Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Beat Saber
Five graphics cards ranked on video memory and GPU, where the Arc B580 Challenger has the largest video memory; the Arc B570 Challenger is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Beat Saber does not push current hardware, so this guide compares cards by price, memory and what they leave for other games. Every pick cost between $250 and $650, ordered from the lowest price.
We ranked these graphics cards on GPU, VRAM and memory using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out power connector, we say 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.
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)
Strong Alternative
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)
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)
Worth a Look
Acer Nitro Intel Arc B570 OC 10GB
A dual-fan Frostblade cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want dual-fan Frostblade cooler.
Our take Check price for Acer Nitro Intel Arc B570 OC 10GB (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8G
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with three WINDFORCE fans.
Best for: Buyers who want three WINDFORCE fans and can spend more than the Acer Nitro Arc B570 costs.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8G (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 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 want 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for 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. On video memory it ties with the Acer Nitro Arc B570 at 10GB.
It shares an arc B570 gpu with the Acer Nitro Arc B570; the Arc B580 Challenger goes with an arc B580 gpu. No other pick in this guide offers a 2600MHz boost clock; compare the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X, which has a 1492MHz 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. What it gives up: video memory of 10GB, behind the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB); by contrast, the Arc B580 Challenger offers 12GB.
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)
Strong Alternative2 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
- Pass on it if 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games rules it out for your setup.
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 B580 Challenger offers 12GB.
An RTX 3050 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the Arc B580 Challenger uses an arc B580 gpu. No other pick in this guide offers a 1492MHz boost clock; compare the Arc B570 Challenger, which has a 2600MHz boost clock. It also comes with 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 B580 Challenger (12GB)
Largest Video Memory3 of 5
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 Arc B570 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. Nothing else here matches its 12GB video memory; the Arc B570 Challenger comes closest at 10GB. An arc B580 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 2740MHz boost clock; compare the Arc B570 Challenger, which has a 2600MHz 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 priced above the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and below the Acer Nitro Arc B570 at the time of writing.
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
Worth a Look4 of 5
Acer Nitro Intel Arc B570 OC 10GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Acer Nitro Arc B570 brings to the table is a dual-fan Frostblade cooler, plus 18 Xe2 cores.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual-fan Frostblade cooler.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Arc B570 Challenger cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 10GB video memory. It matches the Arc B570 Challenger on video memory (10GB). Like the Arc B570 Challenger, it has an arc B570 gpu, while the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile uses an RTX 4060 gpu.
No dimensions are published for the Acer Nitro Arc B570; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Acer Nitro Arc B570 with the maker. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Arc B580 Challenger and the pricier Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: Arc B570
- VRAM: 10GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- 10GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Dual-fan Frostblade cooler
- 18 Xe2 cores
Cons
- Costs more than the Arc B570 Challenger at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RTX 4060 Low Profile is the previous generation, with DLSS 3 rather than DLSS 4.
Best for
- Buyers who want three WINDFORCE fans and can spend more than the Acer Nitro Arc B570 costs.
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
Three WINDFORCE fans and a dual BIOS make it a solid fallback if the RTX 5060 cards are out of stock. The low-profile 4060 pairs three WINDFORCE fans with 8GB of GDDR6, and it supports DLSS 3 and ray tracing. On video memory it sits mid-pack at 8GB: the Arc B580 Challenger offers 12GB, and the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X comes in at 6GB.
You get an RTX 4060 gpu here, which sets it apart from the Acer Nitro Arc B570 and its an arc B570 gpu. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile; 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 4060 Low Profile with the maker. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Acer Nitro Arc B570 the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Low profile: Yes
Pros
- Low-profile design for slim desktops
- Three WINDFORCE fans
- Dual BIOS
- DLSS 3 support
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.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and power connector, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and power connector and boost clock are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Arc B570 Challenger to the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X, the Acer Nitro Arc B570 and the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile give no power connector; the Acer Nitro Arc B570 and the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile give no boost clock.
- Price range
- From the Arc B570 Challenger to the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a GPUs for Beat Saber
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory across these picks
Across these 5 picks video memory spans 6GB (the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X) to 12GB (the Arc B580 Challenger). The Arc B570 Challenger comes second at 10GB, in the $250 to $500 tier against $250 to $500 for the Arc B580 Challenger.
Fit and compatibility
No dimensions are published for the Arc B570 Challenger; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Measure for 249mm and 2 slots before ordering the Arc B580 Challenger.
Extras that separate them
The Arc B580 Challenger: dual-fan cooling with 0dB fan stop. The Acer Nitro Arc B570: 18 Xe2 cores. The Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile: a dual BIOS.
How much to spend
All 5 sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, from the Arc B570 Challenger at the low end to the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile at the top, so decide on features first.
Start from what matters most
Buyers who put video memory first: the Arc B580 Challenger. Buyers who want three WINDFORCE fans and can spend more than the Acer Nitro Arc B570 costs: the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile.
How to Choose a GPUs for Beat Saber
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps | Arc B570 Challenger | A 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps |
| Buyers who want two HDMI 2.1a outputs | MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X | Two HDMI 2.1a outputs |
| Buyers who put video memory first | Arc B580 Challenger | The largest video memory here (12GB) |
| Buyers who want dual-fan Frostblade cooler | Acer Nitro Arc B570 | A dual-fan Frostblade cooler |
| Buyers who want three WINDFORCE fans and can spend more than the Acer Nitro Arc B570 costs | Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with three WINDFORCE fans |
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" marks power connector where the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X, the Acer Nitro Arc B570 and the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Power connector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc B570 Challenger | Arc B570 | 10GB | GDDR6 | 1 x 8-pin |
| MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Arc B580 Challenger | Arc B580 | 12GB | GDDR6 | 1 x 8-pin |
| Acer Nitro Arc B570 | Arc B570 | 10GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile | RTX 4060 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Arc B580 Challenger ahead of the Arc B570 Challenger on video memory?
The Arc B580 Challenger tops video memory at 12GB; the Arc B570 Challenger follows at 10GB, 20% apart. The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X is at the other end of this group with 6GB.
What does the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile add over the Arc B570 Challenger?
The Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile 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 B580 Challenger our Largest Video Memory pick?
The label rests on the largest video memory here (12GB). On video memory it leads the Arc B570 Challenger, 12GB against 10GB, a 20% 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 and the Acer Nitro Arc B570 use Arc B570; the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X uses RTX 3050; the Arc B580 Challenger uses Arc B580; the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile uses RTX 4060.
Will the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile work with my setup?
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile; 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 4060 Low Profile with the maker. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Premium Pick, and fourth 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 Arc B580 Challenger: a 192-bit memory bus at 19Gbps.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Arc B570 Challenger, chosen for a 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps. Look at the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X for two HDMI 2.1a outputs, the Arc B580 Challenger for the largest video memory here (12GB) and the Acer Nitro Arc B570 for a dual-fan Frostblade cooler if those matter more to you.
Put leftover budget toward a higher-refresh monitor or an SSD.