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Taking another look at the AMD RDNA2 refresh, we now compare the RX 6950 XT to the 3090 Ti. Although it targets more the RTX 3090, it now leads the line of the current generation. Both are aimed at the 4k and high-end market, leaving no pixels or budget behind. Aiming to get the top spot for the best graphics cards.
The AMD card is the newest of the options, but not by much. With a release date of May 2022, compared to the 3090 Ti that came in March of the same year. Both seem to be coming to an end of the generation that is expected to be surpassed in the second half of 2022. But a little lower, the price may be a little more reasonable with some new products.
Asus GeForce RTX 3090 Ti ROG Strix LC OC
Advantages
Possibility for higher overclocking
ROG Strix LC Radeon RX 6950 XT OC
Advantages
The best overclocking capabilities
Architecture
Comparing the architecture of different manufacturers is mostly counterproductive. As they will be created in different ways and with different ingredients. Eventually it works differently with different parts. But it can give us an understanding of the key differences and what makes GPUs see how they differ.
The RX 6950 XT is a variant of the Navi 21 KXTX GPU. A small variation from its predecessor still has the same parts. Created with TSMCs 7nm process with 26.8 billion transistors, creating a 520mm² mold. While the RTX 3090 Ti is based on the GA102-350 variant. This is done with the Samsung 8nm process, which contains 28.3 billion transistors creating a 628 mm² matrix in size.
Standards
| RX 6950 XT | RTX 3090 Ti | |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | Navi 21 KXTX | GA102-350 |
| Shaders | 5,120 | 10,752 |
| RT cores | 80 | 84 |
| TMUs | 320 | 336 |
| Memory | 16 GB GDDR6 | 24 GB GDDR6X |
| Basic watch | 1.925 MHz | 1.560 MHz |
| Clock boost | 2.324 MHz | 1,860 MHz |
| Memory clock | 18 Gbps | 21 Gbps |
| Bus card | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| Memory bandwidth | 576.0 GB / s | 1,008 GB / s |
| TDP / TBP | 335 W | 450W |
We also compare the other packages between the RX 6950 XT versus the 3090 Ti. With the dice being a little more non-original than the rest, there are many typical comparisons we can make with each other. We go into some more details by comparing some of the table above.
GPU cores
Based on the different architectures, there is no one-to-one comparison even for the matrix cores. They are the ones who compose the matrix to make it work and are specialized in working in specific places. There are shaders that work in shadows and shading, RT cores that operate in real-time ray detection, and TMUs that create 3D objects from bitmaps.
Comparing the numbers we see what kind of things to expect between the two. The Nvidia card doubles the shader number compared to what AMD has to offer. But in the case of RT cores and TMUs, it is not so much higher in single digits. Although everything will work differently and with different optimizations.
VRAM
The video memory of a card is used as frame cache and pixel storage. It aims to reduce the frame time and latency between your CPU, GPU and monitor. In addition to the best performance for higher resolutions with the largest number of pixels.
Between these two graphics cards, there are some differences in what they have to offer. The 6950 XT has 16 GB of GDDR6 memory clocked at 18 Gbps. Thus, the 256-bit bus allows bandwidth of 576 GB / s. While the 3090 Ti has 24 GB of GDDR6X memory. With a 384-bit bus clocked at an amazing 21 Gbps, which gives an impressive bandwidth of 1,008 GB / s.
Frequency
The rhythm / cycle of the clock is how often the silicon crystal can tip over. They process the instructions, so with a higher clock, everything can be done faster. Create images much faster and transfer them to your screen. It is also a factor that can be overclocked, allowing some increase in end-user efficiency in the price of heat.
Between the two cards is AMD’s GPU with the highest frequencies from the beginning. It has a basic clock of 1,925 MHz with a maximum gain of 2,324 MHz. While the Nvidia card lags behind based on 1,560 MHz and maximum gain of 1,860 MHz.
TDP / TBP
Finally, we have the total power of drawing or board. It is a measure of the maximum amount of power that the board can consume with the maximum use. Gives an estimate of the GPU power consumption and the heat it will emit when consuming it. There is a significant difference between the two cards, with the 6950 XT having a rating of 335 while the 3090 Ti with 450 W. So AMD will save you a lot in terms of increasing bills.
Performance RX 6950 XT vs. 3090 Ti
In Tom’s Hardware’s RX 6950 XT review, there are excellent test results. Comparing the 6950 XT with the other top cards, where you can find a surprisingly good result. As it manages to pull ahead of the 3090 Ti and the other options on average at 1080p and 1440p.
However, it lags behind in 4k performance, most likely due to the smaller and slower VRAM option. But it also lacks radial detection and creative tasks. So, if good lighting and performance are important, the AMD card lags behind in many lower Nvidia options.
Price RX 6950 XT vs. 3090 Ti
This is where the AMD option wins by a wide margin when you compare the MSRP of these cards. The 6950 XT was released at the suggested retail price of $ 1,099. While the 3090 Ti was set almost double that with a $ 1,999 request. The difference between night and day can be the biggest factor when choosing which one to choose.
Even now the GPU market is approaching MSRP. You can easily find both of these cards for their advertised price. So, even when you have to buy them, the choice should not be affected much more than the basic data. With Newegg offer at a price or a little more for the range of models.
MSI NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti SUPRIM X
Advantages
Abundant thermal capacity
MSI Radeon RX 6950 XT GAMING X TRIO
conclusion
The heaviest factor for us when choosing between the RX 6950 XT versus the 3090 Ti is the price in performance. For gaming performance, the 6950 XT is clearly the best choice. For almost half the price it can match or exceed 3090 Ti. The only downside would be if you needed it for business cases or for ray detection. There the Green team takes the lead at a premium price.
Although it may be worth the wait for the next generation of cards. The current rumor is that the RTX 40 and RX 7000 series will be released in the second half of 2022. Which are said to provide a large increase in performance compared to the current generation, so it might be worth staying closed.
