The RTX 3090 was launched back in late 2020, and it was an undisputed graphics card with tremendous output for a brief time. Nvidia went all out on designing their most powerful mainstream graphics card to date and fitted the 3090 with every essential feature to make it the best GPU in the game.

Using infamous GDDR6X memory, the 3090 had a copious 24GB video memory with over 10K CUDA cores. It used a 384-bit memory bus to produce a phenomenal bandwidth of almost one terabyte per second. Though not too impressive, its clock frequencies of 1400 – 1700 MHz work well enough to deliver an excellent 4K output.

Also, it has 328 Tensor and 82 raytracing units, bringing the best DLSS 2.0 AI-upscaling and Raytracing experience money can buy. The RTX 3090 had an MSRP of 1499$ and to this day costs easily around 1000$. So today, instead of the 3090, we will give you some equally formidable comparable choices designed to compete at every level.

GPU equivalent to the RTX 3090

Thanks to AMD, we have two very robust options, the RX 6900 XT and 7900 XT that can flawlessly match the 3090 in virtually every aspect. Otherwise, It would have been challenging to list GPUs that compete with the 3090 on all levels within the same price tag. The RTX 3090 undeniably sits at the top of the GPU hierarchy due to its abundant power and high-end status. Let’s how these relevant alternatives stand up against it.

Gigabyte Radeon RX 6900 XT

The RX 6900 XT is a sub-1000$ high-end graphics card with ample attributes that easily prepare to take on the most famed and notable GPUs. Making use of the RDNA 2 architecture, the 6900 XT is perhaps the best-performing RX 6000 series graphics card with ample value for money and longevity.

Like Nvidia’s DLSS, the 6900 XT employs the FSR 2 AI-upscaling phenomenon, aided by 80 compute cores. Similarly, it utilizes its 80-ray accelerators for performing raytracing operations. Though decent, it isn’t as good as Nvidia’s.

Further, it harnesses GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit interface with a 16 GB size. The bandwidths peak at 512 GB/s, but the 6900 XT makes up with its superior clock and memory frequencies of 2250 MHz and 2000 MHz, respectively.

This impeccable balance of cores, speeds, and memory makes it a relatively less power-hungry GPU with an apt TDP of 300 Watts.

Feature Gigabyte Radeon RX 6900 XT NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090
Architecture RDNA 2.0 Ampere
Core Clock (MHz) 1875 MHz (+3%) 1500 MHz
Boost Clock (MHz) 2285 MHz (+2%) 1725 MHz
CUDA Cores 5120 10496
Memory Type GDDR6 GDDR6
Memory Size (GB) 16 GB 24 GB
Memory Bus Width (bits) 256 bit 384 bit
Memory Speed (Gbps) 2000 MHz 16 Gbps effective 1219 MHz 19.5 Gbps effective
TDP (Watts) 300 W 350 W
DirectX Version 12 Ultimate (12_2) 12 Ultimate (12_2)
OpenGL Version 4.6 4.6
VR Ready - -
Ray Tracing Cores 80 82
Ports 2x HDMI 2.1 2x DisplayPort 1.4a 1x HDMI 2.1 3x DisplayPort 1.4a
Price $469.99 $1,099.00

ASUS TUF Radeon RX 7900 XT

The RX 7900 XT is among the most contemporary and robust GPUs of our time. AMD entered the GPU scene in late 2022 with its RDNA 3-based graphics cards, among which the 7900 XT was introduced as a less than 1000$ GPU with ultimate potential.

The 7900 XT uses the novel RDNA 3 architecture that reportedly increases the computing throughput and power efficiency by a whopping 50% margin. It still uses the GDDR6 memory with an astonishing clock frequency range of 1500 – 2400 MHz.

It has a massive 20 Gig memory and utilizes the 320-bit bus, enabling an expressive bandwidth of 800 GB/s. Moreover, it flexes with its 84 AI-accelerated raytracing cores and is the best candidate for AMD’s long-awaited FSR 3 upscaling tech.

The performance output of the 7900 XT is easily above the 3090 and even manages expectations regarding its raytracing efficiency. The raytracing isn’t game-changing but a good enough performance for those seeking an adequately meaningful experience.

Feature ### ASUS TUF Radeon RX 7900 XT NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090
Architecture RDNA 3.0 Ampere
Core Clock (MHz) 1687 MHz (+12%) 1500 MHz
Boost Clock (MHz) 2499 MHz (+4%) 1725 MHz
CUDA Cores 5376 10496
Memory Type GDDR6 GDDR6
Memory Size (GB) 20 GB 24 GB
Memory Bus Width (bits) 320 bit 384 bit
Memory Speed (Gbps) 2500 MHz 20Gbps effective 1219 MHz 19.5 Gbps effective
TDP (Watts) 300 W 350 W
DirectX Version 12 Ultimate (12_2) 12 Ultimate (12_2)
OpenGL Version 4.6 4.6
VR Ready - -
Ray Tracing Cores 84 82
Ports 1x HDMI 2.1a 3x DisplayPort 2.1 1x HDMI 2.1 3x DisplayPort 1.4a
Price $993.59 $1,099.00

Conclusion

Let’s discuss our thoughts now that we’ve covered the details. The RTX 3090 is a no-brainer go-to for a high-end 4K gaming-centric build, even at the end of 2023. However, it is only plausible that you keep your knowledge updated on what other similar options are available.

Like every other Nvidia graphics card, the RTX 3090 still isn’t a cheap option by any means, and even after three years, an adept 3090 variant unfortunately costs around 1200$. Times have changed, and AMD is consistently coming up with new products that are way more powerful, have better performance, and are cost-effective.

The 6900 XT and 7900 XT are both very effective 4K gaming GPUs, but nowadays, you might find that they essentially are listed at a similar valuation. Given that the 7900 XT outperforms the 3090 in every aspect except for raytracing performance, we highly recommend trying it out without hesitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are RTX 3090 alternative GPUs worth considering?

Yes, they indeed are. RTX 3090 is a powerhouse and holds a place of respect among many PC enthusiasts. However, the alternative AMD GPUs offer a range of compelling features that are difficult to ignore once experienced. These features are highly intriguing and deserve consideration.

Can I use FSR on the RTX 3090?

Yes, you can use AMD’s FSR Upscaling process on Nvidia’s RTX 3090. Nvidia also has its upscaling feature called DLSS, which is exclusive to Nvidia GPUs. Meanwhile, the FSR is open-source and can be used on Intel’s and Nvidia’s supported GPUs.

Does the RTX 3090 run games at 8K?

Yes, RTX 3090 can run games at 8K HDR. It was designed with up to 8K gaming in mind. Not only does it support 8K, but it also delivers a smooth gameplay experience on aptly-optimized games.

Zain Ali
Zain is a gamer who turned into a tech enthusiast the day he got his first PC. He loves to play with whatever components he can get his hands on. His love for custom PC hardware is unfathomable, and he keeps it alive by writing about it as well as doing practicals in real life along with the continuation of his degree in business administration.