Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Crypt of the NecroDancer
Five graphics cards compared, from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Crypt of the NecroDancer runs on almost any current graphics card, so the choice comes down to price, memory and outputs. Every pick cost $600 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for GPU, VRAM and memory; where a maker leaves out recommended PSU, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC
A lower price than the ASRock RX 6500 XT 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)
Also Consider
ASRock Radeon RX 6500 XT Phantom Gaming D 4GB OC
0dB silent cooling at light load.
Best for: Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light load.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 6500 XT Phantom Gaming D 4GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
MSI Gaming RTX 3050 LP 6G OC
14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus.
Best for: Buyers who want 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus.
Our take Check price for MSI Gaming RTX 3050 LP 6G OC (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
XFX Speedster SWFT210 Radeon RX 7600 8GB
A 2655MHz boost clock.
Best for: Buyers who want 2655MHz boost clock.
Our take Check price for XFX Speedster SWFT210 Radeon RX 7600 8GB (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 ASRock Arc A580 Challenger costs less.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8G (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
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
- 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
It needs two 8-pin connectors and a 650W power supply. On video memory it ties with the XFX 7600 SWFT210 and the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce at 8GB. You get an arc A580 gpu here, which sets it apart from the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce and its an RTX 5050 gpu.
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. Power for the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger comes through 2 x 8-pin, with 650W the maker's minimum PSU.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the ASRock RX 6500 XT was closest. What it gives up: recommended power supply of 650W, behind the ASRock RX 6500 XT (400W); by contrast, the ASRock RX 6500 XT offers 400W.
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
- Video memory of 8GB, ahead of the MSI RTX 3050 LP
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Recommended power supply of 650W, behind the ASRock RX 6500 XT (400W)
Also Consider2 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 6500 XT Phantom Gaming D 4GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's RX 6500 XT has only 4GB of memory and states a 400W minimum power supply.
Best for
- Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light load.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 4GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
It suits light esports titles rather than recent AAA games. Its 4GB video memory is the smallest in this group; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger leads at 8GB. No other pick in this guide offers an RX 6500 XT gpu; compare the XFX 7600 SWFT210, which has an RX 7600 gpu.
You get a 2820MHz boost clock here, which sets it apart from the XFX 7600 SWFT210 and its a 2655MHz boost clock. It also offers 0dB silent cooling at light load and a metal backplate. No dimensions are published for the ASRock RX 6500 XT; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Power for the ASRock RX 6500 XT comes through 1 x 8-pin, with 400W the maker's minimum PSU. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the pricier MSI RTX 3050 LP, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 6500 XT
- VRAM: 4GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Recommended PSU: 400W
- Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 2820MHz
Pros
- A modest 400W PSU recommendation
- A single 8-pin power connector
- 0dB silent cooling at light load
- Metal backplate
Cons
- 4GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger (8GB)
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
MSI Gaming RTX 3050 LP 6G OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's RTX 3050 LP is an entry card with 6GB of memory, fine for older games and esports titles.
Best for
- Buyers who want 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games is a problem.
Why we like it
Two HDMI 2.1a ports and a DisplayPort make it useful in a multi-monitor work PC. On video memory it sits mid-pack at 6GB: the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger offers 8GB, and the ASRock RX 6500 XT comes in at 4GB. An RTX 3050 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 6500 XT uses an RX 6500 XT gpu.
No other pick in this guide offers a 1492MHz boost clock; compare the ASRock RX 6500 XT, which has a 2820MHz boost clock. No dimensions are published for the MSI RTX 3050 LP; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. It was priced above the ASRock RX 6500 XT and below the XFX 7600 SWFT210 at the time of writing. There is no published recommended power supply figure, whereas the ASRock RX 6500 XT offers 400W.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 3050
- VRAM: 6GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 1492MHz
- Low profile: Yes
- Outputs: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 2 x HDMI 2.1a
Pros
- Low-profile design for slim desktops
- 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus
- Two HDMI 2.1a outputs
- Video memory of 6GB, ahead of the ASRock RX 6500 XT
Cons
- 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
XFX Speedster SWFT210 Radeon RX 7600 8GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
XFX's SWFT210 RX 7600 offers a 2655MHz boost and three DisplayPort outputs on a dual-fan cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who want 2655MHz boost clock.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
XFX builds it with a compact dual-fan SWFT cooler, which suits smaller cases. It carries 8GB of GDDR6, enough for 1080p at sensible settings. It matches the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce on video memory (8GB).
A 2655MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the MSI RTX 3050 LP uses a 1492MHz boost clock. No dimensions are published for the XFX 7600 SWFT210; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the XFX 7600 SWFT210 with the maker.
Its price falls between the MSI RTX 3050 LP and the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed recommended power supply should compare it with the ASRock RX 6500 XT, which offers 400W.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7600
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 2655MHz
- Outputs: 1 x HDMI, 3 x DisplayPort
Pros
- 2655MHz boost clock
- Dual-fan SWFT210 cooler
- Three DisplayPort outputs
- Video memory of 8GB, ahead of the MSI RTX 3050 LP
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 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 ASRock Arc A580 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. It matches the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the XFX 7600 SWFT210 on video memory (8GB). It is the only pick here with an RTX 5050 gpu; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger has an arc A580 gpu instead.
You also get 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.
It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the XFX 7600 SWFT210. Buyers who need a confirmed recommended power supply should compare it with the ASRock RX 6500 XT, which offers 400W.
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 LP
- RTX 5050 gpu, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and recommended power supply, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 5 picks leave out recommended power supply.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the ASRock Arc A580 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 LP, the XFX 7600 SWFT210 and the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce give no recommended power supply; the MSI RTX 3050 LP, the XFX 7600 SWFT210 and the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce give no power connector.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger ($150 to $250) to the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Crypt of the NecroDancer
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory across these picks
Here video memory runs from 4GB on the ASRock RX 6500 XT to 8GB on the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, a 100% spread. The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger is the pick for video memory.
Recommended power supply
The ASRock RX 6500 XT tops recommended power supply at 400W and the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger sits lowest at 650W. If recommended power supply is your first filter, the ASRock RX 6500 XT sets the ceiling at 400W. The MSI RTX 3050 LP, the XFX 7600 SWFT210 and the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce give no recommended power supply figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Power connector
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger lists 2 x 8-pin; the ASRock RX 6500 XT lists 1 x 8-pin. Settling power connector first narrows 2 picks to 1 or 1.
Fit and compatibility
Measure for 271mm and 2.4 slots before ordering the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger. No dimensions are published for the ASRock RX 6500 XT; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Features beyond the spec table
The MSI RTX 3050 LP: two HDMI 2.1a outputs. The XFX 7600 SWFT210: a dual-fan SWFT210 cooler. The Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce: a PCIe 5.0 interface.
How to Choose a GPUs for Crypt of the NecroDancer
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | A lower price than the ASRock RX 6500 XT and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light load | ASRock RX 6500 XT | 0dB silent cooling at light load |
| Buyers who want 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus | MSI RTX 3050 LP | 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus |
| Buyers who want 2655MHz boost clock | XFX 7600 SWFT210 | A 2655MHz boost clock |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the ASRock Arc A580 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 Arc A580 Challenger leads on video memory at 8GB, ahead of the XFX 7600 SWFT210 at 8GB. "Not listed" marks recommended power supply where the MSI RTX 3050 LP, the XFX 7600 SWFT210 and the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Recommended PSU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | Arc A580 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 650W |
| ASRock RX 6500 XT | RX 6500 XT | 4GB | GDDR6 | 400W |
| MSI RTX 3050 LP | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| XFX 7600 SWFT210 | RX 7600 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce | RTX 5050 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, ASRock RX 6500 XT |
| About $250 to $500 | MSI RTX 3050 LP, XFX 7600 SWFT210, Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger compare with the ASRock RX 6500 XT on recommended power supply?
Between the top two, it is 400W on the ASRock RX 6500 XT against 650W on the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, a 38% difference. The MSI RTX 3050 LP, the XFX 7600 SWFT210 and the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce don't state a recommended power supply figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
What makes the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger the Lowest Price Here?
The label rests on a lower price than the ASRock RX 6500 XT and the rest when we checked. It suits getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money.
Do the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the ASRock RX 6500 XT differ on GPU?
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger uses Arc A580; the ASRock RX 6500 XT uses RX 6500 XT; the MSI RTX 3050 LP uses RTX 3050; the XFX 7600 SWFT210 uses RX 7600; the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce uses RTX 5050.
What should I check before buying the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger?
Measure for 271mm and 2.4 slots before ordering the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger. Power for the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger comes through 2 x 8-pin, with 650W the maker's minimum PSU. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick, and first of 5 on video memory (8GB).
Beyond the specs, what sets the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the ASRock RX 6500 XT apart?
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger: a 256-bit memory bus. The ASRock RX 6500 XT: 0dB silent cooling at light load. The MSI RTX 3050 LP: 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, chosen for a lower price than the ASRock RX 6500 XT and the rest when we checked. Look at the ASRock RX 6500 XT for 0dB silent cooling at light load, the MSI RTX 3050 LP for 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus and the XFX 7600 SWFT210 for a 2655MHz boost clock if those matter more to you.
Check the card's power connector against your power supply before ordering.