Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Limbo
From the Arc B580 Challenger to the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB: five graphics cards ranked on video memory and card length, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Limbo sits well within what current cards offer, and the same card also covers heavier games in your library. 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 length, 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
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)
Premium Pick
XFX Swift AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT OC Triple Fan 16GB
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a triple-fan SWFT cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want a triple-fan SWFT cooler and can spend more than the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT costs.
Our take Check price for XFX Swift AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT OC Triple Fan 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
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: video memory of 12GB, behind the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (16GB).
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 on video memory (12GB). It is the only pick here with an arc B580 gpu; the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT has an RX 7700 XT gpu instead.
A 2740MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB uses a 3320MHz boost clock. It also comes with 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.
It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT was the next step up. 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
- 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. It matches the Arc B580 Challenger on video memory (12GB). It is the only pick here with an RX 7700 XT gpu; the Arc B580 Challenger has an arc B580 gpu instead.
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. Its price falls between the Arc B580 Challenger and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, based on our last check. If video memory is your priority, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (16GB) is the stronger choice.
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
- Video memory trails the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (16GB)
- 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
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables.
Why we like it
On video memory it ties with the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT and the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB at 16GB. It is the only pick here with a 2520MHz boost clock; the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB has a 3320MHz boost clock instead. 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. When we checked, only the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and cheaper picks cost less, and the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT cost more. If you want a confirmed card length, look to the Arc B580 Challenger instead: it comes in at 249mm, while this one gives no figure.
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
- 2520MHz boost clock, the only one here
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
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
On video memory it ties with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB at 16GB. It shares an RX 7800 XT gpu with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend; the Arc B580 Challenger goes with an arc B580 gpu. It is the only pick here with a 2565MHz boost clock; the Arc B580 Challenger has a 2740MHz boost clock instead.
Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT with the maker. If you want a confirmed recommended power supply, look to the Arc B580 Challenger instead: it offers 650W, while this one gives no figure.
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
Cons
- Its 3-slot cooler covers the slots below
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 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 a triple-fan SWFT cooler and can spend more than the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT costs.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Arc B580 Challenger, 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 and the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT on video memory (16GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RX 9060 XT gpu; compare the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, which has an RX 7800 XT gpu.
You get a 3320MHz boost clock here, which sets it apart from the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and its a 2520MHz boost clock. No dimensions are published for the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. 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 Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT and the rest. The maker doesn't give its card length; if that figure matters, the Arc B580 Challenger comes in at 249mm.
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
- RX 9060 XT gpu, the only one here
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.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and card length as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 8 fields compared are stated for every pick, while card length and cooler thickness have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Arc B580 Challenger to the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB, 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 XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB give no card length; the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB give no cooler thickness.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Arc B580 Challenger ($250 to $500) to the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Limbo
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory across these picks
Across these 5 picks video memory spans 12GB (the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT) to 16GB (the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend). Start with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend if video memory decides it.
Card length
Here card length runs from 320mm on the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT to 249mm on the Arc B580 Challenger, a 22% spread. The Arc B580 Challenger is the pick for card length. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB give no card length figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Cooler thickness
The Arc B580 Challenger tops cooler thickness at 2-slot and the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT sits lowest at 3-slot. The Arc B580 Challenger is the pick for cooler thickness. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB give no cooler thickness 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. Sort out power connector before price: it splits 2 stated picks into groups of 1 and 1.
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. Measure for 320mm and 3 slots before ordering the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT.
How to Choose a GPUs for Limbo
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 2565MHz boost clock | Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT | A 2565MHz boost clock |
| Buyers who want a triple-fan SWFT cooler and can spend more than the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT costs | XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a triple-fan SWFT cooler |
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 Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT at 16GB. "Not listed" marks card length where the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc B580 Challenger | Arc B580 | 12GB | GDDR6 | 249mm |
| ASRock Challenger 7700 XT | RX 7700 XT | 12GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 320mm |
| XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB | RX 9060 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 XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB 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 | Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT, XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Arc B580 Challenger ahead of the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT on card length?
The Arc B580 Challenger comes out best at 249mm, with the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT at 320mm. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB are left out of this ranking because their card length isn't stated; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
Which has the slimmest cooler thickness: the Arc B580 Challenger or the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT?
The Arc B580 Challenger is lowest on cooler thickness at 2-slot; the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT follows at 3-slot, 33% apart. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB don't state a cooler thickness figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
How does the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend compare with the Arc B580 Challenger on recommended power supply?
Between the top two, it is 650W on the Arc B580 Challenger against 700W on the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, a 7% difference. No recommended power supply figure is published for the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT and the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB, which leaves 2 of 5 picks ranked here.
Is the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB worth paying more than the Arc B580 Challenger?
What it brings is video memory (16GB against 12GB). The Arc B580 Challenger sat in the $250 to $500 tier and the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB 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?
It carries the badge for 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 Sapphire Nitro+ 7800 XT use RX 7800 XT; the XFX Swift 9060 XT 16GB uses RX 9060 XT.
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 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.