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Introduction
The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT was already a strong contender in AMD’s GPU lineup, positioned for high-end 1440p and 4K gaming. Now, thanks to a recent driver update, this card just got even faster. AMD’s latest Adrenalin 25.6.3 graphics driver has significantly improved the 9070 XT’s performance, making it more competitive than ever. We’ve seen growing interest in the RX 9070 XT here at CCL Computers — and for good reason. The latest driver update brings serious performance gains that make this GPU even more appealing for gamers seeking top-tier performance without breaking the bank.
The Driver That Changed the Game
This isn’t a new hardware revision or an overclock – it’s pure software magic. AMD GPUs are known for the “fine wine” effect, where their performance improves over time with driver optimisations. That’s exactly what’s happened here. The RX 9070 XT is now considerably faster than it was at launch, purely due to driver improvements. Importantly, these gains come from AMD’s driver optimisations – not just game patches. In testing, reviewers compared performance before and after the update while also checking an NVIDIA card (the RTX 5070 Ti) for any similar jumps. The result? The RX 9070 XT’s boost clearly came from AMD’s driver enhancements (since the RTX 5070 Ti didn’t see the same uptick), proving AMD effectively delivered a free performance upgrade to 9070 XT owners.
Beyond raw speed, this driver also rolled out new features. It introduced support for FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) in the latest games, AMD’s cutting-edge upscaling tech that boosts frame rates while maintaining sharp image quality. In short, the 25.6.3 update didn’t just make the 9070 XT faster; it reinforced AMD’s commitment to improving their hardware over time through software – a big win for gamers.
Real-World Performance Gains
So, how much faster is the RX 9070 XT now? In real-world gaming benchmarks, the numbers are seriously impressive. Across a suite of 16 games at 1440p, the RX 9070 XT showed an average performance uplift of about +9% compared to its launch-day drivers. To put that into perspective, if you were getting 116 FPS in a game before, you might see roughly 126 FPS with the new driver – a noticeable jump in smoothness. Even at 4K resolution, where GPU drivers typically have less headroom to improve, the 9070 XT gained around 4% extra performance on average. These are significant free gains just from a software update.
Certain titles saw huge boosts. For example, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered — a graphically demanding game — now runs up to 27% faster on the RX 9070 XT after the update. That’s a massive improvement that can mean markedly smoother swinging through New York City. Other popular games have benefited as well. Competitive shooters like Counter-Strike 2 enjoy higher frame rates, giving players an edge with improved responsiveness. Big open-world games such as Hogwarts Legacy also see better performance and stability, making your wizarding adventures smoother than before. In many cases, minimum and average framerates are higher, reducing stutters and improving overall consistency in gameplay.
To summarize some of these gains, check out the table below highlighting a few examples:
| Game Title | Performance Uplift (New vs. Old Driver) |
|---|---|
| Spider-Man Remastered | +27% higher FPS Source: techradar.com |
| Counter-Strike 2 | Noticeable FPS boost (Smoother high-refresh play) |
| Hogwarts Legacy | Smoother performance Fewer dips in frame rate |
| 1440p Average (16 games) | +9% overall gain Source: techradar.com |
| 4K Average (16 games) | +4% overall gain Source: techradar.com |
Real-world impact: That 9% average uplift at 1440p can be the difference that pushes a game from, say, 60 FPS to ~65 FPS, or from 120 FPS to ~130 FPS – a nice bump for free. For gamers, this means more headroom to crank up settings or just enjoy extra smooth gameplay. And when even a fast-paced title like CS2 is running better, competitive gamers notice the improved responsiveness. AMD’s driver team has effectively extended the lead of the RX 9070 XT over time, ensuring that owners get better performance months after purchase – a trend we love to see.
RX 9070 XT vs. RTX 5070 Ti: The Balance Just Shifted
When the RX 9070 XT launched, it was a solid alternative to NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5070 Ti. Now, after this driver update, the balance has shifted in AMD’s favour. In the latest benchmarks, the 9070 XT and 5070 Ti perform neck-and-neck, but the 9070 XT manages to edge out a win. At 1440p resolution (a common sweet spot for high-end gaming), the RX 9070 XT is now roughly 3% faster than the RTX 5070 Ti on average. That’s essentially a dead heat – effectively you’ll get similar frame rates from both cards – but it’s impressive considering the 5070 Ti is NVIDIA’s upper-midrange powerhouse. AMD closed the gap and overtook it through driver optimisations alone.
Now, while performance between the two cards is virtually equal, what really tips the scale is value. The RX 9070 XT tends to be more affordable across a range of models, often coming in £100–£200 lower than comparable RTX 5070 Ti options. That’s a difference of roughly 20–30% in cost, which translates to better performance per pound with the AMD card.
Whether you're building on a budget or simply looking for maximum frames-per-pound, the RX 9070 XT currently offers one of the best value propositions in its class.
To illustrate the comparison, here’s a quick head-to-head overview:
| Metric | AMD RX 9070 XT | NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| 1440p Gaming Performance (avg) | ~126 FPS (with new driver) | ~122 FPS |
| 4K Gaming Performance (avg) | 4% gain from driver (small lead over 5070 Ti) |
3% gain from driver (virtually tied) |
| Typical Price (UK retail) | ~£639 – £769 (various models at CCL) |
~£739 – £999 (various models at CCL) |
| Performance per £ | Excellent – more FPS per £ spent | Good – but lower value due to higher price |
| Notable Advantages | FSR 4 support, Lower cost, Runs cooler (varies by model) |
DLSS 4 support, Strong ray-tracing & AI features |
Table: RX 9070 XT vs. RTX 5070 Ti after the driver update. As shown, their raw performance is now very close at 1440p. The Radeon card’s value proposition is superior – you’re paying less for equal or slightly better frame rates. Unless you specifically need NVIDIA-only features like DLSS 4 or particular AI-driven extras, the RX 9070 XT offers a better bang for your buck at this point.
It’s worth noting that NVIDIA’s advantages (like DLSS 4 and Frame Generation tech) are still factors for some users. But AMD counters with its own features: the RX 9070 XT supports FSR 4, an open alternative to DLSS, and the card’s RDNA 4 architecture is highly efficient and improving over time. For most gamers focused on pure performance and value, the 9070 XT now looks very tempting. As one analysis put it, unless you’re really craving DLSS-specific perks, the RX 9070 XT is the stronger overall choice when you factor in the all-important price/performance ratio.
Why the RX 9070 XT Stands Out Right Now
There are a few key reasons the RX 9070 XT is shining at this moment in the GPU market:
- Fine-Tuned RDNA 4 Architecture: Built on AMD’s latest RDNA™ 4 architecture, the 9070 XT was designed for longevity and efficiency. The new drivers have unlocked more of its potential, showcasing enhanced performance without changing the hardware. This architecture also brings improved ray tracing capabilities and better power efficiency, meaning you get high-end visuals without a heat or energy penalty. AMD has essentially smoothed out any early kinks and optimized the card to use its 16GB of GDDR6 memory and compute units more effectively as games evolve.
- “Fine Wine” Driver Support: As mentioned, AMD’s drivers age like fine wine. The 9070 XT you buy today will likely run games even better a year from now, thanks to continual driver updates. The Adrenalin 25.6.3 update is proof – delivering a substantial free performance boost months after launch. This kind of strong post-launch support gives the 9070 XT a long tail of value. You’re not just buying a static product; you’re investing in a GPU that keeps improving in performance and stability.
- FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4): The RX 9070 XT supports AMD’s latest FSR 4 upscaling technology, which is now being rolled out in more games (the 25.6.3 driver added support for new titles like Monster Hunter Wilds and GTA V: Enhanced). FSR 4 can dramatically increase frame rates by rendering at a lower resolution and upscaling intelligently, with minimal loss in image quality. That means even more performance headroom for the 9070 XT in supported games – a great bonus for those chasing high FPS or high resolution without sacrificing graphics settings.
- Excellent 1440p and Capable 4K Gaming: With the recent performance gains, the 9070 XT solidifies itself as one of the best GPUs for 1440p gaming. You can crank up ultra settings at 2560×1440 and enjoy butter-smooth frames in modern titles. Even at 4K, this card now holds its own more confidently (thanks to that ~4% boost, every extra frame helps at 4K). Perhaps more importantly, the driver optimisations have improved consistency – many users report fewer sudden frame drops and a more stable gaming experience. Whether you’re exploring dense open worlds or engaging in 64-player firefights, the 9070 XT delivers a high-refresh, stutter-free experience.
- Future-Proof Features: The RX 9070 XT comes with 16GB VRAM, plenty for current and upcoming games. It’s equipped for the future with features like AV1 encoding (great for streamers) and full DirectX 12 Ultimate support. Coupled with AMD’s ongoing driver improvements and technologies like FSR, you can be confident this GPU will remain relevant and powerful for years. It’s a card that has grown into its potential and will continue to get better with time.
In short, the RX 9070 XT stands out not just because of one strong driver update, but because it has the whole package: robust hardware enhanced by smart software, a competitive feature set, and now an excellent value proposition.
Should You Buy One Now?
If you’re in the market for a graphics upgrade, the Radeon RX 9070 XT deserves a serious look right now. With its recent performance bump, this card has gone from “very good” at launch to “seriously competitive” today. It can go toe-to-toe with (and even beat) NVIDIA’s offerings that cost quite a bit more, which means fantastic value for gamers. For those currently running an older GPU – whether it’s a previous-gen AMD card or something like an NVIDIA RTX 30-series – the 9070 XT can be a huge upgrade that brings your rig up to speed for the latest titles. Even if you have a mid-range card from last generation, moving to a 9070 XT opens the door to higher resolutions, higher frame rates, and new features like FSR 4 that you might not have access to now.
Crucially, pricing is very attractive. Many RX 9070 XT models are available at or near their launch MSRP, and some are even on sale. There’s no inflated early-adopter tax at this point – you’re getting the card at a fair price for the performance on offer (especially compared to the competition). This GPU also comes with mature drivers and cooling designs; early driver hiccups have been ironed out and most models from our partners feature excellent coolers (triple-fan designs, robust heatsinks, and quiet acoustics), so you’re buying a well-rounded product with months of real-world polish.
So, should you buy one now? If you’re looking for a top-notch 1440p/4K gaming experience and want the best frames-per-£ you can get, yes. The RX 9070 XT is an ideal choice right now. It’s powerful, future-proof, and thanks to AMD’s fine wine drivers, it’s actually better today than when it first launched. Few tech products can claim to improve with age — this GPU is one of them.
From a value standpoint, it’s hard to beat: you’re getting near-flagship performance for a mid-range price. And with the holiday season and new game releases around the corner, now is the perfect time to secure a GPU that will let you max out graphics settings and enjoy all the upcoming titles in their full glory.
Our RX 9070 XT Line-Up at CCL
At CCL Computers, we stock a wide variety of Radeon RX 9070 XT models to suit every build and aesthetic preference. Whether you want a no-nonsense card or a tricked-out RGB beast, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our notable RX 9070 XT offerings (all in stock and ready to ship):
ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Taichi OC 16GB – A flagship-caliber card with a striking design. The Taichi OC features a robust triple-fan cooler with sleek RGB gearing accents. It’s built for overclockers and those who want top-tier cooling performance out of the box.
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Gigabyte Radeon RX 9070 XT AORUS Elite OC 16GB and Gaming OC 16GB – Gigabyte offers the 9070 XT in two flavors: the AORUS Elite OC, which brings a premium RGB light show and beefy cooling, and the Gaming OC, which focuses on a great balance of performance and value. Both cards are factory overclocked and use Windforce cooling technology to keep temperatures low.
ASUS Radeon RX 9070 XT Prime OC 16GB and TUF Gaming OC 16GB – ASUS covers both ends of the spectrum: the Prime OC is a clean, minimalist-looking card ideal for understated builds, while the TUF Gaming OC is a rugged, military-grade themed card known for durability and top-notch cooling. Both come overclocked and feature ASUS’s excellent build quality (dual BIOS, 0dB fan modes, and sturdy backplates).
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XFX Radeon RX 9070 XT Series – Quicksilver & Mercury (Including White Editions) – XFX has a range of 9070 XTs under their famous Quicksilver and Mercury monikers. The Quicksilver cards offer sleek silver/black shrouds with a focus on high clock speeds, while the Mercury line brings an enthusiast-grade cooler design for low temps and quiet operation. For those who want a unique look, XFX also offers stunning White Edition cards with their special Magnetic Air cooling fans (these really pop in all-white or RGB-lit builds!). Whether you choose the bold Quicksilver or the refined Mercury, you’ll get an overclocked GPU with head-turning design.
View the rest of our XFX RX 9070 XT range here.
From stealthy minimalism to bold RGB bling, there’s an RX 9070 XT to match every style and setup. All these models leverage the 9070 XT’s newfound performance and run cool and quiet, thanks to quality third-party designs. We invite you to browse our full range of RX 9070 XT cards here to find the perfect fit for your PC.
Conclusion
In summary, the Radeon RX 9070 XT has transformed from a solid choice at launch into a seriously competitive powerhouse today. AMD’s dedication to driver improvements has given this GPU a major edge – roughly 9% average more performance for free, which in the fast-paced world of gaming can make a real difference. It’s not often that a piece of hardware gets better after you buy it, but the 9070 XT is a shining example of that phenomenon. With the latest update, it now trades blows with (or beats) its pricier NVIDIA rival, offers superior value, and continues to benefit from AMD’s robust feature set (like FSR 4 and RDNA 4 optimizations).
If you’ve been on the fence about upgrading your GPU, now is the perfect time. The RX 9070 XT’s performance boost cements it as one of the top picks for high-performance gaming without straying into exorbitant pricing. We’re proud to have a great selection of these cards in stock at CCL, ready to elevate your gaming experience.
Final call-to-action: If you’re planning a GPU upgrade, the Radeon RX 9070 XT should be at the top of your list. It’s fast, it’s gotten faster, and it’s priced right. Don’t miss out on this blend of power and value – check out our in-stock RX 9070 XT cards and get the most out of your next build. Your games will thank you for it!
