Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Lost and Found Co
We weighed five graphics cards on video memory and GPU; the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto has the largest video memory, and the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Lost and Found Co does not need a high-end card, which leaves room to choose on price, memory and video outputs. Every pick is an RTX card that cost $650 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
We ranked these graphics cards on GPU, VRAM and memory using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these graphics cards ourselves, and where a maker leaves out boost clock, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6G
Undercutting the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler for the least money.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6G (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G OC
Two HDMI 2.1a outputs.
Best for: Buyers who want two HDMI 2.1a outputs.
Our take Check price for MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G OC (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB OC Edition
A 2.5-slot design.
Best for: Buyers who want 2.5-slot design.
Our take Check price for ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB OC Edition (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 Ti EVO OC Edition 8GB
The EVO revision of ASUS's dual-fan cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want EVO revision of ASUS's dual-fan cooler.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 Ti EVO OC Edition 8GB (opens in a new tab)
Largest Video Memory
PNY GeForce RTX 4070 12GB XLR8 Gaming Verto Epic-X RGB
The largest video memory here (12GB).
Best for: Buyers who put video memory first.
Our take Check price for PNY GeForce RTX 4070 12GB XLR8 Gaming Verto Epic-X RGB (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RTX 3050 Windforce OC V2 is the 6GB version of the RTX 3050, with DLSS support and a dual-fan cooler.
Best for
- Getting dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler for the least money.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games is a problem.
Why we like it
It has 6GB of GDDR6 on a 96-bit interface and third-generation Tensor cores for DLSS. The RTX 3050 chip has 6GB of GDDR6 on a 96-bit bus and supports DLSS and second-generation ray tracing cores. It is built on NVIDIA Ampere streaming multiprocessors, and its two Windforce fans sit on the GV-N3050WF2OCV2-6GD model.
It matches the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X on video memory (6GB). Like the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X, it has an RTX 3050 gpu, while the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC uses an RTX 5060 Ti gpu. It shares GDDR6 memory with the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and ASUS Dual 4060 Ti EVO; the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto goes with GDDR6X memory.
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 3050
- VRAM: 6GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- Dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler
- DLSS support
- Second-generation RT cores
- Undercutting the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X on price when we checked
Cons
- 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory of 6GB, behind the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto (12GB)
Also Consider2 of 5
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G OC has two HDMI 2.1a outputs and one DisplayPort, with DLSS support.
Best for
- Buyers who want two HDMI 2.1a outputs.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games is a problem.
Why we like it
It is built on the Ampere architecture with 6GB of GDDR6 at 14Gbps on a 96-bit interface and a 1492MHz boost clock. Its single DisplayPort output is version 1.4a, and the card carries two HDMI 2.1a ports. On video memory it ties with the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce at 6GB.
It shares an RTX 3050 gpu with the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce; the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC goes with an RTX 5060 Ti gpu. Like the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and ASUS Dual 4060 Ti EVO, it has GDDR6 memory, while the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC uses GDDR7 memory. It is the only pick here with a 1492MHz boost clock; the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti EVO has a 2595MHz (OC mode) boost clock instead.
You also get a dual-fan Ventus cooler. Video memory is its weakest area, and the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto covers it better at 12GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 3050
- VRAM: 6GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 1492MHz
- Outputs: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 2 x HDMI 2.1a
Pros
- Two HDMI 2.1a outputs
- Dual-fan Ventus cooler
- DLSS support
- 1492MHz boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto (12GB)
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC stands out for a 2.5-slot design, and it adds 0dB fan stop at light loads.
Best for
- Buyers who want 2.5-slot design.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also offers an 8GB video memory and offers a 2.5-slot cooler thickness. It matches the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti EVO on video memory (8GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 5060 Ti gpu; compare the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti EVO, which has an RTX 4060 Ti gpu.
GDDR7 memory is unique to it among these picks, while the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X uses GDDR6 memory. The ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC 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 5060 Ti 8GB OC with the maker. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the pricier ASUS Dual 4060 Ti EVO, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5060 Ti
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- SFF-Ready: Yes
Pros
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- 2.5-slot design
- 0dB fan stop at light loads
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 Ti EVO OC Edition 8GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual EVO is the revised version of the dual-fan cooler, with a 2595MHz boost in OC mode.
Best for
- Buyers who want EVO revision of ASUS's dual-fan cooler.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
It matches the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC on video memory (8GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 4060 Ti gpu; compare the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC, which has an RTX 5060 Ti gpu. It shares GDDR6 memory with the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X; the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto goes with GDDR6X memory.
You get a 2595MHz (OC mode) boost clock here, which sets it apart from the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto and its a 2475MHz boost clock. It also offers an HDMI 2.1 output. No dimensions are published for the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti EVO; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC and the pricier PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4060 Ti
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 2595MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- The EVO revision of ASUS's dual-fan cooler
- 2595MHz boost clock in OC mode
- HDMI 2.1 output
- Video memory of 8GB, ahead of the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce at the time of writing
Largest Video Memory5 of 5
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 put video memory first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 12GB video memory. Nothing else here matches its 12GB video memory; the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC comes closest at 8GB. An RTX 4070 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X uses an RTX 3050 gpu.
It is the only pick here with GDDR6X memory; the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce has GDDR6 memory instead. No other pick in this guide offers a 2475MHz boost clock; compare the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X, which has a 1492MHz 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. Only the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti EVO came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
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
- RTX 4070 gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce 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 boost clock, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and boost clock is missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce to the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto, state GPU, video memory and memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC give no boost clock.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce ($150 to $250) to the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Lost and Found Co
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much video memory you need
Here video memory runs from 6GB on the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X to 12GB on the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto, a 100% spread. The ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC comes second at 8GB, in the $500 to $1000 tier against $500 to $1000 for the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto.
Memory
The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti EVO list GDDR6; the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC lists GDDR7; the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto lists GDDR6X. Sort out memory before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 3, 1 and 1.
Boost clock
The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X lists 1492MHz; the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti EVO lists 2595MHz (OC mode); the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto lists 2475MHz.
Setup checks
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. The ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
Extras that separate them
The ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC: 0dB fan stop at light loads. The ASUS Dual 4060 Ti EVO: a 2595MHz boost clock in OC mode. The PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto: a 2475MHz boost clock.
How to Choose a GPUs for Lost and Found Co
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler for the least money | Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce | Undercutting the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want two HDMI 2.1a outputs | MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X | Two HDMI 2.1a outputs |
| Buyers who want 2.5-slot design | ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC | A 2.5-slot design |
| Buyers who want EVO revision of ASUS's dual-fan cooler | ASUS Dual 4060 Ti EVO | The EVO revision of ASUS's dual-fan cooler |
| Buyers who put video memory first | PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto | The largest video memory here (12GB) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto leads on video memory at 12GB, ahead of the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC at 8GB. "Not listed" marks boost clock where the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Boost clock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | 1492MHz |
| ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC | RTX 5060 Ti | 8GB | GDDR7 | Not listed |
| ASUS Dual 4060 Ti EVO | RTX 4060 Ti | 8GB | GDDR6 | 2595MHz (OC mode) |
| PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto | RTX 4070 | 12GB | GDDR6X | 2475MHz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce |
| About $250 to $500 | MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X |
| About $500 to $1000 | ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC, ASUS Dual 4060 Ti EVO, PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC compare with the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto on video memory?
Between the top two, it is 12GB on the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto against 8GB on the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC, a 50% difference. The spread runs down to the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X at 6GB.
What does the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto add over the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce?
The spec sheets show video memory (12GB against 6GB) in its favour. On our last price check the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce was in the $150 to $250 tier and the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if video memory decides your purchase.
Why is the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto our Largest Video Memory pick?
It earns the label for the largest video memory here (12GB). On video memory it leads the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC, 12GB against 8GB, a 50% margin. The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, the cheapest pick, sat in the $150 to $250 tier against $500 to $1000 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who puts video memory first.
Do the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC differ on GPU?
The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X use RTX 3050; the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC uses RTX 5060 Ti; the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti EVO uses RTX 4060 Ti; the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto uses RTX 4070.
Will the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce work with my setup?
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RTX 3050 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 RTX 3050 Windforce with the maker. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick, and fourth of 5 on video memory (6GB).
What extras do the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X include?
The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce: a dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler. The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X: two HDMI 2.1a outputs. The ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC: a 2.5-slot design.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, chosen for undercutting the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X on price when we checked. Look at the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X for two HDMI 2.1a outputs, the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 8GB OC for a 2.5-slot design and the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti EVO for the EVO revision of ASUS's dual-fan cooler if those matter more to you.
Confirm the card fits your case; many budget cards are compact but some are long.