Best RX 6650 XT graphics card 2024 – our top models
Refreshing new entry level cards
WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
AMD has refreshed some of its RDNA 2 lineup, as part of that we look at the best RX 6650 XT. The new card brings some updated parts to stand out from the crowd and become the best graphics card for you. It aims itself up vs the 3060 and offers some more performance at the entry-level choices.
It brings with it an upgraded choice of the GPU die with a Navi 23 KXT variant over its predecessor. The addition of the K doesn’t change anything in terms of the chip itself. However, the new model offers better frequencies for the cores and memory at the cost of a higher power. This also brings up the MSRP slightly. With an increase of $20 up to $399, which isn’t a big hike over the RX 6600 XT and doesn’t put it too close to the RX 6700 XT. Which are priced at $379 and $479 respectively. Although these cards are aging, they are still good now in 2024. So although they are the top of a previous generation it still applies now. Keeping this page updated we bring you the top selection of models to go for.
-
01
ROG Strix Radeon RX 6650 XT OC
- 02
MSI RX 6650 XT MECH 2X OC
Best RX 6650 XT
ASUS ROG Strix RX 6650 XT
ROG Strix Radeon RX 6650 XT OC
Core Clock Speed
2,192 MHz base, 2,523 MHz game, 2,694 MHz boost
Stream Processors
2,048
Memory Size
8 GB GDDR6
Dimensions
281 x 135 x 59 mm
PSU Required
650 W
- Best out of the box performance
- Quality design
- Subtle RGB color customization
- More expensive option
If you’re looking for the best RX 6650 XT, the ROG Strix OC. Which offers the top range of performance with plenty of overhead. Along with a great cooling solution to keep it up in the long run. It also has a solid build quality with some RGB additions to keep up the looks to fit in.
It contains a 2.9-slot heatsink, which gives it plenty of thermal capacity to keep the GPU cool. This is also supported by the large cool plate that is connected to multiple heat pipes. Allowing the heat to be spread out and dissipated across it all. That is then supported by two axial tech fans. Designed to direct airflow down with barrier rings into the cooling array.
Standing out from the crowd it comes overclocked out of the box. In terms of the base clock, it improves by 7% up to 2,192 MHz. Whilst the game clock is up by 5% to 2,523 MHz and the boost is increased by 2% to 2,694 MHz. Bringing the top range of performance that can be pushed even further.
MSI RX 6650 XT Mech 2X OC
MSI RX 6650 XT MECH 2X OC
Core Clock Speed
2,106 MHz base, 2,447 MHz game, 2,669 MHz boost
Stream Processors
2,048
Memory Size
8 GB GDDR6
Dimensions
235 x 125 x 47 mm
PSU Required
500 W
- Great build quality
- More expensive option
Another model that always provides good quality and performance is the MSI Mech 2X OC. It is also overclocked to offer improved performance against the more basic options. Along with a quality build that has great durability. This means it can keep up the good look and framerate over time.
The design is of solid quality with a reinforcing backplate to keep up the quality in the long term. It has a dual-slot cooling design with a large heatsink. Along with core pipes that spread out the heat across the whole radiator, as well as thermal padding making sure even the smallest parts are cooled. Then the Torx 3.0 fans are able to dissipate it out into the air around, providing better air pressure.
It is also overclocked slightly from factory settings. With an increase of 2% of the base clock up to 2,106 MHz. Whilst the game clock also increases by 2% to 2,447 MHz and the boost clock up by 1% to 2,669 MHz.
XFX Speedster SWFT 210 RX 6650 XT CORE
XFX Speedster SWFT 210 RX 6650 XT CORE
Core Clock Speed
2,055 MHz base, 2,410 MHz game, 2,635 MHz boost
Stream Processors
2,048
Memory Size
8 GB GDDR6
Dimensions
241 x 131 x 41 mm
PSU Required
500 W
- Cheaper option
- Cheap feel
- Lower quality
For the most basic and cheapest offerings, there is the XFX Speedster SWFT 210. It has the core performance of the card while keeping the costs down. It’s a fairly slim selection but rather long so can be harder for some builds. As well as no real stand-out parts to the design keeping it cheap and basic.
It is a simple dual-slot design, although the heat sink is much smaller. Without an OC on the card, this is unlikely to cause any issues. But also means it doesn’t excel much above but does keep the card on the cheaper side. It also has two basic fams to dissipate that heat. Helped out by the cut-out in the backplate to help with the airflow.
The basic clock speed of the card is a 2,055 MHz base clock. With a game clock of 2,410 MHz and a boost clock of 2,635 MHz. It does allow for 1080p gaming and does so without an inflated idea.
PowerColor Hellhound Sakura RX 6650 XT
PowerColor Hellhound Sakura RX 6650 XT
Core Clock Speed
2,055 MHz base, 2,410 MHz game, 2,635 MHz boost
Stream Processors
2,048
Memory Size
8 GB GDDR6
Dimensions
220 x 132 x 45 mm
PSU Required
600 W
- Colorful design
- Unique and standout
For a choice of something different and new, there is the Hellhound Sakura. With a base White design, it also adds pink features of petals and flowers. Giving a fresh look to the market flooded by usually black and boring designs. Even though it is the basic spec of the RX 6650 XT.
It also is a dual-slot heatsink with a great base plate to efficiently transfer the heat out of the die and parts. With three heat pipes to most effectively spread out the heat to the fins. Which then cooled with the dual fan setup of 100mm fans. With the blossom pink LEDs to make it stand out.
With the frequency set at a 2,055 MHz base clock. Along with a 2,410 MHz game clock and a 2,635 MHz boost clock. Although it is the base option it still is unique in its design and offers something new.
Best RX 6650 XT Buyers guide
There are plenty of options when it comes to picking which model to buy even though it’s the same GPU. With different options provide different perks and features but you don’t know what they mean. So we go through the ones that matter most for you to look for.
Cooling
One of the biggest factors that can influence a card’s performance and cost. They vary between companies depending on the design they intend. Although the 6650 XT has a lower TBP so might not be as necessary for large coolers. However, it is still necessary to keep it under wraps.
Sufficient cooling is required to keep the GPU from overheating. If it does overheat, the card will underclock itself. This is to prevent the card from damaging itself and so you will notice a drop in performance. With the lower TBP of the card, you’re unlikely to need giant solutions so it may be a factor to look out for.
Size
One other factor in picking out a graphics card is its dimensions. With the majority of the size coming down to the cooling solution. There are builds that will require a smaller size GPU to be able to fit well together. Such as ITX builds will need small cards to be able to fit together well.
With the board power of the card, it doesn’t require as big of a cooling solution. This means you can more than likely find a card that fits. Which is one of the benefits of lower-powered graphics cards.
Budget
Another big deciding factor is the cost of the graphics card. The MSRP of the RX 6650 XT is set at $399, and the majority time you can buy most custom solutions for that price. Although you may find that the higher-end options may cost up to 20% more. With them offering increased frequencies, higher quality, and better design.
These are more premium cards and can sometimes not be too dissimilar from the base product. So if you’re on a tight budget there’s nothing wrong with the basic MSRP option. It is especially a tough one these days with the GPU market. Although prices have been coming close to MSRP now it has been easier to get them for the right price.
Understanding the specifications
There are a lot of different words that describe what goes on in a graphics card. Posting all of its features and what makes it up. However, they can be very confusing and full of jargon so we go through them to help you understand what it ascertains.
- Frequency – It is also known as the clock rate or cycle. It is the speed at which the silicon crystals in the die can flip. Which is the way they calculate mathematical equations to create the graphics you see. With faster speeds gaining better framerates and so a favorite of overclocking by AIBs and consumers.
- Base – this is the frequency the GPU will run at doing normal day-to-day tasks. Without the need for exertion, it keeps power consumption and heat minimal.
- Game – when running an intensive program over a prolonged period of time, there is a frequency the GPU sustains. Offering performance without damaging temperatures.
- Boost – the maximum frequency the GPU can reach. Although not sustained it would be damaging. But does allow for short tasks to be performed even quicker.
- VRAM – the video random access memory of a card is for frame buffering and texture storage. It reduces the time between frames for a better experience. As well as higher capacities allow for better performance for larger resolutions with higher pixel counts.
- TBP – total board power is the maximum amount of energy the card can consume. This only is a factor when the GPU is at maximum utilization. But it does give you an understanding of how much the power will cost you and how much heat it will be giving off.
Final word
There you have the selection for the best RX 6650 XT. If it’s either a choice of the best with the Strix or for the budget choice with SFX, the White choice with PowerColor. This new model offers an updated spec for a refresh to the range.
FAQs
Is the RX 6650 XT worth it?
The 6650 XT does improve well over the standard 6600 XT with higher clock speeds. So it is worth picking up in its stead. Although looking to Nvidia will likely get you a better choice, but they are harder to come by.
Is the RX 6650 XT good for gaming?
Yes the 6650 XT is a great graphics card for 1080p gaming. It’s towards the lower end of the lineup and resolutions. However, it can push frames even at higher resolutions like 1440p.
Does the 6650 XT have ray tracing?
Yes the 6650 XT does have ray tracing support. All of the Radeon 6000 series cards do. However, they are known to not be as effective at running it compared to Nvidia’s options. With lower framerates, the drivers and hardware aren’t quite there. But there are ways to improve it and it shouldn’t be knocked.
What is the best RX 6650 XT?
For a good choice of custom card, the ROG Strix is a great choice of GPU. It kicks up the performance ability of the card with a good overclock. As well as good build quality to keep the card going in the long term. Whilst there is also the MSI Mech 2X for a lower price and good performance.
