AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT

Pros

• Strong value proposition on the used market, often found between $100 and $150
• Solid performance for 1080p gaming, reaching 100+ FPS in titles like Rainbow Six Siege
• Non-XT models can be flashed with XT BIOS for a performance boost
• Viable for budget-conscious builders who do not prioritize the latest AAA releases

Cons

• Significant thermal concerns, with reports of idle temperatures exceeding 80°C and load temps hitting 95°C
• Architecture is beginning to show its age, with some users noting it performs worse than modern consoles
• Reported compatibility issues with Windows 11 Secure Boot leading to black screens
• Potential for hardware-related errors such as 'USB overcurrent' during restart cycles

Caveats

• Thermal performance is highly dependent on the specific partner model (e.g., XFX Thicc II)
• Performance in modern games may require dropping to low or medium settings to maintain smoothness
• Some users report 'rough' frame delivery even when average FPS is high

Best for

• Budget 1080p gaming builds
• Users comfortable with the used hardware market
• Secondary PCs or systems for less demanding competitive titles

Avoid if

• You intend to play modern AAA games at high settings
• You have a small form factor case with limited airflow due to high heat output
• You want a GPU with modern features and guaranteed long-term driver stability