Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsDecent product in an artificially inflated market
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2024
Let me start with some historical data from a company associated with the color green.
In late 2014, the best GPU you could buy was $550. About 6 months later, a revamped version of the same card with ~33% better performance could be had for $650 at launch. The mid-range card at the time was $330 and offered ~83% of the performance of the $550 option.
In late 2018 the best GPU you could buy was $699. For $500 you could get the midrange option from the same company, which offered 90% of the performance, or you could buy AMD's 5700XT which offered ~85% of the performance for just $400 (and often less).
In 2020, the best GPU you could buy would have a launch price of $1500. The next option from the same company was $699 and offered ~ 89% of the performance. The mid range option would release at $500 and offer ~71% of the performance.
In 2023, the best GPU you could buy would have a launch price of $1600. The next option from the same company was $1200, and offered ~79% of the performance, and the mid-range option would release at $600 and offer roughly 65% of the performance.
Over the last few years, buying the best GPU solution has become substantially more expensive without logical justification, and the value proposition of buying a mid-range card has continuously offered less value for your dollar.
At best, the 7800XT at $500 offers the same level of performance as the 6800XT, which released three years prior at $650 and was already selling for $530 regularly at the time of the 7800XT's release.
Is this card fine? Sure. Is it worth $500+? No.
In the past AMD would offer value-oriented alternatives to the green company's offerings, but they've succumbed to the same greed of the green company after the green company opened the door and left it open.
AMD's software stack and driver support have always been a step behind. This could be made up for with the value proposition of an AMD card in the past, but these days, it's extremely difficult to recommend this card anywhere near the $500 price point, especially with the green company's rehash of their current offerings, significantly better software stack, and user experience.
People who enjoy gaming and productivity deserve better than the sad state of corporate greed in the GPU market today.
