Buying Guide
The Best 12GB GPUs
From the Arc B580 Challenger to the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto: five graphics cards ranked on video memory and cooler thickness, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
12GB of VRAM covers 1080p and most 1440p games at high settings. Every pick has 12GB, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for GPU, VRAM and memory; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out thickness, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Slimmest Cooler Thickness
ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OCThe slimmest cooler thickness here (2-slot).
Best for: Buyers who put cooler thickness first.
Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT Challenger 12GB OC0dB silent cooling at light loads.
Best for: Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light loads.
Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT Challenger 12GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 GRE EVO OC EditionA phase-change GPU thermal pad.
Best for: Buyers who want phase-change GPU thermal pad.
Check price for ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 GRE EVO OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASUS ATS Radeon RX 9070 GRE 12GB OC EditionA 2.5-slot design.
Best for: Buyers who want 2.5-slot design.
Check price for ASUS ATS Radeon RX 9070 GRE 12GB OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
PNY GeForce RTX 4070 12GB XLR8 Gaming Verto Epic-X RGBA triple-fan cooler with Epic-X RGB lighting at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Arc B580 Challenger costs less.
Check price for PNY GeForce RTX 4070 12GB XLR8 Gaming Verto Epic-X RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Slimmest Cooler Thickness1 of 5
ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC
Intel's Arc B580 brings 12GB of GDDR6 to the entry tier, more than the 8GB common at this price.
Best for
- Buyers who put cooler thickness first.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
ASRock's Challenger version is 249mm long and needs one 8-pin plug and a 650W PSU. On cooler thickness it leads this guide at 2-slot, ahead of the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE (2.5-slot). No other pick in this guide offers an arc B580 gpu; compare the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE, which has an RX 9070 GRE gpu.
You get a 2740MHz boost clock here, which sets it apart from the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto and its a 2475MHz boost clock. It also comes with a 192-bit memory bus at 19Gbps and dual-fan cooling with 0dB fan stop. Measure for 249mm and 2 slots before ordering the Arc B580 Challenger.
Power for the Arc B580 Challenger comes through 1 x 8-pin, with 650W the maker's minimum PSU. It undercut the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- GPU
- Arc B580
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Length
- 249mm
- Thickness
- 2-slot
- Recommended PSU
- 650W
- Power connector
- 1 x 8-pin
- Boost clock
- 2740MHz
- Outputs
- 3 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x HDMI 2.1a
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Short 249mm length suits compact cases
- Dual-slot cooler leaves the next slot free
- A single 8-pin power connector
Also Consider2 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT Challenger 12GB OC
The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT stands out for 0dB silent cooling at light loads.
Best for
- Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light loads.
Skip if
- Its cooler thickness is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It also offers a 12GB video memory. No other pick in this guide offers an RX 7700 XT gpu; compare the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE, which has an RX 9070 GRE gpu. No dimensions are published for the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT with the maker. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Arc B580 Challenger and the pricier ASUS Prime 9070 GRE, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its cooler thickness; if that figure matters, the Arc B580 Challenger comes in at 2-slot.
Key specs
- GPU
- RX 7700 XT
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- 0dB silent cooling at light loads
- RX 7700 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 GRE EVO OC Edition
The ASUS Prime RX 9070 GRE has 12GB of GDDR6 and a 2880MHz boost in OC mode, with a phase-change thermal pad.
Best for
- Buyers who want phase-change GPU thermal pad.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Arc B580 Challenger was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
On cooler thickness it ties with the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE at 2.5-slot. Like the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE, it has an RX 9070 GRE gpu, while the Arc B580 Challenger uses an arc B580 gpu. A 2880MHz (OC mode) boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto uses a 2475MHz boost clock.
It also offers a dual BIOS switch. The ASUS Prime 9070 GRE occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE with the maker. Its price falls between the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE, based on our last check.
Key specs
- GPU
- RX 9070 GRE
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Thickness
- 2.5-slot
- Boost clock
- 2880MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad
- Dual BIOS switch
- 2880MHz (OC mode) boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
ASUS ATS Radeon RX 9070 GRE 12GB OC Edition
What the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE brings to the table is a 2.5-slot design, plus a dual BIOS switch.
Best for
- Buyers who want 2.5-slot design.
Skip if
- Skip it if cooler thickness matters most to you; the Arc B580 Challenger offers 2-slot.
Why we like it
It also offers a 12GB video memory and offers a 2.5-slot cooler thickness. It matches the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE on cooler thickness (2.5-slot). It shares an RX 9070 GRE gpu with the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE; the Arc B580 Challenger goes with an arc B580 gpu.
The ASUS ATS 9070 GRE occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE with the maker. When we checked, only the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE and cheaper picks cost less, and the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto cost more.
Key specs
- GPU
- RX 9070 GRE
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Thickness
- 2.5-slot
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- 2.5-slot design
- Dual BIOS switch
Cons
- Cooler thickness trails the Arc B580 Challenger (2-slot)
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
The catch
Cooler thickness is its weakest area, and the Arc B580 Challenger covers it better at 2-slot.
Premium Pick5 of 5
PNY GeForce RTX 4070 12GB XLR8 Gaming Verto Epic-X RGB
The PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto is built around a triple-fan cooler with Epic-X RGB lighting, with a 2475MHz boost clock on top.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Arc B580 Challenger costs less.
Skip if
- The maker gives no cooler thickness, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 12GB video memory. It is the only pick here with an RTX 4070 gpu; the Arc B580 Challenger has an arc B580 gpu instead. You get GDDR6X memory here, which sets it apart from the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE and its GDDR6 memory.
A 2475MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE uses a 2880MHz (OC mode) boost clock. No dimensions are published for the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto with the maker. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE.
Key specs
- GPU
- RTX 4070
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Memory
- GDDR6X
- Boost clock
- 2475MHz
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Triple-fan cooler with Epic-X RGB lighting
- 2475MHz boost clock
- RTX 4070 gpu, the only one here
Cons
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
The catch
If video memory is your priority, the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB) is the stronger choice.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and cooler thickness from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and cooler thickness and boost clock are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Arc B580 Challenger to the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto, state GPU, video memory and memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto give no cooler thickness; the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE give no boost clock.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Arc B580 Challenger ($250 to $500) to the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a 12GB GPUs
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Cooler thickness across these picks
The Arc B580 Challenger tops cooler thickness at 2-slot and the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE sits lowest at 2.5-slot. The Arc B580 Challenger is the pick for cooler thickness. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto give no cooler thickness figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Arc B580 Challenger, the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE and the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE list GDDR6; the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto lists GDDR6X. Settling memory first narrows 5 picks to 4 or 1.
The circuit board on the back of a graphics card Boost clock
The Arc B580 Challenger lists 2740MHz; the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE lists 2880MHz (OC mode); the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto lists 2475MHz. Settling boost clock first narrows 3 picks to 1 or 1 or 1.
What to check at home
Measure for 249mm and 2 slots before ordering the Arc B580 Challenger. No dimensions are published for the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. The ASUS Prime 9070 GRE occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
Features beyond the spec table
The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT: 0dB silent cooling at light loads. The ASUS Prime 9070 GRE: a dual BIOS switch. The PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto: a 2475MHz boost clock.
How to Choose a 12GB GPUs
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put cooler thickness first | Arc B580 Challenger | The slimmest cooler thickness here (2-slot) |
| Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light loads | ASRock Challenger 7700 XT | 0dB silent cooling at light loads |
| Buyers who want phase-change GPU thermal pad | ASUS Prime 9070 GRE | A phase-change GPU thermal pad |
| Buyers who want 2.5-slot design | ASUS ATS 9070 GRE | A 2.5-slot design |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Arc B580 Challenger costs less | PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto | A triple-fan cooler with Epic-X RGB lighting at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Arc B580 Challenger leads on cooler thickness at 2-slot, ahead of the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE at 2.5-slot. "Not listed" marks cooler thickness where the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc B580 Challenger | Arc B580 | 12GB | GDDR6 | 2-slot |
| ASRock Challenger 7700 XT | RX 7700 XT | 12GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS Prime 9070 GRE | RX 9070 GRE | 12GB | GDDR6 | 2.5-slot |
| ASUS ATS 9070 GRE | RX 9070 GRE | 12GB | GDDR6 | 2.5-slot |
| PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto | RTX 4070 | 12GB | GDDR6X | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Arc B580 Challenger, sat in the $250 to $500 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Arc B580 Challenger, ASRock Challenger 7700 XT |
| About $500 to $1000 | ASUS Prime 9070 GRE, ASUS ATS 9070 GRE, PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE compare with the Arc B580 Challenger on cooler thickness?
The Arc B580 Challenger comes out best at 2-slot, with the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE at 2.5-slot. No cooler thickness figure is published for the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto, which leaves 3 of 5 picks ranked here.
What makes the Arc B580 Challenger the Slimmest Cooler Thickness?
It carries the badge for the slimmest cooler thickness here (2-slot). The ASUS Prime 9070 GRE is next on cooler thickness at 2.5-slot, so this pick's 2-slot is 20% further out. It makes sense for anyone who puts cooler thickness first.
Do the Arc B580 Challenger and the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT differ on GPU?
The Arc B580 Challenger uses Arc B580; the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT uses RX 7700 XT; the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE and the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE use RX 9070 GRE; the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto uses RTX 4070.
What should I check before buying the Arc B580 Challenger?
Measure for 249mm and 2 slots before ordering the Arc B580 Challenger. Power for the Arc B580 Challenger comes through 1 x 8-pin, with 650W the maker's minimum PSU. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Slimmest Cooler Thickness pick, and first of 3 on cooler thickness (2-slot).
Beyond the specs, what sets the Arc B580 Challenger and the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT apart?
The Arc B580 Challenger: a 192-bit memory bus at 19Gbps. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT: 0dB silent cooling at light loads. The ASUS Prime 9070 GRE: a phase-change GPU thermal pad.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Arc B580 Challenger, chosen for the slimmest cooler thickness here (2-slot). Look at the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT for 0dB silent cooling at light loads, the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE for a phase-change GPU thermal pad and the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE for a 2.5-slot design if those matter more to you.
Lower texture quality first if a new game warns about VRAM; it costs less image quality than resolution.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Graphics Cards
- Related guideThe Best Graphics Cards for 1440p Gaming
- Related guideThe Best Budget Graphics Cards
- Lower budgetThe Best GPUs Between $280 and $400
- Similar guideThe Best Graphics Cards
- ExplainerHow Much VRAM Do You Need?
- ExplainerGPU Power Connectors Explained
- Check compatibility: power suppliesPSU Power Spikes and ATX 3.x: What to Check Beyond Wattage
- Similar guideThe Best 8GB GPUs
- Topic hubAll graphics cards guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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