Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Battlefield 3
Five graphics cards ranked on video memory and GPU, where the Arc B570 Challenger has the largest video memory, and it also costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
For Battlefield 3, the card matters less than the monitor, memory and storage around it, so compare price and memory first. Every pick cost between $250 and $650, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh GPU, VRAM and memory as the makers state them; if a maker skips outputs, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Video Memory
ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC
The largest video memory here (10GB).
Best for: Buyers who put video memory first.
Our take Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G OC
Two HDMI 2.1a outputs.
Best for: Buyers who want two HDMI 2.1a outputs.
Our take Check price for MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G 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)
Worth a Look
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 V2 OC Edition
A 2535MHz boost clock in OC mode.
Best for: Buyers who want 2535MHz boost clock in OC mode.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 V2 OC Edition (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 Ti V2 OC Edition 8GB
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 0dB fan stop at light load.
Best for: Buyers who want 0dB fan stop at light load and can spend more than the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 costs.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 Ti V2 OC Edition 8GB (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Largest Video Memory1 of 5
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 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. Its 10GB video memory is the largest here; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB comes next at 8GB.
An arc B570 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB uses an RX 9060 XT gpu. No other pick in this guide offers a 2600MHz boost clock; compare the ASUS Dual 4060 V2, which has a 2535MHz (OC mode) 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.
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
Also Consider2 of 5
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G OC has two HDMI 2.1a outputs and one DisplayPort, with DLSS support.
Best for
- Buyers who want two HDMI 2.1a outputs.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
It is built on the Ampere architecture with 6GB of GDDR6 at 14Gbps on a 96-bit interface and a 1492MHz boost clock. Its single DisplayPort output is version 1.4a, and the card carries two HDMI 2.1a ports. On video memory it trails the group at 6GB, while the Arc B570 Challenger offers 10GB.
An RTX 3050 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB uses an RX 9060 XT gpu. No other pick in this guide offers a 1492MHz boost clock; compare the ASUS Dual 4060 V2, which has a 2535MHz (OC mode) boost clock. It also offers a dual-fan Ventus cooler.
No dimensions are published for the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X with the maker.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 3050
- VRAM: 6GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 1492MHz
- Outputs: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 2 x HDMI 2.1a
Pros
- Two HDMI 2.1a outputs
- Dual-fan Ventus cooler
- DLSS support
- RTX 3050 gpu, the only one here
Cons
- 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the Arc B570 Challenger (10GB)
Strong Alternative3 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
- 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. On video memory it ties with the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 and the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 at 8GB. An RX 9060 XT gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X uses an RTX 3050 gpu.
No other pick in this guide offers a 3290MHz boost clock; compare the ASUS Dual 4060 V2, which has a 2535MHz (OC mode) boost clock. It also comes with 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 was priced above the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and below the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 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
- Video memory of 8GB, ahead of the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X
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 4060 V2 OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual V2 offers a 2535MHz boost in OC mode and an HDMI 2.1a output on a dual-fan RTX 4060.
Best for
- Buyers who want 2535MHz boost clock in OC mode.
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 supports DLSS 3 frame generation, and its OC mode boosts to 2,535MHz. Axial-tech fans keep the dual-fan cooler compact. Axial-tech fans with longer blades and a barrier ring push more air down onto the heatsink.
On video memory it ties with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 at 8GB. It is the only pick here with a 2535MHz (OC mode) boost clock; the Arc B570 Challenger has a 2600MHz boost clock instead. No dimensions are published for the ASUS Dual 4060 V2; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 with the maker.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 2535MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 2535MHz boost clock in OC mode
- HDMI 2.1a output
- Dual-fan cooler
- Video memory of 8GB, ahead of the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X
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
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 Ti V2 OC Edition 8GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual V2 is a 2-slot, SFF-Ready RTX 4060 Ti with 0dB fan stop and a 2595MHz boost in OC mode.
Best for
- Buyers who want 0dB fan stop at light load and can spend more than the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 costs.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games is a problem.
Why we like it
Its 0dB fan mode keeps it quiet during light games, and it supports DLSS 3. It matches the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 on video memory (8GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 4060 Ti gpu; compare the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, which has an RX 9060 XT gpu.
The ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 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 4060 Ti V2 with the maker. SFF-Ready is NVIDIA's size guideline, not a guarantee the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 fits every small case. 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 ASUS Dual 4060 V2 and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4060 Ti
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2-slot
- Boost clock: 2595MHz (OC mode)
- SFF-Ready: Yes
Pros
- Dual-slot cooler leaves the next slot free
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- 0dB fan stop at light load
- 2595MHz boost clock in OC mode
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
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and boost clock from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 4 of the 5 fields compared are stated for every pick, while outputs has gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Arc B570 Challenger to the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASUS Dual 4060 V2 and the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 give no outputs.
- Price range
- From the Arc B570 Challenger to the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a GPUs for Battlefield 3
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory across these picks
Here video memory runs from 6GB on the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X to 10GB on the Arc B570 Challenger, a 67% spread. Start with the Arc B570 Challenger if video memory decides it.
Boost clock
The Arc B570 Challenger lists 2600MHz; the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X lists 1492MHz; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB lists 3290MHz; the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 lists 2535MHz (OC mode); the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 lists 2595MHz (OC mode).
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 4060 Ti V2 occupies 2 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
Extras that separate them
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB: a dual-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop. The ASUS Dual 4060 V2: an HDMI 2.1a output. The ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2: a 2595MHz boost clock in OC mode.
Budget
All 5 sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, from the Arc B570 Challenger at the low end to the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 at the top, so decide on features first.
How to Choose a GPUs for Battlefield 3
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put video memory first | Arc B570 Challenger | The largest video memory here (10GB) |
| Buyers who want two HDMI 2.1a outputs | MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X | Two HDMI 2.1a outputs |
| 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 2535MHz boost clock in OC mode | ASUS Dual 4060 V2 | A 2535MHz boost clock in OC mode |
| Buyers who want 0dB fan stop at light load and can spend more than the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 costs | ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 0dB fan stop at light load |
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.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Boost clock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc B570 Challenger | Arc B570 | 10GB | GDDR6 | 2600MHz |
| MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | 1492MHz |
| ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB | RX 9060 XT | 8GB | GDDR6 | 3290MHz |
| ASUS Dual 4060 V2 | RTX 4060 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 2535MHz (OC mode) |
| ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 | RTX 4060 Ti | 8GB | GDDR6 | 2595MHz (OC mode) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Arc B570 Challenger ahead of the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB on video memory?
The Arc B570 Challenger tops video memory at 10GB; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB follows at 8GB, 25% apart. The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X closes the ranking at 6GB.
What does the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 add over the Arc B570 Challenger?
The ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 matches or trails the Arc B570 Challenger on video memory, so the extra spend buys only what the spec sheet doesn't show. It does not win everywhere: the Arc B570 Challenger still leads on video memory (10GB). Both sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, so the choice comes down to features.
Why is the Arc B570 Challenger our Largest Video Memory pick?
The label rests on the largest video memory here (10GB). On video memory it leads the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, 10GB against 8GB, a 25% margin. It makes sense for anyone who puts video memory first.
Do the Arc B570 Challenger and the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X differ on GPU?
The Arc B570 Challenger uses Arc B570; the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X uses RTX 3050; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB uses RX 9060 XT; the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 uses RTX 4060; the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 uses RTX 4060 Ti.
Will the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 work with my setup?
No dimensions are published for the ASUS Dual 4060 V2; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 with the maker. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5, and third of 5 on video memory (8GB).
What extras do the Arc B570 Challenger and the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X include?
The Arc B570 Challenger: a 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps. The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X: two HDMI 2.1a outputs. The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB: 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Arc B570 Challenger, chosen for the largest video memory here (10GB). Look at the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X for two HDMI 2.1a outputs, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB for 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing and the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 for a 2535MHz boost clock in OC mode if those matter more to you.
Confirm the card fits your case; many budget cards are compact but some are long.