Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Hunt: Showdown 1896
We weighed five graphics cards on video memory and cooler thickness, and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Hunt: Showdown 1896 moved to CryEngine 5.11 and needs more GPU power. Every pick has 12GB+ and sits between $400 and $900.
Rankings weigh GPU, VRAM and memory as the makers state them; we did not test these graphics cards ourselves, 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 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
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC
32 compute units.
Best for: Buyers who want 32 compute units.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 GRE EVO OC Edition
A phase-change GPU thermal pad.
Best for: Buyers who want phase-change GPU thermal pad.
Our take Check price for ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 GRE EVO OC Edition (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G
A dual BIOS switch.
Best for: Buyers who want dual BIOS switch.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 Gaming OC 16G
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 Gaming OC 16G (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 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
- Getting white-and-silver Steel Legend finish for the least money.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when needs two 8-pin PCIe power cable is a problem.
Why we like it
It matches the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC on video memory (16GB). It is the only pick here with an RX 7800 XT gpu; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB has an RX 9060 XT gpu instead. A 2520MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE uses a 2880MHz (OC mode) boost clock.
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 the cheapest of the group when we checked; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed cooler thickness should compare it with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, which 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
- RX 7800 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Recommended power supply of 700W, behind the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB (550W)
Also Consider2 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's Challenger gives the RX 9060 XT a full 16GB of memory in a two-slot, 249mm card.
Best for
- Buyers who want 32 compute units.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The maker offers a 550W power supply and a single 8-pin plug, so it drops into most existing builds. On video memory it ties with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC at 16GB. An RX 9060 XT gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE uses an RX 9070 GRE gpu.
No other pick in this guide offers a 3290MHz boost clock; compare the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, which has a 2520MHz boost clock. It also offers 32 compute units and 0dB fan stop at light load. Power for the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes through 1 x 8-pin, with 550W the maker's minimum PSU. It was priced above the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and below the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 249mm
- Thickness: 2-slot
- Recommended PSU: 550W
- Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 3290MHz
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Short 249mm length suits compact cases
- Dual-slot cooler leaves the next slot free
- A modest 550W PSU recommendation
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 GRE EVO OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Prime RX 9070 GRE has 12GB of GDDR6 and a 2880MHz boost in OC mode, with a phase-change thermal pad.
Best for
- Buyers who want phase-change GPU thermal pad.
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 video memory it ties with the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce at 12GB. An RX 9070 GRE gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB uses an RX 9060 XT gpu. No other pick in this guide offers a 2880MHz (OC mode) boost clock; compare the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, which has a 2520MHz boost clock.
It also offers a dual BIOS switch. The ASUS Prime 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 Prime 9070 GRE with the maker.
It was priced above the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and below the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce at the time of writing. There is no published recommended power supply figure, whereas the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB offers 550W.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9070 GRE
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 2880MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad
- Dual BIOS switch
- RX 9070 GRE gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This Gigabyte Windforce OC RTX 4070 adds a dual BIOS switch and an anti-sag bracket, and it was the least expensive RTX 4070 here at the time of writing.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual BIOS switch.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend offers 16GB.
Why we like it
It supports DLSS 3 frame generation, and third-generation RT cores give up to twice the ray tracing performance. On video memory it ties with the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE at 12GB. You get an RTX 4070 gpu here, which sets it apart from the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC and its an RX 9070 gpu.
No other pick in this guide offers GDDR6X memory; compare the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE, which has GDDR6 memory. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce; 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 4070 Windforce with the maker.
When we checked, only the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE and cheaper picks cost less, and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC cost more. Video memory is its weakest area, and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend covers it better at 16GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR6X
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Dual BIOS switch
- Anti-sag bracket in the box
- RTX 4070 gpu, the only one here
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
Premium Pick5 of 5
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 Gaming OC 16G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RX 9070 Gaming OC is the lowest-cost card here, with 16GB of GDDR6 and a WINDFORCE cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It leaves more of the budget for the CPU, board and memory. On video memory it ties with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB at 16GB. An RX 9070 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB uses an RX 9060 XT gpu.
You also get server-grade thermal conductive gel and RGB lighting. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RX 9070 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 Gaming OC with the maker.
Only the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce 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 RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes in at 2-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9070
- 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 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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and cooler thickness, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend to the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC, state GPU, video memory and memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC give no cooler thickness; the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE, the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC give no recommended power supply.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend ($250 to $500) to the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Hunt: Showdown 1896
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 Gigabyte 4070 Windforce to 16GB on the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend. Start with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend if video memory decides it.
Cooler thickness
Here cooler thickness runs from 2.5-slot on the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE to 2-slot on the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB. The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB is the pick for cooler thickness. No figure for the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC.
Recommended power supply across these picks
Here recommended power supply runs from 700W on the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend to 550W on the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB. Start with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB if recommended power supply decides it. No figure for the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE, the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC.
Memory
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC list GDDR6; the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce lists GDDR6X. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Power connector
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend lists 2 x 8-pin; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB lists 1 x 8-pin. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Count the display outputs
Most cards offer three DisplayPort outputs and one HDMI, but some swap that balance. Check that the ports match your monitors, TV or VR headset.
How to Choose a GPUs for Hunt: Showdown 1896
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 32 compute units | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB | 32 compute units |
| Buyers who want phase-change GPU thermal pad | ASUS Prime 9070 GRE | A phase-change GPU thermal pad |
| Buyers who want dual BIOS switch | Gigabyte 4070 Windforce | A dual BIOS switch |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans |
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 RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB at 16GB. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 2-slot |
| ASUS Prime 9070 GRE | RX 9070 GRE | 12GB | GDDR6 | 2.5-slot |
| Gigabyte 4070 Windforce | RTX 4070 | 12GB | GDDR6X | Not listed |
| Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC | RX 9070 | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend was the lowest-priced pick and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend |
| About $500 to $1000 | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, ASUS Prime 9070 GRE, Gigabyte 4070 Windforce, Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the slimmest cooler thickness: the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB or the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE?
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes out best at 2-slot, with the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE at 2.5-slot. The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Is the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB ahead of the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend on recommended power supply?
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes out best at 550W, with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend at 700W. The ASUS Prime 9070 GRE, the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Why is the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC our Premium Pick pick?
It earns the label for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans. It suits anyone who wants the most complete package.
Do the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB differ on GPU?
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend uses RX 7800 XT; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB uses RX 9060 XT; the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE uses RX 9070 GRE; the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce uses RTX 4070; the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC uses RX 9070.
Will the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce work with my setup?
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce; 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 4070 Windforce with the maker. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5.
What extras do the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB include?
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend: a white-and-silver Steel Legend finish. The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB: 32 compute units. The ASUS Prime 9070 GRE: a phase-change GPU thermal pad.
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 ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB for 32 compute units, the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE for a phase-change GPU thermal pad and the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce for a dual BIOS switch if those matter more to you.
Cap the frame rate below your refresh for smoothness.