Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Half-Life: Alyx
Four graphics cards compared, from the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend to the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
Half-Life: Alyx runs on SteamVR and lists a GTX 1660 or RX Vega 56 for its recommended tier. Every pick has at least 12GB of video memory and cost between $380 and $700, ordered by memory.
Half-Life: Alyx's official PC requirements list NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 and 16GB of RAM for the recommended tier (source: Steam store page). Matching brand to brand, the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 are a newer generation than the GTX 1660. The recommended AMD card in that list isn't one we can rank, but against the minimum tier the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC are a newer generation than the RX 580.
We sorted these picks by GPU, VRAM and memory, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips boost clock, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Requirements source: Steam store page
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting white-and-silver Steel Legend finish for the least money.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC 16G
Three WINDFORCE fans.
Best for: Buyers who want three WINDFORCE fans.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC 16G (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
PNY GeForce RTX 4070 12GB XLR8 Gaming Verto Epic-X RGB
A triple-fan cooler with Epic-X RGB lighting.
Best for: Buyers who want triple-fan cooler with Epic-X RGB lighting.
Our take Check price for PNY GeForce RTX 4070 12GB XLR8 Gaming Verto Epic-X RGB (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ventus 3X E1 12G OC
A triple-fan Ventus cooler at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend costs less.
Our take Check price for MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ventus 3X E1 12G OC (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
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
- Getting white-and-silver Steel Legend finish for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables.
Why we like it
On video memory it ties with the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC at 16GB. An RX 7800 XT gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto uses an RTX 4070 gpu. Like the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC and MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1, it has GDDR6 memory, while the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto uses GDDR6X memory.
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 cost the least of the 4 picks at the time of writing, with the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC the next step up.
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
- RX 7800 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
Also Consider2 of 4
Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC 16G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC stands out for three WINDFORCE fans, and it adds a 128-bit memory interface.
Best for
- Buyers who want three WINDFORCE fans.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 16GB video memory. It matches the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend on video memory (16GB). It is the only pick here with an RX 7600 XT gpu; the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto has an RTX 4070 gpu instead.
It shares GDDR6 memory with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1; the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto goes with GDDR6X memory. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte 7600 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 7600 XT Gaming OC with the maker. Its price falls between the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7600 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Three WINDFORCE fans
- 128-bit memory interface
- RX 7600 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 4
PNY GeForce RTX 4070 12GB XLR8 Gaming Verto Epic-X RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto is built around a triple-fan cooler with Epic-X RGB lighting, with a 2475MHz boost clock on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want triple-fan cooler with Epic-X RGB lighting.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 12GB video memory. It matches the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 on video memory (12GB). Like the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1, it has an RTX 4070 gpu, while the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend uses an RX 7800 XT gpu.
You get GDDR6X memory here, which sets it apart from the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 and its GDDR6 memory. A 2475MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 uses a 2520MHz boost clock. No dimensions are published for the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto with the maker. Its price falls between the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR6X
- Boost clock: 2475MHz
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Triple-fan cooler with Epic-X RGB lighting
- 2475MHz boost clock
- GDDR6X memory, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 4
MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ventus 3X E1 12G OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's Ventus 3X E1 is a triple-fan RTX 4070 that uses GDDR6 memory rather than the GDDR6X on the other 4070 cards here, with a 2520MHz boost.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend costs less.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend offers 16GB.
Why we like it
It has three DisplayPort 1.4a outputs and one HDMI 2.1a on a 192-bit memory interface. It uses the GeForce RTX 4070 chip with MSI's three-fan cooler. It has three DisplayPort 1.4a outputs and one HDMI 2.1a, with 12GB of GDDR6 on a 192-bit bus and a 2520MHz clock.
On video memory it ties with the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto at 12GB. It shares an RTX 4070 gpu with the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto; the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC goes with an RX 7600 XT gpu. Like the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC, it has GDDR6 memory, while the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto uses GDDR6X memory.
Only the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 4 picks. It gives ground on video memory, where the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend offers 16GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 2520MHz
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1 x HDMI 2.1a
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Triple-fan Ventus cooler
- GDDR6 memory rather than the GDDR6X on other 4070 cards
- A triple-fan Ventus cooler at the highest price in the group
Cons
- Video memory trails the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (16GB)
- Costs more than the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend 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 four cards on GPU, video memory, memory and boost clock, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 4 picks leave out boost clock.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend to the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1, state GPU, video memory and memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC gives no boost clock.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend ($250 to $500) to the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Half-Life: Alyx
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory across these picks
Across these 4 picks video memory spans 12GB (the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1) to 16GB (the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend). Start with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend if video memory decides it.
Memory
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 list GDDR6; the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto lists GDDR6X. Settling memory first narrows 4 picks to 3 or 1.
Boost clock
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 list 2520MHz; the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto lists 2475MHz.
Fit and compatibility
No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Features beyond the spec table
The Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC: a 128-bit memory interface. The PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto: a 2475MHz boost clock. The MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1: GDDR6 memory rather than the GDDR6X on other 4070 cards.
How to Choose a GPUs for Half-Life: Alyx
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting white-and-silver Steel Legend finish for the least money | ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want three WINDFORCE fans | Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC | Three WINDFORCE fans |
| Buyers who want triple-fan cooler with Epic-X RGB lighting | PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto | A triple-fan cooler with Epic-X RGB lighting |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend costs less | MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 | A triple-fan Ventus cooler 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 Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC at 16GB. "Not listed" marks boost clock where the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC leaves the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Boost clock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 2520MHz |
| Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC | RX 7600 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto | RTX 4070 | 12GB | GDDR6X | 2475MHz |
| MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 | RTX 4070 | 12GB | GDDR6 | 2520MHz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, sat in the $250 to $500 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC |
| About $500 to $1000 | PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto, MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these cards run Half-Life: Alyx at recommended settings?
In Half-Life: Alyx's list, the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 meet the recommended card on brand, generation and model number. The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC can only be checked against the minimum card, because the recommended one isn't ranked for that brand. Half-Life: Alyx also lists 16GB of system RAM for that tier, which is separate from the card.
Is the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 worth paying more than the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend?
The MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 matches or trails the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend on video memory, so the extra spend buys only what the spec sheet doesn't show. It does not win everywhere: the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend still leads on video memory (16GB). The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend sat in the $250 to $500 tier and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 2 other picks between them.
What makes the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend the Lowest Price Here?
The label rests on the lowest price of the group at our last check. It is aimed at getting white-and-silver Steel Legend finish for the least money.
Do the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC differ on GPU?
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend uses RX 7800 XT; the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC uses RX 7600 XT; the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 use RTX 4070.
What should I check before buying the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1?
No dimensions are published for the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 with the maker. In this guide it ranks fourth of 4, as our Premium Pick, and fourth of 4 on video memory (12GB).
Beyond the specs, what sets the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC apart?
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend: a white-and-silver Steel Legend finish. The Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC: three WINDFORCE fans. The PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto: a triple-fan cooler with Epic-X RGB lighting.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC for three WINDFORCE fans, the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto for a triple-fan cooler with Epic-X RGB lighting and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 for a triple-fan Ventus cooler at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Check your headset's own requirements; some need a DisplayPort or USB-C video output.