AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT Graphics Card Review

Today is a very exciting day here at eTeknix, as we finally have the flagship AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT Graphics Card in for testing. What's most exciting is that this is meant to be faster than the RX 6800 XT... I mean, duh! However, the 6800 XT was already extremely fast, even managing to put Nvidia firmly in their place in quite a few benchmarks, which hasn't happened for quite some time. Now with this faster card, we could see AMD topple the best Nvidia has to offer in terms of price AND performance. AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT The 6900 XT comes equipped with 80 Compute Units, 80 Ray Accelerators, which gives it an incredible 5120 Stream Processors and 320 Texture Units! It comes with a Game Frequency of up to 2015 MHz and a Boost frequency of up to 2250 MHz. That's >10% more than the 6800 XT, which has 72 CU, 4608 Stream Processors and 288 Texture Units. So there's no doubting that this will be a fairly fast card! Plus, with AMD's latest (and greatest) cooler design built-in, their reference cards are rivalling AIB cards these days. Enough chatter, let's do this. Features Truly immersive gaming experiences with DirectX 12 UltimateA robust visual feature set enabled by AMD FidelityFXDraw out more detail with Radeon Image SharpeningOne-click overclocking with Radeon Software Performance Tuning PresetsNo tearing, no stuttering, just gaming on over 1300 monitors with AMD FreeSync TechnologyGet the competitive edge with lower input latency with Radeon Anti-lagExtra performance when needed with Radeon BoostAMD Smart Access Memory Support Bonus, the 6900 XT even comes with a slick AMD mouse mat in the box, because... why the heck not! What AMD Had to Say "The AMD Radeon™ RX 6900 XT graphics card, powered by AMD RDNA™ 2 architecture, featuring 80 powerful enhanced Compute Units, 128 MB of all new AMD Infinity Cache and 16GB of dedicated GDDR6 memory, is engineered to deliver ultra-high frame rates and serious 4K resolution gaming." - AMD.com A Closer Look AMD has kept things really simple this time around, as their entire range of new cards look pretty much the same. I don't blame them either, as a lot of work has gone into this cooler and it's easily one of the best looking graphics cards I've ever seen. Seriously, I think it's that good. That's the 6800 XT and the 6900 XT, I'll let you guess which is which because I forgot. It managed to cool the 6800 XT exceptionally well, and it delivered excellent acoustics, so there's no doubt you'll see a similar performance here with the 6900 XT. This card also doesn't have a massive difference in hardware vs the 6800 XT, so we should see similar temperatures. The 6900 XT measures 267mm long, and takes up 2.5 slots, so there's quite a hefty chunk of materials here. The new fans even look pretty robust and I love that slightly chromed edge on them. Tucked into the body, you can see a huge radiator design which has been coated in black. It looks impressive, and the hint of red on the side really pops. What's interesting is that the back of the 6900 XT is closed off. Even here with the rear ports, there's no ventilation. That's because it's all designed to flow sideways out of the card, rather than blowing heat away in all directions, the card has a clear direction of airflow. The RX 6900 XT draws its power from a pair of 8-pin headers, using around 300W but AMD suggest at least an 850W PSU. Finally, you have that gorgeous backplate, which keeps the card as firm as stone and as straight as a ruler. Of course, it's also going to protect the PCB and provide some passive heat exhaust too. You'll also find that the 6900 XT has no issues with capacitors featuring a huge cluster of multi-layered ceramic capacitors or MLCC's for short. How We Test We continue to update our testing methods around once per year. As such, we re-test older hardware to reflect changes over time. These can be driver updates, Windows updates, game patches, and more; all of which have an impact on performance figures. Furthermore, we update our test bench to newer and more relevant hardware. This means that our new reviews aren’t always comparable to those of older reviews, so please compare the testing methodology on older reviews should you be trying to compare them with newer ones. RED results indicate a new high-score. Replicate Our Results When it comes to our benchmarks in our reviews, the benchmarks are pretty self-explanatory and kept as simple as possible, although there are a few exceptions. Remember that your choice of a graphics card, CPU, the silicon lottery, and other factors can yield different numbers, and there’s always a margin for error when using any software. Links are provided below, as well as the settings we use. We encourage you to not just look at how one product compares to any other, but how it compares to your own. If you’re looking to build a new system, you should benchmark your current PC using the benchmarks available to you. You should then look at the percentage improvement from your current hardware to the hardware tested here to give you a ballpark figure of how much of an upgrade this will provide you with. Graphics Card Test System MotherboardASUS Crosshair VIII Hero (Wi-Fi)ProcessorAMD Ryzen 9 3900XRAMTEAMGroup DarkZa 16GB 3600MHz (2x8GB)CPU CoolerNoctua NH-D15SPower SupplyPhanteks Revolt Pro 850StorageSeagate FireCuda 520 2TBChassisOpen BenchtableMonitorDell UP3218KOSWindows 10 Pro Version 2004 Additional Hardware Killawatt style electricity usage meter wall plugPrecision Gold N05CC Decibel meter Gaming To gauge performance levels which are easily reproduced time after time, by both ourselves and our readers, we now stick strictly to games default profiles. We now use the “High” profiles for all games or their respective equivalent at all resolutions. V-Sync is always disabled in our testing, as are FreeSync and G-Sync technologies or similar. Graphics card power usage is set to optimised or balance, and the system power mode set to High Performance within Windows and the available GPU driver software. Identical settings are used for all resolutions unless otherwise stated. Games Watch Dogs LegionDirt 5Assassin's Creed: ValhallaGodfallShadow of the Tomb RaiderHorizon Zero DawnFinal Fantasy XVBorderlands 3Metro ExodusControlFarCry New DawnGhost Recon BreakpointWolfenstein Youngblood Resolutions 1080p (Full HD)1440p (2K)2160p (4K)4320p (8K) Some tests will also include features such as Nvidia DLSS and Ray Tracing. However, these will be clearly labelled and may only appear in reviews for graphics cards that support those features. 8K testing will only appear in reviews of flagship cards that we consider capable. Software Used 3DMark Fire Strike (download)FireStrikeFireStrike UltraPort Royal DXRTimeSpyTimeSpy ExtremeUnigine Superposition (download)4K Optimised BenchmarkHWMonitor (download)GPU-Z (download)MSI Afterburner (download) Noise Everyone has a reasonable noise level preference when it comes to components on a computer. Some can handle all fans at 100% load to keep temperatures down; some want an entirely silent computer. To accurately gauge the noise output of a graphics card, we position a Precision Gold N05CC one meter above our open-air test bench and take an average reading at idle and load. Power Consumption We take power readings during the idle state with no background applications running. Then again at 50% completion of the Unigine Superposition benchmark, using the average as the final published result. Temperatures We take temperature readings after 10 minutes of desktop idle with no background programs running, then take the recorded maximum delivered from Unigine Superposition after a 4K optimised run, confirming the numbers are accurate with HWMonitor. Furthermore, the ambient temperature is always kept +/- 1c from 21c. Synthetic Benchmarks 3DMark FireStrike - 134513DMark FireStrike Ultra - 181853DMark TimeSpy - 181853DMark TimeSpy Extreme - 84333DMark Port Royal (DXR) - 9606Unigine Superposition 4K Optimised - 15066 3DMark FireStrike 3DMark FireStrike Ultra 3DMark TimeSpy 3DMark TimeSpy Extreme Unigine Superposition 4K Optimised Build a resistance from virtually anyone you see as you hack, infiltrate, and fight to take back a near-future London that is facing its downfall. Welcome to the Resistance. Recruit and play as anyone in the city. Everyone you see has a unique backstory, personality, and skill set. Hack armed drones, deploy spider-bots and take down enemies using an Augmented Reality Cloak. Explore a massive urban open world featuring London’s many iconic landmarks and fun side activities. Take your recruits online and team up with your friends as you complete missions and challenging endgame content. Available now on UPlay. Watch Dogs Legion Performance 1080p Watch Dogs Legion - 1261440p Watch Dogs Legion - 1212160p Watch Dogs Legion - 78 DIRT 5 is a fun, amplified, off-road racing experience created by Codemasters. Blaze a trail on routes across the world, covering gravel, ice, snow and sand, with a roster of cars ranging from rally icons to trucks, to GT heroes. With a star-studded Career, four-player split-screen, innovative online modes, livery editor and more new features, DIRT 5 is the next generation of extreme racing. Available now on Steam. Dirt 5 Performance 1080p Dirt 5 - 164.41440p Dirt 5 - 132.72160p Dirt 5 - 94.6 Become Eivor, a legendary Viking raider on a quest for glory. Explore England's Dark Ages as you raid your enemies, grow your settlement, and build your political power. • Lead epic Viking raids against Saxon fortresses throughout England.• Dual-wield powerful weapons and relive the visceral fighting style of the Vikings.• Challenge yourself with the most varied collection of enemies ever found in Assassin's Creed.• Shape the growth of your character with every choice you make and carve your path to glory.• Explore a Dark Age open world, from the harsh shores of Norway to the beautiful kingdoms of England.• Personalize your experience by growing your clan's settlement. Available now on UPlay. Assassin's Creed Valhalla Performance 1080p Assassin's Creed Valhalla - 1331440p Assassin's Creed Valhalla - 1082160p Assassin's Creed Valhalla - 69 Aperion is on the precipice of ruin. You are the last of the Valorian knights, god-like warriors able to equip Valorplates, legendary armor sets that transform wielders into unstoppable masters of melee combat. Tear through foes as you climb through the elemental realms and challenge the mad god, Macros who awaits you at the top. Ascend in Godfall, the first-of-its-kind, looter-slasher, melee action-RPG. Available now on EPIC. Godfall Performance 1080p Godfall - 1381440p Godfall - 119.52160p Godfall - 77 Experience Lara Croft’s defining moment as she becomes the Tomb Raider. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Lara must master a deadly jungle, overcome terrifying tombs, and persevere through her darkest hour. As she races to save the world from a Maya apocalypse, Lara will ultimately be forged into the Tomb Raider she is destined to be. Available now on Steam. Shadow of the Tomb Raider Performance 1080p Shadow of the Tomb Raider - 1431440p Shadow of the Tomb Raider - 1412160p Shadow of the Tomb Raider - 102 For the first time, players take control of Noctis's greatest foe in this brand-new episode of FINAL FANTASY XV! Delve into the dark tale of scorned saviour Ardyn Lucis Caelum and unravel the secrets surrounding his mysterious past. Available now on Steam. Final Fantasy XV Performance 1080p Final Fantasy XV - 137161440p Final Fantasy XV - 120642160p Final Fantasy XV - 7269 Experience Aloy’s entire legendary quest to unravel the mysteries of a world ruled by deadly Machines. An outcast from her tribe, the young hunter fights to uncover her past, discover her destiny… and stop a catastrophic threat to the future. Unleash devastating, tactical attacks against unique Machines and rival tribes as you explore an open world teeming with wildlife and danger. Horizon Zero Dawn is a multi-award-winning action role-playing game – and this Complete Edition for PC includes the huge expansion The Frozen Wilds, featuring new lands, skills, weapons and Machines. Available now on Steam. Horizon Zero Dawn Performance 1080p Horizon Zero Dawn - 1581440p Horizon Zero Dawn - 1422160p Horizon Zero Dawn - 82 The original shooter-looter returns, packing bazillions of guns and a mayhem-fueled adventure! Blast through new worlds and enemies as one of four new Vault Hunters. Play solo or with friends to take on insane enemies, score loads of loot and save your home from the most ruthless cult leaders in the galaxy. At the hard edge of the galaxy lies a group of planets ruthlessly exploited by militarized corporations. Brimming with loot and violence, this is your home—the Borderlands. Now, a crazed cult known as The Children of the Vault has emerged and is spreading like an interstellar plague. Play solo or co-op as one of four unique Vault Hunters, score loads of loot and save the galaxy from this fanatical threat. Available now on Epic Games Store. Borderlands 3 Performance 1080p Borderlands 3 - 108.871440p Borderlands 3 - 106.922160p Borderlands 3 - 72.64 Metro Exodus is an epic, story-driven first-person shooter from 4A Games that blends deadly combat and stealth with exploration and survival horror in one of the most immersive game worlds ever created. Flee the shattered ruins of dead Moscow and embark on an epic, continent-spanning journey across post-apocalyptic Russia in the greatest Metro adventure yet. Explore the Russian wilderness in vast, non-linear levels and follow a thrilling story-line inspired by the novels of Dmitry Glukhovsky that spans an entire year through spring, summer and autumn to the depths of nuclear winter. Available now on Epic Game Store. Metro Exodus Performance 1080p Metro Exodus - 138.831440p Metro Exodus - 121.922160p Metro Exodus - 77.63 A corruptive presence has invaded the Federal Bureau of Control…Only you have the power to stop it. The world is now your weapon in an epic fight to annihilate an ominous enemy through deep and unpredictable environments. Containment has failed, humanity is at stake. Will you regain control? Winner of over 80 awards, Control is a visually stunning third-person action-adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Blending open-ended environments with the signature world-building and storytelling of renowned developer, Remedy Entertainment, Control presents an expansive and intensely gratifying gameplay experience. Available now on Steam. Control Performance 1080p Control - 157.9881440p Control - 108.5262160p Control - 55.078 Seventeen years after a global nuclear catastrophe, civilization re-emerges from the chaos to find a world dramatically changed. In Hope County, Montana, the remaining populace has gathered into different groups, each with their own rules for survival. In this new world order, the vicious Highwaymen, led by twin sisters Mickey and Lou, travel from place to place bleeding people dry of all available resources. As the Survivors try to defend their lands against the Highwaymen's relentless onslaught, it's up to you to come to their aid and lead the fight. In the latest instalment of the award-winning Far Cry franchise, you are the last line of defence in a transformed, post-apocalyptic Hope County. Help the community of Survivors grow stronger, craft a makeshift arsenal through Turf Wars and cross-country Expeditions, and form unexpected alliances to fight for survival in a dangerous new frontier. Available now on UPlay. Far Cry New Dawn Performance 1080p Far Cry New Dawn - 1121440p Far Cry New Dawn - 1072160p Far Cry New Dawn - 102 Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint puts you in the boots of the Ghosts, an Elite US Special Operations Unit stranded behind enemy lines. This time there is no briefing. All contact has been lost with Auroa. This archipelago is home to Skell Technology, a high-tech company. You are sent there with your unit for a recon mission, but your helicopters are shot down: Skell Tech has fallen into the wrong hands. The Wolves, a lethal ex-US military unit gone rogue, have taken over the island. Led by your ex-brother-in-arms, Colonel Cole D. Walker, they have reprogrammed Skell’s drones into killing machines and are ready to use them, no matter the casualties. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint is a military shooter set in a diverse, hostile, and mysterious open world that you can play entirely solo or in four-player co-op. Injured, without support, and hunted down by ex-Ghosts, you must fight to survive while lost in Auroa. Choose the right alliances and decide how to take down your toughest enemy. Available now on UPLAY. Ghost Recon: Breakpoint We're currently re-testing and investigating why this is lower performance than the 6800 XT. We've included them regardless, but may update them at a later date. 1080p Breakpoint - 1921440p Breakpoint - 1682160p Breakpoint - 98 Wolfenstein: Youngblood is the first modern co-op Wolfenstein adventure. Nineteen years after the events of Wolfenstein II, BJ Blazkowicz has disappeared after a mission into Nazi-occupied Paris. Now, after years of training from their battle-hardened father, BJ’s twin daughters, Jess and Soph Blazkowicz, are forced into action. Team up with a friend or play alone. Level up, explore, and complete missions to unlock new abilities, weapons, gadgets, cosmetics, and more to complement your playstyle and customize your appearance. Wolfenstein: Youngblood features the most open-ended Wolfenstein experience to date. From a new base of operations located deep in the heart of the Paris catacombs, plan how and when to attack and dismantle the Nazi regime. Available now on Steam. Wolfenstein Youngblood Performance 1080p Wolfenstein Youngblood - 3541440p Wolfenstein Youngblood - 2902160p Wolfenstein Youngblood - 160 Ray tracing is now available on both Nvidia and AMD cards, so we can finally compare how the two stack up. Of course, as you can see, AMD is off to a flying start with the 6900 XT , as with before, it's a bit behind in some, on par in others, and ahead in some too. Dirt 5 was a new record score for us, and Watch Dogs Legion did pretty great too. Control Ray Tracing - 24.912Dirt 5 RT - 69.4Metro Exodus RT - 40.48Shadow of the Tomb Raider RT Shadows - 54Watch Dogs Legion RT - 28 Power Consumption Temperatures Acoustics How Much Does It Cost? This is where AMD makes its power move, as the 6900 XT costs "only" $999 or around £770 here in the UK. That's a lot less than what you'll be paying for the Nvidia RTX 3090 cards, which are currently around £1400... or to put it more bluntly, double the price. They sure as heck aren't half the performance of the Nvidia cards either, and AMD even set a fair few new records for our testing today. So, while it is expensive, it's seriously good value for money given how it stacks up against the flagship Nvidia card. Overview While the 6900 XT is bloody fast, and insanely good value for money vs what Nvidia is doing, AMD are their own worst enemy. Actually, Nvidia suffers from the same issue. The RTX 3090 isn't that much faster than the RTX 3080, it just has a lot of expensive VRAM in it. AMD hasn't gone nuts with the VRAM on their flagship, but again, it's not THAT much faster than the model down. If anything, the 6900 XT shows us just how much value you're getting from the AMD Radeon RX 6800. It's always going to be a case of diminishing returns for the flagship models though, paying a lot more to get a bit more performance. Gaming There's no compromise here, the 6900 XT is extremely fast. The card set a new record score in FireStrike, Watchdogs, Dirt 5, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Tomb Raider, Horizon Zero Dawn and even one in Metro. Unsurprisingly, the ones it didn't win are games that were optimised for Nvidia, but it still maintained competitive performance with the top Nvidia cards. It never felt like it was holding us up. 1080p, well yeah, obviously. Any settings, any frame rate, you'll get there. 1440p, also a breeze, and massive refresh rates are still no issue. Even at 4K, you're looking at some of the best all-round performance we've ever seen. An RTX 3090 out paced it in some tests, but not by much and was even beaten in a fair few tests too. Nvidia does have dominion over the RTX performance, but AMD needs time for their drivers to mature, and they will. Remember, when we tested RTX, it was SLOW, a few driver and game updates later, and things swiftly changed. AMD will get there. However, they did get a new record score in Dirt 5 RT, so we know this card has the power to get the job done. Hardware This high-end 6900 XT is beautifully engineered, and that can be seen both in the design, it's also something you can feel while holding the card; it feels like a quality product. However, it's also visible in the performance. At full load the card hit 73c, which is decent given the level of performance, and only 3c above the performance of the 6800 XT. It was only putting out 44.7 dBa at load too, slightly more than the 6800 XT, but still one of the quieter cards we've ever tested. Should I Buy One? While I find it difficult to recommend anyone to buy a card that costs (effectively) $1000, the 6900 XT is surprisingly good value for money compared to its main rival. I think for your modern enthusiast gamer, the RX 6800 XT is a damn fine option. However, if you need that performance edge in your life, or even in your work flow, it's going to be hard to beat what AMD is offering right now.