Competition is incredibly ingrained into the graphics card and is as integral to its growth as its heat sinks. Without the endless competition between the two powerhouses of GPUs, AMD, and NVidia, we would never have the amazing cards that continually get released every year. 2020 is no different.
The AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT is the latest in the RX 5000 line from AMD, sitting inbetween the RX 5500 and the RX 5600 XT, the RX 5500 looks like it will change the game entirely for the 1080p, entry-level gamer.
What makes the RX 5500 XT notable is its RDNA, Radeon’s brand new 7nm manufacturing architecture that brings with it higher fidelity, better performance, and more programmability than AMD’s previous GPU architecture. With so much more programmable shading and higher image sharpening, this GPU is going to usher in an age of new and powerful computing power for the entry-level graphics card world.
However, before you instantly order a new 5500 XT and experience the new AMD architecture, you need to consider the aftermarket cards. Now that the 5500 XT has been out for a little while, there are a whole bunch of different aftermarket cards to choose from.
Here are some of the very best 5500 XT aftermarket/AIB cards, so that you can make the right choice for you, your budget and your needs.
Best RX 5500 XT Cards – My Recommendations
Overall Best RX 5500 XT Aftermarket Card
Choosing the very best 5500 XT has to be a game of compromise. You need to balance the clock speed, its ability to manage heat and its overall price, plus whether or not it’s size is used.
For this GPU, the best aftermarket option after taking all these into account is the MSI Gaming Radeon RX 5500 XT.
With the unique MSI fan design using TORX 3.0 technology, the air is curved up and around, then finally down to the heat sinks, making for incredibly effective heat dissipation.
With built-in overclocking utilities and the surprisingly useful Dragon Center for controlling all MSI related software, this 5500 XT option is all about giving you control of your GPU.
You can set it to what you like, with complete customizability over its speed, intensity, and even its LED colors.
Its price point is also very affordable at $220, making the MSI 5500 XT the best all-around option out of the available 5500 XT aftermarket cards.
Highest Factory Overclock 5500 XT Card
Continuing in the Asus tradition of intense overclocking, the Asus ROG RX Strix 5500 XT OC Edition is all about providing as much power as possible.
With 1865 Mhz boost clock speed (out of the box!) and not requiring any sort of tinkering, the Asus ROG RX 5500 XT is one of your best options for high intensity 1080p gaming.
What’s more, with its two fanned axial-tech cooling systems, it offers a surprisingly silent gaming experience. If you are playing at a lower intensity than the GPU was designed for, it has 0dB technology to essentially shut down any noise, creating components, making it a truly silent GPU!
Best Value RX 5500 XT Aftermarket Card
It seems like no matter what GPU you go for; it is Gigabyte that seeks to provide the very best budget option with their Radeon RX 5500 XT OC Edition.
Despite its lower price point, it still offers features common of more expensive models – such as dual fans, its Windforce Cooling System – to ensure that your GPU stays nice and cool at load.
This is one of those times where the best value option is still an incredibly good option for those looking for a better GPU, as it doesn’t really compromise much on computing power or clock speed.
If you are looking for an even cheaper option, you need to be willing to compromise on the 8GB memory size. Gigabyte also offers a 4G option that is a good deal cheaper, but most gamers will find that too limiting for high frame-rate 1080p gaming.
Smallest RX 5500 XT for SFF/ITX Builds
For the smallest and easiest to install option for the 5500 XT, you only need to look at PowerColor with the AXRX RX 5500 XT. While their space efficient design limits you to only 4GB memory and a single fan, this cute little GPU is surprisingly efficient considering its limited size. Our recommended RX 5500 XT for those looking to build a 1080p SFF system in 2020.
This one shouldn’t really ever be the top of your list for general-purpose GPU choice, however, as it does lack some power thanks to its smaller size. While the boost clock is a decent 1845 MHz, its base is only 1717 MHz, meaning it needs to work a lot harder to get to its boost speed.
This results in a lot more heat, as well as a good deal more noise, only made worse due to the lack of a second fan. So only really consider this card if you are desperate to get a 5500 XT into an exceptionally small space in your PC case.
