A little context, I recently decided to treat myself to a PC upgrade after years (my old GPU was an NVIDIA 970 - that card came out in 2014 for the kids out there that don't know NVIDIA had cards with a 3 digit model number). I was excited about the process now that GPUs are affordable and available since cryptos died. I did my research and was excited to see that AMD was offering what appeared to be the best value for performance on the market. This card competes in the same price range as the NVIDIA 4070 and frankly runs circles around that card on the spec sheet. After doing my homework and reading/watching some reviews, I decided to take the leap and try out AMD.
I received my first 7900XT shortly after and installed it into my computer and started downloading drivers. I was so excited, I was finally getting back into PC gaming after years of finishing up college, starting my career, getting my CPA license, and learning to be a worthy husband to the love of my life. Next thing I know, I'm 3 days into trying to figure out the absolutely terrible and annoying screen flickering issues that I was experiencing. All my research on possible issues led me to believe that my card could be the problem. No worries, AMD isn't exactly known for its robust quality control and, fortunately, I decided to buy on amazon for the express reason that returning/replacing the card would be easy if anything went wrong.
I didn't let the first faulty card diminish my eagerness, however. After all, I was finally able to get into gaming again after years of setting up adult life, everything was going to be great. I patiently waited for my replacement card to arrive and I began the install process anew. Finally, after years of repressed desires to indulge in gaming and instead focus on the boring, monotonous tasks of setting up a life, and weeks of patience during set up, I was finally ready to game. I get the replacement card installed, drivers downloaded, and finally sit down with my glass of water and adjust my lumbar support in my chair, ready to game (hydration and posture check for those of you still reading btw). Once everything is set up with my replacement multigenerational upgrade treat that I had been waiting years for is ready, I look at my screen only to be greeted with the exact same abhorrent flickering problems on the second card. Mind you, I vetted every possible solution I could find with the first card prior to replacement and frankly could not be bothered to do more research. I finally conclude that the universe simply will not allow me this small pleasure and my spirit caves. I power down my PC, remove the GPU and prepare it for shipping back to amazon. Fortunately, amazon being one of our giant corporate overlords is willing to take the loss on my petty squabbles and furnishes my refund.
Defeated, I put my good old 970 back in my PC and download the same old drivers from the inescapable NVIDIA tyrants and my PC is back up and running. My trusty 970 is running like a dream and can handle web browser tabs and microsoft excel no problem, the only 2 things I, now a 27 year old man, should be using a computer for. While reassembling my old setup, I am granted time to reflect on my experience. During which, I reach an enlightenment. Gaming, much like many other aspects of life in 2023, is a relic of a bygone age. The ship has sailed and it is not coming back. No new games try anything exciting or provide any sort of a fun experience without trying to thoroughly and absolutely ravage your ever-diminishing wallet for every scheckel they can.
Now, with the complete and utter destruction of my confidence in the industry brought about by AMD's failure to provide a remotely usable product on more than one occasion, I am finally cured of my gaming addiction that had been lying in wait beneath the surface for the years that I spent putting on an adult face and becoming what society would deem as a productive and worthwhile member. It has been some weeks since this revelation and my life has improved in almost every aspect. I tell myself I am happier, I go outside more, I take walks and read, I am a better husband at home and a better employee at work. All since the yearning for that one small joy that I told myself I could indulge once I am set up to be the man I know I should be was completely and utterly snuffed out.
Now finally, back to the card itself, would I recommend it? Well, this is a tricky question, if you find yourself in a similar situation as mine, late 20s with a growing career, new marriage, and finally a modicum of free time, I cannot recommend it enough. Will this improve your gaming experience? Absolutely not and will cause more frustration than it's worth. Will it destroy your passion for gaming allowing you to finally embrace your joyless existence? Well, if you're even fractionally as lucky as I was, you betcha it will.
| Memory Speed | 20 GHz |
|---|---|
| Graphics coprocessor | AMD RX 7900 XT |
| Chipset brand | XFX |
| Graphics Memory Size | 20 GB |
| Brand | XFX |
| Series | Radeon RX 7900XT |
| Item model number | RX-79TMBABF9 |
| Product Dimensions | 27.64 x 11.26 x 5.12 cm; 1.9 kg |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 27.6 x 11.3 x 5.1 Centimetres |
