC follows the usual color code of ASUS models. The model number can be found in the bottom right-hand corner of the box on a red background, as befits AMD. Dimensions are 420 x 225 x 90 mm. We’re talking about a rather imposing package, since our model features a rather imposing cooling system.
On the rear, ASUS highlights the PCB design, the cooling system and its GPU Tweak III overclocking software, which we’ll come back to at the end of the week. The opening is on the side, where we find our graphics card perfectly protected in a foam block. The bundle includes a quick installation guide and a vertical support to place in your case to hold your graphics card horizontally. It can also be used as a Phillips screwdriver.
This is a ” custom ” card, i.e. with a PCB and cooling system specific to AMD’s partner brand, i.e. Asus. Our sample of the day is part of the TUF Gaming series.
Cooling :
The TUF Gaming RX 7800 XT OC features a cooling system consisting of three 100 mm fans. The design of this TUF model is visually very pleasing and features a few touches of RGB backlighting. The gray color of the aluminum casing will match any motherboard and any case.
The imposing Axial-tech fans rotate on double ball bearings, increasing the volume of air passing through the radiator. The result is higher temperatures and reduced noise pollution. The two side fans turn counter-clockwise. The aim is to minimize turbulence and maximize air dispersion through the radiator.
These fans have 11 blades and will 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, the hot air escapes through the top edge of the board, through the bracket and also through the aluminum backplate cut out at the end. In fact, the PCB is much shorter than the heat sink. It ends at the PCB’s two power connectors.
As previously mentioned, the rear of the board is protected by an imposing grey backplate. Its role is to prevent the PCB from twisting, but it also plays a thermal dissipation role, with the presence of pads between it and the PCB. We’ll judge the temperature of the latter during our tests. In terms of thickness, our sample occupies 3 slots.
The card also features a dual BIOS: Pmode (performance) and Qmode (quiet). By default, Pmode is selected, and in our opinion, this is the best choice, even though the differences between the two BIOSes are virtually non-existent.
Connectors :
To power our board, and this is excellent news, ASUS has chosen to retain two 8-pin power connectors. AMD claims a power consumption of 263 watts for the reference RX 7800 XT, but we don’t yet know the power consumption of our TUF Gaming RX 7800 XT OC. We also know that, as far as memory is concerned, AMD is using GDDR6 instead of GDDR6X for both cards, mainly because it consumes less power and is incidentally less expensive.
ASUS 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.
