AMD has refreshed some of its RDNA 2 lineup, as part of that we look at the best RX 6650 XT. The new card brings some updated parts to stand out from the crowd and become the best graphics card for you. It aims itself up vs the 3060 and offers some more performance at the entry-level choices.
It brings with it an upgraded choice of the GPU die with a Navi 23 KXT variant over its predecessor. The addition of the K doesn’t change anything in terms of the chip itself. But the new model offers better frequencies for the cores and memory at the cost of a higher power.
This does also bring up the MSRP slightly. With an increase of $20 up to $399, which isn’t a big hike over the RX 6600 XT and doesn’t put it too close to the RX 6700 XT. Which are priced at $379 and $479 respectively.
Our Top Picks
Best RX 6650 XT in 2022
In-depth Review
ROG Strix Radeon RX 6650 XT OC
ROG Strix Radeon RX 6650 XT OC
If you’re looking for the best RX 6650 XT, the ROG Strix OC. Which offers the top range of the performance with plenty of overhead. Along with a great cooling solution to keep it up in the long run. As well as a solid build quality with some RGB additions to keep up the looks to fit in.
It contains a 2.9 slot heatsink, which gives it plenty of thermal capacity to keep the GPU cool. This is also supported by the large cool plate that is connected to multiple heat pipes. Allowing the heat to be spread out and dissipated across it all. That is then supported by two axial tech fans. Designed to direct airflow down with barrier rings into the cooling array.
Standing out from the crowd it comes in overclocked out of the box. In terms of the base clock, it improves by 7% up to 2,192 MHz. Whilst the game clock is up by 5% up to 2,523 MHz and the boost is increased by 2% to 2,694 MHz. Bringing the top range of performance that can be pushed even further.
MSI RX 6650 XT MECH 2X OC
MSI RX 6650 XT MECH 2X OC
Another model that always provides good quality and performance is the MSI Mech 2X OC. It is also overclocked to offer improved performance against the more basic options. Along with a quality build that has great durability. This means it can keep up the good look and framerate over time.
The design is of solid quality with a reinforcing backplate to keep up the quality in the long term. It has a dual-slot cooling design with a large heatsink. Along with core pipes that spread out the heat across the whole radiator, as well as thermal padding making sure even the smallest parts are cooled. Then the Torx 3.0 fans are able to dissipate it out into the air around, providing better air pressure.
It is also overclocked slightly from factory settings. With an increase of 2% of the base clock up to 2,106 MHz. Whilst the game clock also increases by 2% to 2,447 MHz and the boost clock up 1% to 2,669 MHz.
XFX Speedster SWFT 210 RX 6650 XT CORE
XFX Speedster SWFT 210 RX 6650 XT CORE
For the most basic and cheapest offerings, there is the XFX Speedster SWFT 210. It has the core performance of the card while keeping the costs down. It’s a fairly slim selection but rather long so can be harder for some builds. As well as no real stand-out parts to the design and keeping it cheap and basic.
Being a simple dual-slot design, although the heat-sink is much smaller. Without an OC on the card, this is unlikely to cause any issues. But also means it doesn’t excel much above but does keep the card on the cheaper side. It also has two basic fams to dissipate that heat. Helped out by the cut out in the backplate to help with the airflow.
The basic clock speeds of the card are a 2,055 MHz base clock. With a game clock of 2,410 MHz and a boost clock of 2,635 MHz. It does allow for 1080p gaming and does so without an inflated idea.
PowerColor Hellhound Sakura RX 6650 XT
PowerColor Hellhound Sakura RX 6650 XT
For a choice of something different and new, there is the Hellhound Sakura. With a base White design, it also adds pink features of petals and flowers. Giving a fresh look to the market flooded by usually black and boring designs. Even though it is the basic spec of the RX 6650 XT.
It also is a dual-slot heatsink with a great base plate to efficiently transfer the heat out of the die and parts. With three heat pipes to most effectively spread out the heat to the fins. Which then is cooled with the dual fan setup of 100mm fans. With the blossom pink LEDs to make it stand out.
With the frequency set at a 2,055 MHz base clock. ALong with a 2,410 MHz game clock and 2,635 MHz boost clock. Although being the base option it still is unique in its design and offers something new.
Final Word
There you have the selection for the best RX 6650 XT. If it’s either a choice of the best with the Strix or for the budget choice with SFX, the White choice with PowerColor. This new model offers an updated spec for a refresh to the range. Although if you’re in the market for a new card, it may be worth waiting for the next generation of GPUs to launch. With the RTX 4000 series and RX 7000 series launching in Q2 2022.