Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Elden Ring
From the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to the ASUS Dual 4060 White: five graphics cards ranked on video memory and card length, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Elden Ring is locked to 60fps and has no DLSS, so a mid-range card is enough. Every pick cost $450 or less and has at least 8GB of video memory, ordered from the lowest price.
We sorted these picks by GPU, VRAM and memory, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips length, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Slimmest Cooler Thickness
ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC
The slimmest cooler thickness here (2.4-slot).
Best for: Buyers who put cooler thickness first.
Our take Check price for ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASRock Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8GB
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 6600 Challenger D 8GB (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS Dual Radeon RX 7600 EVO OC Edition 8GB
0dB fan stop at light load.
Best for: Buyers who want 0dB fan stop at light load.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual Radeon RX 7600 EVO OC Edition 8GB (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 V2 OC Edition
A 2535MHz boost clock in OC mode.
Best for: Buyers who want 2535MHz boost clock in OC mode.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 V2 OC Edition (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 OC White Edition
A white shroud for light-themed builds at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 OC White Edition (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Slimmest Cooler Thickness1 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
- Buyers who put cooler thickness first.
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 needs two 8-pin connectors and a 650W power supply. On cooler thickness it leads this guide at 2.4-slot, ahead of the ASUS Dual 7600 EVO (2.5-slot). An arc A580 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASUS Dual 7600 EVO uses an RX 7600 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.
It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D the next step up. What it gives up: card length of 271mm, behind the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D (269mm); by contrast, the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D comes in at 269mm.
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
- Slimmest cooler thickness of the picks (2.4-slot)
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Card length of 271mm, behind the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D (269mm)
Also Consider2 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's RX 6600 Challenger D is 269mm long, uses one 8-pin connector and stops its fans at light load.
Best for
- Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light load.
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
It is a previous-generation 8GB card still sold new. It supports AMD FSR upscaling for higher frame rates in supported games. Its single 8-pin connector suits older power supplies.
You get an RX 6600 gpu here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Dual 4060 White and its an RTX 4060 gpu. It also offers a PCIe 4.0 x8 interface and a dual-fan cooler. The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D is 269mm long; compare that with your case's GPU limit.
When we checked, only the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger cost less, and the ASUS Dual 7600 EVO cost more. If you want a confirmed cooler thickness, look to the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger instead: it comes in at 2.4-slot, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 6600
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 269mm
- Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.1
Pros
- A single 8-pin power connector
- 0dB silent cooling at light load
- PCIe 4.0 x8 interface
- Dual-fan cooler
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASUS Dual Radeon RX 7600 EVO OC Edition 8GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual EVO RX 7600 offers a 2715MHz boost with 0dB fan stop on a 2.5-slot cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who want 0dB fan stop at light load.
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
It matches the ASUS Dual 4060 White on cooler thickness (2.5-slot). You get an RX 7600 gpu here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Dual 4060 White and its an RTX 4060 gpu. The ASUS Dual 7600 EVO 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 Dual 7600 EVO with the maker. When we checked, only the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and cheaper picks cost less, and the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 cost more. If you want a confirmed card length, look to the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D instead: it comes in at 269mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7600
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 2715MHz
Pros
- 0dB fan stop at light load
- 2715MHz boost clock
- 2.5-slot dual-fan cooler
- RX 7600 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
Worth a Look4 of 5
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 V2 OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual V2 offers a 2535MHz boost in OC mode and an HDMI 2.1a output on a dual-fan RTX 4060.
Best for
- Buyers who want 2535MHz boost clock in OC mode.
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
It supports DLSS 3 frame generation, and its OC mode boosts to 2,535MHz. Axial-tech fans keep the dual-fan cooler compact. Axial-tech fans with longer blades and a barrier ring push more air down onto the heatsink.
Like the ASUS Dual 4060 White, it has an RTX 4060 gpu, while the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D uses an RX 6600 gpu. No dimensions are published for the ASUS Dual 4060 V2; 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 Dual 4060 V2 with the maker.
Its price falls between the ASUS Dual 7600 EVO and the ASUS Dual 4060 White, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed card length should compare it with the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D, which comes in at 269mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 2535MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 2535MHz boost clock in OC mode
- HDMI 2.1a output
- Dual-fan cooler
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 OC White Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual White has a white shroud for light-themed builds, a dual BIOS switch and a 2.5-slot cooler.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
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 OC mode boosts to 2,535MHz, and Axial-tech fans with barrier rings push more air downward. Its dual ball fan bearings last up to twice as long as sleeve bearings. On cooler thickness it ties with the ASUS Dual 7600 EVO at 2.5-slot.
Like the ASUS Dual 4060 V2, it has an RTX 4060 gpu, while the ASUS Dual 7600 EVO uses an RX 7600 gpu. The ASUS Dual 4060 White 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 Dual 4060 White with the maker.
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 ASUS Dual 4060 V2 and the rest. The trade-off is video memory; for more, the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger offers 8GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
Pros
- White shroud for light-themed builds
- Dual BIOS switch
- 2.5-slot dual-fan cooler
- A white shroud for light-themed builds at the highest price in the group
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Cooler thickness trails the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger (2.4-slot)
- 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.
- What we compared
- We lined up five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and card length, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to the ASUS Dual 4060 White, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASUS Dual 7600 EVO, the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 and the ASUS Dual 4060 White give no card length; the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 give no cooler thickness.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger ($150 to $250) to the ASUS Dual 4060 White ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Elden Ring
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 Dual 4060 White to 2.4-slot on the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger. The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger is the pick for cooler thickness. No figure for the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and the ASUS Dual 4060 V2.
Card length across these picks
Here card length runs from 271mm on the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to 269mm on the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D. Start with the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D if card length decides it. No figure for the ASUS Dual 7600 EVO, the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 and the ASUS Dual 4060 White.
Power connector
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger lists 2 x 8-pin; the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D lists 1 x 8-pin. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Setup checks
Measure for 271mm and 2.4 slots before ordering the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger. The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D is 269mm long; compare that with your case's GPU limit. The ASUS Dual 7600 EVO occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
Features beyond the spec table
The ASUS Dual 7600 EVO: a 2715MHz boost clock. The ASUS Dual 4060 V2: an HDMI 2.1a output. The ASUS Dual 4060 White: a dual BIOS switch.
How to Choose a GPUs for Elden Ring
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put cooler thickness first | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | The slimmest cooler thickness here (2.4-slot) |
| Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light load | ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D | 0dB silent cooling at light load |
| Buyers who want 0dB fan stop at light load | ASUS Dual 7600 EVO | 0dB fan stop at light load |
| Buyers who want 2535MHz boost clock in OC mode | ASUS Dual 4060 V2 | A 2535MHz boost clock in OC mode |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | ASUS Dual 4060 White | A white shroud for light-themed builds 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 cooler thickness at 2.4-slot, ahead of the ASUS Dual 7600 EVO at 2.5-slot. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | Arc A580 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 271mm |
| ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D | RX 6600 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 269mm |
| ASUS Dual 7600 EVO | RX 7600 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS Dual 4060 V2 | RTX 4060 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS Dual 4060 White | RTX 4060 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger was the lowest-priced pick and the ASUS Dual 4060 White the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D |
| About $250 to $500 | ASUS Dual 7600 EVO, ASUS Dual 4060 V2, ASUS Dual 4060 White |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the ASUS Dual 7600 EVO compare with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger on cooler thickness?
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger comes out best at 2.4-slot, with the ASUS Dual 7600 EVO at 2.5-slot. The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Is the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D ahead of the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger on card length?
The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D comes out best at 269mm, with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at 271mm. The ASUS Dual 7600 EVO, the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 and the ASUS Dual 4060 White don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Is the ASUS Dual 4060 White worth paying more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger still leads on cooler thickness (2.4-slot). The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
What makes the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger the Slimmest Cooler Thickness?
It earns the label for the slimmest cooler thickness here (2.4-slot). It suits anyone who put cooler thickness first.
Do the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D differ on GPU?
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger uses Arc A580; the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D uses RX 6600; the ASUS Dual 7600 EVO uses RX 7600; the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 and the ASUS Dual 4060 White use RTX 4060.
What should I check before buying the ASUS Dual 4060 V2?
No dimensions are published for the ASUS Dual 4060 V2; 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 Dual 4060 V2 with the maker. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, chosen for the slimmest cooler thickness here (2.4-slot). Look at the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D for 0dB silent cooling at light load, the ASUS Dual 7600 EVO for 0dB fan stop at light load and the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 for a 2535MHz boost clock in OC mode if those matter more to you.
Mind the frame cap; a faster card will not raise it, so put the savings elsewhere.