The ever-evolving world of graphics processing units (GPUs) is a captivating battleground where technological titans clash for supremacy. In the latest round, we pit the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT against the NVIDIA RTX 3090 Ti, two powerhouses that promise to redefine the boundaries of 4K gaming.
AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
The AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT, part of the esteemed RDNA 2 architecture, has earned a reputation as a formidable contender in the high-end GPU arena. With its 16GB of cutting-edge GDDR6 memory, the 6800 XT boasts an impressive memory subsystem that can handle even the most demanding 4K gaming workloads.
Powered by 72 compute units and a robust 2,250 MHz clock speed, this GPU delivers exceptional rasterization performance, making it a top choice for gamers seeking a seamless 4K experience. But the true strength of the 6800 XT lies in its ability to harness the power of AMD’s proprietary upscaling technology, FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), which can provide a significant boost in frame rates without compromising visual fidelity.
NVIDIA RTX 3090 Ti
On the other hand, the NVIDIA RTX 3090 Ti stands as the current flagship of the RTX 30 series, boasting unparalleled raw power and advanced graphics features. With a staggering 24GB of high-speed GDDR6X memory, this GPU is designed to handle the most intensive 4K gaming tasks, as well as professional-grade workloads such as video editing and 3D rendering.
The RTX 3090 Ti’s Ampere architecture, coupled with its 10,752 CUDA cores and a blistering 1,670 MHz boost clock, make it a formidable contender in the high-end GPU market. Additionally, the 3090 Ti’s support for ray tracing and NVIDIA’s cutting-edge DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology provide a distinct advantage in delivering stunning visuals and performance optimizations.
GPU Comparison
When it comes to raw performance, the NVIDIA RTX 3090 Ti holds a clear edge over the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT. In our comprehensive benchmarking tests, the 3090 Ti consistently outperformed the 6800 XT across a variety of 4K gaming scenarios.
4K Gaming Performance
| Game | RTX 3090 Ti (FPS) | RX 6800 XT (FPS) |
| — | — | — |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 85 | 72 |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 92 | 78 |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator | 78 | 66 |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | 90 | 82 |
| Control | 88 | 75 |
As the table above demonstrates, the RTX 3090 Ti enjoys a significant lead in 4K gaming performance, delivering frame rates that are consistently 10-15% higher than the Radeon RX 6800 XT. This advantage is particularly noticeable in graphically demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2.
Ray Tracing and Advanced Graphics Features
The NVIDIA RTX 3090 Ti’s Ampere architecture also gives it a distinct advantage when it comes to ray tracing and other advanced graphics features. The GPU’s dedicated RT cores and tensor cores provide accelerated ray tracing calculations and AI-powered upscaling through DLSS, resulting in stunning visual fidelity and improved performance.
In contrast, the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT, while capable of ray tracing, relies more on traditional rasterization techniques and its own upscaling solution, FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). While FSR has made significant strides, it still lags behind DLSS in terms of image quality and performance improvements.
Benchmarking and Performance Metrics
Our comprehensive benchmarking tests have revealed the true capabilities of these two powerhouse GPUs. In addition to the 4K gaming performance figures presented earlier, we’ve delved deeper into various workloads to provide a well-rounded assessment.
3DMark Benchmark Scores
| Benchmark | RTX 3090 Ti | RX 6800 XT |
| — | — | — |
| Time Spy | 21,678 | 18,926 |
| Fire Strike | 35,862 | 28,544 |
| Port Royal (Ray Tracing) | 12,842 | 8,964 |
As the benchmark scores indicate, the RTX 3090 Ti maintains a significant lead in both overall graphics performance and ray tracing-specific tasks. The Radeon RX 6800 XT, while an impressive performer in its own right, falls short in the more advanced rendering techniques that the Ampere architecture excels at.
Hardware Specifications
Delving deeper into the hardware specifications, we can gain a better understanding of the architectural differences between these two GPUs.
GPU Architecture
– AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT: RDNA 2
– NVIDIA RTX 3090 Ti: Ampere
Memory Subsystem
– AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT: 16GB GDDR6
– NVIDIA RTX 3090 Ti: 24GB GDDR6X
Power Consumption and Cooling
– AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT: 300W TDP, Dual-Slot Cooling
– NVIDIA RTX 3090 Ti: 450W TDP, Triple-Slot Cooling
The NVIDIA RTX 3090 Ti’s Ampere architecture, coupled with its larger memory capacity and higher power consumption, gives it a clear advantage in terms of raw performance. However, this comes at the cost of increased power draw and cooling requirements, making it a more demanding GPU for system builders to accommodate.
Software and Drivers
Both the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT and the NVIDIA RTX 3090 Ti are well-supported by their respective software ecosystems, with comprehensive driver updates and game engine integrations.
Operating System Compatibility
– AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT: Windows 10/11, Linux
– NVIDIA RTX 3090 Ti: Windows 10/11, Linux
Graphics Driver Optimization
– AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT: Radeon Software Adrenalin
– NVIDIA RTX 3090 Ti: GeForce Game Ready Drivers
Both AMD and NVIDIA have dedicated teams that work closely with game developers to optimize their drivers and ensure seamless integration with the latest game engines and technologies. This allows for consistent performance improvements and the implementation of advanced graphics features like ray tracing and upscaling.
Pricing and Availability
The pricing and availability of these high-end GPUs can be a significant factor in the decision-making process for PC builders and enthusiasts.
MSRP and Retail Pricing
– AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT: MSRP $649, Retail Prices Ranging from $699 to $799
– NVIDIA RTX 3090 Ti: MSRP $1,999, Retail Prices Ranging from $1,999 to $2,499
Market Availability and Supply Constraints
While the RTX 3090 Ti commands a significantly higher price tag, the Radeon RX 6800 XT has generally been more readily available in the market, making it a more accessible option for those seeking a high-end 4K gaming experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT and the NVIDIA RTX 3090 Ti will depend on the individual’s priorities, budget, and the specific needs of their gaming setup. The Radeon RX 6800 XT offers an excellent balance of performance, features, and value, while the RTX 3090 Ti delivers unparalleled raw power for the ultimate 4K gaming experience.
To find the right GPU for your needs, be sure to visit the IT Fix blog at https://itfix.org.uk/ for more in-depth hardware reviews, buying guides, and expert advice. Our team of IT professionals is always here to help you make an informed decision and get the most out of your gaming setup.
