AMD has quietly rolled out a brand-new 16GB Radeon graphics card, the AMD Radeon RX 7700 (non-XT). Intriguingly, it’s built on the previous-generation RDNA 3 architecture, rather than the newer RDNA 4. What makes this launch truly peculiar is its specification contrast with the Radeon RX 7700 XT, which launched two years prior with only 12GB of VRAM. AMD positions this new GPU as a capable option for 1440p gaming, claiming it can achieve over 60 frames per second in popular titles like Hogwarts Legacy and Ghost of Tsushima at this resolution.
For instance, AMD states the new Radeon RX 7700 can hit 71 frames per second in Call of Duty Black Ops 6 at 1440p with ultra settings. While respectable, this figure is slightly lower than the 76 frames per second achieved by AMD’s newer, more budget-friendly Radeon RX 9060 XT when running the same game at 1440p with even higher extreme settings. This comparison suggests the RX 7700 will need an extremely attractive price point to be a compelling purchase. Furthermore, Black Ops 6 benefits from FSR 4, boosting frame rates to 102fps on the Quality setting, but the Radeon RX 7700 officially supports only FSR 3, which generally offers inferior image quality.
AMD Radeon RX 7700 specs
| RX 7700 specs | |
| Compute units | 40 |
| Stream processors | 2,560 |
| RT cores | 40 |
| AI cores | 80 |
| Infinity Cache | 40MB |
| VRAM | 16GB GDDR6 19.5Gbps |
| Memory interface | 256-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 624GB/s |
| Total graphics power | 263W |
| Power connectors | 2 x 8-pin |
| Architecture | RDNA 3 |
Looking at the specifications, the Radeon RX 7700 presents a fascinating blend of features, oscillating between what we might expect from a low-end and a mid-range graphics card. Its memory configuration, for instance, offers a notable improvement over the standard Radeon RX 7700 XT. With a 256-bit memory interface, it’s considerably wider than the 7700 XT’s 192-bit bus, and it boasts a generous 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM, a 4GB increase over its XT sibling.
Adding to its memory prowess, the VRAM on this new GPU operates at a swift 19.5Gbps, surpassing the 18Gbps speed of the stock 7700 XT. This translates to an impressive total memory bandwidth of 624GB/s for the Radeon RX 7700, a significant leap from the 7700 XT’s 432GB/s.
However, the GPU’s raw rendering power tells a different story. It features only 40 compute units, which translates to 2,560 stream processors – a substantial reduction compared to the 7700 XT’s 3,456. This places its processing capability somewhere between the Radeon RX 7600 XT (2,048 stream processors) and the more powerful 7700 XT. So, while it offers superior memory, its core GPU strength is a clear downgrade.
For ray tracing, the card includes 40 RT cores. This is fewer than the 7700 XT’s 54, but an upgrade from the 7600 XT’s 32. Additionally, the Radeon RX 7700 incorporates 80 AI cores. While these are not as advanced as the newer AI cores found in AMD’s absolute latest GPUs, it’s worth noting that while RDNA 3 architecture doesn’t officially support FSR 4, enthusiasts have already found unofficial methods to enable it.
AMD Radeon RX 7700 Price Outlook
As of now, AMD has not disclosed the official pricing for the Radeon RX 7700. This lack of pricing information suggests it might primarily be an OEM-exclusive product, destined for pre-built gaming systems rather than direct retail for DIY PC builders. Regardless, it faces stiff competition, not just from the 16GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, but also from AMD’s own Radeon RX 9060 XT. To carve out a niche, the RX 7700 will undoubtedly require an exceptionally competitive price point.
If you’re in the market for a GPU upgrade, we recommend consulting a comprehensive guide to the best graphics cards, featuring the latest models and recommendations based on thorough independent reviews.
Given its unique specifications, would you consider purchasing an AMD Radeon RX 7700 if the price is right? Share your thoughts with us!