Introduction

ASUS Radeon RX 7700 XT TUF Gaming OC  review

With 12GB and a proper amount of raw shader performance

The ASUS Radeon RX 7700 XT TUF Gaming OC variant, equipped with 12GB of GDDR6 memory, is a notable entry in the mid-to-high-end graphics card segment. Even with initial launch delays, these GPUs feature advanced shader capabilities, suggesting optimized performance for WQHD monitor resolutions.Such features position the GPUs to notably influence the WQHD monitor resolution segment. However, premium performance comes with a price: the 7700 XT is priced at $449, while the 7800 XT begins at $499. For our assessment, we will be examining the 12GB 7700 XT from ASUS as they shipped in the TUG Gaming OC edition. For a while now, rumours have been flooding the graphics card arena, and as so often, most of them become an actuality. Meet the new Navi 32-based GPU models. The Radeon 7800 XT with its 16GB 256-bit memory configuration at 19.5 Gbps, is bound to impress. This particular iteration is poised to utilize the complete 60 CU / 3840 Shader processors setup of the GPU and boasts a Total Board Power (TBP) of 263W. The AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT GPU is built upon the Navi 32 SKU framework and thus chiplets, incorporating four Memory Controller Domains (MCDs). The GPU core boasts 3840 cores, meticulously distributed across 60 Compute Units to enhance performance. Additionally, the GPU incorporates a substantial 64 MB Infinity Cache, functioning at an 18 Gbps pin speed, thereby yielding a commendable total bandwidth of 576 GB/s. The second Navi 32 variant, aka Radeon RX 7700 XT, sees a friendly 54 CU/3456 shader processor configuration, complemented by 12GB memory on a 192-bit bus running at an effective 18 Gbps data rate. This points towards a Navi 32 iteration with one of the four MCDs disabled, resulting in 48 MB of Infinity Cache. The core setup of the RX 7700 XT is anticipated to encompass approximately 54 Compute Units, housing a total of 3456 stream processors.

When juxtaposed with Nvidia's RTX counterparts, the AMD GPU manifests a more elevated power consumption, clocking in at 240W. Such a shift indicates a leaning towards sturdier architectures. This GPU employs a 14-phase digital PWM to ensure streamlined power delivery. Its fans are designed to halt operations once the card's temperature descends below 50°C. To manage heat, the GPU incorporates a nickel-plated element to facilitate heat transfer, which is subsequently channelled through heatpipes. An aluminum plate is instrumental in cooling the GDDR6 modules. ASUS enhances thermal management by strategically positioning thermal pads across all GDDR, VRM, and other critical components. Additionally, a sturdy aluminum backplate shields the electronics at the rear of the card, offering support and preventing PCB warping. Ventilation holes are integrated to augment heat dispersal and thwart heat buildup. ASUS has also chosen a 228W GP slightly above the reference value and has upped the clock frequency, peaking at 2599 MHz for its Boost.