ASUS TUF Gaming RX 7700 XT review

The ASUS Radeon RX 7700 XT TUF Gaming OC model, featuring 12GB of GDDR6 memory, stands out in the mid-to-high-end graphics card market. Despite initial launch setbacks, these GPUs showcase advanced shader capabilities, promising optimized performance for WQHD monitor resolutions. These features position the GPUs to have a significant impact on the WQHD monitor resolution market. However, top-notch performance comes at a cost: the 7700 XT is priced at, while the 7800 XT starts at. In this evaluation, we will focus on the 12GB 7700 XT from ASUS in the TUG Gaming OC version. Rumors have been circulating in the graphics card industry for some time now, and as often happens, many of them have materialized. Enter the new Navi 32-based GPU models. The Radeon 7800 XT, with its 16GB 256-bit memory setup at 19.5 Gbps, is sure to make an impression. This specific model is set to utilize the full 60 CU / 3840 Shader processors configuration of the GPU and boasts a Total Board Power (TBP) of 263W. The AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT GPU is constructed on the Navi 32 SKU architecture, incorporating chiplets and four Memory Controller Domains (MCDs). The GPU core features 3840 cores, strategically distributed across 60 Compute Units for enhanced performance. Moreover, the GPU includes a sizable 64 MB Infinity Cache, operating at an 18 Gbps pin speed, resulting in an impressive total bandwidth of 576 GB/s. The second Navi 32 variant, known as the Radeon RX 7700 XT, features a friendly 54 CU/3456 shader processor setup, paired with 12GB memory on a 192-bit bus running at an effective 18 Gbps data rate. This indicates a Navi 32 iteration with one of the four MCDs disabled, leading to 48 MB of Infinity Cache. The core configuration of the RX 7700 XT is expected to consist of approximately 54 Compute Units, accommodating a total of 3456 stream processors.

When compared to Nvidia’s RTX counterparts, the AMD GPU demonstrates a higher power consumption, coming in at 240W. This change suggests a preference for more robust architectures. The GPU utilizes a 14-phase digital PWM to ensure efficient power delivery. Its fans are designed to stop running once the card’s temperature drops below 50°C. To manage heat, the GPU includes a nickel-plated element to facilitate heat transfer, which is then channeled through heatpipes. An aluminum plate helps cool the GDDR6 modules. ASUS improves thermal management by strategically placing thermal pads across all GDDR, VRM, and other critical components. In addition, a sturdy aluminum backplate protects the electronics at the back of the card, providing support and preventing PCB warping. Ventilation holes are incorporated to enhance heat dissipation and prevent heat buildup. ASUS has also opted for a 228W GP slightly above the reference value and has increased the clock frequency, reaching a peak of 2599 MHz for its Boost.