Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for BioShock
Five graphics cards ranked on video memory and GPU, where the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT 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
BioShock does not need a high-end card, which leaves room to choose on price, memory and video outputs. Every pick cost between $250 and $650, ordered from the lowest price.
The order reflects GPU, VRAM and memory from maker specifications; a missing power connector is flagged, not filled in 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)
Worth a Look
ASRock Radeon RX 7600 Challenger Pro 8GB OC
A triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop.
Best for: Buyers who want triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7600 Challenger Pro 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Largest Video Memory
ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT Challenger 12GB OC
The largest video memory here (12GB).
Best for: Buyers who put video memory first.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT Challenger 12GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8G
A dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler 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.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 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
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: video memory of 10GB, behind the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT (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 sits mid-pack at 10GB: the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT offers 12GB, and the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X comes in at 6GB.
An arc B570 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro uses an RX 7600 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.
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 ASRock Challenger 7700 XT (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
- Worth skipping when 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games is a problem.
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 ASRock Challenger 7700 XT offers 12GB.
An RTX 3050 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro uses an RX 7600 gpu. No other pick in this guide offers a 1492MHz boost clock; compare the Arc B570 Challenger, which has a 2600MHz boost clock. You also get 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 ASRock Challenger 7700 XT (12GB)
Worth a Look3 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7600 Challenger Pro 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The RX 7600 is a previous-generation chip, but ASRock's Challenger Pro version asks only for a 550W power supply and uses a triple-fan cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who want triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop.
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 PCIe 4.0 x8 link is worth noting on older PCIe 3.0 boards. On video memory it ties with the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce at 8GB. An RX 7600 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 2695MHz boost clock; compare the Arc B570 Challenger, which has a 2600MHz boost clock. You also get 32MB of Infinity Cache and a metal backplate. Measure for 303mm and 2.5 slots before ordering the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro.
Power for the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro comes through 1 x 8-pin, with 550W the maker's minimum PSU. It was priced above the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and below the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7600
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 303mm
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Recommended PSU: 550W
- Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 2695MHz
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1 x HDMI 2.1
Pros
- A modest 550W PSU recommendation
- A single 8-pin power connector
- Triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop
- 32MB of Infinity Cache
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
Largest Video Memory4 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT Challenger 12GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT stands out for 0dB silent cooling at light loads.
Best for
- Buyers who put video memory first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Arc B570 Challenger was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also offers a 12GB video memory. On video memory it leads this guide at 12GB, ahead of the Arc B570 Challenger (10GB). An RX 7700 XT gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X uses an RTX 3050 gpu.
No dimensions are published for the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT; 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 Challenger 7700 XT with the maker. It was priced above the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro and below the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7700 XT
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- 0dB silent cooling at light loads
- RX 7700 XT gpu, the only one here
- The largest video memory here (12GB)
Cons
- Costs more than the Arc B570 Challenger at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RTX 5050 Windforce is the cheapest way into DLSS 4 here.
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
The maker publishes few details, so confirm size and power needs on Gigabyte's page. On video memory it ties with the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro at 8GB. An RTX 5050 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X uses an RTX 3050 gpu.
It also offers 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. Only the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5050
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- Dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler
- PCIe 5.0 interface
- Video memory of 8GB, ahead of the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X
- RTX 5050 gpu, 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
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and power connector as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 5 picks leave out power connector.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Arc B570 Challenger to the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X, the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce give no power connector; the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce give no boost clock.
- Price range
- From the Arc B570 Challenger to the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a GPUs for BioShock
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 ASRock Challenger 7700 XT). The Arc B570 Challenger comes second at 10GB, in the $250 to $500 tier against $250 to $500 for the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT.
Setup checks
No dimensions are published for the Arc B570 Challenger; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Measure for 303mm and 2.5 slots before ordering the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro.
Extras that separate them
The ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro: 32MB of Infinity Cache. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT: 0dB silent cooling at light loads. The Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce: a PCIe 5.0 interface.
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 5050 Windforce at the top, so decide on features first.
Start from what matters most
Buyers who put video memory first: the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Arc B570 Challenger costs less: the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce.
How to Choose a GPUs for BioShock
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 want triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop | ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro | A triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop |
| Buyers who put video memory first | ASRock Challenger 7700 XT | The largest video memory here (12GB) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Arc B570 Challenger costs less | Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce | A dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT 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 ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce 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 |
| ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro | RX 7600 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 1 x 8-pin |
| ASRock Challenger 7700 XT | RX 7700 XT | 12GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce | RTX 5050 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT ahead of the Arc B570 Challenger on video memory?
The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT leads at 12GB, with the Arc B570 Challenger at 10GB. The spread runs down to the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X at 6GB.
What does the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce add over the Arc B570 Challenger?
The Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce 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 ASRock Challenger 7700 XT 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 uses Arc B570; the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X uses RTX 3050; the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro uses RX 7600; the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT uses RX 7700 XT; the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce uses RTX 5050.
Will the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro work with my setup?
Measure for 303mm and 2.5 slots before ordering the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro. Power for the ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro comes through 1 x 8-pin, with 550W the maker's minimum PSU. In this guide it ranks third 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 7600 Challenger Pro: a triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop.
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 ASRock RX 7600 Challenger Pro for a triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop and the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT for the largest video memory here (12GB) if those matter more to you.
Put leftover budget toward a higher-refresh monitor or an SSD.