RX 6950 XT Vs RX 6800 XT [Gaming & Overalll 2023]

Since the launch of the RTX 40 series of  GPU, AMD has given substantial price drops to their already excellent value Radeon RX 6000 series of cards. Some higher models of this series are neck and neck with similar Nvidia options. This comparison will aim to pin the RX 6950 XT vs RX 6800 XT to show how much of a difference there is between these two cards.

Key Takeaways

• The RX 6950 XT had an average framerate of 106 FPS during the testing at 1440p, whereas the RX 6800 XT had a framerate of 88 FPS as an average over ten games. This result cements the 6800 XT about 18% slower than the other card. 
• The RX 6950 XT had an average temperature of 76.5°C in our testing, while the RX 6800 XT was marginally warmer with a temperature of 76.8°C.
• The RX 6800 XT is about $190 dollars cheaper than the 6950 XT. 

Also Read: RTX 3080 Vs RX 6800 XT

RX 6950 XT Vs RX 6800 XT

Comparison Table

Power

The RX 6950 XT has an 85 Watt higher TDP than the RX 6800 XT, which might warrant getting a better power supply for the card. This can bring upgrade costs further, lowering the value proposition offered by this card.

Also Read: RTX 4090 Vs RX 6950 XT

Core Counts 

Based on the same GPU, the Navi 21, both these cards do not have drastically different architectures. The RX 6800 XT can be considered a watered-down version of the RX 6950 XT with about 500 fewer CUDA cores.

In addition, the Ray-Tracing cores on the RX 6800 XT are cut short, but not by a huge margin compared to the 6950 XT. 

Gaming Benchmarks

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. All of these tests have been performed in a controlled environment utilizing a test bench, the specifications of which are listed below:

• MOTHERBOARD – Asus X570-E ROG Strix Gaming II – (Wi-Fi / Bluetooth)
• CPU – AMD Ryzen 9 5900X | 4.8 GHz | 12 Cores 24 Threads
• GPU – Gigabyte Radeon RX 6950 XT Gaming OC 16GB
• RAM – 32GB Corsair Vengeance Pro SL RGB 3600MHz (2x16GB)
• POWER SUPPLY UNIT – 850W Asus ROG Strix 80+ Gold – Modular
• CPU COOLING SYSTEM – NZXT Kraken Z63 White | 280mm Radiator
• SSD – 1TB Gen4 Aorus M.2. NVME (R: 5000MB/s | W: 4400MB/s)
• OPERATING SYSTEM – Windows 11 Professional 64 Bit
• CASE – NZXT H511 Flow – White

Control

• In the first game of our testing, the RX 6950 XT exhibited a higher average of 135 FPS compared to the RX 6800 XT’s average of 108 FPS. The performance delta in this game is not as drastic as anticipated, but the difference is significant nonetheless.
• Surprisingly, the 1% lows were better on the RX 6800 XT, and noticeably so. The RX 6950 XT maintains a 1% low of 34 FPS, while the RX 6800 XT performs slightly better with a 1% low of 39 FPS. 
• The RX 6950 XT reaches a peak temperature of 73°C, while the RX 6800 XT maintains a slightly higher temperature of 74°C.

Also Read: RTX 4080 Vs RX 6950 XT

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.
• Once again, the RX 6800 XT outperforms the higher tier card in terms of 1% lows. 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.
• The RX 6950 XT operates at a peak temperature of 72°C in Cyberpunk, while the RX 6800 XT exhibits a  significantly higher peak temperature of 78°C.

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.
• Temperatures were also equivalent in this game, with the 6800 XT and 6950 XT getting toasty at a peak temperature of 78°C.

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.
• In terms of temperatures, the RX 6950 XT and RX 6800 XT reach a peak temperature of 78°C and 77°C, respectively. 

Also Check: RX 7900 XTX Vs Radeon RX 6950 XT

Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales

• While slinging webs around New York in Spider-man Miles Morales, the RX 6950 XT, and RX 6800 XT graphics cards deliver impressive performance but with some notable distinctions. 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. 
• Regarding temperatures, the RX 6950 XT and RX 6800 XT demonstrate comparable thermal performance, with peak temperatures of 78°C and 79°C, respectively.

Red Dead Redemption 2

• In the well-optimized game of Red Dead Redemption 2, both cards performed excellently for the impressive visual fidelity this game was set to.  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 RX 6950 XT and RX 6800 XT exhibit similar thermal performance, reaching peak temperatures of 78°C. 

The Last Of Us

• In the stunning yet visually demanding game of The Last Of Us, both cards perform much better than expected, taking into account the game’s reputation.
• 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. This ensures smooth and responsive gameplay, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the game’s gripping narrative and stunning visuals.
• 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.
• The peak temperatures were 79°C for the RX 6950 XT and 78°C for the RX 6800 XT.

Also Read: RX 6800 XT Vs RTX 3070 Ti

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.
• In terms of temperatures, both cards had the same peak temperature of 78°C in the Resident Evil 4 Remake.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

• In the vast open world of The Witcher 3, these powerful GPUs bring exceptional performance to ensure a breathtaking gaming experience. 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 maintains a minimum of 37 FPS, while the RX 6800 XT delivers an unpleasant 1% low of 36 FPS.
• IN THIS GAME, the RX 6950 XT reaches a peak temperature of 73°C, while the RX 6800 XT reaches 74°C.

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, which represent the minimum frame rates, the RX 6950 XT and RX 6800 XT. 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.
• The RX 6950 XT reaches a peak temperature of 78°C, while the RX 6800 XT remains significantly cooler at 74°C.

Also Check: RX 7900 XT Vs RX 6800 XT

RX 6800 XT Vs RX 6950 XT: Overall Gaming Performance

In this section of the RX 6950 XT vs RX 6800 XT comparison, I will discuss the performance results discovered in the benchmarks. 

Framerate

Both the RX 6950 XT and the RX 6800 XT have excellent performance in terms of average FPS from what can be gathered from the gaming benchmarks. Despite this, the performance in 1% lows is not as appetizing.

• The RX 6950 XT had an average framerate of 106 FPS during my testing at 1440p, whereas the RX 6800 XT had a framerate of 88 FPS as an average over ten games. The RX 6800 XT was about 18% behind the stronger card in this metric.
• 1% lows averaged about 48 FPS throughout the testing on the RX 6950 XT, whereas the RX 6800 XT averaged about 47 FPS.

The poor performance in terms of 1% lows can be attributed to poor optimization by the developers of less modern titles. Because of this, these cards’ performance can be unplayable in specific titles.

Check out our list of the best GPU overclocking software if you wish to squeeze out all the performance your GPU offers.

Temperatures

• The RX 6950 XT had an average temperature of 76.5°C in our testing, while the RX 6800 XT was marginally warmer with a temperature of 76.8°C.
• The temperature delta between these cards in the games tested in this comparison is negligible.

Remember that the temperatures on each card can vary from game to game and model to model, so take these findings as a rough estimate rather than a be-all-and-end-all.

Temperatures are very important to keep in check if you want your GPU to reach its maximum lifespan. If you want to learn about safe GPU idle temperatures, read our guide on the topic.

Similar Comparisons: RX 6800 XT Vs RTX 3080 Ti

Price And Availability

These GPUs were expensive at launch, but with the release of the RX 7000 series of cards, they have come significantly down in price, especially in the used market. The Radeon RX 6800 XT is around $439 on eBay, whereas the RX 6950 XT comes at about $629.

As for availability, these cards are recent enough to be present at any retail PC store of your choice, though their numbers might be dwindling.

If you want to learn the current market cost of your computer, check out our valuation guide.

RX 6950 XT Vs RX 6800 XT: Which One Should You Go For?

The distinction of the demographic of these two GPUs is clearly different. I will shed light on the type of user that suits both these cards in this section of the RX 6950 XT vs RX 6800 XT comparison.

The main merit of the RX 6950 XT 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.

Also Read: Radeon RX 6800 Vs RX 6800 XT

However, for the more budget-minded folks among you, the RX 6800 XT 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 me to conclude that for most users, the RX 6800 XT is the better deal.

Pros And Cons