AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT Smart Access Memory (SAM) Review

If you’ve been hyped for the new AMD graphics cards, we can certainly relate. The new cards are here, and we’ve just been busy testing the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT. Check out our review of it right here! This feature will be a big spoiler for that review, but long story short, it’s a very good card.

Of course, there’s more to it than that, as this GPU can support AMD’s new Smart Access Memory (SAM) feature, so long as it’s paired with their latest 5000 series CPUs.

Smart Access Memory (SAM)

“In conventional Windows-based PC systems, processors can only access a fraction of graphics memory (VRAM) at once, limiting system performance.
With AMD Smart Access Memory, the data channel gets expanded to harness the full potential of GPU memory, utilizing the bandwidth of PCI Express to remove the bottlenecks and increase performance.” – AMD

AMD claims this can deliver up to 11% extra performance in select titles, and that’s quite a big improvement, especially if it can help in more demanding tests like 4K, ray tracing, etc.

Requirements

• AMD 500 Series Motherboards
• AMD Ryzen™ 5000 Series Processors
• AMD Radeon™ RX 6000 Series Graphics*

What AMD Had to Say

How We Test

We continue to update our testing methods around once per year. As such, we re-test older hardware to reflect changes over time. These can be driver updates, Windows updates, game patches, and more; all of which have an impact on performance figures. Furthermore, we update our test bench to newer and more relevant hardware. This means that our new reviews aren’t always comparable to those of older reviews, so please compare the testing methodology on older reviews should you be trying to compare them with newer ones.

RED results indicate a new high-score.

Replicate Our Results

When it comes to our benchmarks in our reviews, the benchmarks are pretty self-explanatory and kept as simple as possible, although there are a few exceptions. Remember that your choice of a graphics card, CPU, the silicon lottery, and other factors can yield different numbers, and there’s always a margin for error when using any software.

Links are provided below, as well as the settings we use. We encourage you to not just look at how one product compares to any other, but how it compares to your own. If you’re looking to build a new system, you should benchmark your current PC using the benchmarks available to you. You should then look at the percentage improvement from your current hardware to the hardware tested here to give you a ballpark figure of how much of an upgrade this will provide you with.

Graphics Card Test System

Additional Hardware

• Killawatt style electricity usage meter wall plug
• Precision Gold N05CC Decibel meter

Gaming

To gauge performance levels which are easily reproduced time after time, by both ourselves and our readers, we now stick strictly to games default profiles. We now use the “High” profiles for all games or their respective equivalent at all resolutions. V-Sync is always disabled in our testing, as are FreeSync and G-Sync technologies or similar. Graphics card power usage is set to optimised or balance, and the system power mode set to High Performance within Windows and the available GPU driver software. Identical settings are used for all resolutions unless otherwise stated.

Games

• Watch Dogs Legion
• Dirt 5
• Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
• Godfall
• Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider
• Horizon Zero Dawn
• Final Fantasy XV
• Doom Eternal
• Borderlands 3
• Metro Exodus
• Control
• FarCry New Dawn
• Ghost Recon Breakpoint
• Wolfenstein Youngblood

Resolutions Tested

• 1080p (Full HD)
• 1440p (2K)
• 2160p (4K)
• 4320p (8K)

Some tests will also include features such as Nvidia DLSS and Ray Tracing. However, these will be clearly labelled and may only appear in reviews for graphics cards that support those features. 8K testing will only appear in reviews of flagship cards that we consider capable.

Software Used

• 3DMark Fire Strike (download)
  • FireStrike
  • FireStrike Ultra
  • Port Royal DXR
  • TimeSpy
  • TimeSpy Extreme
• Unigine Superposition (download)
  • 4K Optimised Benchmark
• HWMonitor (download)
• GPU-Z (download)
• MSI Afterburner (download)

Noise

Everyone has a reasonable noise level preference when it comes to components on a computer. Some can handle all fans at 100% load to keep temperatures down; some want an entirely silent computer. To accurately gauge the noise output of a graphics card, we position a Precision Gold N05CC one meter above our open-air test bench and take an average reading at idle and load. 

Power Consumption

We take power readings during the idle state with no background applications running. Then again at 50% completion of the Unigine Superposition benchmark, using the average as the final published result.

Temperatures

We take temperature readings after 10 minutes of desktop idle with no background programs running, then take the recorded maximum delivered from Unigine Superposition after a 4K optimised run, confirming the numbers are accurate with HWMonitor. Furthermore, the ambient temperature is always kept +/- 1c from 21c.

Synthetic Benchmarks

• 3DMark FireStrike – 35396 > 36008
• 3DMark FireStrike Ultra – 12395 < 12304
• 3DMark TimeSpy – 16348 < 16204
• 3DMark TimeSpy Extreme – 8236 < 8156
• 3DMark Port Royal (DXR) – 8913 < 8829
• Unigine Superposition 4K Optimised – 13488 < 13370

RED results indicate a new high-score. < denotes a decrease in performance, and > denotes an increase.

3DMark FireStrike

3DMark FireStrike Ultra

3DMark TimeSpy

3DMark TimeSpy Extreme

Unigine Superposition 4K Optimised

Build a resistance from virtually anyone you see as you hack, infiltrate, and fight to take back a near-future London that is facing its downfall. Welcome to the Resistance. Recruit and play as anyone in the city. Everyone you see has a unique backstory, personality, and skill set.

Hack armed drones, deploy spider-bots and take down enemies using an Augmented Reality Cloak. Explore a massive urban open world featuring London’s many iconic landmarks and fun side activities. Take your recruits online and team up with your friends as you complete missions and challenging endgame content.

Available now on UPlay.

Watch Dogs Legion Performance

• 1080p Watch Dogs Legion – 132 > 136
• 1440p Watch Dogs Legion – 125 < 124
• 2160p Watch Dogs Legion – 75 – 75

RED results indicate a new high-score. < denotes a decrease in performance, and > denotes an increase.

DIRT 5 is a fun, amplified, off-road racing experience created by Codemasters. Blaze a trail on routes across the world, covering gravel, ice, snow and sand, with a roster of cars ranging from rally icons to trucks, to GT heroes. With a star-studded Career, four-player split-screen, innovative online modes, livery editor and more new features, DIRT 5 is the next generation of extreme racing.

Available now on Steam.

Dirt 5 Performance

• 1080p Dirt 5 – 158.6 > 159.2
• 1440p Dirt 5 – 125.5 > 132.1
• 2160p Dirt 5 – 87.5 > 90.7

RED results indicate a new high-score. < denotes a decrease in performance, and > denotes an increase.

Become Eivor, a legendary Viking raider on a quest for glory. Explore England’s Dark Ages as you raid your enemies, grow your settlement, and build your political power.

• Lead epic Viking raids against Saxon fortresses throughout England.
• Dual-wield powerful weapons and relive the visceral fighting style of the Vikings.
• Challenge yourself with the most varied collection of enemies ever found in Assassin’s Creed.
• Shape the growth of your character with every choice you make and carve your path to glory.
• Explore a Dark Age open world, from the harsh shores of Norway to the beautiful kingdoms of England.
• Personalize your experience by growing your clan’s settlement.

Available now on UPlay.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Performance

• 1080p Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – 123 > 144
• 1440p Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – 100 > 114
• 2160p Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – 63 > 69

RED results indicate a new high-score. < denotes a decrease in performance, and > denotes an increase.

Aperion is on the precipice of ruin. You are the last of the Valorian knights, god-like warriors able to equip Valorplates, legendary armor sets that transform wielders into unstoppable masters of melee combat. Tear through foes as you climb through the elemental realms and challenge the mad god, Macros who awaits you at the top. Ascend in Godfall, the first-of-its-kind, looter-slasher, melee action-RPG.

Available now on EPIC.

Godfall Performance

• 1080p Godfall – 139.9 > 146.3
• 1440p Godfall – 116 > 121.4
• 2160p Godfall – 72 > 74.5

RED results indicate a new high-score. < denotes a decrease in performance, and > denotes an increase.

Now an experienced covert operative, Adam Jensen is forced to operate in a world that has grown to despise his kind. Armed with a new arsenal of state-of-the-art weapons and augmentations, he must choose the right approach, along with who to trust, in order to unravel a vast worldwide conspiracy.

Available now on Steam.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided Performance

• 1080p Deus Ex Mankind Divided – 153.9 < 147.4
• 1440p Deus Ex Mankind Divided – 148.4 < 144.8
• 2160p Deus Ex Mankind Divided – 87 > 87.1

RED results indicate a new high-score. < denotes a decrease in performance, and > denotes an increase.

Experience Lara Croft’s defining moment as she becomes the Tomb Raider. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Lara must master a deadly jungle, overcome terrifying tombs, and persevere through her darkest hour. As she races to save the world from a Maya apocalypse, Lara will ultimately be forged into the Tomb Raider she is destined to be.

Available now on Steam.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Performance

• 1080p Shadow of the Tomb Raider – 191 < 200
• 1440p Shadow of the Tomb Raider – 167 > 174
• 2160p Shadow of the Tomb Raider – 97 > 100

RED results indicate a new high-score. < denotes a decrease in performance, and > denotes an increase.

For the first time, players take control of Noctis’s greatest foe in this brand-new episode of FINAL FANTASY XV! Delve into the dark tale of scorned saviour Ardyn Lucis Caelum and unravel the secrets surrounding his mysterious past.

Available now on Steam.

Final Fantasy XV Performance

• 1080p Final Fantasy XV – 14586 > 14609
• 1440p Final Fantasy XV – 11470 – 11470
• 2160p Final Fantasy XV – 6825 < 6751

RED results indicate a new high-score. < denotes a decrease in performance, and > denotes an increase.

Experience Aloy’s entire legendary quest to unravel the mysteries of a world ruled by deadly Machines. An outcast from her tribe, the young hunter fights to uncover her past, discover her destiny… and stop a catastrophic threat to the future.

Unleash devastating, tactical attacks against unique Machines and rival tribes as you explore an open world teeming with wildlife and danger. Horizon Zero Dawn is a multi-award-winning action role-playing game – and this Complete Edition for PC includes the huge expansion The Frozen Wilds, featuring new lands, skills, weapons and Machines.

Available now on Steam.

Horizon Zero Dawn Performance

• 1080p Horizon Zero Dawn – 164 > 165
• 1440p Horizon Zero Dawn – 133 – 133
• 2160p Horizon Zero Dawn – 77 – 77

RED results indicate a new high-score. < denotes a decrease in performance, and > denotes an increase.

Hell’s armies have invaded Earth. Become the Slayer in an epic single-player campaign to conquer demons across dimensions and stop the final destruction of humanity. The only thing they fear… is you.

Available now on Steam.

Doom Eternal Performance

• 1080p Doom Eternal – 380.816 < 371.915
• 1440p Doom Eternal – 280.587 > 283.598
• 2160p Doom Eternal – 147.354 > 168.644

RED results indicate a new high-score. < denotes a decrease in performance, and > denotes an increase.

The original shooter-looter returns, packing bazillions of guns and a mayhem-fueled adventure! Blast through new worlds and enemies as one of four new Vault Hunters. Play solo or with friends to take on insane enemies, score loads of loot and save your home from the most ruthless cult leaders in the galaxy.

At the hard edge of the galaxy lies a group of planets ruthlessly exploited by militarized corporations. Brimming with loot and violence, this is your home—the Borderlands. Now, a crazed cult known as The Children of the Vault has emerged and is spreading like an interstellar plague. Play solo or co-op as one of four unique Vault Hunters, score loads of loot and save the galaxy from this fanatical threat.

Available now on Epic Games Store.

Borderlands 3 Performance

• 1080p Borderlands 3 – 134.51 < 134.18
• 1440p Borderlands 3 – 115.33 > 119.14
• 2160p Borderlands 3 – 66.03 > 68.11

RED results indicate a new high-score. < denotes a decrease in performance, and > denotes an increase.

Metro Exodus is an epic, story-driven first-person shooter from 4A Games that blends deadly combat and stealth with exploration and survival horror in one of the most immersive game worlds ever created. Flee the shattered ruins of dead Moscow and embark on an epic, continent-spanning journey across post-apocalyptic Russia in the greatest Metro adventure yet.

Explore the Russian wilderness in vast, non-linear levels and follow a thrilling story-line inspired by the novels of Dmitry Glukhovsky that spans an entire year through spring, summer and autumn to the depths of nuclear winter.

Available now on Epic Game Store.

Metro Exodus Performance

• 1080p Metro Exodus – 141.98 < 141.88
• 1440p Metro Exodus – 113.91 > 113.97
• 2160p Metro Exodus – 73.13 < 73.01

RED results indicate a new high-score. < denotes a decrease in performance, and > denotes an increase.

A corruptive presence has invaded the Federal Bureau of Control…Only you have the power to stop it. The world is now your weapon in an epic fight to annihilate an ominous enemy through deep and unpredictable environments. Containment has failed, humanity is at stake. Will you regain control?

Winner of over 80 awards, Control is a visually stunning third-person action-adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Blending open-ended environments with the signature world-building and storytelling of renowned developer, Remedy Entertainment, Control presents an expansive and intensely gratifying gameplay experience.

Available now on Steam.

Control Performance

• 1080p Control – 153.141 > 155.399
• 1440p Control – 100.197 > 104.5
• 2160p Control – 49.839 > 50.975

RED results indicate a new high-score. < denotes a decrease in performance, and > denotes an increase.

Seventeen years after a global nuclear catastrophe, civilization re-emerges from the chaos to find a world dramatically changed. In Hope County, Montana, the remaining populace has gathered into different groups, each with their own rules for survival.

In this new world order, the vicious Highwaymen, led by twin sisters Mickey and Lou, travel from place to place bleeding people dry of all available resources. As the Survivors try to defend their lands against the Highwaymen’s relentless onslaught, it’s up to you to come to their aid and lead the fight.

In the latest instalment of the award-winning Far Cry franchise, you are the last line of defence in a transformed, post-apocalyptic Hope County. Help the community of Survivors grow stronger, craft a makeshift arsenal through Turf Wars and cross-country Expeditions, and form unexpected alliances to fight for survival in a dangerous new frontier.

Available now on UPlay.

Far Cry New Dawn Performance

• 1080p Far Cry New Dawn – 134 – 134
• 1440p Far Cry New Dawn – 131 – 131
• 2160p Far Cry New Dawn – 105 – 105

RED results indicate a new high-score. < denotes a decrease in performance, and > denotes an increase.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint puts you in the boots of the Ghosts, an Elite US Special Operations Unit stranded behind enemy lines. This time there is no briefing. All contact has been lost with Auroa. This archipelago is home to Skell Technology, a high-tech company. You are sent there with your unit for a recon mission, but your helicopters are shot down: Skell Tech has fallen into the wrong hands. The Wolves, a lethal ex-US military unit gone rogue, have taken over the island.

Led by your ex-brother-in-arms, Colonel Cole D. Walker, they have reprogrammed Skell’s drones into killing machines and are ready to use them, no matter the casualties. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint is a military shooter set in a diverse, hostile, and mysterious open world that you can play entirely solo or in four-player co-op. Injured, without support, and hunted down by ex-Ghosts, you must fight to survive while lost in Auroa. Choose the right alliances and decide how to take down your toughest enemy.

Available now on UPLAY.

Ghost Recon: Breakpoint

• 1080p Breakpoint – 235 > 235
• 1440p Breakpoint – 200 > 211
• 2160p Breakpoint – 132 > 136

RED results indicate a new high-score. < denotes a decrease in performance, and > denotes an increase.

Wolfenstein: Youngblood is the first modern co-op Wolfenstein adventure.

Nineteen years after the events of Wolfenstein II, BJ Blazkowicz has disappeared after a mission into Nazi-occupied Paris. Now, after years of training from their battle-hardened father, BJ’s twin daughters, Jess and Soph Blazkowicz, are forced into action.

Team up with a friend or play alone. Level up, explore, and complete missions to unlock new abilities, weapons, gadgets, cosmetics, and more to complement your playstyle and customize your appearance.

Wolfenstein: Youngblood features the most open-ended Wolfenstein experience to date. From a new base of operations located deep in the heart of the Paris catacombs, plan how and when to attack and dismantle the Nazi regime.

Available now on Steam.

Wolfenstein Youngblood Performance

• 1080p Wolfenstein Youngblood – 405 < 321
• 1440p Wolfenstein Youngblood – 269 > 270
• 2160p Wolfenstein Youngblood – 147 > 150

RED results indicate a new high-score. < denotes a decrease in performance, and > denotes an increase.

Ray tracing is now available on both Nvidia and AMD cards, so we can finally compare how the two stack up. Of course, as you can see, AMD is off to a flying start with the 6800X, as with before, it’s a bit behind in some, on par in others, and ahead in some too. Dirt 5 was a new record score for us, and Watch Dogs Legion did pretty great too.

• Control Ray Tracing – 23.737 > 24.01
• Dirt 5 RT – 66 > 67.8
• Metro Exodus RT – 39.1 – 39.7
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider RT Shadows – 50 > 51
• Watch Dogs Legion RT – 39 < 38

RED results indicate a new high-score. < denotes a decrease in performance, and > denotes an increase.

Overview

The raw performance of the new AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT has already impressed us. In our feature review, which you can read here, it battled with the Nvidia RTX 3080 and even the RTX 3090, beating both of the flagship Nvidia cards in multiple tests and traded blows in the rest. It seems them, AMD are truly back on form and keep in mind, the RX 6800 XT is not their flagship card, it’s just the one we got for review.

With SAM enabled, we certainly got mixed results, but I’d say AMD’s claims are completely true overall. There’s a clear line though, with games like Metro Exodus, Deus Ex, and Final Fantasy for example, which are Nvidia optimised and faired slightly worse with SAM enabled.

Should I Enable SAM?

Honestly, the few times we lost performance is was by a pretty small margin and in fewer games than we gained performance in. The gains in some titles were pretty clear, taking already record breaking scores and giving them a little boost.

We benchmarked the GPU for our review on the 3900X, then again with the 5900X for this feature, then once more with the 5900X and SAM enabled. Obviously the upgrade in CPU alone gave a huge boost to many tests.

It seemed to benefit 1440p the most though, as 1080p is more CPU bound and 4K is more GPU bound limiting the performance increases. A couple of games dropped a few percent, many stayed basically the same, and a good few increased in performance at multiple resolutions. Overall, I’d say you’ve more to gain from having it enabled than not.

Final Thoughts

It seems like the technology is working rather well. It’s clear there’s room for improvements. However, now that the hardware is there, developers can take advantage of it. We know Nvidia and Intel are working on similar technologies, but overall, it seems like all gamers will benefit from what’s little more than a single setting in your BIOS. Fantastic!