Buying Guide
The Best 8GB GPUs
We weighed five graphics cards on video memory and card length, and the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
An 8GB card is a fair match for 1080p gaming at medium to high settings. Every pick has exactly 8GB of video memory, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh GPU, VRAM and memory as the makers state them; we did not test these graphics cards ourselves, and if a maker skips length, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC
A lower price than the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money.
Our take Check price for ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASRock Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8GB
0dB silent cooling at light load.
Best for: Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light load.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8GB (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5050 8GB OC
A quiet/performance dual BIOS.
Best for: Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5050 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 Ti WINDFORCE OC 8G
A dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 Ti WINDFORCE OC 8G (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 Gaming OC 8G
The top of this price range, adding three WINDFORCE fans.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 Gaming OC 8G (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's Arc A580 Challenger has 8GB on a 256-bit bus and supports XeSS upscaling.
Best for
- Getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent game is a problem.
Why we like it
It needs two 8-pin connectors and a 650W power supply. No other pick in this guide offers an arc A580 gpu; compare the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce, which has an RTX 4060 Ti gpu. You also get a 256-bit memory bus and 0dB silent cooling at light load.
Measure for 271mm and 2.4 slots before ordering the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger. Power for the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger comes through 2 x 8-pin, with 650W the maker's minimum PSU. It undercut the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: card length of 271mm, behind the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D (269mm). If that matters, the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D comes in at 269mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: Arc A580
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 271mm
- Thickness: 2.4-slot
- Recommended PSU: 650W
- Power connector: 2 x 8-pin
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.0, 1 x HDMI 2.0b
Pros
- 256-bit memory bus
- 0dB silent cooling at light load
- XeSS upscaling support
- Arc A580 gpu, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Card length of 271mm, behind the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D (269mm)
Also Consider2 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's RX 6600 Challenger D is 269mm long, uses one 8-pin connector and stops its fans at light load.
Best for
- Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light load.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
It is a previous-generation 8GB card still sold new. It supports AMD FSR upscaling for higher frame rates in supported games. Its single 8-pin connector suits older power supplies.
It is the only pick here with an RX 6600 gpu; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger has an arc A580 gpu instead. It also offers a PCIe 4.0 x8 interface and a dual-fan cooler. The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D is 269mm long; compare that with your case's GPU limit.
Its price falls between the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the ASUS Dual RTX 5050, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed cooler thickness should compare it with the ASUS Dual RTX 5050, which comes in at 2-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 6600
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 269mm
- Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.1
Pros
- A single 8-pin power connector
- 0dB silent cooling at light load
- PCIe 4.0 x8 interface
- Dual-fan cooler
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5050 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual RTX 5050 is the least expensive GeForce here, a two-slot card with a dual BIOS and 0dB fan stop.
Best for
- Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
It brings DLSS 4 to budget builds, with 8GB of GDDR6. It is the only pick here with an RTX 5050 gpu; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger has an arc A580 gpu instead. You also get dual-ball fan bearings.
The ASUS Dual RTX 5050 occupies 2 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 Dual RTX 5050 with the maker. SFF-Ready is NVIDIA's size guideline, not a guarantee the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 fits every small case.
Its price falls between the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed card length should compare it with the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D, which comes in at 269mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5050
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2-slot
- Boost clock: 2677MHz (OC mode)
- SFF-Ready: Yes
Pros
- Dual-slot cooler leaves the next slot free
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- Quiet/performance dual BIOS
- 0dB fan stop
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 Ti WINDFORCE OC 8G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's Windforce OC is a factory-overclocked dual-fan RTX 4060 Ti.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
It was the least expensive 4060 Ti here at the time of writing. You get an RTX 4060 Ti gpu here, which sets it apart from the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC and its an RX 7600 gpu. You also get a 128-bit memory bus.
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce with the maker. When we checked, only the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC cost more. If you want a confirmed card length, look to the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D instead: it comes in at 269mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4060 Ti
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- Dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler
- 128-bit memory bus
- Factory overclock
- RTX 4060 Ti gpu, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 Gaming OC 8G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RX 7600 Gaming OC is a previous-generation card with three WINDFORCE fans and a metal backplate.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
It has two DisplayPort 2.1 outputs and one HDMI 2.1. No other pick in this guide offers an RX 7600 gpu; compare the ASUS Dual RTX 5050, which has an RTX 5050 gpu. It also comes with RGB Fusion lighting.
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC with the maker. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce and the rest. The trade-off is video memory; for more, the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger offers 8GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7600
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Outputs: 1 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x DisplayPort 2.1
Pros
- Three WINDFORCE fans
- RGB Fusion lighting
- Metal backplate
- RX 7600 gpu, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We set side by side five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and card length, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASUS Dual RTX 5050, the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce and the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC give no card length; the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D, the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce and the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC give no cooler thickness.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger ($150 to $250) to the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an 8GB GPUs
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Card length
Here card length runs from 271mm on the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to 269mm on the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D. Start with the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D if card length decides it. No figure for the ASUS Dual RTX 5050, the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce and the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC.
Cooler thickness across these picks
Here cooler thickness runs from 2.4-slot on the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to 2-slot on the ASUS Dual RTX 5050. The ASUS Dual RTX 5050 is the pick for cooler thickness. No figure for the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D, the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce and the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC.
Power connector
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger lists 2 x 8-pin; the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D lists 1 x 8-pin. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Fit and compatibility
Measure for 271mm and 2.4 slots before ordering the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger. The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D is 269mm long; compare that with your case's GPU limit. The ASUS Dual RTX 5050 occupies 2 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
Extras that separate them
The ASUS Dual RTX 5050: 0dB fan stop. The Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce: a 128-bit memory bus. The Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC: RGB Fusion lighting.
How to Choose an 8GB GPUs
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | A lower price than the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light load | ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D | 0dB silent cooling at light load |
| Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS | ASUS Dual RTX 5050 | A quiet/performance dual BIOS |
| Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler | Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce | A dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC | The top of this price range, adding three WINDFORCE fans |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D leads on card length at 269mm, ahead of the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at 271mm. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | Arc A580 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 271mm |
| ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D | RX 6600 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 269mm |
| ASUS Dual RTX 5050 | RTX 5050 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce | RTX 4060 Ti | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC | RX 7600 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger was the lowest-priced pick and the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D |
| About $250 to $500 | ASUS Dual RTX 5050, Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce, Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D ahead of the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger on card length?
The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D comes out best at 269mm, with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at 271mm. The ASUS Dual RTX 5050, the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce and the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
How does the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger compare with the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 on cooler thickness?
The ASUS Dual RTX 5050 comes out best at 2-slot, with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at 2.4-slot. The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D, the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce and the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Why is the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC our Premium Pick pick?
It earns the label for the top of this price range, adding three WINDFORCE fans. It suits spending more for the fullest feature set.
Do the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D differ on GPU?
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger uses Arc A580; the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D uses RX 6600; the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 uses RTX 5050; the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce uses RTX 4060 Ti; the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC uses RX 7600.
Will the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC work with my setup?
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Gigabyte RX 7600 Gaming OC with the maker. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Premium Pick pick.
What extras do the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D include?
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger: a 256-bit memory bus. The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D: 0dB silent cooling at light load. The ASUS Dual RTX 5050: a quiet/performance dual BIOS.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, chosen for a lower price than the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and the rest when we checked. Look at the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D for 0dB silent cooling at light load, the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 for a quiet/performance dual BIOS and the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce for a dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler if those matter more to you.
Choose a 16GB model of the same chip if you plan to move to 1440p.