Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Cuphead
We weighed five graphics cards on video memory and GPU, and the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Cuphead sits well within what current cards offer, and the same card also covers heavier games in your library. Every pick is an RTX card that cost $650 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh GPU, VRAM and memory as the makers state them; we did not test these graphics cards ourselves, and if a maker skips boost clock, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6G
Undercutting the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler for the least money.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6G (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
ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5060 8GB
A quiet/performance dual BIOS switch.
Best for: Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS switch.
Our take Check price for ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5060 8GB (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Eagle 8G
A dual BIOS switch.
Best for: Buyers who want dual BIOS switch.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Eagle 8G (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS GeForce RTX 5060 LP BRK 8GB OC
The top of this price range, adding IP5X dust resistance.
Best for: Spending more than the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for ASUS GeForce RTX 5060 LP BRK 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RTX 3050 Windforce OC V2 is the 6GB version of the RTX 3050, with DLSS support and a dual-fan cooler.
Best for
- Getting dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler for the least money.
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 has 6GB of GDDR6 on a 96-bit interface and third-generation Tensor cores for DLSS. The RTX 3050 chip has 6GB of GDDR6 on a 96-bit bus and supports DLSS and second-generation ray tracing cores. It is built on NVIDIA Ampere streaming multiprocessors, and its two Windforce fans sit on the GV-N3050WF2OCV2-6GD model.
It matches the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X on video memory (6GB). Like the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X, it has an RTX 3050 gpu, while the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 uses an RTX 5060 gpu. It shares GDDR6 memory with the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle; the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK goes with GDDR7 memory.
It undercut the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: video memory of 6GB, behind the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 (8GB). If that matters, the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 offers 8GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 3050
- VRAM: 6GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- Dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler
- DLSS support
- Second-generation RT cores
- Undercutting the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X on price when we checked
Cons
- 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory of 6GB, behind the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 (8GB)
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
- Look at the others if this bothers 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 ties with the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce at 6GB.
It shares an RTX 3050 gpu with the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce; the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle goes with an RTX 4060 Ti gpu. Like the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle, it has GDDR6 memory, while the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 uses GDDR7 memory. No other pick in this guide offers a 1492MHz boost clock; compare the ASUS Prime RTX 5060, which has a 2527MHz (OC mode) boost clock.
You also get a dual-fan Ventus cooler. It gives ground on video memory, where the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 offers 8GB.
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
- 1492MHz boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 (8GB)
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5060 8GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Prime RTX 5060 is a well-rounded 1080p card: GDDR7 memory, a quiet/performance BIOS switch and 0dB fan stop in a 2.5-slot, SFF-Ready design.
Best for
- Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS switch.
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
On video memory it ties with the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK at 8GB. It shares an RTX 5060 gpu with the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK; the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X goes with an RTX 3050 gpu. It is the only pick here with a 2527MHz (OC mode) boost clock; the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X has a 1492MHz boost clock instead.
It also comes with dual-ball fan bearings. The ASUS Prime RTX 5060 occupies 2.5 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 Prime RTX 5060 with the maker.
SFF-Ready is NVIDIA's size guideline, not a guarantee the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 fits every small case. When we checked, only the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and cheaper picks cost less, and the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 2527MHz (OC mode)
- SFF-Ready: Yes
Pros
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- Quiet/performance dual BIOS switch
- 0dB fan stop
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Eagle 8G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's Eagle puts three Windforce fans and a dual BIOS switch on the RTX 4060 Ti.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual BIOS switch.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games is a problem.
Why we like it
It supports DLSS 3 frame generation with fourth-generation Tensor cores. It matches the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK on video memory (8GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 4060 Ti gpu; compare the ASUS Prime RTX 5060, which has an RTX 5060 gpu.
It shares GDDR6 memory with the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X; the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK goes with GDDR7 memory. It also comes with a 128-bit memory bus. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle; 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 4060 Ti Eagle with the maker. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper ASUS Prime RTX 5060 and the pricier ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4060 Ti
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- Dual BIOS switch
- Three WINDFORCE fans
- 128-bit memory bus
- Video memory of 8GB, ahead of the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS GeForce RTX 5060 LP BRK 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK brings the current mainstream GeForce to half-height cases, with GDDR7 memory and IP5X dust resistance.
Best for
- Spending more than the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
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
The maker doesn't give thickness or power needs, so check those on the ASUS spec page. It matches the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 and the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle on video memory (8GB). Like the ASUS Prime RTX 5060, it has an RTX 5060 gpu, while the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce uses an RTX 3050 gpu.
It shares GDDR7 memory with the ASUS Prime RTX 5060; the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X goes with GDDR6 memory. You get a 2580MHz (OC mode) boost clock here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 and its a 2527MHz (OC mode) boost clock. You also get dual-ball fan bearings. 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 Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Boost clock: 2580MHz (OC mode)
- Low profile: Yes
Pros
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Low-profile design for slim desktops
- IP5X dust resistance
- Dual-ball fan bearings
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce 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 lined up five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and boost clock as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 5 picks leave out boost clock.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce to the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK, state GPU, video memory and memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle give no boost clock.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce ($150 to $250) to the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Cuphead
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory
The ASUS Prime RTX 5060 tops video memory at 8GB and the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X sits lowest at 6GB; 3 picks share the top figure. Start with the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 if video memory decides it.
Memory
The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle list GDDR6; the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK list GDDR7. Settling memory first narrows 5 picks to 3 or 2.
Boost clock
The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X lists 1492MHz; the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 lists 2527MHz (OC mode); the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK lists 2580MHz (OC mode). Settling boost clock first narrows 3 picks to 1 or 1 or 1.
Setup checks
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. The ASUS Prime RTX 5060 occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
Extras that separate them
The ASUS Prime RTX 5060: 0dB fan stop. The Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle: three WINDFORCE fans. The ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK: dual-ball fan bearings.
How to Choose a GPUs for Cuphead
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler for the least money | Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce | Undercutting the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want two HDMI 2.1a outputs | MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X | Two HDMI 2.1a outputs |
| Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS switch | ASUS Prime RTX 5060 | A quiet/performance dual BIOS switch |
| Buyers who want dual BIOS switch | Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle | A dual BIOS switch |
| Spending more than the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle costs for the fullest feature set in this group | ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK | The top of this price range, adding IP5X dust resistance |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASUS Prime RTX 5060 leads on video memory at 8GB, ahead of the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle at 8GB. "Not listed" marks boost clock where the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Boost clock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | 1492MHz |
| ASUS Prime RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 | 8GB | GDDR7 | 2527MHz (OC mode) |
| Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle | RTX 4060 Ti | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK | RTX 5060 | 8GB | GDDR7 | 2580MHz (OC mode) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce |
| About $250 to $500 | MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X, ASUS Prime RTX 5060, Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle, ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK add over the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce?
The spec sheets show video memory (8GB against 6GB) in its favour. On our last price check the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce was in the $150 to $250 tier and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if video memory decides your purchase.
Why is the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK our Premium Pick?
The label rests on the top of this price range, adding IP5X dust resistance. The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, the cheapest pick, sat in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for spending more than the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Do the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 differ on GPU?
The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X use RTX 3050; the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK use RTX 5060; the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle uses RTX 4060 Ti.
Will the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X work with my setup?
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. In this guide it ranks second of 5, and fifth of 5 on video memory (6GB).
What extras do the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X include?
The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce: a dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler. The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X: two HDMI 2.1a outputs. The ASUS Prime RTX 5060: a quiet/performance dual BIOS switch.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, chosen for undercutting the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X on price when we checked. Look at the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X for two HDMI 2.1a outputs, the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 for a quiet/performance dual BIOS switch and the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Eagle for a dual BIOS switch if those matter more to you.
Match the card's video outputs to your monitor's HDMI or DisplayPort inputs.