Buying Guide
The Best Budget Gaming GPUs
From the Arc B570 Challenger to the Arc B580 Challenger: three graphics cards ranked on video memory and GPU, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
A budget card should be recent enough to support current upscaling and video features. Every pick is a current-generation card that cost $280 or less, 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 power connector, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Video Memory
ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC
The largest video memory here (12GB).
Best for: Buyers who put video memory first.
Our take Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC
A lower price than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB OC
32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing.
Best for: Buyers who want 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest video memory here (12GB). | Buyers who put video memory first. | Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the rest when we checked. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC (opens in a new tab) |
| 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing. | Buyers who want 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing. | Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB OC (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Video Memory1 of 3
ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 video memory first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Arc B570 Challenger, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
ASRock's Challenger version is 249mm long and needs one 8-pin plug and a 650W PSU. On video memory it leads this guide at 12GB, ahead of the Arc B570 Challenger (10GB). No other pick in this guide offers an arc B580 gpu; compare the Arc B570 Challenger, which has an arc B570 gpu.
You get a 2740MHz boost clock here, which sets it apart from the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and its a 3290MHz boost clock. It also offers 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 was the highest-priced of the 3 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the rest.
Key dimensions & 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
Cons
- Costs more than the Arc B570 Challenger at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here2 of 3
ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Arc B570 is the B580's cheaper sibling with 10GB of memory on a 160-bit bus.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: video memory of 10GB, behind the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB).
Why we like it
It was the least expensive card here at the time of writing and still offers three DisplayPort 2.1 outputs. Its dual striped axial fans stop completely at low load, and the card supports Intel XeSS 2 upscaling. Its 10GB video memory ranks second of 3 here, behind the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB) and ahead of the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB (8GB).
No other pick in this guide offers an arc B570 gpu; compare the Arc B580 Challenger, which has an arc B580 gpu. You get a 2600MHz boost clock here, which sets it apart from the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and its a 3290MHz boost clock. No dimensions are published for the Arc B570 Challenger; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Power for the Arc B570 Challenger comes through 1 x 8-pin. It undercut the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: Arc B570
- VRAM: 10GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 2600MHz
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x HDMI 2.1a
Pros
- 10GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- A single 8-pin power connector
- 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps
- 0dB fan stop
Cons
- Video memory of 10GB, behind the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB)
Also Consider3 of 3
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
- Buyers who want 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing.
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 8GB of memory is the compromise; the 16GB version costs more. Its 8GB video memory is the smallest in this group; the Arc B580 Challenger leads at 12GB. No other pick in this guide offers an RX 9060 XT gpu; compare the Arc B580 Challenger, which has an arc B580 gpu.
You get a 3290MHz boost clock here, which sets it apart from the Arc B570 Challenger and its a 2600MHz 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. On price it sat second of 3, between the cheaper Arc B570 Challenger and the pricier Arc B580 Challenger, at the time of writing.
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
- RX 9060 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB)
- Costs more than the Arc B570 Challenger 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 compared three cards on GPU, video memory, memory and power connector as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 3, from the Arc B580 Challenger to the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB gives no power connector.
- Price range
- From the Arc B570 Challenger to the Arc B580 Challenger, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Budget Gaming GPUs
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much video memory you need
Here video memory runs from 8GB on the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB to 12GB on the Arc B580 Challenger. For less, the Arc B570 Challenger is the runner-up at 10GB.
Setup checks
Measure for 249mm and 2 slots before ordering the Arc B580 Challenger. No dimensions are published for the Arc B570 Challenger; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Features beyond the spec table
The Arc B580 Challenger: dual-fan cooling with 0dB fan stop. The Arc B570 Challenger: 0dB fan stop. The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB: a dual-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop.
How much to spend
All 3 sat in one tier when we checked, from the Arc B570 Challenger at the low end to the Arc B580 Challenger at the top, so decide on features first.
Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who put video memory first: the Arc B580 Challenger. Keeping the budget tight: the Arc B570 Challenger.
How to Choose a Budget Gaming GPUs
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put video memory first | Arc B580 Challenger | The largest video memory here (12GB) |
| Keeping the budget tight | Arc B570 Challenger | A lower price than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB | 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Arc B580 Challenger leads on video memory at 12GB, ahead of the Arc B570 Challenger at 10GB. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Power connector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc B580 Challenger | Arc B580 | 12GB | GDDR6 | 1 x 8-pin |
| Arc B570 Challenger | Arc B570 | 10GB | GDDR6 | 1 x 8-pin |
| ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB | RX 9060 XT | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Arc B570 Challenger compare with the Arc B580 Challenger on video memory?
The Arc B580 Challenger leads at 12GB, with the Arc B570 Challenger at 10GB. The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB is at the other end of this group with 8GB.
Is the Arc B580 Challenger worth paying more than the Arc B570 Challenger?
On paper it adds video memory (12GB against 10GB). The Arc B570 Challenger was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the Arc B580 Challenger the Largest Video Memory?
It earns the label for the largest video memory here (12GB). It suits anyone who put video memory first.
Do the Arc B580 Challenger and the Arc B570 Challenger differ on GPU?
The Arc B580 Challenger uses Arc B580; the Arc B570 Challenger uses Arc B570; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB uses RX 9060 XT.
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 3, as our Largest Video Memory pick.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Arc B580 Challenger and the Arc B570 Challenger apart?
The Arc B580 Challenger: a 192-bit memory bus at 19Gbps. The Arc B570 Challenger: a 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps. The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB: 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Arc B580 Challenger, chosen for the largest video memory here (12GB). Look at the Arc B570 Challenger for a lower price than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the rest when we checked and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB for 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing if those matter more to you.
Buy for 1080p; at this price 1440p needs lower settings.