Overview of the AMD Radeon RX Vega 64
The Radeon RX Vega 64 was AMD‘s high-end graphics card when it launched in 2017. Built on a 14nm manufacturing process, it packs 12.5 billion transistors onto a 486mm2 die. Key specs include:
- 8GB of second generation High Bandwidth Memory (HBM2)
- 2048-bit memory interface
- 945MHz memory clock
- 1546MHz base core clock
- 1247MHz boost core clock
- 64 compute units / 4096 stream processors
At launch, the RX Vega 64 competed well against Nvidia‘s GTX 1080. It delivered smooth 60+ fps gameplay at 1440p resolution in modern titles. However, six years later, the Vega 64 is showing its age. While still capable, it requires dialing back graphical settings in newer games to maintain performant frame rates.
Upgrading can provide a significant boost to deliver modern high FPS gaming, higher resolutions, enhanced visuals and next-gen effects.
6 Best Upgrade Options from the RX Vega 64
Based on your budget and needs, here are 6 excellent candidates for upgrading from AMD‘s aging RX Vega 64 today:
1. NVIDIA RTX 4070 – Best Overall Upgrade
Nvidia‘s new RTX 4070 delivers a massive generational boost over the Vega 64. It beats it hands-down across all performance metrics:
- 2.5x faster effective speed based on benchmarks
- 49% higher average FPS across games
- Higher peak core, memory and boost clocks
- 50% more CUDA cores (7680 vs 4096 stream processors)
- 192-bit memory bus vs Vega 64‘s 2048-bit bus
- 12GB of 18Gbps GDDR6X VRAM vs 8GB of Vega 64‘s 945Mbps HBM2
This translates to a huge real-world performance uplift – you can crank up resolutions and graphical settings far beyond what the Vega 64 can handle. The RTX 4070 delivers responsive 100+ FPS gameplay at 1440p ultra settings in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077. And you get access to cutting edge features like hardware accelerated ray tracing and DLSS 3 with frame generation.
The only caveat is the 4070 costs around $800 – a big step up from the Vega 64‘s original $499 MSRP. But for uncompromising performance, it‘s currently the best single card upgrade available.
Key RTX 4070 Specs:
- 7680 CUDA Cores
- 12GB GDDR6X VRAM
- 18Gbps memory speed
- Up to 2.65GHz boost clock
2. NVIDIA RTX 4060 – Great Value 1440p Gaming Upgrade
Nvidia‘s new RTX 4060 brings Ampere architecture and 12th-gen NVENC encoding to the mid-range bracket. Compared to Vega 64, it delivers:
- 88% higher average gaming FPS
- Faster 18Gbps GDDR6X VRAM with 12GB capacity
- 2.5x higher RT core count for ray tracing
- 3rd gen Tensor cores enabling DLSS 3 for upscaled 4K gaming
The 4060 handles 1440p gaming with ease, playing AAA titles like Spiderman Remastered well over 60 FPS on ultra settings with all bells and whistles enabled. It‘s also great for high refresh rate 1080p gaming into the 120-144Hz range for buttery smooth frames.
Priced around $300, it delivers excellent value from a Vega 64 upgrade while supporting advanced features missing from AMD‘s older card. Making the 4060 an easy recommendation for great 1440p high FPS gaming.
Key RTX 4060 Specs:
- 7680 CUDA cores
- 8GB GDDR6X memory
- Up to 18Gbps memory speed
- Up to 2.5GHz boost clock
3. NVIDIA RTX 3060 – Top Value 1080p Gaming Upgrade
The RTX 3060 delivers a strong generational upgrade over the Vega 64 for great 1080p gaming:
- Around 35% higher average FPS across modern games
- 12GB of 15Gbps GDDR6 VRAM vs 8GB HBM2 on Vega 64
- Access to DLSS, ray tracing and NVENC encoder
- More power efficient 180W TDP vs Vega 64‘s 295W
It handles the latest titles at over 100 FPS average on high settings at 1080p. So you can fully exploit high refresh rate monitors. And there‘s ample VRAM to avoid issues hitting Vega 64‘s 8GB buffer limit.
The 3060 really hits the sweet spot for silky smooth 1080p gaming. It‘s routinely available under $300 now too, delivering huge value coming from a last-gen AMD card. If you‘re still gaming on a 1080p display, the 3060 is hands down my top recommendation.
Key RTX 3060 Specs:
- 3584 CUDA cores
- 12GB GDDR6 memory
- Up to 15Gbps memory speed
- 1320MHz boost clock
4. NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super – Budget 1080p/1440p Upgrade
The RTX 2060 Super is now a couple generations old, but still readily beats the Vega 64, delivering around a 20% average FPS uplift in modern games. Key advantages include:
- Faster 14Gbps 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
- Turing NVENC encoder for high efficiency streaming
- RT cores for ray tracing in supported titles
- DLSS for upscaling to higher resolutions
It provides a cost effective upgrade path for 1080p gaming over 100 FPS on high settings in most titles. And can stretch to 60 FPS 1440p still in many games. If you shop used models from reputable retailers like Amazon Warehouse, 2060 Super cards can be snagged for under $250 – half the cost of a new 3060 for example. Making it a great budget conscious upgrade if you don‘t need the latest bleeding edge performance.
Key RTX 2060 Super Specs:
- 2176 CUDA cores
- 8GB GDDR6 memory
- 14Gbps memory speed
- 1650MHz boost clock
5. NVIDIA RTX 3050 – Low Power 1080p Gaming Upgrade
The RTX 3050 is not the fasting card, but does beat the Vega 64 while using a fraction of the power. Nvidia rates it at just 130W TDP vs Vega 64‘s beefy 295W thermal envelope:
- Around 15% higher effective speed benchmarked
- 8GB of GDDR6 memory, faster than Vega 64‘s HBM2
- No external PCIe power required
- Second Gen RT cores and Tensor cores for ray tracing and DLSS
Performance is sufficient for 60+ FPS high settings 1080p gaming in most titles. But key advantages are compact size, low noise output, and not needing PCIe power cables since the slot provides enough juice. That makes the 3050 great for upgrading prebuilt office PCs and OEM systems which often lack spare power connectors.
So for a low profile 1080p gaming upgrade that won‘t break the bank or your power supply, the 3050 is a slick option coming from an aging, hot Vega 64.
Key RTX 3050 Specs:
- 2560 CUDA cores
- 8GB GDDR6 memory
- No external power required
- 130W TDP
6. AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX – New High-End 4K Gaming Upgrade
On the extreme high end front, AMD‘s new Radeon RX 7900 XTX beats their older Vega 64 by such as wide margin, they aren‘t even in the same performance universe. The flagship 7900 XTX brings:
- 3x higher effective speed benchmarked
- 61 CU XMX units vs 64 on Vega – but 50% higher clock speeds
- 24GB next-gen GDDR6 memory running 20Gbps with 320-bit bus
- Enhanced ray tracing performance via AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 3
- Cutting edge RDNA 3 architecture on TSMC‘s 5nm process
It delivers extremely high frame rates even at demanding 4K resolutions, usable for high refresh gaming up to 144Hz monitors. We‘re talking 120 FPS+ at max settings now readily achievable in titles like Warzone 2 and A Plague Tale Requiem, beyond what Vega 64 can dream of.
Yes, at around $1000 the 7900 XTX commands a premium. But it brings no-compromise flagship caliber 4K gaming eschewing any remnants of the aging Vega 64. With ample 24GB VRAM to handle next-gen games and graphics mods down the road too. Making this a top choice if budget allows and you‘re looking for the ultimate single card upgrade.
Key RX 7900 XTX Specs:
- 61 XMX Compute Units
- 24GB GDDR6 memory
- 20Gbps memory speed
- Over 2.3GHz game clock
Is Upgrading Your Vega 64 Worthwhile?
Whether it‘s worth upgrading your RX Vega 64 GPU comes down to a few factors:
- Games and applications used – The latest and most demanding titles will benefit the most from upgraded performance. While older esports and MOBA games may still run fine on Vega 64.
- Resolution and refresh rate – If pushing higher resolution 1440p or 4K displays, targeting high FPS for 120+ Hz monitors, expect much bigger gains.
- Visual settings – Running at lower quality presets, upgrades show diminishing returns. But maxing all eye candy and ray tracing requires upgraded horsepower.
- Hardware ecosystem – Using a lower-end 60Hz 1080p screen or dated CPU risks bottlenecking new GPU power. So consider full system balance.
Basically, if modern games still run well for your needs on the Vega 64, upgrades provide less tangible benefit. But those wanting to unlock higher resolutions, refresh rates, visual quality and next generation features will see massive improvements from all cards listed. Showcasing the widened technological gap as RDNA3, Ampere and forward rendering features leave first-gen GCN architecture behind.
Summary – Best Vega 64 Upgrade For Each Use Case
| Use Case | Best Upgrade Card |
| 4K gaming | AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX |
| 1440p high FPS gaming | NVIDIA RTX 4060 |
| 1080p ultra gaming | NVIDIA RTX 3060 |
| Budget focused 1080p gaming | NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super |
| Low power 1080p gaming | NVIDIA RTX 3050 |
| Best overall 4K/1440p | NVIDIA RTX 4070 |
So in summary, the RTX 4070 provides the outright fastest and most capable replacement. While the 3060, 4060 and 2060 Super all offer excellent bang for buck. The 3050 slots in with uniquely low power demands. And the 7900 XTX satiates enthusiasts pursuing no-compromise 4K gaming.
Based on your games, target performance envelope and budget – one of these capable modern GPUs is sure to prove a worthy successor to the aging RX Vega 64!
