AMD RX Vega 64 Overview
ASUS Radeon RX Vega 64 8GB Overclocked 2048-Bit HBM2 PCI Express 3.0 HDCP Ready Video Card (STRIX-RXVEGA64-O8G-GAMING)
$499.95
- 8GB of VRAM
- 2048-bit memory bus
- 895 MHz memory clock speed
The RX Vega 64 was released in 2017 and competed with GPUs such as the NVIDIA GTX 1060 and 1070. It has a 2048-bit memory bus and 8GB of VRAM, and it is a relatively fast GPU when compared to its competitors.
The Vega 64 still has plenty of life in it, but time hasn’t been as kind to the GPU as it has to some of its competitors. It is clearly showing its age, and you will need to alter the quality settings for newer games.
Specs
| RX Vega 64 | |
|---|---|
| Generation | Vega |
| Process Size | 14 nm |
| Transistors | 12,500 million |
| VRAM Amount | 8GB |
| VRAM Type | GDDR5 |
| Core Clock Speed | 1,247 MHz |
| Memory Clock Speed | 945 MHz |
| Interface | PCI-E x16 3.0 |
History-Computer s Best Upgrades from the RX Vega 64
Best Overall: NVIDIA RTX 4070
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4070
$639.99
- 192-bit memory bus
- 12GB of GDDR6X VRAM
- Great for 4K or 1440p gaming
There’s a lot to admire about NVIDIA’s latest mid-range GPU. The RTX 4070 has some very excellent hardware and will easily handle most recent games.
This is a significant boost from an AMD Vega 64 and is new enough to be suitable for modern gaming for many years. When compared to the Vega 64’s original $499 MSRP, it is a touch pricey.
However, if you’re prepared to stretch your budget a little, you’ll get a very competent GPU that can easily push into 4K. You may need to adjust the settings for some titles, but 1080p and 1440p will be a breeze. Despite the 192-bit memory interface, the 12GB of VRAM allows for a future-proof GPU.
Best for 1440p: NVIDIA RTX 4060
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4060
$290.40
- 8GB of GDDR6X VRAM
- 128-bit memory bus
- Excels at 1440p and VR gameplay
For a variety of reasons, the RTX 4060 is a contentious pick. However, if you are not upgrading from an RTX 3060, it will appear to be a significant step ahead. This is a terrific upgrade over an AMD Vega 64 and comes in well under budget provided you stick to the Radeon GPU’s $499 MSRP.
You receive 8GB of GDDR6X-compatible VRAM. It has a 128-bit memory bus, but it should be sufficient for most recent games.
This GPU will not be capable of 4K resolution, at least not without significant detail changes. However, it thrives in VR and 1440p. You have access to excellent raytracing, DLSS, and other NVIDIA-only features.
Best for 1080p: NVIDIA RTX 3060
GeForce RTX 3060
$284.99
- 12GB GDDR6 video memory
- 192-bit memory interface
- 12GB RAM
- 7680 x 4320 maximum resolution
To say the RTX 3060 is the best choice for 1080p is an exaggeration of its capabilities. However, if you want to master every modern game, this is the route to take. It’s a tremendous upgrade over an AMD Vega 64, and you can get one for a good price brand new.
MSI’s RTX 3060 can be obtained for under $300 and comes with 12GB of GDDR6X VRAM and a 192-bit memory bus. This will totally kill recent games at 1080p and comfortably expand out to 1440p.
It is a bit older GPU, but it is still very useful. Between this and the RTX 4060, you’ll be splitting hairs.
Best Budget Choice: NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 2060 Super
$384.23
- 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM
- 256-bit memory bus
- Capable of utilizing DLSS for blazing framerates
The RTX 2060 Super is an older GPU, yet it is still powerful. You receive a larger memory bus and 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM in total. This is more than adequate to handle recent games at 1080p or 1440p resolution.
When extreme sale prices are taken into account, you can find these for a very affordable price. If you’re willing to risk the secondhand market from a trustworthy merchant like Amazon or NewEgg, you can go even lower. If you don’t mind not breaking a sweat while playing Modern Warfare 2, this is a great improvement over an AMD Vega 64.
Best for Power Consumption: NVIDIA RTX 3050
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050
$241.86
- Supports HDMI 2.1
- 8GB of VRAM
- No power supply connections
- Great for prebuilts
Looking for something that will not consume excessive quantities of electricity from your power supply? The RTX3050 is a good choice for a low-cost GPU because it does not require external cable to connect.
Keep in mind that this is on the lower end of the GPU performance spectrum, at least when compared to modern GPUs.
On paper, it is a solid upgrade from an AMD Vega 64, outperforming it while remaining cool and silent. You get 8GB of VRAM and a 128-bit memory bus, but you don’t have to deal with 8-pin or Molex connectors to play recent 1080p games.
Best High-End Choice: AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
$1,024.92
- 24 GB of VRAM
- Vapor chamber for taming heat build-up
- One of the fastest GPUs for under $1,000 new
If you want to go all out, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a superb option with enough of power. You’ll get a 320-bit memory bus, 24GB of GDDR6 VRAM, and a current PCI-E interface.
Is it a worthy improvement over an AMD Vega 64? It is such a huge jump forward that comparing the two isn’t really fair.
The 7900 XTX is one of AMD’s top GPUs, competing directly with NVIDIA stalwarts such as the RTX 4080 and 4090. The pricing is a tad steep, but the performance is surely not lacking.
Should You Upgrade?
Is it worthwhile to upgrade your GPU? If you are completely satisfied with your current level of performance, it is not the best idea. However, if you want to play recent games and are concerned about the Vega 64’s age, it may be worth investing in a new GPU.
Keep in mind that if you don’t upgrade your components alongside the GPU, you’ll run into other problems. A modern GPU, for example, can be readily bottlenecked by a CPU or older RAM types. So, if you want to upgrade from an AMD Vega 64, it might be worth considering a completely new build.
Closing Thoughts
The Vega 64 is a good GPU, but it has seen better days. Based on the GPUs recommended in this guide, you should be able to make an informed decision. In the desktop sector, GPUs are available at nearly every price point.
As a result, determining which is the greatest fit might be challenging. So, before you go on the joy that is component shopping, evaluate first and foremost what you require.
If you want to play the latest and greatest games at high resolutions, the 7900 XTX is an excellent choice. However, if you’re still locked on 1080p like many gamers, any of the other options should suffice.
As usual, do your homework before making a purchase.