Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for EA Sports FC 26
Five graphics cards compared, from the Arc B570 Challenger to the Sparkle Arc B570 Luna, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
FC 26 runs well on mainstream cards, and a mid-range GPU keeps it smooth at 1440p. Every pick cost between $250 and $450, ordered by video memory.
EA SPORTS FC 26's official PC requirements list NVIDIA GTX 1660 or AMD RX 5600 XT and 12GB of RAM for the recommended tier (source: EA: EA SPORTS FC 26 PC system requirements). Matching brand to brand, the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and the XFX 7600 SWFT210 are a newer generation than the RX 5600 XT. The list names no Intel card we can rank, so the Arc B580 Challenger, the Arc B570 Challenger and the Sparkle Arc B570 Luna can't be matched against it directly. The source cites 6GB of video memory for the recommended tier, and every pick with a stated figure has at least that (12GB, 10GB and 8GB). EA pairs the recommended tier with 1080p, 60 fps and the medium preset.
Our comparison rests on published figures for GPU, VRAM and memory; where a maker leaves out power connector, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Requirements source: EA: EA SPORTS FC 26 PC system requirements
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Also Consider
ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OCA 192-bit memory bus at 19Gbps.
Best for: Buyers who want 192-bit memory bus at 19Gbps.
Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT Challenger 12GB OC0dB silent cooling at light loads.
Best for: Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light loads.
Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT Challenger 12GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OCA lower price than the Arc B580 Challenger and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $500.
Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Sparkle Intel Arc B570 Guardian Luna OCThe top of this price range, adding 10GB of GDDR6.
Best for: Spending more than the XFX 7600 SWFT210 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for Sparkle Intel Arc B570 Guardian Luna OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
XFX Speedster SWFT210 Radeon RX 7600 8GBA 2655MHz boost clock.
Best for: Buyers who want 2655MHz boost clock.
Check price for XFX Speedster SWFT210 Radeon RX 7600 8GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC
Intel's Arc B580 brings 12GB of GDDR6 to the entry tier, more than the 8GB common at this price.
Best for
- Buyers who want 192-bit memory bus at 19Gbps.
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. It matches the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT on video memory (12GB). It is the only pick here with an arc B580 gpu; the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT has an RX 7700 XT gpu instead.
A 2740MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the XFX 7600 SWFT210 uses a 2655MHz boost clock. You also get 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. Its price falls between the Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, based on our last check.
Key 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
Strong Alternative2 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT Challenger 12GB OC
The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT stands out for 0dB silent cooling at light loads.
Best for
- Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light loads.
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 12GB video memory. It matches the Arc B580 Challenger on video memory (12GB). It is the only pick here with an RX 7700 XT gpu; the Arc B580 Challenger has an arc B580 gpu instead.
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. You also get this: 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards. Its price falls between the Arc B580 Challenger and the XFX 7600 SWFT210, based on our last check.
Key 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
Cons
- Costs more than the Arc B570 Challenger at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC
The Arc B570 is the B580's cheaper sibling with 10GB of memory on a 160-bit bus.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $500.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when video memory of 10GB, behind the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB) is a problem.
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. It matches the Sparkle Arc B570 Luna on video memory (10GB).
Like the Sparkle Arc B570 Luna, it has an arc B570 gpu, while the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT uses an RX 7700 XT gpu. A 2600MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the XFX 7600 SWFT210 uses a 2655MHz 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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Arc B580 Challenger was the next step up.
Key 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)
The catch
The main gap: video memory of 10GB, behind the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB). If that matters, the Arc B580 Challenger offers 12GB.
Premium Pick4 of 5
Sparkle Intel Arc B570 Guardian Luna OC
The Sparkle Arc B570 Luna stands out for 10GB of GDDR6, and it adds 1 x HDMI and 3 x DisplayPort outputs.
Best for
- Spending more than the XFX 7600 SWFT210 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Arc B570 Challenger, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 10GB video memory. On video memory it ties with the Arc B570 Challenger at 10GB. It shares an arc B570 gpu with the Arc B570 Challenger; the Arc B580 Challenger goes with an arc B580 gpu.
No dimensions are published for the Sparkle Arc B570 Luna; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Sparkle Arc B570 Luna with the maker. Another plus: 10GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards. At our last price check it topped the group, with the XFX 7600 SWFT210 the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- GPU
- Arc B570
- VRAM
- 10GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
Pros
- 10GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- 10GB of GDDR6
- 1 x HDMI and 3 x DisplayPort outputs
- The top of this price range, adding 10GB of GDDR6
Cons
- Costs more than the Arc B570 Challenger at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
XFX Speedster SWFT210 Radeon RX 7600 8GB
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. Its 8GB video memory is the smallest in this group; the Arc B580 Challenger leads at 12GB.
It is the only pick here with an RX 7600 gpu; the Arc B580 Challenger has an arc B580 gpu instead. A 2655MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the Arc B570 Challenger uses a 2600MHz 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 ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and the Sparkle Arc B570 Luna, based on our last check.
Key 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
- RX 7600 gpu, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB)
- Costs more than the Arc B570 Challenger at the time of writing
The catch
If video memory is your priority, the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB) is the stronger choice.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and power connector, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 5 picks leave out power connector.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Arc B580 Challenger to the XFX 7600 SWFT210, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the Sparkle Arc B570 Luna and the XFX 7600 SWFT210 give no power connector; the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and the Sparkle Arc B570 Luna give no boost clock.
- Price range
- From the Arc B570 Challenger to the Sparkle Arc B570 Luna, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a GPUs for EA Sports FC 26
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much video memory you need
Across these 5 picks video memory spans 8GB (the XFX 7600 SWFT210) to 12GB (the Arc B580 Challenger). If video memory is your first filter, the Arc B580 Challenger sets the ceiling at 12GB.
What to check at home
Measure for 249mm and 2 slots before ordering the Arc B580 Challenger. No dimensions are published for the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
The circuit board on the back of a graphics card Features beyond the spec table
The Arc B570 Challenger: 0dB fan stop. The Sparkle Arc B570 Luna: 1 x HDMI and 3 x DisplayPort outputs. The XFX 7600 SWFT210: a dual-fan SWFT210 cooler.
Budget
Price does little to separate these 5: the Arc B570 Challenger through the Sparkle Arc B570 Luna all landed in the $250 to $500 tier, which leaves video memory to decide it.
Match the pick to your priority
Keeping the cost under $500: the Arc B570 Challenger. Spending more than the XFX 7600 SWFT210 costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the Sparkle Arc B570 Luna.
How to Choose a GPUs for EA Sports FC 26
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 192-bit memory bus at 19Gbps | Arc B580 Challenger | A 192-bit memory bus at 19Gbps |
| Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light loads | ASRock Challenger 7700 XT | 0dB silent cooling at light loads |
| Keeping the cost under $500 | Arc B570 Challenger | A lower price than the Arc B580 Challenger and the rest when we checked |
| Spending more than the XFX 7600 SWFT210 costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Sparkle Arc B570 Luna | The top of this price range, adding 10GB of GDDR6 |
| Buyers who want 2655MHz boost clock | XFX 7600 SWFT210 | A 2655MHz boost clock |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Arc B580 Challenger leads on video memory at 12GB, ahead of the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT at 12GB. "Not listed" marks power connector where the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the Sparkle Arc B570 Luna and the XFX 7600 SWFT210 leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Power connector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc B580 Challenger | Arc B580 | 12GB | GDDR6 | 1 x 8-pin |
| ASRock Challenger 7700 XT | RX 7700 XT | 12GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Arc B570 Challenger | Arc B570 | 10GB | GDDR6 | 1 x 8-pin |
| Sparkle Arc B570 Luna | Arc B570 | 10GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| XFX 7600 SWFT210 | RX 7600 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these cards run EA SPORTS FC 26 at recommended settings?
In EA SPORTS FC 26's list, the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and the XFX 7600 SWFT210 meet the recommended card on brand, generation and model number. The Arc B580 Challenger, the Arc B570 Challenger and the Sparkle Arc B570 Luna are outside the brands the list names, so look for an equivalent on EA SPORTS FC 26's page. Every pick also reaches the 6GB the source cites. EA SPORTS FC 26 also lists 12GB of system RAM for that tier, which is separate from the card.
What makes the Arc B570 Challenger the Lowest Price Here?
It earns the label for a lower price than the Arc B580 Challenger and the rest when we checked. It makes sense for keeping the cost under $500.
Do the Arc B580 Challenger and the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT differ on GPU?
The Arc B580 Challenger uses Arc B580; the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT uses RX 7700 XT; the Arc B570 Challenger and the Sparkle Arc B570 Luna use Arc B570; the XFX 7600 SWFT210 uses RX 7600.
What should I check before buying the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT?
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. In this guide it ranks second of 5, and second of 5 on video memory (12GB).
Beyond the specs, what sets the Arc B580 Challenger and the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT apart?
The Arc B580 Challenger: a 192-bit memory bus at 19Gbps. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT: 0dB silent cooling at light loads. The Arc B570 Challenger: a 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps.
Who should choose the Sparkle Arc B570 Luna?
The Sparkle Arc B570 Luna carries our Premium Pick label for the top of this price range, adding 10GB of GDDR6. It ranks fourth of 5 here and sat in the $250 to $500 tier at our last price check; it suits spending more than the XFX 7600 SWFT210 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Arc B580 Challenger, chosen for a 192-bit memory bus at 19Gbps. Look at the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT for 0dB silent cooling at light loads, the Arc B570 Challenger for a lower price than the Arc B580 Challenger and the rest when we checked and the Sparkle Arc B570 Luna for the top of this price range, adding 10GB of GDDR6 if those matter more to you.
Check the game's latest PC requirements before upgrading.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Graphics Cards
- Related guideThe Best Graphics Cards for 1440p Gaming
- Related guideThe Best Budget Graphics Cards
- Lower budgetThe Best GPUs Under $300
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End GPUs
- ExplainerHow Much VRAM Do You Need?
- ExplainerGPU Power Connectors Explained
- Check compatibility: power supplies80 Plus Ratings Explained
- Similar guideThe Best AMD GPUs
- Topic hubAll graphics cards guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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