Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Grand Theft Auto V
From the Arc B580 Challenger to the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT: five graphics cards ranked on video memory and cooler thickness, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Grand Theft Auto V does not need a high-end card, which leaves room to choose on price, memory and video outputs. Every pick has at least 12GB of video memory and cost $650 or less, 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 thickness, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT the next step up.
Our take Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT Challenger 12GB OC
0dB silent cooling at light loads.
Best for: Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light loads.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT Challenger 12GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC
A white-and-silver Steel Legend finish.
Best for: Buyers who want white-and-silver Steel Legend finish.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASUS ATS Radeon RX 9070 GRE 12GB OC Edition
A 2.5-slot design.
Best for: Buyers who want 2.5-slot design.
Our take Check price for ASUS ATS Radeon RX 9070 GRE 12GB OC Edition (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
PowerColor Fighter AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT 16GB
16GB of GDDR6 at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Arc B580 Challenger costs less.
Our take Check price for PowerColor Fighter AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT 16GB (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Intel's Arc B580 brings 12GB of GDDR6 to the entry tier, more than the 8GB common at this price.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT the next step up.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when video memory of 12GB, behind the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (16GB) is a problem.
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 and the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE on video memory (12GB). No other pick in this guide offers an arc B580 gpu; compare the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE, which has an RX 9070 GRE gpu.
It also offers 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.
It undercut the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: video memory of 12GB, behind the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (16GB). If that matters, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend offers 16GB.
Key dimensions & 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
- Video memory of 12GB, behind the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (16GB)
Also Consider2 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT Challenger 12GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- If budget leads, the Arc B580 Challenger was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also offers a 12GB video memory. It matches the Arc B580 Challenger and the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE on video memory (12GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RX 7700 XT gpu; compare the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE, which has an RX 9070 GRE gpu.
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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Arc B580 Challenger and the pricier ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its cooler thickness; if that figure matters, the Arc B580 Challenger comes in at 2-slot.
Key dimensions & 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 B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Steel Legend adds a white-and-silver finish and a 2520MHz boost, and it has a 700W recommended power supply.
Best for
- Buyers who want white-and-silver Steel Legend finish.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables is a problem.
Why we like it
On video memory it ties with the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT at 16GB. It shares an RX 7800 XT gpu with the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT; the Arc B580 Challenger goes with an arc B580 gpu. No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Power for the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend comes through 2 x 8-pin, with 700W the maker's minimum PSU. It was priced above the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and below the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE at the time of writing. There is no published cooler thickness figure, whereas the Arc B580 Challenger comes in at 2-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7800 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Recommended PSU: 700W
- Power connector: 2 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 2520MHz
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- White-and-silver Steel Legend finish
- 700W recommended PSU
Cons
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
ASUS ATS Radeon RX 9070 GRE 12GB OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE brings to the table is a 2.5-slot design, plus a dual BIOS switch.
Best for
- Buyers who want 2.5-slot design.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend offers 16GB.
Why we like it
It also offers a 12GB video memory and offers a 2.5-slot cooler thickness. On video memory it ties with the Arc B580 Challenger and the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT at 12GB. You get an RX 9070 GRE gpu here, which sets it apart from the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT and its an RX 7800 XT gpu.
The ASUS ATS 9070 GRE 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 ATS 9070 GRE with the maker. When we checked, only the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and cheaper picks cost less, and the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT cost more. Video memory is its weakest area, and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend covers it better at 16GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9070 GRE
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- 2.5-slot design
- Dual BIOS switch
- RX 9070 GRE gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Video memory trails the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (16GB)
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
PowerColor Fighter AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT 16GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT is built around 16GB of GDDR6.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Arc B580 Challenger costs less.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Arc B580 Challenger cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 16GB video memory. It matches the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend on video memory (16GB). Like the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, it has an RX 7800 XT gpu, while the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT uses an RX 7700 XT gpu.
No dimensions are published for the PowerColor Fighter 7800 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 PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT 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 ATS 9070 GRE and the rest. The maker doesn't give its cooler thickness; if that figure matters, the Arc B580 Challenger comes in at 2-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7800 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- 16GB of GDDR6
- 16GB of GDDR6 at the highest price in the group
Cons
- Costs more than the Arc B580 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 set side by side five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and cooler thickness from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and cooler thickness and recommended power supply are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Arc B580 Challenger to the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT give no cooler thickness; the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE and the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT give no recommended power supply.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Arc B580 Challenger ($250 to $500) to the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Grand Theft Auto V
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much video memory you need
Here video memory runs from 12GB on the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE to 16GB on the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, a 33% spread. Start with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend if video memory decides it.
Cooler thickness across these picks
The Arc B580 Challenger tops cooler thickness at 2-slot and the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE sits lowest at 2.5-slot. The Arc B580 Challenger is the pick for cooler thickness. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT give no cooler thickness figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Recommended power supply
The Arc B580 Challenger tops recommended power supply at 650W and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend sits lowest at 700W. If recommended power supply is your first filter, the Arc B580 Challenger sets the ceiling at 650W. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE and the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT give no recommended power supply figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Power connector
The Arc B580 Challenger lists 1 x 8-pin; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend lists 2 x 8-pin.
Setup checks
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 ASUS ATS 9070 GRE occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
How to Choose a GPUs for Grand Theft Auto V
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT the next step up | Arc B580 Challenger | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light loads | ASRock Challenger 7700 XT | 0dB silent cooling at light loads |
| Buyers who want white-and-silver Steel Legend finish | ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | A white-and-silver Steel Legend finish |
| Buyers who want 2.5-slot design | ASUS ATS 9070 GRE | A 2.5-slot design |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Arc B580 Challenger costs less | PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT | 16GB of GDDR6 at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend leads on video memory at 16GB, ahead of the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT at 16GB. "Not listed" marks cooler thickness where the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc B580 Challenger | Arc B580 | 12GB | GDDR6 | 2-slot |
| ASRock Challenger 7700 XT | RX 7700 XT | 12GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS ATS 9070 GRE | RX 9070 GRE | 12GB | GDDR6 | 2.5-slot |
| PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Arc B580 Challenger, sat in the $250 to $500 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Arc B580 Challenger, ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend |
| About $500 to $1000 | ASUS ATS 9070 GRE, PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Arc B580 Challenger ahead of the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE on cooler thickness?
The Arc B580 Challenger comes out best at 2-slot, with the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE at 2.5-slot. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT are left out of this ranking because their cooler thickness isn't stated; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
Which has the lowest recommended power supply: the Arc B580 Challenger or the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend?
The Arc B580 Challenger is lowest on recommended power supply at 650W; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend follows at 700W, 7% apart. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE and the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT don't state a recommended power supply figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT worth paying more than the Arc B580 Challenger?
On paper it adds video memory (16GB against 12GB). The Arc B580 Challenger sat in the $250 to $500 tier and the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if video memory decides your purchase.
What makes the Arc B580 Challenger the Lowest Price Here?
The label rests on the lowest price of the group at our last check. It is aimed at spending as little as possible, with the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT the next step up.
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 ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the PowerColor Fighter 7800 XT use RX 7800 XT; the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE uses RX 9070 GRE.
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 fourth of 5 on video memory (12GB).
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Arc B580 Challenger, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT for 0dB silent cooling at light loads, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend for a white-and-silver Steel Legend finish and the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE for a 2.5-slot design if those matter more to you.
Match the card's video outputs to your monitor's HDMI or DisplayPort inputs.