I recently scored a 7900 XTX for $999, but I’m considering returning it for a 9700 XT instead. My main concern is whether the additional 8GB of VRAM on the 9700 XT is necessary for 4K gaming at 144Hz. I do own a VR headset, though I seldom use it. Currently, I’m hooked on Marvel Rivals, but I really want to dive into the new God of War, and my previous GPU (3070 TI) just couldn’t handle 4K gaming well.
4 Answers
While benchmarks for the 9700 XT aren’t out yet, VRAM will be important for 4K gaming. Weighing the pricing and performance could help but remember that by the time the 9700 XT might need more VRAM, adjustments in settings will likely be necessary regardless. Plus, the improved upscaling tech with the 9000 series might bring extra benefits.
Yeah, and keep an eye on FSR support; it’s a bummer that 7900 XTX isn’t getting FSR 4.0, but hopefully, the 9700 XT will provide some strong features.
I wouldn’t return the 7900 XTX; it’s designed for 4K gaming and performs really well in that range. The extra VRAM and bandwidth can make a big difference at 4K, especially with demanding titles. Honestly, if you’re looking at other options, you’ll likely find that the price for similar VRAM is much higher.
I’d say hold onto the 7900 XTX for now. If you’re really not satisfied with its performance down the line, you can always sell it later. There’s a lot of excitement around new reviews coming out, which could give you better insight into the 9700 XT and its performance compared to your current card.
From what I’ve seen, 4K gaming is a heavy workload for a GPU, so having a stronger GPU like the 7900 XTX is a solid choice. The 4090 is fantastic but comes with a hefty price tag. Just wait for the reviews before making a decision. The XTX is still one of the best options for high refresh rate 4K gaming, and it’s not easy to recommend an upgrade right now until we see how the 9700 XT stacks up.
If the 9700 XT is indeed close in raster performance but better in ray tracing for a lower price, it might be worth considering. But, in reality, the performance gap might not justify the switch, especially if you already have a solid card in your hands.