Is the RX 6500 XT still relevant in 2025?
No, the RX 6500 XT is barely relevant anymore in 2025: its performance in 1080p is acceptable in low configurations, but its technical limitations and price make it uncompetitive compared to alternatives such as the RX 580 either GTX 1650 Super.
The AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT, released in 2022, is a budget graphics card that promised a lot, but that in the practice disappoints. Personally, I think this GPU leaves a lot to be desired in 2025: although it allows you to play at 1080p with medium-low settings, it is limited by its design and high price for what it offers.. With only 4GB VRAM and based on a laptop-focused architecture (Navi 24), this RX 6500 XT 4GB faces bottlenecks in PCIe 3.0 systems. In this review, we’ll explore its features, gaming performance, and design, and how it compares to the GTX 1650 Super or RX 580.
Technical specifications of the AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT
| Specification | RX 6500 XT |
|---|---|
| Architecture | RDNA 2 |
| Stream Processors | 1024 |
| VRAM | 4GB GDDR6 |
| Bandwidth | 64-bit (144 GB/s) |
| Boost frequency | 2815 MHz |
| TDP | 130W |
| Video entries | HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4a |
The AMD RX 6500 XT supports ray tracing and FSR, but its 64-bit bus and lack of optimal support on PCIe 3.0 slow it down significantly.
AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT gaming and creation performance
1080p and 1440p Gaming: What Can You Expect?
The RX 6500 XT performs at 1080p with low settings at 2025, but struggles in modern games:
| Game | Resolution | Configuration | FPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTA V | 1080p | High | 55-65 FPS |
| Fortnite | 1080p | Half | 70-85 FPS |
| Elden Ring | 1080p | Low | 35-45 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 1080p | Low + FSR | 25-35 FPS |
In my opinion, this board is limited by itself: without PCIe 4.0 on many motherboards (using PCIe 3.0), its data transmission creates a bottleneck., affecting performance in titles like Cyberpunk 2077.
Productivity and creation: Key differences
With 4GB GDDR6The RX 6500 XT 4GB is fine for basic 1080p video editing or light streaming, but its narrow memory and bus make it impractical for multitasking.
Is it good for graphic design?
The RX 6500 XT is limited in graphics design in 2025:
- Strengths: Works for basic 2D design in Photoshop or Illustrator.
- Weaknesses: 4GB of VRAM and 64-bit bus slow it down in 3D rendering or advanced editing.
- What you can do: Edit photos or short videos in 1080p, but nothing complex.
Comparison: RX 6500 XT vs competitors
| Feature | RX 6500 XT | GTX 1650 Super | RX 580 8GB | RTX 3050 6GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 4GB GDDR6 | 4GB GDDR6 | 8GB GDDR5 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| TDP | 130W | 100W | 185W | 70W |
| FPS at 1080p (Ultra) | 35-45 FPS | 55-65 FPS | 50-60 FPS | 40-50 FPS |
| Price in 2025 (approx) | $150 USD | $180 USD | $120-$150 USD | $180 USD |
- RX 6500 XT: More modern, but less powerful than the GTX 1650 Super in PCIe 3.0.
- GTX 1650 Super: Better overall performance due to its 128-bit bus.
- RX 580 8GB: More VRAM and similar FPS at a lower price.
- RTX 3050 6GB: DLSS 3 and more VRAM, although more expensive.
In my opinion, the RX 580 offers similar performance at a lower cost, or you could aim for a more efficient RX 6600.
Power supplies for AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT
With a TDP of 130W, the RX 6500 XT requires a fountain 400W minimum (450W ideal):
- Corsair CX450 – Efficiency and stability.
- EVGA 450 BR – Reliable power.
- Seasonic S12III 450W – Good ventilation.
Best AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT models
| Model | Refrigeration | Overclocking | Build quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapphire Pulse RX 6500 XT | Double fan | Moderate | Robust and silent |
| ASUS Dual RX 6500 XT | Double fan | Standard | Solid and compact |
| PowerColor RX 6500 XT | Simple fan | Standard | Compact and functional |
| MSI RX 6500 XT Mech | Double fan | Moderate | Elegant and efficient |
Conclusion: Is the AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT worth it in 2025?
The AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT is a graphics card that does not stand out in 2025: its performance at 1080p is acceptable, but its 64-bit bus and 4GB of VRAM the limit too much. Priced at around $150 USD, As I see it, I wouldn't recommend it unless you find a tempting offer and there are no better options on the market.. The RX 580 or an RX 6600 are more sensible alternatives for a similar or slightly higher cost.
