Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Hollow Knight
Five graphics cards compared, from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Hollow Knight does not need a high-end card, which leaves room to choose on price, memory and video outputs. Every pick cost $600 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: GPU, VRAM and memory come from each maker's published specs; a missing thickness is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC
A lower price than the ASRock RX 6500 XT and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money.
Our take Check price for ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Recommended Power Supply
ASRock Radeon RX 6500 XT Phantom Gaming D 4GB OC
The lowest recommended power supply here (400W).
Best for: Buyers who put recommended power supply first.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 6500 XT Phantom Gaming D 4GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5060 8GB
A quiet/performance dual BIOS switch.
Best for: Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS switch.
Our take Check price for ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5060 8GB (opens in a new tab)
Largest Video Memory
ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC
The largest video memory here (16GB).
Best for: Buyers who put video memory first.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS GeForce RTX 5060 LP BRK 8GB OC
The top of this price range, adding IP5X dust resistance.
Best for: Spending more than the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for ASUS GeForce RTX 5060 LP BRK 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 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
- Getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money.
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 video memory it ties with the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK at 8GB. On recommended power supply it sits mid-pack at 650W: the ASRock RX 6500 XT offers 400W, and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend comes in at 700W.
An arc A580 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 uses an RTX 5060 gpu. Like the ASRock RX 6500 XT and ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, it has GDDR6 memory, while the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 uses GDDR7 memory. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the ASRock RX 6500 XT the next step up. What it gives up: video memory of 8GB, behind the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (16GB); by contrast, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend offers 16GB.
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
- Video memory of 8GB, ahead of the ASRock RX 6500 XT
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Video memory of 8GB, behind the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (16GB)
Lowest Recommended Power Supply2 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 6500 XT Phantom Gaming D 4GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's RX 6500 XT has only 4GB of memory and states a 400W minimum power supply.
Best for
- Buyers who put recommended power supply first.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 4GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
It suits light esports titles rather than recent AAA games. Its 4GB video memory is the smallest in this group; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend leads at 16GB. On recommended power supply it leads this guide at 400W, ahead of the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger (650W).
It shares GDDR6 memory with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend; the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK goes with GDDR7 memory. You get a 1 x 8-pin power connector here, which sets it apart from the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and its a 2 x 8-pin power connector. You also get 0dB silent cooling at light load and a metal backplate.
No dimensions are published for the ASRock RX 6500 XT; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its price falls between the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the ASUS Prime RTX 5060, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 6500 XT
- VRAM: 4GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Recommended PSU: 400W
- Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 2820MHz
Pros
- A modest 400W PSU recommendation
- A single 8-pin power connector
- 0dB silent cooling at light load
- Metal backplate
Cons
- 4GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (16GB)
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5060 8GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Prime RTX 5060 is a well-rounded 1080p card: GDDR7 memory, a quiet/performance BIOS switch and 0dB fan stop in a 2.5-slot, SFF-Ready design.
Best for
- Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS switch.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games is a problem.
Why we like it
It matches the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK on video memory (8GB). Like the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK, it has an RTX 5060 gpu, while the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend uses an RX 7800 XT gpu. A 2527MHz (OC mode) boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 6500 XT uses a 2820MHz boost clock.
It also comes with dual-ball fan bearings. The ASUS Prime RTX 5060 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 Prime RTX 5060 with the maker.
Its price falls between the ASRock RX 6500 XT and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed recommended power supply should compare it with the ASRock RX 6500 XT, which offers 400W.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 2527MHz (OC mode)
- SFF-Ready: Yes
Pros
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- Quiet/performance dual BIOS switch
- 0dB fan stop
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- No published recommended power supply
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Largest Video Memory4 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 put video memory first.
Skip if
- Pass on it if needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its 16GB video memory is the largest here; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger comes next at 8GB. On recommended power supply it trails the group at 700W, while the ASRock RX 6500 XT offers 400W. An RX 7800 XT gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 6500 XT uses an RX 6500 XT gpu.
Like the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and ASRock RX 6500 XT, it has GDDR6 memory, while the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 uses GDDR7 memory. Like the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, it has a 2 x 8-pin power connector, while the ASRock RX 6500 XT uses a 1 x 8-pin power connector. No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. There is no published cooler thickness figure, whereas the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger comes in at 2.4-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
- RX 7800 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Recommended power supply trails the ASRock RX 6500 XT (400W)
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS GeForce RTX 5060 LP BRK 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK brings the current mainstream GeForce to half-height cases, with GDDR7 memory and IP5X dust resistance.
Best for
- Spending more than the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
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
The maker doesn't give thickness or power needs, so check those on the ASUS spec page. On video memory it ties with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 at 8GB. It shares an RTX 5060 gpu with the ASUS Prime RTX 5060; the ASRock RX 6500 XT goes with an RX 6500 XT gpu.
Like the ASUS Prime RTX 5060, it has GDDR7 memory, while the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend uses GDDR6 memory. No other pick in this guide offers a 2580MHz (OC mode) boost clock; compare the ASUS Prime RTX 5060, which has a 2527MHz (OC mode) boost clock. You also get dual-ball fan bearings.
Only the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. There is no published cooler thickness figure, whereas the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger comes in at 2.4-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Boost clock: 2580MHz (OC mode)
- Low profile: Yes
Pros
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Low-profile design for slim desktops
- IP5X dust resistance
- Dual-ball fan bearings
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- No published recommended power supply
- 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.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and cooler thickness, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 5 picks leave out cooler thickness.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK, state GPU, video memory and memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASRock RX 6500 XT, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK give no cooler thickness; the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK give no recommended power supply.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger ($150 to $250) to the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Hollow Knight
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much video memory you need
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend tops video memory at 16GB and the ASRock RX 6500 XT sits lowest at 4GB. For less, the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger is the runner-up at 8GB ($150 to $250 tier).
Recommended power supply across these picks
Across these 3 picks recommended power supply spans 700W (the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend) to 400W (the ASRock RX 6500 XT). The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger comes second at 650W, in the $150 to $250 tier against $150 to $250 for the ASRock RX 6500 XT. The ASUS Prime RTX 5060 and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK give no recommended power supply figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Cooler thickness
Across these 2 picks cooler thickness spans 2.5-slot (the ASUS Prime RTX 5060) to 2.4-slot (the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger). Start with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger if cooler thickness decides it. The ASRock RX 6500 XT, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK give no cooler thickness figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, the ASRock RX 6500 XT and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend list GDDR6; the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK list GDDR7. Settling memory first narrows 5 picks to 3 or 2.
Power connector
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend list 2 x 8-pin; the ASRock RX 6500 XT lists 1 x 8-pin.
How to Choose a GPUs for Hollow Knight
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | A lower price than the ASRock RX 6500 XT and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who put recommended power supply first | ASRock RX 6500 XT | The lowest recommended power supply here (400W) |
| Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS switch | ASUS Prime RTX 5060 | A quiet/performance dual BIOS switch |
| Buyers who put video memory first | ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | The largest video memory here (16GB) |
| Spending more than the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend costs for the fullest feature set in this group | ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK | The top of this price range, adding IP5X dust resistance |
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 ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at 8GB. "Not listed" marks cooler thickness where the ASRock RX 6500 XT, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | Arc A580 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 2.4-slot |
| ASRock RX 6500 XT | RX 6500 XT | 4GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS Prime RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 | 8GB | GDDR7 | 2.5-slot |
| ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK | RTX 5060 | 8GB | GDDR7 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, ASRock RX 6500 XT |
| About $250 to $500 | ASUS Prime RTX 5060, ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger compare with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend on video memory?
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend leads at 16GB, with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at 8GB. The ASRock RX 6500 XT closes the ranking at 4GB.
Is the ASRock RX 6500 XT ahead of the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger on recommended power supply?
The ASRock RX 6500 XT is lowest on recommended power supply at 400W; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger follows at 650W, 38% apart. The spread runs down to the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend at 700W. The ASUS Prime RTX 5060 and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK are left out of this ranking because their recommended power supply isn't stated; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger ahead of the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 on cooler thickness?
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger is lowest on cooler thickness at 2.4-slot; the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 follows at 2.5-slot, 4% apart. The ASRock RX 6500 XT, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK are left out of this ranking because their cooler thickness isn't stated; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
What makes the ASRock RX 6500 XT the Lowest Recommended Power Supply?
It carries the badge for the lowest recommended power supply here (400W). The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger is next on recommended power supply at 650W, so this pick's 400W is 38% further out. It gives up video memory (4GB against 8GB) to the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, the cheapest pick. It makes sense for anyone who puts recommended power supply first.
Do the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the ASRock RX 6500 XT differ on GPU?
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger uses Arc A580; the ASRock RX 6500 XT uses RX 6500 XT; the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 and the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK use RTX 5060; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend uses RX 7800 XT.
What should I check before buying the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK?
No dimensions are published for the ASUS RTX 5060 LP BRK; 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 RTX 5060 LP BRK with the maker. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Premium Pick, and fourth of 5 on video memory (8GB).
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, chosen for a lower price than the ASRock RX 6500 XT and the rest when we checked. Look at the ASRock RX 6500 XT for the lowest recommended power supply here (400W), the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 for a quiet/performance dual BIOS switch and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend for the largest video memory here (16GB) if those matter more to you.
Match the card's video outputs to your monitor's HDMI or DisplayPort inputs.