The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 and AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT represent the flagship graphics cards from the two GPU giants. Released almost two years apart, they both aim to deliver cutting-edge performance to enthusiasts and creative professionals.
But when comparing the RTX 3090 vs 6950 XT, which GPU comes out on top? And which one should you choose for gaming or content creation? This comprehensive guide examines all aspects to help you decide.
RTX 3090 vs 6950 XT: Specification Comparison
First, let‘s look at the nitty-gritty details and specs side-by-side:
| Specification | Nvidia RTX 3090 | AMD 6950 XT |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | Ampere GA102 | Navi 21 XTX |
| Architecture | Ampere | RDNA 2 |
| CUDA / Stream Cores | 10496 | 5120 |
| Core Clock Speed | 1.4 GHz | 2.1 GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 1.7 GHz | 2.3 GHz |
| TDP | 350W | 335W |
| Memory Type | 24GB GDDR6X | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus Width | 384-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Clock | 19.5 Gbps | 18 Gbps |
| Memory Bandwidth | 936 GB/s | 576 GB/s |
| Power Connectors | 12-pin + adapter | Dual 8-pin |
| Launch Date | September 2020 | May 2022 |
| Launch Price | $1499 | $1099 |
Both cards require serious power with triple 8-pin (RTX 3090) and dual 8-pin (6950 XT) connections. The 6950 XT runs faster core and boost clocks but has less VRAM and memory bandwidth. The RTX 3090 is almost two years older but still holds its own.
Performance Benchmarks
Now let‘s compare benchmarks from reliable sources like Tom‘s Hardware and TechPowerUp to gauge real-world gaming prowess.
4K Gaming Benchmarks
At 4K resolution, the 6950 XT enjoys a healthy 10% average lead over the RTX 3090 in a cross-section of game titles tested. Games like Dirt 5 and Strange Brigade gain 15-25% better frame rates with the 6950 XT. This gap closes in more demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 where the two cards are neck-and-neck.
4K Game Benchmarks (Average FPS)
| Game | 6950 XT | RTX 3090 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dirt 5 | 129 | 111 | +16% |
| Strange Brigade | 189 | 152 | +24% |
| F1 2022 | 101 | 94 | +7% |
| RDR2 | 76 | 75 | +1% |
| Average | 124 | 108 | +10% |
(Source: TechPowerUp)
The 6950 XT‘s faster clock speeds and excellent 4K gaming architecture give it an advantage here over the aging RTX 3090. Games that emphasize raw muscle like Dirt 5 shine on AMD‘s card. More complex titles can‘t leverage the 6950 XT‘s strengths fully and thus the gap closes.
1440p Gaming Benchmarks
At the popular 1440p resolution, the 6950 XT extends its lead over the RTX 3090 to an average of 15% across a suite of game titles. Less strenuous rendering requirements allow the 6950 XT to flex its 4K-optimized muscles even more.
Indie titles like Strange Brigade gain almost 30% higher frame rates while the 6950 XT still leads the RTX 3090 substantially in AAA games like Spiderman Remastered. This shows the Radeon GPU‘s excellent 1440p and 4K gaming prowess.
1440p Game Benchmarks (Average FPS)
| Game | 6950 XT | RTX 3090 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strange Brigade | 246 | 193 | +27% |
| F1 2022 | 144 | 128 | +12% |
| Far Cry 6 | 126 | 109 | +15% |
| Spiderman RM | 171 | 145 | +18% |
| Average | 172 | 144 | +15% |
(Source: Tom‘s Hardware)
The numbers speak for themselves. The 6950 XT provides a great 1440p gaming experience vs the RTX 3090 with much higher frame rates. If your priority is high refresh rate 1440p gaming, AMD emerges the clear winner here.
Ray Tracing Benchmarks
Here is where the tide turns. Nvidia‘s 2nd-gen RT cores and DLSS support in the RTX 3090 far outclass AMD‘s ray tracing abilities, giving the green team a big advantage.
In both 4K and 1440p benchmarks with ray tracing enabled, the RTX 3090 dominates with over 2X higher average frame rates in supported games like Watch Dogs Legion, Fortnite and more.
DLSS support also gives Nvidia up to a 40% performance boost at 4K helping offset the heavy ray tracing load. This combination gives the RTX 3090 nearly playable RT frame rates while AMD struggles to break 30 FPS.
Clearly if ray tracing is important, the RTX 3090 is simply miles ahead.
Content Creation Benchmarks
For creative workloads like 3D rendering and modeling, video editing and encoding, database analytics etc, the RTX 3090 pulls far ahead again.
Benchmarks of compute-intensive applications like Blender, OctaneRender, After Effects and more show the RTX 3090 outperforming the 6950 XT by 28% on average.
Higher compute unit counts, tensor and RT core support plus vastly greater memory bandwidth feed the RTX 3090‘s excellent content creation capabilities. This makes Nvidia‘s card the clear choice for professional work.
GPU Architecture Comparison
Under the hood, the RTX 3090 and 6950 XT leverage vastly different architectures crafted for specific workloads. Let‘s analyze them side-by-side:
Nvidia Ampere Architecture (RTX 3090)
Nvidia‘s Ampere microarchitecture powers the 3000 series cards like the RTX 3090. Key highlights:
- Custom 8nm manufacturing node enables 2X transistor density vs previous Turing GPUs
- Dedicated RT cores for real-time ray tracing acceleration (2nd-gen here)
- Tensor cores for AI-powered Deep Learning and DLSS
- Enhanced encode/decode engines and concurrent execution for streaming
- Major redesign improving CUDA core efficiency and clock speeds
AMD RDNA 2 Architecture (6950 XT)
Meanwhile, AMD‘s RDNA 2 architecture in the 6000 cards like the 6950 XT brings:
- Optimized 7nm manufacturing node
- 50% better performance-per-watt vs prior RDNA
- Hardware ray tracing support
- Variable Rate Shading for efficiency gains
- FidelityFX Super Resolution as AMD‘s answer to DLSS
- Dual media engines enhancing encoding and decoding
Comparing cores counts and clock speeds directly is difficult due to the vastly differing designs. But in real-world testing, Ampere‘s raw horsepower and dedicated hardware acceleration provides better peak performance in both traditional graphics and compute workloads.
RDNA 2 offers extremely competitive 4K gaming throughout with better efficiency thanks to processor node improvements. But it loses out on niche features like professional rendering or AI workloads handled better by Nvidia cards.
Thermal Design and Noise
Let‘s also examine cooling and noise characteristics:
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The beefy triple-fan cooler on RTX 3090 pairs with a dense aluminum heatsink array to dissipate over 350W of heat effectively. Temperatures stay under 70°C easily.
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The 6950 XT sports a sizable triple-fan setup too but caters to only 335W. It runs cooler as a result while generating less fan noise.
Overall both coolers are excellent, though Nvidia‘s extra beef helps for overclockers pushing the cards further. Noise levels are acceptable in stock form on either model.
Pricing and Availability
When first launched in Sept 2020, the RTX 3090 cost $1499 MSRP. Inflation and demand surges have distended street pricing and currently it sells for approx $1639.
The 6950 XT released in May 2022 for $1099 MSRP. Similar external factors have now pushed pricing to around $1250.
So while both cards still demand hefty price premiums over lower models, the difference between them currently is a somewhat reasonable $390. Of course promotional pricing and bundles can enhance value on either side.
In terms of availability, the RTX 3090 supply has stabilized considerably allowing easy procurement. Meanwhile reports suggests 6950 XT stocks are still constrained plaguing AMD GPUs for a while now. This may factor into purchase decisions.
Overall the pricing is quite competitive between the two cards. With performance and specs also closely matched, it really depends whether extra frames or specific features matter more to you.
Which GPU is Better For You?
Based on this comprehensive feature and benchmark comparison, some key conclusions emerge on which GPU better serves specific needs:
For hardcore gamers playing at 1440p and 4K resolutions:
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The 6950 XT offers better overall frame rates, especially with hi-fps eSports titles. It‘s incredible 4K gaming performance also makes it very future-proof.
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However the RTX 3090 enables much superior experience with ray tracing and DLSS in supported titles. So if those graphical elements appeal, go Nvidia.
For creative professionals and content creators:
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The RTX 3090 easily beats the 6950 XT for tasks like 3D/video rendering, code compiling etc. Specialized cores and higher memory bandwidth feed outstanding performance in creator apps.
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But the 6950 XT provides sufficient muscle for lighter 1080p game streaming, video editing etc. You can save quite a bit opting for AMD without fully compromising on performance
So in summary:
- The 6950 XT makes more sense for gaming-focused 1440p/4K PC builds wanting maximum frames.
- The RTX 3090 is the right choice for creators wanting the fastest performance in graphics, video editing tools and more.
Either is still overkill for mainstream needs and lower-tier cards like the RTX 3070 or RX 6800 XT also suffice well there. Ultimately choose based on budget, resolution, game genres and professional needs.
I hope this detailed RTX 3090 vs 6950 XT comparison helps select your next ultimate GPU upgrade! Let me know if any questions below.
