Key Points
- The AMD Vega 64 is a solid and dependable GPU, but it is starting to show its age and may require adjusting quality settings for newer games.
- Recommended upgrades from the Vega 64 include the NVIDIA RTX 4070 for overall performance, the RTX 4060 for 1440p gaming, the RTX 3060 for 1080p gaming, the RTX 2060 Super for budget-conscious gamers, and the RTX 3050 for low power consumption.
- The AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a high-end choice for those looking to splurge on a powerful GPU that competes with top NVIDIA GPUs.
- Consider upgrading your GPU if you’re looking to play modern games and feel that the Vega 64 is no longer meeting your needs, but also consider upgrading other components to avoid bottlenecks.
What is the best upgrade from an AMD Vega 64? The Vega 64 was a solid and dependable GPU upon release, competing head-to-head with GPUs like the GTX 1070 and 1060. However, the intervening six years have given way to massive advances in technology
There are six solid choices recommended if you’re used to the price bracket of the RX Vega 64. These GPUs have greatly benefited from advances in technology and should be more than up to the task of handling modern games.
If you’re after a GPU that can handle upcoming titles like Starfield, you’re in the right place.
AMD RX Vega 64 Overview
- 8GB of VRAM
- 2048-bit memory bus
- 945 MHz memory clock speed
- 1590 MHz GPU clock speed
The RX Vega 64 is a 2017 release and went up against the likes of the NVIDIA GTX 1060 and 1070 GPUs. It features a 2048-bit memory bus, and 8GB of VRAM, and is a relatively fast GPU when stacked up against its contemporaries.
Now, the Vega 64 still has plenty of life left in it, but time hasn’t been quite as fair to the GPU as some of its counterparts. It is definitely seeing its age, and you’ll have to adjust 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 |
Best Alternatives to the RX Vega 64
Best Overall: NVIDIA RTX 4070
There is quite a bit to like in regard to the latest mid-range GPU from NVIDIA. The RTX 4070 boasts some seriously impressive specs and will handle most modern games with little issue.
This is a potent upgrade from an AMD Vega 64 and is recent enough that you’ll be set for modern gaming for years to come. It is a bit of a stretch budget-wise compared to the original $499 MSRP of the Vega 64.
However, if you’re willing to stretch that budget a bit, you get a very capable GPU that can push into 4K with some ease. You might have to dial back settings for certain titles, but 1080p and 1440p will also be an absolute breeze. The 12GB of VRAM makes for a future-proof GPU, despite the 192-bit memory bus.
Best for 1440p: NVIDIA RTX 4060
- 8GB of GDDR6X VRAM
- 128-bit memory bus
- Excels at 1440p and VR gameplay
The RTX 4060 is a controversial choice for many reasons. However, if you aren’t upgrading from an RTX 3060, it will seem like a massive leap forward. This is a great upgrade from an AMD Vega 64 and sits well below budget if you’re hewing closely to the $499 MSRP of the Radeon GPU.
You get 8GB of fast VRAM, running at GDDR6X. It does have a lesser memory bus at 128-bit but should do just fine with most modern games.
This GPU won’t be reaching for 4K, at least without major detail adjustments. However, for VR and 1440p, it excels. You get access to great raytracing, DLSS, and other NVIDIA-exclusive features.
Best for 1080p: NVIDIA RTX 3060
- 12GB GDDR6 video memory
- 192-bit memory interface
- 12GB RAM
- 7680 x 4320 maximum resolution
Saying the RTX 3060 is the best choice for 1080p is grossly overstating its capabilities. However, if you’re looking to ace every modern game, then this is the choice to make. It is a great upgrade from an AMD Vega 64, and you can find these at quite a steal new.
MSI’s RTX 3060 can routinely be found for under $300 and gets you access to 12GB of GDDR6X VRAM and a 192-bit memory bus. This will absolutely crush modern games at 1080p and stretch out to 1440p quite comfortably.
It is a slightly older GPU but is still highly relevant. Really you’ll be splitting hairs between this and the RTX 4060.
Best Budget Choice: NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super
- 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM
- 256-bit memory bus
- Capable of utilizing DLSS for blazing framerates
The RTX 2060 Super is an older GPU but is capable despite its age. You get a wider memory bus and GDDR6 VRAM at 8GB in total. This is more than enough for handling modern games at 1080p or 1440p.
Once you factor in extreme sale prices, you can find these for quite a reasonable price. You can go even lower if you’re willing to brave the secondhand market from a reputable retailer like Amazon or NewEgg.
If you’re looking for something that isn’t going to break a sweat playing Modern Warfare 2, then this is a great upgrade from an AMD Vega 64.
Best for Power Consumption: NVIDIA RTX 3050
- Supports HDMI 2.1
- 8GB of VRAM
- No power supply connections
- Great for prebuilts
Looking for something that isn’t going to draw obscene amounts of power from your PSU? The RTX 3050 is a solid choice for a budget GPU and doesn’t require external cabling to connect.
Do keep in mind this is on the lower end of the GPU world in terms of performance, at least when taking contemporary GPUs into consideration.
Going by raw specs, it is a solid upgrade from an AMD Vega 64, being more than on par while being cool and silent. You get 8GB of VRAM, a 128-bit memory bus, but don’t need to contend with 8-pin or Molex connectors to play modern games at 1080p.
Best High-End Choice: AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
- 24 GB of VRAM
- Vapor chamber for taming heat build-up
- One of the fastest GPUs for under $1,000 new
If you’re looking to really splash out, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a great choice that packs plenty of power. You get access to a 320-bit memory bus, 24GB of GDDR6 VRAM, and access to a modern PCI-E interface.
Is it a solid upgrade from an AMD Vega 64? It is such a massive leap forward that it isn’t really fair to directly compare the two.
The 7900 XTX is one of AMD’s top GPUs and squares up directly with NVIDIA stalwarts like the RTX 4080 and 4090. The price is a bit hard to swallow, but the performance certainly isn’t lacking.
Should You Upgrade?
Is it worth upgrading your GPU? If you’re perfectly happy with the level of performance you have, then it isn’t the best idea. However, if you’re looking to play modern games and are feeling the age of the Vega 64, it might be worth purchasing a new GPU.
Do keep in mind that you’ll run into other issues if you’re not upgrading components alongside the GPU. A new GPU can very easily be bottlenecked by a CPU or older RAM types, just as an example.
So, if you’re looking to upgrade from an AMD Vega 64, it might be worth looking into a whole new build.
Closing Thoughts
The Vega 64 is a solid GPU, but time has left it in the dust. Hopefully, you’ll be able to make an informed decision based on the suggested GPUs featured in this guide. There are GPUs for just about every price point you can think of in the desktop space.
As such, it can be a bit difficult to determine which is the best fit. So, before you set off on the delight that is component shopping, consider what you need first and foremost.
If you’re looking to play the latest and greatest games at high resolutions, then something like the 7900 XTX is a great fit. However, if you’re still stuck on 1080p like many gamers, any of the other choices featured should be more than adequate.
As always, do your due diligence before making a purchase.
Summary Table
| Upgrade Option | Key Features |
|---|---|
| NVIDIA RTX 4070 | Impressive specs, can handle most modern games, 12GB of VRAM, can push into 4K |
| NVIDIA RTX 4060 | Great upgrade from AMD Vega 64, 8GB of fast VRAM, excels at VR and 1440p |
| NVIDIA RTX 3060 | Best for 1080p gaming, 12GB of GDDR6X VRAM, can stretch out to 1440p |
| NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super | Older but capable, 8GB GDDR6 VRAM, handles modern games at 1080p or 1440p |
| NVIDIA RTX 3050 | Low power consumption, 8GB of VRAM, good for modern games at 1080p |
| AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX | High-end choice, 24GB of GDDR6 VRAM, modern PCI-E interface, massive leap from Vega 64 |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Ralf Liebhold/Shutterstock.com.
