Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Delta Force
We weighed five graphics cards on video memory and cooler thickness, and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Delta Force runs well on current mid-range cards. Every pick is an RTX 50 or RX 9000 card that cost $800 or less.
Rankings weigh GPU, VRAM and memory as the makers state them; we did not test these graphics cards ourselves, and if a maker skips thickness, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB OC
The cheapest way into this group, below the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5050 Twin Edge OC
Two 90mm BladeLink fans.
Best for: Buyers who want two 90mm BladeLink fans.
Our take Check price for ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5050 Twin Edge OC (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5050 8GB OC
A quiet/performance dual BIOS.
Best for: Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5050 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
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)
Premium Pick
ASUS GeForce RTX 5060 LP BRK 8GB OC
The top of this price range, adding IP5X dust resistance.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
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
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
- Spending as little as possible.
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. You get an RX 9060 XT gpu here, which sets it apart from the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK and its an RTX 5060 gpu. Like the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge and ASUS Dual RTX 5050, it has GDDR6 memory, while the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 uses GDDR7 memory.
It is the only pick here with a 3290MHz boost clock; the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK has a 2580MHz (OC mode) boost clock instead. It also comes with a dual-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge was closest. If you want a confirmed cooler thickness, look to the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge instead: it comes in at 2-slot, while this one gives no figure.
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
- RX 9060 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- No published cooler thickness
Also Consider2 of 5
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5050 Twin Edge OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Zotac's RTX 5050 Twin Edge is a two-slot, SFF-Ready card with two 90mm fans and one 8-pin plug.
Best for
- Buyers who want two 90mm BladeLink fans.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent game is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the smallest NVIDIA option here for a compact case. On cooler thickness it ties with the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 at 2-slot. Like the ASUS Dual RTX 5050, it has an RTX 5050 gpu, while the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK uses an RTX 5060 gpu.
It shares GDDR6 memory with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and ASUS Dual RTX 5050; the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK goes with GDDR7 memory. You also get a pass-through airflow design and a metal backplate. The Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge occupies 2 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
SFF-Ready is NVIDIA's size guideline, not a guarantee the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge fits every small case. Its price falls between the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the ASUS Dual RTX 5050, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5050
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2-slot
- Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
- SFF-Ready: Yes
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1b, 1 x HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- Dual-slot cooler leaves the next slot free
- A single 8-pin power connector
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- Two 90mm BladeLink fans
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5050 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual RTX 5050 is the least expensive GeForce here, a two-slot card with a dual BIOS and 0dB fan stop.
Best for
- Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS.
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 brings DLSS 4 to budget builds, with 8GB of GDDR6. On cooler thickness it ties with the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge at 2-slot. Like the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge, it has an RTX 5050 gpu, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB uses an RX 9060 XT gpu.
It shares GDDR6 memory with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge; the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK goes with GDDR7 memory. You get a 2677MHz (OC mode) boost clock here, which sets it apart from the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and its a 3290MHz boost clock. It also offers dual-ball fan bearings. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge and the pricier ASUS Prime RTX 5060, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5050
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2-slot
- Boost clock: 2677MHz (OC mode)
- SFF-Ready: Yes
Pros
- Dual-slot cooler leaves the next slot free
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- Quiet/performance dual BIOS
- 0dB fan stop
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
Its 2.5-slot cooler thickness is the thickest in this group; the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge leads at 2-slot. It shares an RTX 5060 gpu with the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK; the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 goes with an RTX 5050 gpu. Like the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK, it has GDDR7 memory, while the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge uses GDDR6 memory.
No other pick in this guide offers a 2527MHz (OC mode) boost clock; compare the ASUS Dual RTX 5050, which has a 2677MHz (OC mode) boost clock. You also get 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.
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
- Cooler thickness trails the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge (2-slot)
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB 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 for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent game rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
The maker doesn't give thickness or power needs, so check those on the ASUS spec page. Like the ASUS Prime RTX 5060, it has an RTX 5060 gpu, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB uses an RX 9060 XT gpu. A 2580MHz (OC mode) boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB uses a 3290MHz boost clock.
You also get dual-ball fan bearings. No dimensions are published for the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK; 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 RTX 5060 LP BRK with the maker.
It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the ASUS Prime RTX 5060. If video memory is your priority, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB (8GB) is the stronger choice.
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
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and cooler thickness, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB to the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK, state GPU, video memory and memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK give no cooler thickness; the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge gives no boost clock.
- Price range
- From the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB to the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a GPUs for Delta Force
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much cooler thickness you need
Here cooler thickness runs from 2.5-slot on the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 to 2-slot on the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge. Start with the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge if cooler thickness decides it. No figure for the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK.
Memory
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge and the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 list GDDR6; the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK list GDDR7.
Boost clock
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB lists 3290MHz; the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 lists 2677MHz (OC mode); the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 lists 2527MHz (OC mode); the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK lists 2580MHz (OC mode).
What to check at home
No dimensions are published for the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. The Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge occupies 2 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
Extras that separate them
The Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge: a pass-through airflow design. The ASUS Dual RTX 5050: 0dB fan stop. The ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK: dual-ball fan bearings.
Pair it with a balanced CPU
A fast card with an old CPU can stall at high frame rates, especially at 1080p. At 4K the GPU does most of the work, so the CPU matters less.
How to Choose a GPUs for Delta Force
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB | The cheapest way into this group, below the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge |
| Buyers who want two 90mm BladeLink fans | Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge | Two 90mm BladeLink fans |
| Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS | ASUS Dual RTX 5050 | A quiet/performance dual BIOS |
| Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS switch | ASUS Prime RTX 5060 | A quiet/performance dual BIOS switch |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | 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 Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge leads on cooler thickness at 2-slot, ahead of the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 at 2-slot. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB | RX 9060 XT | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge | RTX 5050 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 2-slot |
| ASUS Dual RTX 5050 | RTX 5050 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 2-slot |
| ASUS Prime RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 | 8GB | GDDR7 | 2.5-slot |
| ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK | RTX 5060 | 8GB | GDDR7 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge. It suits spending as little as possible.
Do the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge differ on GPU?
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB uses RX 9060 XT; the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge and the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 use RTX 5050; the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK use RTX 5060.
Will the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 work with my setup?
The ASUS Dual RTX 5050 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 RTX 5050 with the maker. In this guide it ranks third of 5.
What extras do the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge include?
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB: 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing. The Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge: two 90mm BladeLink fans. The ASUS Dual RTX 5050: a quiet/performance dual BIOS.
Will a PCIe 5.0 card work in a PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 slot?
Yes, the interface is backward compatible. Cards with a narrow x8 link can lose some performance on PCIe 3.0 boards.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge. Look at the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge for two 90mm BladeLink fans, the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 for a quiet/performance dual BIOS and the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 for a quiet/performance dual BIOS switch if those matter more to you.
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