Why I’m Choosing AMD for My Next GPU: Better Price, More VRAM, and Open Technology

When it comes to shopping for a mid-range graphics card in 2025, the choices can be overwhelming. While Nvidia remains the dominant player in the GPU market, especially with their high-end offerings, I find myself growing increasingly disappointed by their price-to-performance ratio, particularly in the mid-range segment. Sure, Nvidia's flagship RTX 5090 is a powerful option, but the price makes it an impractical choice for most consumers. After evaluating the Nvidia RTX 5000 series and looking at alternatives, I’ve come to the conclusion that AMD offers a far better option for anyone looking for value without sacrificing performance.

Here’s why I’m leaning toward AMD for my next GPU purchase, and why I believe the company is becoming an increasingly attractive choice in the competitive GPU market.

1. AMD's Open-Source and Transparent Approach: No More Paying for Proprietary Features

For years, Nvidia has dominated the GPU market, offering cutting-edge features like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and G-Sync. These technologies were the primary reasons I stuck with Nvidia for so long, despite the premium price tag. AMD, however, has made significant strides with its own technologies, most notably FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR).

FSR, especially FSR 4, which was introduced with the Radeon RX 9000 series, has nearly caught up to Nvidia's DLSS 3 in terms of quality, and in many cases, it even surpasses DLSS. What sets FSR apart, though, is AMD's open-source approach. Unlike DLSS, which requires RTX GPUs and game-specific optimization, FSR works across different brands, including Nvidia and Intel GPUs. This openness means better compatibility and support, especially for users on Linux, where AMD is actively contributing to open-source drivers for improved stability and performance.

Additionally, AMD’s FreeSync technology does not require proprietary hardware, unlike Nvidia’s G-Sync, which drove up costs for monitor manufacturers. AMD’s open approach has made it clear that they prioritize accessibility and flexibility, which resonates with consumers looking for a more transparent, cost-effective GPU experience.

2. AMD Delivers Better Price-to-Performance Ratios: No More Nvidia “Tax”

When it comes to mid-range graphics cards, the battle for value is fierce. Nvidia’s prices have steadily increased over the years, with even the RTX 5070 Ti starting at $749. That’s a steep price, especially considering that performance is not drastically better than previous generations. Even though Nvidia has delivered better ray tracing and more refined AI features, the price increases feel unjustified for value-oriented buyers.

In comparison, AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT offer exceptional price-to-performance ratios. For example, the RX 9070 XT, priced at just $599, is only 2-5% slower on average than the RTX 5070 Ti at 1440p and 4K resolutions, yet it costs 20% less. Not only does this make AMD a clear winner in terms of value, but even their RX 9070 at $549 beats the RTX 5070 for the same price.

AMD’s approach of undercutting Nvidia without compromising on core performance has earned the company a solid reputation for delivering solid mid-range GPUs. For someone who doesn’t want to pay the "Nvidia tax," switching to AMD is a no-brainer.

3. AMD Doesn’t Cheap Out on VRAM: A Future-Proof Investment

When choosing a GPU, the amount of VRAM (video memory) is crucial, especially as games and applications continue to demand more resources. Nvidia, however, continues to offer GPUs with only 8GB of VRAM, a figure that was once considered sufficient but has quickly become a bottleneck, especially for modern games that utilize ray tracing and high-resolution textures.

In 2025, 8GB of VRAM is simply not enough for most modern games. Titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle require higher VRAM to handle ray tracing and advanced lighting effects at higher resolutions. Nvidia’s RTX 5060 Ti even comes in an 8GB variant, which performs poorly in various games at higher resolutions, according to Hardware Unboxed’s benchmarks. In contrast, AMD offers more VRAM in its mid-range cards. The RX 9070 XT comes with 16GB of VRAM, and even previous models like the RX 7600 XT and RX 7700 XT come with 12GB and 16GB, respectively.

This generous VRAM allocation ensures that AMD’s cards won’t become obsolete as quickly and can handle demanding games and software for years to come. In a world where future-proofing is becoming increasingly important, AMD’s commitment to offering more VRAM at competitive prices is a major selling point.