Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for 1080p Gaming
From the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to the Arc B580 Challenger: four graphics cards ranked on video memory and card length, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
A 1080p monitor does not need an expensive card, but 8GB of memory avoids texture limits in new games. Every pick has 8GB or more and cost $330 or less, ordered by memory size.
Our comparison rests on published figures for GPU, VRAM and memory; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out length, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 4 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)
Also Consider
ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC
A 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps.
Best for: Buyers who want 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps.
Our take Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC
A lower price than the Arc B570 Challenger 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)
Strong Alternative
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 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps. | Buyers who want 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps. | Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the Arc B570 Challenger and the rest when we checked. | Getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money. | Check price for ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB 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 4
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
- Skip it if price comes first: the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger 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). It shares a 1 x 8-pin power connector with the Arc B570 Challenger; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger goes with a 2 x 8-pin power connector.
A 2740MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB uses a 3290MHz 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 was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB.
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 ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 4
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
- Buyers who want 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps.
Skip if
- The maker gives no card length, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
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 4 here, behind the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB) and ahead of the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB (8GB).
It shares a 1 x 8-pin power connector with the Arc B580 Challenger; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger goes with a 2 x 8-pin power connector. A 2600MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB uses a 3290MHz boost clock. Its price falls between the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed card length should compare it with the Arc B580 Challenger, which comes in at 249mm.
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
- No published card length
- No published cooler thickness
- No published recommended power supply
Lowest Price Here3 of 4
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
- 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 needs two 8-pin connectors and a 650W power supply. On video memory it ties with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB at 8GB. You get an arc A580 gpu here, which sets it apart from the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and its an RX 9060 XT gpu.
No other pick in this guide offers a 2 x 8-pin power connector; compare the Arc B580 Challenger, which has a 1 x 8-pin power connector. It also comes with 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.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Arc B570 Challenger was closest. What it gives up: video memory of 8GB, behind the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB); by contrast, the Arc B580 Challenger offers 12GB.
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
- Video memory of 8GB, behind the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB)
Strong Alternative4 of 4
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. It matches the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger on video memory (8GB). A 3290MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the Arc B570 Challenger uses 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.
Its price falls between the Arc B570 Challenger and the Arc B580 Challenger, based on our last check. If video memory is your priority, the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB) is the stronger choice.
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)
- No published card length
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up four cards on GPU, video memory, memory and card length from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, 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 Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB give no card length; the Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB give no cooler thickness.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger ($150 to $250) to the Arc B580 Challenger ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a GPUs for 1080p Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory
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.
How much card length you need
Here card length runs from 271mm on the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to 249mm on the Arc B580 Challenger. Start with the Arc B580 Challenger if card length decides it. No figure for the Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB.
How much cooler thickness you need
Here cooler thickness runs from 2.4-slot on the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to 2-slot on the Arc B580 Challenger. The Arc B580 Challenger is the pick for cooler thickness. No figure for the Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB.
Power connector
The Arc B580 Challenger and the Arc B570 Challenger list 1 x 8-pin; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger lists 2 x 8-pin. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Fit and compatibility
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. Measure for 271mm and 2.4 slots before ordering the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger.
How to Choose a GPUs for 1080p Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put video memory first | Arc B580 Challenger | The largest video memory here (12GB) |
| Buyers who want 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps | Arc B570 Challenger | A 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps |
| Getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | A lower price than the Arc B570 Challenger 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 | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc B580 Challenger | Arc B580 | 12GB | GDDR6 | 249mm |
| Arc B570 Challenger | Arc B570 | 10GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | Arc A580 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 271mm |
| ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB | RX 9060 XT | 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 Arc B580 Challenger the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger |
| About $250 to $500 | Arc B570 Challenger, ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, Arc B580 Challenger |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest video memory: the Arc B580 Challenger or the Arc B570 Challenger?
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.
How does the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger compare with the Arc B580 Challenger on card length?
The Arc B580 Challenger comes out best at 249mm, with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at 271mm. The Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Is the Arc B580 Challenger ahead of the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger on cooler thickness?
The Arc B580 Challenger comes out best at 2-slot, with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at 2.4-slot. The Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Is the Arc B580 Challenger worth paying more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger?
On paper it adds video memory (12GB against 8GB), card length (249mm against 271mm) and cooler thickness (2-slot against 2.4-slot). The ASRock Arc A580 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 Arc A580 Challenger uses Arc A580; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB uses RX 9060 XT.
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 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps, the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger for a lower price than the Arc B570 Challenger 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.
Match the card to a 144Hz monitor; a faster GPU wastes money at 60Hz.