Buying Guide
The Best AMD RX 9000 Gaming GPUs
We weighed five graphics cards on video memory and cooler thickness, and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
The RX 9000 series uses AMD's RDNA 4 design with FSR 4 and improved ray tracing. Every pick is an RX 9000-series card, 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 thickness, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB OC
The cheapest way into this group, below the ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Steel Legend 8GB OC
A triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop.
Best for: Buyers who want triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Steel Legend 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS Dual Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB
A dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles.
Best for: Buyers who want dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB OC Edition
A dual BIOS switch.
Best for: Buyers who want dual BIOS switch.
Our take Check price for ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB OC Edition (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 GRE EVO OC Edition
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a phase-change GPU thermal pad.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 GRE EVO OC Edition (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB brings AMD's RDNA 4 architecture to a budget card with 32 compute units.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
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
Its 8GB of memory is the compromise; the 16GB version costs more. On video memory it ties with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend at 8GB. No other pick in this guide offers a 3290MHz boost clock; compare the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB, which has a 3330MHz (OC mode) boost clock.
It also offers a dual-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop. No dimensions are published for the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB; 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 RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB with the maker.
It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend the next step up. There is no published cooler thickness figure, whereas the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB comes in at 2.5-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 3290MHz
- Outputs: DisplayPort 2.1a, HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing
- Dual-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop
- 20Gbps memory on a 128-bit bus
- 3290MHz boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- No published cooler thickness
Also Consider2 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Steel Legend 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's RX 9060 XT Steel Legend 8GB uses a triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop and a reinforced metal backplate.
Best for
- Buyers who want triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop.
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
Its 3320MHz boost is the highest among these cards. On video memory it ties with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB at 8GB. It is the only pick here with a 3320MHz boost clock; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB has a 3290MHz boost clock instead.
It also comes with 20Gbps memory on a 128-bit bus. No dimensions are published for the ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend; 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 RX 9060 XT Steel Legend with the maker.
When we checked, only the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB cost less, and the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB cost more. Video memory is its weakest area, and the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB covers it better at 16GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 3320MHz
- Outputs: DisplayPort 2.1a, HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- Triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop
- Reinforced metal backplate
- 20Gbps memory on a 128-bit bus
- 3320MHz boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB (16GB)
- No published cooler thickness
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASUS Dual Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual RX 9060 XT 16GB offers a 3250MHz boost in OC mode with Quiet and Performance BIOS profiles and 0dB fan stop.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
On video memory it ties with the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB at 16GB. No other pick in this guide offers a 3250MHz (OC mode) boost clock; compare the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB, which has a 3330MHz (OC mode) boost clock. The ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB 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 Dual 9060 XT 16GB with the maker. It was priced above the ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend and below the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 3250MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles
- 0dB fan stop at light load
- 3250MHz (OC mode) boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB brings to the table is a dual BIOS switch, plus dual ball fan bearings.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual BIOS switch.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 16GB video memory and offers a 2.5-slot cooler thickness. You get a 3330MHz (OC mode) boost clock here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE and its a 2880MHz (OC mode) boost clock. The ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB 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 9060 XT 16GB with the maker. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB and the pricier ASUS Prime 9070 GRE, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 3330MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Dual BIOS switch
- Dual ball fan bearings
- 3330MHz (OC mode) boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 GRE EVO OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On video memory it sits mid-pack at 12GB: the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB offers 16GB, and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend comes in at 8GB. You get an RX 9070 GRE gpu here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB and its an RX 9060 XT gpu. It is the only pick here with a 2880MHz (OC mode) boost clock; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB has a 3290MHz boost clock instead.
You also get 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB the nearest cheaper option. Cooler thickness is its weakest area, and the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB covers it better at 2.5-slot.
Key dimensions & 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
- RX 9070 GRE gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and cooler thickness as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB to the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend give no cooler thickness; the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB, the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB and the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE give no outputs.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB ($250 to $500) to the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in an AMD RX 9000 Gaming GPUs
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory across these picks
Here video memory runs from 8GB on the ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend to 16GB on the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB. Start with the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB if video memory decides it.
Boost clock
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB lists 3290MHz; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend lists 3320MHz; the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB lists 3250MHz (OC mode); the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB lists 3330MHz (OC mode); the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE lists 2880MHz (OC mode). Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
What to check at home
No dimensions are published for the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. The ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
Extras that separate them
The ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB: 0dB fan stop at light load. The ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB: dual ball fan bearings. The ASUS Prime 9070 GRE: a dual BIOS switch.
Budget
$250 to $500 buys the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend; $500 to $1000 buys the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB, the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB and the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE at our last check.
How to Choose an AMD RX 9000 Gaming GPUs
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB | The cheapest way into this group, below the ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend |
| Buyers who want triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop | ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend | A triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop |
| Buyers who want dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles | ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB | A dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles |
| Buyers who want dual BIOS switch | ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB | A dual BIOS switch |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | ASUS Prime 9070 GRE | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a phase-change GPU thermal pad |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB leads on video memory at 16GB, ahead of the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB at 16GB. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB | RX 9060 XT | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend | RX 9060 XT | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 2.5-slot |
| ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 2.5-slot |
| ASUS Prime 9070 GRE | RX 9070 GRE | 12GB | GDDR6 | 2.5-slot |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB was the lowest-priced pick and the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend |
| About $500 to $1000 | ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB, ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB, ASUS Prime 9070 GRE |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE add over the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB?
On paper it adds video memory (12GB against 8GB). The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend. It suits spending as little as possible.
Do the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE differ on GPU?
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend, the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB and the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB use RX 9060 XT; the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE uses RX 9070 GRE.
Will the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB work with my setup?
No dimensions are published for the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB; 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 RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB with the maker. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick.
What extras do the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend include?
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB: 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing. The ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend: a triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop. The ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB: a dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend. Look at the ASRock RX 9060 XT Steel Legend for a triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop, the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB for a dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles and the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB for a dual BIOS switch if those matter more to you.
FSR 4 works on RX 9000 cards only; older Radeons use earlier versions.