ASUS RX 6600 XT Strix OC Review

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By now there must be undiscovered tribes in the Amazon that could draw the Strix packaging from memory. Clear branding, bright ROG eye in multiple colours, all the ASUS trademarks are present and correct. Even the obligatory AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT red square fits a little better into the design than the lurid green of the Nvidia identifier.

  

Whereas the XFX MERC 308 went for a triple fan cooler, and AMD themselves stick with a single fan, the ASUS card a dinky dual fan number. Amazingly in this compact format it is still instantly recognisable as an ASUS Strix card, with all the details and logos you’d expect. Perfect if you’ve got a smaller case.

  

Around the back we see ASUS are continuing with the glitched logo idea that we’re still not fans of but hey. We do like the brushed metal finish though, which picks up the light well and makes the whole thing look more premium than a flat colour. You can also spot that even this compact card has the cut out for airflow towards the CPU section.

  

From the side the first thing that strikes you, besides the single 8pin PCIe power input, is the meatiness of that heatsink. It might only have two fans on top of it but there has been no compromise in giving you the weightiest, thickest, high-fin-count heatsink possible. Heatpipes aplenty bristling out of the sides look like the shroud is attempting to contain a chrome octopus.

  

Like all ASUS cards you have the choice between Performance Mode and Quiet Mode. ASUS indicate that there is around a 10 dB and 10°C difference between the two settings – Quiet mode being quieter but warmer. For our benchmark testing we’re running performance mode, and you’ll be pleased to know it squeezes out even more than the rated Megahertz.

  

There is a subtle bit of RGB on the Strix logo – please use normal fonts ASUS – but this photo is largely here to show you another view of that monstrous heatsink.

  

Lastly at the business end of the card there are three DisplayPort 1.4a connectors to go alongside the HDMI 2.1. 8K ready. We also want to point out the stainless steel bracket which will resist corrosion pretty much forever. Lovely.