Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Far Cry
Five graphics cards ranked on video memory and GPU, where the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming has the largest video memory; the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
For Far Cry, the card matters less than the monitor, memory and storage around it, so compare price and memory first. Every pick has at least 16GB of video memory and cost $800 or less, ordered from the highest price.
We ranked these graphics cards on GPU, VRAM and memory using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out boost clock, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Video Memory
ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming OC 20GB
The largest video memory here (20GB).
Best for: Buyers who put video memory first.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming OC 20GB (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 XT Gaming OC 16G
A WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans.
Best for: Buyers who want WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 XT Gaming OC 16G (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
XFX Swift AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT OC Triple Fan 16GB
A triple-fan SWFT cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want triple-fan SWFT cooler.
Our take Check price for XFX Swift AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT OC Triple Fan 16GB (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
A 2565MHz boost clock.
Best for: Buyers who want 2565MHz boost clock.
Our take Check price for Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
XFX Mercury AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT OC White 16GB
A lower price than the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT the next step up.
Our take Check price for XFX Mercury AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT OC White 16GB (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Largest Video Memory1 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming OC 20GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's Phantom Gaming OC offers a 2450MHz boost, 80MB of Infinity Cache and two 8-pin power connectors.
Best for
- Buyers who put video memory first.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables.
Why we like it
It was the least expensive 7900 XT here at the time of writing. Its 20GB video memory is the largest here; the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC comes next at 16GB. It is the only pick here with an RX 7900 XT gpu; the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC has an RX 9070 XT gpu instead.
A 2450MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT uses a 2565MHz boost clock. No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7900 XT
- VRAM: 20GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Power connector: 2 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 2450MHz
Pros
- 20GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- 80MB of Infinity Cache
- Triple-fan Phantom Gaming cooler
- RX 7900 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Costs more than the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 XT Gaming OC 16G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RX 9070 XT Gaming OC pairs AMD's top RDNA 4 chip with 16GB of GDDR6 and a WINDFORCE cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who want WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
At the time of writing it cost about half as much as the RTX 5080 cards we researched, which makes it the strongest value in the upper tiers. It matches the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB, the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT and the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White on video memory (16GB). It is the only pick here with an RX 9070 XT gpu; the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming has an RX 7900 XT gpu instead.
You also get server-grade thermal conductive gel and RGB lighting. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC; 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 RX 9070 XT Gaming OC with the maker. Its price falls between the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB and the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9070 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans
- Server-grade thermal conductive gel
- RGB lighting
Cons
- Costs more than the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
XFX Swift AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT OC Triple Fan 16GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB stands out for a triple-fan SWFT cooler, and it adds a boost clock of up to 3320MHz.
Best for
- Buyers who want triple-fan SWFT cooler.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also offers a 16GB video memory. On video memory it ties with the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC, the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT and the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White at 16GB. Like the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White, it has a 3320MHz boost clock, while the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming uses a 2450MHz boost clock.
No dimensions are published for the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB; 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 Swift 9060 XT 16GB with the maker. It was priced above the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT and below the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 3320MHz
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Triple-fan SWFT cooler
- Boost clock of up to 3320MHz
Cons
- Costs more than the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Sapphire's Nitro+ is a 320mm, 3-slot triple-fan RX 7800 XT with a 2565MHz boost.
Best for
- Buyers who want 2565MHz boost clock.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: its 3-slot cooler covers the slots below.
Why we like it
It matches the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC, the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB and the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White on video memory (16GB). It is the only pick here with an RX 7800 XT gpu; the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming has an RX 7900 XT gpu instead. A 2565MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB uses a 3320MHz boost clock.
Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT with the maker. Its price falls between the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White and the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7800 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 320mm
- Thickness: 3-slot
- Boost clock: 2565MHz
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- 2565MHz boost clock
- 3-slot triple-fan Nitro+ cooler
- RX 7800 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Its 3-slot cooler covers the slots below
- Costs more than the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
XFX Mercury AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT OC White 16GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XFX Mercury 9060 XT White is built around a white triple-fan MERC cooler, with a boost clock of up to 3320MHz on top.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT the next step up.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming offers 20GB.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 16GB video memory. On video memory it ties with the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC, the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB and the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT at 16GB. Like the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB, it has a 3320MHz boost clock, while the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming uses a 2450MHz boost clock.
No dimensions are published for the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White; 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 Mercury 9060 XT White with the maker. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT was closest. Video memory is its weakest area, and the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming covers it better at 20GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 3320MHz
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- White triple-fan MERC cooler
- Boost clock of up to 3320MHz
- A lower price than the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT and the rest when we checked
Cons
- Video memory trails the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming (20GB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and boost clock from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 4 fields compared are stated for every pick, while boost clock has gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming to the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC gives no boost clock.
- Price range
- From the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White to the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming, all sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a GPUs for Far Cry
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much video memory you need
Here video memory runs from 16GB on the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White to 20GB on the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming, a 25% spread. The ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming is the pick for video memory.
Boost clock
The ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming lists 2450MHz; the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB and the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White list 3320MHz; the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT lists 2565MHz.
Setup checks
No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Measure for 320mm and 3 slots before ordering the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT.
Extras that separate them
The Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC: server-grade thermal conductive gel. The XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB: a boost clock of up to 3320MHz. The Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT: a 3-slot triple-fan Nitro+ cooler.
Budget
All 5 sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, from the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White at the low end to the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming at the top, so decide on features first.
How to Choose a GPUs for Far Cry
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put video memory first | ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming | The largest video memory here (20GB) |
| Buyers who want WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans | Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC | A WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans |
| Buyers who want triple-fan SWFT cooler | XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB | A triple-fan SWFT cooler |
| Buyers who want 2565MHz boost clock | Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT | A 2565MHz boost clock |
| Spending as little as possible, with the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT the next step up | XFX Mercury 9060 XT White | A lower price than the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT and the rest when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming leads on video memory at 20GB, ahead of the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC at 16GB. "Not listed" marks boost clock where the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC leaves the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Boost clock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming | RX 7900 XT | 20GB | GDDR6 | 2450MHz |
| Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC | RX 9070 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 3320MHz |
| Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 2565MHz |
| XFX Mercury 9060 XT White | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 3320MHz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest video memory: the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming or the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC?
Between the top two, it is 20GB on the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming against 16GB on the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC, a 25% difference.
What does the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming add over the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White?
What it brings is video memory (20GB against 16GB). Both sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, so the gains in video memory cost little extra by tier.
Why is the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming our Largest Video Memory pick?
It earns the label for the largest video memory here (20GB). On video memory it leads the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC, 20GB against 16GB, a 25% margin. It suits anyone who puts video memory first.
Do the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming and the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC differ on GPU?
The ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming uses RX 7900 XT; the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC uses RX 9070 XT; the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB and the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White use RX 9060 XT; the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT uses RX 7800 XT.
Will the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming work with my setup?
No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Power for the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming comes through 2 x 8-pin. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Largest Video Memory pick, and first of 5 on video memory (20GB).
What extras do the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming and the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC include?
The ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming: 80MB of Infinity Cache. The Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC: a WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans. The XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB: a triple-fan SWFT cooler.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming, chosen for the largest video memory here (20GB). Look at the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC for a WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans, the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB for a triple-fan SWFT cooler and the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT for a 2565MHz boost clock if those matter more to you.
Put leftover budget toward a higher-refresh monitor or an SSD.