PowerColor Red Dragon AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT Gaming Graphics Card User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your PowerColor Red Dragon AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT Gaming Graphics Card. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation to ensure proper setup and optimal performance. Retain this manual for future reference.

Safety Information

• Always disconnect the power supply from your computer before installing or removing any components.
• Handle the graphics card by its edges to avoid touching sensitive components or connectors.
• Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to components.
• Ensure proper ventilation within your computer case to prevent overheating.
• Do not attempt to repair the graphics card yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

Package Contents

Verify that your package contains the following items:

• PowerColor Red Dragon AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT Graphics Card
• Quick Installation Guide (this document)
• Driver CD (or download instructions)

Product Overview

The PowerColor Red Dragon AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT is a high-performance graphics card designed for gaming and demanding applications. Familiarize yourself with its key components.

Figure 1: PowerColor Red Dragon AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT Graphics Card and its retail packaging. This image shows the overall design of the card with its triple-fan cooler and the distinctive Red Dragon branding on the box.

Figure 2: Front view of the graphics card, highlighting the three cooling fans. Each fan features the PowerColor logo or Red Dragon emblem, indicating the cooling solution for efficient heat dissipation.

Figure 3: Rear input/output (I/O) panel of the graphics card, showing the display output ports. This model typically includes multiple DisplayPort and HDMI 2.1 connectors for various monitor setups.

Setup

System Requirements

• Motherboard: PCI Express-enabled motherboard with one X16 graphics slot.
• Power Supply: A minimum 750W power supply is recommended. The card requires two 8-pin PCI Express power connectors. Ensure your PSU has sufficient wattage and available connectors.
• Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit or later, or Linux 64-bit.
• Memory: 8GB system memory (16GB recommended).
• Case: Sufficient space within the computer case for a card with dimensions of approximately 13.07 x 6.02 x 2.13 inches.

Hardware Installation

1. Prepare Your System: Power off your computer and disconnect the power cable from the wall outlet. Open your computer case.
2. Locate PCI Express Slot: Identify an available PCI Express x16 slot on your motherboard. Remove any expansion slot covers that may be blocking it.
3. Install the Graphics Card: Carefully align the graphics card with the PCI Express slot. Press down firmly and evenly until the card is fully seated in the slot. Secure the card to the case with a screw or retention clip.
4. Connect Power Cables: Connect two 8-pin PCI Express power cables from your power supply to the corresponding power connectors on the graphics card. Ensure a secure connection.
5. Close Case and Reconnect: Close your computer case, reconnect the power cable, and connect your display cable(s) to the graphics card's output ports.

Driver Installation

1. Boot System: Power on your computer. The system may boot into a basic display mode.
2. Download Drivers: Visit the official AMD website (www.amd.com/en/support) or the PowerColor website (www.powercolor.com/support) to download the latest AMD Radeon drivers for your RX 6800 XT.
3. Install Drivers: Run the downloaded driver installer and follow the on-screen instructions. A system restart may be required to complete the installation.

Operating

Initial Power-On and Display Configuration

• After driver installation, your display should show the operating system in its native resolution.
• Access your operating system's display settings to configure resolution, refresh rate, and multiple monitors if applicable.

AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition

The AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition provides a comprehensive interface for managing your graphics card settings, including game optimization, performance monitoring, and display configurations. Refer to the official AMD documentation for detailed usage instructions.

• Game Clock / Boost Clock: The card features different clock profiles (OC / Silent) which can be managed through software or a physical switch on some models.
• Display Outputs: Utilize the HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort outputs for connecting to compatible displays.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Periodically clean dust from the graphics card's heatsink and fans using compressed air. Ensure the system is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
• Fan Care: Avoid obstructing the fans. Ensure they spin freely. The fans are designed to stop spinning at low temperatures for silent operation.
• Software Updates: Regularly update your graphics drivers to ensure optimal performance and stability.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

• No Display Output:
  • Ensure the graphics card is fully seated in the PCI Express slot.
  • Verify that both 8-pin power connectors are securely attached.
  • Check that your display cable is connected to the graphics card, not the motherboard's integrated graphics port.
  • Test with a different display cable or monitor if possible.
• Overheating:
  • Ensure adequate airflow within your computer case.
  • Clean dust from the graphics card's fans and heatsink.
  • Monitor temperatures using AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition. Consider adjusting fan curves or undervolting if temperatures remain high.
• Driver Issues / Instability:
  • Perform a clean installation of the latest graphics drivers from the official AMD website.
  • Ensure your operating system is up to date.
• Coil Whine: Some users may experience coil whine under heavy load. This is generally not indicative of a fault and does not affect performance or longevity.

For further assistance, refer to the PowerColor support website or AMD's official support resources.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

PowerColor products are covered by a limited warranty. For detailed warranty terms and conditions, please visit the official PowerColor website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

For technical support, driver downloads, and frequently asked questions, please visit:

• PowerColor Support Website
• AMD Support Website