XFX Compares Samsung vs. SK Hynix GDDR6 in Radeon RX 9060 XT

The Radeon RX 9000 series from AMD, featuring the RDNA 4 architecture, uses GDDR6 VRAM sourced from both Samsung and SK Hynix. While multi-supplier strategies help control costs and improve supply stability, minor performance differences can arise depending on the memory supplier.

Performance and Efficiency: The Trade-Off

Independent reviews have suggested that Samsung-made GDDR6 in the RX 9070 XT may deliver up to 3% lower performance compared to SK Hynix modules. However, AIB partner XFX recently published comparison data on their official Bilibili channel, providing a more nuanced perspective on the matter.

Samsung Offers Cooler VRAM and Lower Power Consumption

XFX’s newer “V3” revision Radeon RX 9060 XT cards now use Samsung GDDR6 instead of SK Hynix. This change has significantly reduced total card power consumption, dropping from 207W to 183W under heavy load tests like Furmark. VRAM temperatures also saw a notable 10°C decrease, from 87°C with SK Hynix to 77°C with Samsung memory.

Lower VRAM temperatures contribute to reduced power usage and quieter operation, with fan speeds dropping from 1814 RPM to 1461 RPM in stress tests. This presents a clear advantage in efficiency and acoustics for Samsung-equipped cards.

Choosing Between Performance and Silence

While Samsung GDDR6 excels in power efficiency and quietness, SK Hynix memory is still recognized for delivering slightly better raw performance. Users prioritizing top gaming performance may lean towards SK Hynix variants, whereas those valuing lower noise and power consumption might prefer Samsung modules.

A challenge for consumers is the inability to easily identify which memory type is installed in retail cards, making memory supplier something of a “gacha” (random draw). However, the RX 9060 XT V3 from XFX has confirmed Samsung GDDR6, making it a compelling option for quieter and cooler operation.