A Complete Guide to Graphics Card Generations and Performance

Graphics card lineups often shift over time. New products are launched to broaden choices, older options are phased out, and sometimes entirely new tiers are introduced to create clearer distinctions between models. These changes are a normal part of the industry, but they also bring a challenge – consumers can easily get confused about where a particular card actually fits in the performance spectrum.

This confusion grows worse when media outlets mislabel products, creating misleading impressions that eventually turn into myths. A recent example comes from Hardware Unboxed, which described the GeForce RTX 4070 as a mid-range GPU. In reality, the RTX 4070 matches the performance of the GeForce RTX 3080, can even surpass the RTX 3090 in Cyberpunk 2077 with frame generation, and delivers stronger ray tracing performance than AMD’s Radeon RX 6950 XT.

Cyberpunk 2077 4k ultra ray tracing

If the GeForce RTX 4070 is being called “mid-range,” then where does that leave the RTX 4060 Ti? And what about the Radeon RX 6950 XT, which already falls behind in ray tracing and struggles when DLSS and frame generation come into play? The truth is, the argument doesn’t hold up. Historically, the RTX XX70 series has always represented the entry point into NVIDIA’s high-end lineup (not the middle tier).

This ongoing confusion, which has been building for some time, is exactly why I decided to create this guide. Here, I’ll outline the key points that help distinguish both the generation and performance tier of NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards. You’ll also find approximate performance expectations for each card based on its launch period. And, as always, if you have questions, feel free to leave them in the comments, we’ll do our best to clear things up.

How to Identify the Generation of a Graphics Card

AMD’s Current Generations

AMD Radeon Graphics Card

For AMD, the last three generations — RDNA, RDNA2, and RDNA3 — are easy to identify. The generation is marked by the first number in the model name, while the “RX” prefix signals that the card is designed for gaming and general consumer use.

Earlier AMD cards weren’t as straightforward. Different naming systems overlapped, which made it harder to know which generation a card belonged to. For instance, the Radeon RX 500 series was based on GCN 4.0, while the Radeon RX Vega and Radeon VII were part of GCN 5.0.

With the launch of the RDNA architecture, AMD moved to a cleaner, easier-to-read naming scheme. This approach has carried through to today and is likely to remain the standard for the foreseeable future.

comparison between RTX 5070 FE and RX 9070 XT
  • Radeon RX 5000: The “5” marks the first generation of RDNA-based graphics cards. These models did not include dedicated ray tracing hardware or AI cores. Built on TSMC’s 7nm process, the RX 5000 series competed directly with NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 20 lineup.
  • Radeon RX 6000: The “6” identifies the second generation, powered by the RDNA 2 architecture. This was AMD’s first series with hardware cores for ray tracing acceleration, while still manufactured on TSMC’s 7nm node. It went head-to-head with NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 30 series.
  • Radeon RX 7000: Marked by the “7,” this series represents AMD’s RDNA 3 architecture. It introduced a chiplet design that combines a 5nm graphics core with 6nm L3 cache modules. Equipped with hardware for both ray tracing and AI acceleration, it stands against NVIDIA’s RTX 40 series.
  • Radeon RX 9000: The most recent generation, based on RDNA 4, returns to a monolithic GPU design. Manufactured on TSMC’s advanced N4P node, it includes ray tracing hardware, AI cores, and support for FSR 4. This lineup is positioned against NVIDIA’s RTX 50 series.

AMD Radeon Generations vs NVIDIA Rivals

AMD Radeon SeriesArchitectureKey FeaturesManufacturing NodeNVIDIA Rival
RX 5000RDNA 1No ray tracing hardware, no AI coresTSMC 7nmGeForce RTX 20
RX 6000RDNA 2First with ray tracing coresTSMC 7nmGeForce RTX 30
RX 7000RDNA 3Chiplet design (5nm core + 6nm cache), RT + AI hardwareTSMC 5nm + 6nmGeForce RTX 40
RX 9000RDNA 4Monolithic GPU, RT + AI hardware, FSR 4 supportTSMC N4PGeForce RTX 50

Current NVIDIA Graphics Generations

NVIDIA GeForce Graphics Card

Identifying NVIDIA graphics cards is fairly straightforward, even with older models. The first number in the model name indicates the generation — so a GeForce GTX 600 predates a GeForce GTX 900, each based on different architectures. The GeForce GTX 10 series marked a turning point, simplifying the naming system and setting the stage for NVIDIA’s modern approach.

The most important shift came with the move from GTX to RTX. Cards labeled GTX belong to architectures that predate the introduction of dedicated RT cores (for ray tracing) and Tensor cores (for AI acceleration, such as DLSS). In short, GTX cards do not support hardware-based ray tracing or DLSS.

From the RTX era onward, NVIDIA stuck with a simple rule: the first two digits of the model number represent the generation. This system has been consistent across recent GeForce releases, with the GTX/RTX distinction clearly marking the divide between pre-ray tracing and post-ray tracing architectures.

RTX 4090 vs RTX 5090 comparison
  • GeForce GTX 16: Positioned above the GTX 10 series, these cards are built on the Turing architecture — the same architecture used by the RTX 20 lineup. However, being GTX models, they lack RT cores and Tensor cores. Manufactured on a 12nm process, they offered an affordable step forward in performance but without ray tracing or DLSS support.
  • GeForce RTX 20: The first official RTX generation, also based on Turing and produced on the 12nm node. These cards introduced first-generation RT cores for ray tracing and second-generation Tensor cores, unlocking DLSS support for the first time.
  • GeForce RTX 30: Representing the Ampere architecture, the RTX 30 series was built on an 8nm process. It improved ray tracing with second-generation RT cores and AI features with third-generation Tensor cores, delivering a major performance leap.
  • GeForce RTX 40: Powered by the Ada Lovelace architecture and manufactured on a 5nm node, this generation introduced third-generation RT cores and fourth-generation Tensor cores. It also added support for frame generation, which significantly boosted performance in demanding games.
  • GeForce RTX 50: The latest generation, based on the Blackwell architecture and produced on TSMC’s N4P node. It comes with 4th-gen RT cores and 5th-gen Tensor cores, and introduces support for multi-generation frame rate scaling, pushing performance even further.

NVIDIA GeForce Generations

NVIDIA SeriesArchitectureKey FeaturesManufacturing Node
GTX 16TuringNo RT/Tensor cores, no DLSS12nm
RTX 20Turing1st-gen RT cores, 2nd-gen Tensor cores12nm
RTX 30Ampere2nd-gen RT cores, 3rd-gen Tensor cores8nm
RTX 40Ada Lovelace3rd-gen RT cores, 4th-gen Tensor cores, Frame Generation5nm
RTX 50Blackwell4th-gen RT cores, 5th-gen Tensor cores, Multi-gen Frame Rate ScalingTSMC N4P

How to Identify the Range of a Graphics Card

AMD Graphics Card Ranges

For AMD cards up to the Radeon RX 7000 series, the second and third numbers in the model name reveal the range. The rule is simple: the higher the number, the higher the range — as long as you’re comparing cards within the same generation. For example, a Radeon RX 6700 is above the Radeon RX 6600.

It’s also important to remember that a newer generation card, even from a lower range, will usually outperform an older one from a higher range. For instance, the Radeon RX 6600 is stronger than the previous generation’s Radeon RX 5600 XT.

With the Radeon RX 9000 series, AMD slightly changed the system. Now, the third number indicates the range. So, a Radeon RX 9070 sits higher than a Radeon RX 9060. This new method is straightforward once you know it, but it can feel confusing if you’re used to the older style.

AMD also uses suffixes to mark differences within the same range:
XT and XTX = denote stronger versions of the base model.
Example: The Radeon RX 6600 XT outperforms the Radeon RX 6600, and the RX 6650 XT is even faster than the 6600 XT.
GRE = used for slightly weaker, cheaper editions.
Example: The Radeon RX 6750 GRE is a toned-down version of the 6750 XT, and the Radeon RX 7900 GRE is less powerful than the 7900 XT.

AMD Radeon RX 6000 Series – Performance by Model

AMD Radeon RX 6000 series
  • Radeon RX 6300: An entry-level card, not powerful enough for smooth 1080p gaming. Best suited for very light or casual use.
  • Radeon RX 6400: A low-end option, capable of basic 1080p gaming but without the muscle for demanding titles.
  • Radeon RX 6500 XT: Still in the low-end range. It can handle 1080p gaming if you lower graphics settings. Available in both 4 GB and 8 GB versions.
  • Radeon RX 6600: A solid mid-range card, well-suited for 1080p gaming with high settings. It has aged well and still holds up today.
  • Radeon RX 6600 XT / 6650 XT: More powerful versions of the RX 6600. Both can run 1080p at high or maximum settings in most games while keeping performance smooth.
  • Radeon RX 6750 GRE: A mid-range card for 1440p gaming. Slightly less powerful than the RX 6750 XT, but still a strong choice.
  • Radeon RX 6700 / 6700 XT / 6750 XT: Mid-range cards capable of running 1440p games with ease, and even handling some 4K titles. The RX 6750 XT was the strongest of this group. With today’s more demanding games, these are now best suited for 1440p.
  • Radeon RX 6800 / 6800 XT: Positioned in the mid-to-high range. They deliver excellent performance at 1440p with high frame rates and can also handle 4K gaming reliably.
  • Radeon RX 6900 XT / 6950 XT: The flagship models of the RX 6000 generation. Built for 4K gaming, offering smooth performance with high settings during their release period.

AMD Radeon RX 7000 Series – Performance by Model

AMD Radeon RX 7000 Series
  • Radeon RX 7400: A low-end card mainly targeted at OEM systems. It comes with 8 GB of VRAM and is capable of 1080p gaming, but it won’t be sold as a standalone retail product.
  • Radeon RX 7600: A balanced card for 1080p gaming, which is its ideal resolution due to its memory configuration.
  • Radeon RX 7600 XT: An upgraded version of the RX 7600 with 16 GB of VRAM, offering improved performance at 1440p while still excelling at 1080p.
  • Radeon RX 7700 XT: Positioned as a 1440p gaming card, but also capable of handling many games at 4K.
  • Radeon RX 7800 XT: Delivers excellent performance at 1440p and remains strong at 4K, making it a versatile upper mid-range option.
  • Radeon RX 7900 GRE: Optimized for 1440p but also able to deliver a solid experience at 4K.
  • Radeon RX 7900 XT: One of the most powerful models of its generation, built for smooth 4K gaming with high performance.
  • Radeon RX 7900 XTX: The flagship of the RX 7000 series. The “XTX” label signals its superior power, making it ideal for 4K gaming at maximum quality settings.

AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series – Performance by Model

AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series
  • Radeon RX 9060: A mid-to-low-range graphics card with 8 GB of VRAM, designed for smooth 1080p gaming. Currently aimed at the OEM market, though it may eventually reach retail.
  • Radeon RX 9060 XT: A mid-range model available in two versions: one with 8 GB of VRAM optimized for 1080p, and another with 16 GB that performs better at 1440p. Both use the same GPU.
  • Radeon RX 9070: An entry-level high-end graphics card, offering excellent performance at 1440p and reliable gameplay at 4K.
  • Radeon RX 9070 XT: A true high-end model, built for 4K gaming without performance compromises.

Current NVIDIA Graphics Card Ranges

For NVIDIA, the number that follows the generation digits tells us where a card sits in the lineup. For example, the GeForce RTX 3090 belongs to the Ampere architecture (indicated by the “30”) and is part of the high-end range (indicated by the “9”). This makes it superior in range to the RTX 3080, where the “8” signals a lower tier.

Using the same logic, a GeForce RTX 5080 would sit above the RTX 5070, while the RTX 3050 would be below the RTX 3060. In short, the last digits are the key to identifying the range, but NVIDIA also uses additional naming conventions to differentiate performance levels.

  • “Ti” designation: Cards with “Ti” are more powerful than their non-Ti counterparts. For example, the RTX 3070 Ti outperforms the RTX 3070, and the RTX 5070 Ti is stronger than the RTX 5070.
  • Reduced memory versions: In older generations, NVIDIA sometimes released cards with less VRAM but the same model name, which made them weaker. For instance, the GTX 1060 6 GB was more powerful than the GTX 1060 3 GB. This practice has mostly been abandoned.
  • “SUPER” designation: Works similarly to “Ti” but represents a step below it. For example, the RTX 4070 SUPER is faster than the RTX 4070, but still weaker than the RTX 4070 Ti. This makes “SUPER” inferior to “Ti” in NVIDIA’s naming hierarchy.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series – Performance by Model

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series
  • GeForce RTX 3050 6GB: A low-end model capable of 1080p gaming with high-quality settings, though limited in performance compared to higher-tier cards.
  • GeForce RTX 3050 8GB: Still low-end, but stronger than the 6GB version. It handles 1080p well, with some adjustments to graphics settings depending on the game.
  • GeForce RTX 3060: The 12GB version was the backbone of the mid-range, offering excellent 1080p performance and solid 1440p capabilities. The 8GB version was slower, sitting between the 12GB model and the RTX 3050.
  • GeForce RTX 3060 Ti: A true mid-range option. It delivers smooth 1080p gaming and a strong 1440p experience.
  • GeForce RTX 3070 / 3070 Ti: The 3070 served as the entry point to the high-end, while the 3070 Ti pushed performance further. Both are excellent for 1440p and can run 4K games with adjusted settings, though limited by their 8GB VRAM.
  • GeForce RTX 3080 / 3080 Ti: High-end models designed for uncompromised 1440p and smooth 4K gaming, offering a major leap in performance over the 3070 series.
  • GeForce RTX 3090 / 3090 Ti: The flagship cards of the Ampere generation. The RTX 3090 initially held the crown, later surpassed by the 3090 Ti as the most powerful card of its time. Both were built to handle 4K gaming at high frame rates.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series – Performance by Model

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series
  • GeForce RTX 4060: A modest card built for 1080p gaming, capable of running modern titles smoothly.
  • GeForce RTX 4060 Ti: Offers an optimal 1080p experience and holds up better than the RTX 4060 at 1440p.
  • GeForce RTX 4070: The entry-level model of the RTX 40 high-end. Runs 1440p flawlessly and can handle 4K gaming with good performance.
  • GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER: A significant performance boost over the base 4070, delivering seamless 1440p and strong 4K gaming.
  • GeForce RTX 4070 Ti: Slightly more powerful than the 4070 SUPER, designed mainly for optimal 1440p gaming but still very capable at 4K.
  • GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER: A true high-end card, ready for reliable 4K gaming without sacrificing graphics quality.
  • GeForce RTX 4080: Built for 4K gaming at maximum settings, maintaining smooth performance across demanding titles.
  • GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER: An enhanced version of the 4080, delivering a small but noticeable performance bump in 4K games.
  • GeForce RTX 4090: The flagship of the RTX 40 generation. Designed for ultimate 4K performance, so powerful it can even hit CPU bottlenecks at that resolution.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series – Performance by Model

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series
  • GeForce RTX 5050: A lower-midrange card with 8 GB of VRAM, built for reliable 1080p gaming. It delivers weaker performance than its larger siblings.
  • GeForce RTX 5060: A graphics card with 8 GB of VRAM designed for smooth 1080p gaming. Competes directly with the Radeon RX 9060 XT 8GB model.
  • GeForce RTX 5060 Ti: Available in 8 GB and 16 GB versions. Both share the same GPU power, but the 8 GB version is best for 1080p, while the 16 GB version handles 1440p effectively.
  • GeForce RTX 5070: A 1440p gaming card that can also handle 4K gaming, provided graphics settings are adjusted to manage VRAM use.
  • GeForce RTX 5070 Ti: Powerful enough for smooth 4K gaming at maximum settings, handling modern titles with high frame rates.
  • GeForce RTX 5080: Designed to deliver flawless 4K gaming without compromises in graphics quality or performance.
  • GeForce RTX 5090: The flagship of the RTX 50 generation, and NVIDIA’s most powerful GPU to date. Built for perfect 4K gaming at maximum quality with unmatched fluidity.

Right now, both NVIDIA and AMD have nearly completed their current GPU lineups. The only potential surprise on AMD’s side could be a Radeon RX 9050, though this has not yet been confirmed.

For NVIDIA, the next expected update is the arrival of the GeForce RTX 50 SUPER series, which could launch between late 2025 and early 2026. Once these cards are officially released, we’ll update this guide to include them — arranged, as always, from the lowest to the most powerful models for easier comparison.

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