AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT
Rated: 8/10
AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
Rated: 7.5/10
Pros & Cons
| GPU | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| RX 6950 XT | ✅ Higher performance. ✅ Slightly better specifications. | ❌ 1% lows quite low. |
| RX 6800 XT | ✅ Great budget card. ✅ Readily available. | ❌ Similar temperatures with lower performance. |
- During the benchmarks, we noticed that the RX 6950 XT is about 18% faster than the RX 6800 XT when tested across ten games at 1440p.
- Moreover, the RX 6950 XT proved to be only 0.3% cooler than the RX 6800 XT, but this difference is negligible.
- Talking about the prices, the RX 6800XT holds the advantage of being 54% cheaper than the RX 6950XT, while providing a good performance overall.
- We recommend the RX 6950 XT for better performance with similar temperatures and the RX 6800 XT for those who are on a budget but prefer a decent card.
Comparison Table
| Specifications | Radeon RX 6800 XT | Radeon RX 6950 XT |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Name | Navi 21 | Navi 21 |
| Shading Units | 4608 | 5120 |
| Compute Units | 72 | 80 |
| RT Cores | 72 | 80 |
| TMUs | 288 | 320 |
| ROPs | 128 | 128 |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB | 4 MB |
| Slot Width | Dual-slot | Triple-slot |
| Suggested TDP | 700W | 700W |
| Release Date | Oct 28th, 2020 | May 10th, 2022 |
| Approximate Price | $449 | $779 |
| Best Variants | Best Radeon RX 6800 XT Graphic Cards | - |
Architectural Differences
- Process Size & Architecture: Both the RDNA 2.0-based GPUs are very close to each other as they are from the RX 6000s series so they both are based on TSMC’s 7nm process node.
- Clock Speed: The RX 6800 XT comes with a base clock of 1825 MHz which can be boosted up to 2250 MHz. Whereas, the RX 6950 XT has slight variations as it comes with a base and boost clock speeds of 1860 MHz and 2310 MHz.
- VRAM & Bus: Both graphics cards share the same VRAM buffer size of 16GB GDDR6 memory and the same bus width of 256-bit. However, the RX 6800 XT has a higher memory clock speed of 16 Gbps compared to the RX 6950 XT’s 14 Gbps.
- Memory Clock & Bandwidth: The RX 6800 XT arrives with a 16 Gbps memory clock and a bandwidth of 512.0 GB/s. Meanwhile, the RX 6950 XT has an 18 Gbps memory clock and 576.0 GB/s of bandwidth.
- TDP: Both have slightly different TDPs, where the RX 6800 XT has a 300W of TDP and the RX 6950 XT comes with a TDP rating of 335W. However, the RX 6800 XT requires two 8-pin power connectors while the RX 6950 XT only needs one 8-pin power connector.
Both the RX 6950 vs RX 6800 XT are candidates from the same RX 6000s series. Being in this series, they tend to share many similarities and slight differences in terms of specifications, average framerates, and temperatures. Find out what these differences are in this detailed comparison.
Gaming Benchmarks At 1440p
In this section of the RX 6950 vs RX 6800 XT comparison, I will show the difference in gaming performance of these cards at the resolution of 1440p at high to ultra settings.
Test Bench
- OS: Windows 10 Pro
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
- Motherboard: GIGABYTE X570 Aorus Pro Wifi
- RAM: Patriot Viper LED DDR4-3600 16GB RAM
- CPU Cooler: Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360mm
- PSU: ENERMAX REVOLUTION D.F. X 1050W
- Storage: Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus G 2TB
- Resolution: 1080p
Control
- In our first game, the RX 6950 XT exhibits a higher average of 135 FPS compared to the RX 6800 XT’s average of 108 FPS.
- Surprisingly, the 1% lows were better on the RX 6800 XT as it maintains an average of 39 FPS. On the other hand, the RX 6950 XT averaged 34 FPS.
Cyberpunk 2077
- In the graphically demanding game of Cyberpunk 2077, the RX 6950 XT achieves a higher average of 93 FPS, compared to the RX 6800 XT’s average of 73 FPS.
- The RX 6950 XT maintains a 1% low of 34 FPS, while the RX 6800 XT performs slightly better with a 1% low of 40 FPS.
Dead Space Remake
- The RX 6950 XT achieves a higher average of 85 FPS, providing smoother gameplay than the RX 6800 XT’s average of 67 FPS.
- The RX 6950 XT finally caught up with the RX 6800 XT in terms of 1% lows, keeping an equivalent framerate of 35 FPS.
Hogwarts Legacy
- In Hogwarts Legacy, the RX 6950 XT demonstrates a higher average of 84 FPS, providing smoother gameplay compared to the RX 6800 XT’s average of 73 FPS.
- Again, the 1% lows were comparable in this game, with the RX 6950 XT having 1% lows of 37 FPS and the RX 6800 XT having 1% lows of 36 FPS. The performance of both these cards in this metric is sub-par.
Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales
- The RX 6950 XT outshines the RX 6800 XT in terms of average FPS, boasting a higher average of 121 FPS, while the RX 6800 XT offers an average of 96 FPS.
- When it comes to 1% lows, which represent the minimum frame rates, both graphics cards perform similarly yet again, with the RX 6950 XT and RX 6800 XT showcasing 1% lows of 87 FPS and 76 FPS, respectively.
Red Dead Redemption 2
- We notice that the RX 6950 XT takes the lead in average FPS, delivering an impressive average of 89 FPS, while the RX 6800 XT is close behind with an average of 82 FPS.
- Regarding 1% lows, which represent the minimum frame rates, both graphics cards perform comparably, with the RX 6950 XT and RX 6800 XT demonstrating 1% lows of 67 FPS and 66 FPS, respectively.
The Last Of Us
- Here, we see that both cards deliver solid performance, with the RX 6950 XT achieving an average of 77 FPS and the RX 6800 XT providing an average of 68 FPS.
- The RX 6950 XT maintains a minimum of 40 FPS, while the RX 6800 XT provides a steady 1% low of 39 FPS. These results are disappointing, considering the great performance in average FPS.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
- Once again, both cards deliver impressive performance, with the RX 6950 XT achieving an average of 121 FPS and the RX 6800 XT providing an average of 108 FPS.
- Both graphics cards offer consistent performance regarding 1% lows, representing the minimum frame rates. The RX 6950 XT maintains a minimum of 77 FPS, while the RX 6800 XT provides a steady 1% low of 74 FPS.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- The RX 6950 XT stands out with an impressive average of 151 FPS, while the RX 6800 XT delivers a solid average of 119 FPS.
- Both graphics cards demonstrate poor performance regarding 1% lows, representing the minimum frame rates. The RX 6950 XT averages 37 FPS, while the RX 6800 XT delivers an ever so slightly lower 1% low of 36 FPS.
Watch Dogs Legion
- The RX 6950 XT takes the lead with an average of 103 FPS in Watch Dogs Legion, while the RX 6800 XT trails behind with an average of 84 FPS.
- Regarding 1% lows, the RX 6950 XT and RX 6800 XT come to a tie. They both deliver a 1% low of 35 FPS. Once again, the performance of these GPUs in terms of 1% lows is unsavory at best, considering their performance in average FPS.
Overall Gaming Performance
| Graphics Card | Average FPS | 1% Lows |
|---|---|---|
| RX 6950 XT | 📈 108 | 📉 48 |
| RX 6800 XT | 📈 88 | 📉 47 |
| Winner: RX 6950 XT | ||
As everything about the RX 6950 XT vs RX 6800 XT has slight variations, there is also a slight change in the average framerates of these cards. We witnessed that the RX 6950 XT has an edge over the RX 6800 XT by 18% in terms of average framerates and only about 2.1% in the area of 1% lows.
Temperatures
| Games | RX 6950 XT (°C) | RX 6800 XT (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Thermal Capacity | 76.5 🌡️ | 76.8 🌡️ |
| Winner: RX 6950 XT | ||
Moreover, looking at the temperature difference of both graphic cards, we analyze that it is extremely similar, with only a 0.3% margin obtained by the RX 6950 XT. This difference is negligible as it is practically the same. Nonetheless, both GPUs operate at a reasonable temperature.
Price And Availability
| Graphics Card | MSRP | Current Price |
|---|---|---|
| RX 6950 XT | 💲1299 | 💲779 |
| RX 6800 XT | 💲649 | 💲449 |
| Price Difference | 66.7% | 53.7% |
For new cards, the RX 6950 XT’s price has been reduced by 50% while the RX 6800 XT’s price has been dropped by 36.4% over the years. We also noticed that the RX 6950 XT is mostly sold much cheaper as a used item and the new one is not readily available. The new RX 6800 XT is available and is 53.7% cheaper than the RX 6950 XT.
Final Remarks – One We Recommend?
RX 6950 XT: When we speak about the RX 6950XT, its main merit is its performance. Though the 18% difference in our gaming tests might seem minuscule, it can be the difference between your card being obsolete in three or five years. From a longevity and performance point of view, the RX 6950 XT is the better deal.
RX 6800 XT: For the more budget-minded folks among you, we suggest the RX 6800 XT as it provides almost as good performance but for significantly cheaper. Saving one or two hundred dollars while buying this card might negate its smaller lifespan. These reasons lead us to conclude that the RX 6800 XT is the better deal.
We recommend the RX 6950 XT is best for users who are on the lookout for a higher-performing GPU with optimal temperatures. On the other hand, the RX 6800 XT is for users who are on a budget but still desire a decent-performing card. The choice is up to your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically, they both belong to the RX 6000 series of GPUs, though the RX 6950 XT is a model launched at the end of this product line.
Both these GPUs use AMD’s FSR technology, a direct competitor to DLSS.
Considering all the metrics, the RX 6800 XT stretches your dollar further than the RX 6950 XT.
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[Comparisons Expert]
Abdemanaf is a skilled creative writer who has been honing his craft since 2011. While initially working in different fields, he found a passion for technology and has been exploring the tech world since early 2015. Over the years, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of the latest tech trends and product offerings by various companies.
Abdemanaf’s writing reflects his analytical mindset and ability to think critically. He has a knack for breaking down complex technical information into easily digestible pieces, making his articles engaging and accessible to readers from all backgrounds. In February 2022, he joined Tech4Gamers as a blog and product comparison writer, where he has been able to hone his skills further.
As a writer, Abdemanaf is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and trends, enabling him to provide readers with the most relevant and accurate information. He is always eager to learn more and is constantly seeking new challenges to improve his skills.
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