Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Esports
From the Arc B570 Challenger to the Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G: five graphics cards ranked on video memory and GPU, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Esports titles run well on mid-range cards, and the priority is high frame rates at 1080p. Every pick is a current-generation card that cost $480 or less.
We sorted these picks by GPU, VRAM and memory, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips boost clock, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Largest Video Memory
ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OCThe largest video memory here (10GB).
Best for: Buyers who put video memory first.
Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB OC32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing.
Best for: Buyers who want 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing.
Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8GA dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Check price for GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5050 8GB OCA quiet/performance dual BIOS.
Best for: Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS.
Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5050 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Gigabyte Radeon RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GA dual BIOS for Performance or Silent at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Arc B570 Challenger costs less.
Check price for Gigabyte Radeon RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Largest Video Memory1 of 5
ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC
The Arc B570 is the B580's cheaper sibling with 10GB of memory on a 160-bit bus.
Best for
- Buyers who put video memory first.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
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. Nothing else here matches its 10GB video memory; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB comes closest at 8GB.
It is the only pick here with an arc B570 gpu; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB has an RX 9060 XT gpu instead. A 2600MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G uses a 3320MHz 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 was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB was the next step up.
Key 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
Also Consider2 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB OC
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
- 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. It matches the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce, the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 and the Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G on video memory (8GB). Like the Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G, it has an RX 9060 XT gpu, while the Arc B570 Challenger uses an arc B570 gpu.
A 3290MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the Arc B570 Challenger uses a 2600MHz boost clock. You also get 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. Its price falls between the Arc B570 Challenger and the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce, based on our last check.
Key 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
- Costs more than the Arc B570 Challenger at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8G
Gigabyte's RTX 5050 Windforce is the cheapest way into DLSS 4 here.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
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
The maker publishes few details, so confirm size and power needs on Gigabyte's page. It matches the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 and the Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G on video memory (8GB). It also comes with a dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler and a PCIe 5.0 interface.
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RTX 5050 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 RTX 5050 Windforce with the maker. Its price falls between the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the ASUS Dual RTX 5050, based on our last check.
Key specs
- GPU
- RTX 5050
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
Pros
- Dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler
- PCIe 5.0 interface
- RTX 5050 gpu
- 8GB video memory
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the Arc B570 Challenger at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5050 8GB OC
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
- Pass on it if 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It brings DLSS 4 to budget builds, with 8GB of GDDR6. On video memory it ties with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce and the Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G at 8GB. No other pick in this guide offers a 2677MHz (OC mode) boost clock; compare the Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G, which has a 3320MHz boost clock.
It also offers 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.
Key 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 Arc B570 Challenger at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Gigabyte Radeon RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G
The Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G stands out for a dual BIOS for Performance or Silent, and it adds a WINDFORCE cooling system with RGB lighting.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Arc B570 Challenger costs less.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also offers an 8GB video memory. It matches the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce and the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 on video memory (8GB). Like the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, it has an RX 9060 XT gpu, while the Arc B570 Challenger uses an arc B570 gpu.
A 3320MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 uses a 2677MHz (OC mode) boost clock. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G; 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 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G with the maker. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the ASUS Dual RTX 5050.
Key specs
- GPU
- RX 9060 XT
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Boost clock
- 3320MHz
Pros
- Dual BIOS for Performance or Silent
- WINDFORCE cooling system with RGB lighting
- 3320MHz boost clock, the only one here
- A dual BIOS for Performance or Silent at the highest price in the group
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the Arc B570 Challenger (10GB)
- Costs more than the Arc B570 Challenger at the time of writing
The catch
If video memory is your priority, the Arc B570 Challenger (10GB) 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.
- What we compared
- We set side by side five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and boost clock as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 5 fields compared are stated for every pick, while boost clock and outputs have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Arc B570 Challenger to the Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce gives no boost clock; the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce, the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 and the Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G give no outputs.
- Price range
- From the Arc B570 Challenger to the Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a GPUs for Esports
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 Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G to 10GB on the Arc B570 Challenger, a 25% spread. The Arc B570 Challenger is the pick for video memory.
Boost clock
The Arc B570 Challenger lists 2600MHz; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB lists 3290MHz; the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 lists 2677MHz (OC mode); the Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G lists 3320MHz. Sort out boost clock before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 1, 1, 1 and 1.
The circuit board on the back of a graphics card What to check at home
No dimensions are published for the Arc B570 Challenger; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. The ASUS Dual RTX 5050 occupies 2 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
Features beyond the spec table
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB: a dual-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop. The Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce: a PCIe 5.0 interface. The Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G: a WINDFORCE cooling system with RGB lighting.
Budget
Price does little to separate these 5: the Arc B570 Challenger through the Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G all landed in the $250 to $500 tier, which leaves video memory to decide it.
How to Choose a GPUs for Esports
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put video memory first | Arc B570 Challenger | The largest video memory here (10GB) |
| 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 |
| Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler | Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce | A dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler |
| Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS | ASUS Dual RTX 5050 | A quiet/performance dual BIOS |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Arc B570 Challenger costs less | Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G | A dual BIOS for Performance or Silent at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Arc B570 Challenger leads on video memory at 10GB, ahead of the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB at 8GB. "Not listed" marks boost clock where the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce leaves the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Boost clock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc B570 Challenger | Arc B570 | 10GB | GDDR6 | 2600MHz |
| ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB | RX 9060 XT | 8GB | GDDR6 | 3290MHz |
| Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce | RTX 5050 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS Dual RTX 5050 | RTX 5050 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 2677MHz (OC mode) |
| Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G | RX 9060 XT | 8GB | GDDR6 | 3320MHz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest video memory: the Arc B570 Challenger or the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB?
The Arc B570 Challenger tops video memory at 10GB; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB follows at 8GB, 25% apart.
Is the Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G worth paying more than the Arc B570 Challenger?
The Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G matches or trails the Arc B570 Challenger on video memory. The Arc B570 Challenger leads on video memory (10GB). Both sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, so choose on the features you need.
What makes the Arc B570 Challenger the Largest Video Memory?
It carries the badge for the largest video memory here (10GB). The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB is next on video memory at 8GB, so this pick's 10GB is 25% further out. It is aimed at anyone who puts video memory first.
Do the Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB differ on GPU?
The Arc B570 Challenger uses Arc B570; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the Gigabyte 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G use RX 9060 XT; the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce and the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 use RTX 5050.
What should I check before buying the Arc B570 Challenger?
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. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Largest Video Memory pick, and first of 5 on video memory (10GB).
Beyond the specs, what sets the Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB apart?
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. The Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce: a dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Arc B570 Challenger, chosen for the largest video memory here (10GB). Look at the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB for 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing, the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce for a dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler and the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 for a quiet/performance dual BIOS if those matter more to you.
Turn on NVIDIA Reflex or AMD Anti-Lag in supported games to cut input delay.
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
View all articles