Best RX 6950 XT graphics card 2022
A new GPU a range of options to choose from
AMD has a new range of refreshed graphics cards, with the RX 6X50 XT range, and now we take a look at the best RX 6950 XT. Taking over as the lead of the pack, it offers great performance. It pitches itself up vs RTX 3090 aiming for the full selection.
Bringing an upgrade to its predecessor, with an improved Navi 21 KXTX GPU variant. Slightly different from the XTX in the 6900 XT. The upgrade only brings faster core and memory frequencies. With the cost of higher energy consumption with a larger TBP. This also gives rise to some water-cooled solutions like seen in the RTX 3090 Ti.
This upgrade also brings a price increase alongside it, with an MSRP of $1,099. Where the RX 6900 XT has an MSRP of $999, but not as high as the RTX 3090 reaching $1,499. Giving AMD the edge in price and quite potentially the performance alongside it.
Our Top Picks
Best RX 6950 XT
In-depth Review
ROG Strix LC Radeon RX 6950 XT OC
ROG Strix LC Radeon RX 6950 XT OC
For the best RX 6950 XT, there is no better choice than the ROG Strix. It brings unhindered top performance with plenty of overhead on top of it. As well as having a modern sleek design with personalizable RGB features to get it to fit well into your build.
For the higher TBP of the card, the Strix utilizes an all-in-one cooling solution. It utilizes a full coverage cold plate for both the die and memory, so there is no bottleneck in the card that may hinder the performance. As well as a blower in the card structure so everything else also gets cooled that might not be covered by the water. It then utilizes a 240mm radiator to dissipate that heat. With two ARGB fans optimized for static pressure, it makes sure to keep that die nice and cool.
Coming in overclocked at the top of the range you won’t be losing out on any performance. It offers the top range that combined with the cooling can keep going at that speed. It comes with an 11% increase in the game clock up to 2,343 MHz. As well as a 10% increase in the boost clock to 2,565 MHz. Providing the top range of the selection and not holding anything back with extra overhead available on the top.
MSI Radeon RX 6950 XT GAMING X TRIO
MSI Radeon RX 6950 XT GAMING X TRIO
The MSI Gaming X Trio offers the best performance for an air-cooled RX 6950 XT. Although not as powerful as some of the water-cooled options it does still offer an improvement over the baseline. Although it does require a bigger solution that may be a harder fit.
For the cooling solution, MSI has used Tri Frozr 2 design. It has three Torx 4.0 fans that alternately combined blades focusing the air into the heatsink. Which is a dual-slot combined with multiple heat pipes to spread the heat along with the whole heatsink.
It has improved the game clock of the card by 6% up to 2,244 MHz. The boost clock was also up 6% to 2,454 MHz but without changing the base clock from 1,925 MHz. Give it a leg up on the base cards but not push it to the limits.
It does also feature some RGB personalization and splashes of color across the card. But otherwise a rather simple and sharp design with black and silver.
SAPPHIRE Toxic Radeon RX 6950 XT
SAPPHIRE Toxic Radeon RX 6950 XT
Providing the biggest cooling solution is the Toxic RX 6950 XT. With a large radiator for the built-in water cooling solution, it gives great performance and longevity. It stands out from the crowd with its more unique design in a sea of black with more grey and RGB. Along with translucent fans to bring something different and spread the color.
With the water cooling the card is kept down to two slots. With a good backplate and water block, it can efficiently transfer heat out and into the radiator. Along with a blower fan on the card itself to help out with the smaller parts. The coolant gets transferred to a triple-slot cooler for the biggest thermal capacity. Along with three fans to effectively remove the heat away.
In terms of frequencies, the card improves upon the game clock by 9%, boosting it to 2,310 MHz. Whilst the boost clock also goes up 9% to 2,532 MHz. Nearing the top of the charts with the performance in the selection of RX 6950 XT.
PowerColor Red Devil RX 6950 XT
PowerColor Red Devil RX 6950 XT
Although the card may not look too much it can still get the work done. With a large heatsink and striking design. With featurettes of RGB lighting, it does have some features that stand out. Along with a large cooler to keep the higher TBP under wraps.
The cooling system has a large copper base plate for good transfer of heat from both die and VRAM. With a dual-slot heatsink that is also long for bigger thermal capacity. But also three fans to best remove the heat from the metal.
Without any overclocking, with a base clock of 1,925 MHz. Whilst the game clock is set to 2,116 MHz and the boost clock at 2,324 MHz. Which is still plenty sufficient for 4k that the card aims for. Even though it falls behind the other choices it should cost you less than them.
Final Word
Overall, we have the best RX 6950 XT range. With options for air-cooled, water-cooled, or budget you’ll be sure to find the right one for you. With the new flagship from AMD, you’ll be getting the most out of this generation and be on top. But that may change with the new generation of GPUs coming in Q2 of 2022 with the RTX 40 and RX 7000 series.