Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Max Payne 3
Four graphics cards ranked on video memory and GPU, where the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming has the largest video memory; the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
Max Payne 3 runs on almost any current graphics card, so the choice comes down to price, memory and outputs. Every pick has at least 16GB of video memory and cost $800 or less, ordered from the highest price.
The order reflects GPU, VRAM and memory from maker specifications; a missing power connector is flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Video Memory
ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming OC 20GB
The largest video memory here (20GB).
Best for: Buyers who put video memory first.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming OC 20GB (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 XT Gaming OC 16G
A WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans.
Best for: Buyers who want WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 XT Gaming OC 16G (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
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)
Lowest Price Here
Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC 16G
The lowest price among these graphics cards at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $500.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC 16G (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest video memory here (20GB). | Buyers who put video memory first. | Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming OC 20GB (opens in a new tab) |
| A WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans. | Buyers who want WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans. | Check price for GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 XT Gaming OC 16G (opens in a new tab) |
| 32 compute units. | Buyers who want 32 compute units. | Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these graphics cards at the time of writing. | Keeping the cost under $500. | Check price for Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC 16G (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Video Memory1 of 4
ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming OC 20GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's Phantom Gaming OC offers a 2450MHz boost, 80MB of Infinity Cache and two 8-pin power connectors.
Best for
- Buyers who put video memory first.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables is a problem.
Why we like it
It was the least expensive 7900 XT here at the time of writing. Nothing else here matches its 20GB video memory; the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC comes closest at 16GB. It is the only pick here with an RX 7900 XT gpu; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB has an RX 9060 XT gpu instead.
No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7900 XT
- VRAM: 20GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Power connector: 2 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 2450MHz
Pros
- 20GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- 80MB of Infinity Cache
- Triple-fan Phantom Gaming cooler
- RX 7900 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Costs more than the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 4
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 XT Gaming OC 16G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RX 9070 XT Gaming OC pairs AMD's top RDNA 4 chip with 16GB of GDDR6 and a WINDFORCE cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who want WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
At the time of writing it cost about half as much as the RTX 5080 cards we researched, which makes it the strongest value in the upper tiers. It matches the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC on video memory (16GB). It is the only pick here with an RX 9070 XT gpu; the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC has an RX 7600 XT gpu instead.
It also offers server-grade thermal conductive gel and RGB lighting. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RX 9070 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 RX 9070 XT Gaming OC with the maker. Its price falls between the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9070 XT
- 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 Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 4
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
- If budget leads, the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC was cheaper at our last price check.
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 Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC and the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC at 16GB. An RX 9060 XT gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming uses an RX 7900 XT gpu.
It also comes with 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 Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC and below the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC 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 Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 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
- Keeping the cost under $500.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming offers 20GB.
Why we like it
It also offers a 16GB video memory. On video memory it ties with the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB at 16GB. An RX 7600 XT gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming uses an RX 7900 XT gpu.
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. It cost the least of the 4 picks at the time of writing, with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB the next step up. It gives ground on video memory, where the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming offers 20GB.
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
- Video memory trails the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming (20GB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side four cards on GPU, video memory, memory and power connector from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 5 fields compared are stated for every pick, while power connector and boost clock have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming to the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC and the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC give no power connector; the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC and the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC give no boost clock.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC ($250 to $500) to the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Max Payne 3
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much video memory you need
The ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming tops video memory at 20GB and the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC sits lowest at 16GB. If video memory is your first filter, the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming sets the ceiling at 20GB.
Power connector
The ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming lists 2 x 8-pin; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB lists 1 x 8-pin.
What to check at home
No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Measure for 249mm and 2 slots before ordering the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB.
Extras that separate them
The Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC: server-grade thermal conductive gel. The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB: 20Gbps memory on a 128-bit bus. The Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC: a 128-bit memory interface.
Budget
$250 to $500 buys the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC; $500 to $1000 buys the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC and the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming at our last check.
How to Choose a GPUs for Max Payne 3
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put video memory first | ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming | The largest video memory here (20GB) |
| Buyers who want WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans | Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC | A WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans |
| Buyers who want 32 compute units | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB | 32 compute units |
| Keeping the cost under $500 | Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC | The lowest price among these graphics cards at the time of writing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming leads on video memory at 20GB, ahead of the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC at 16GB. "Not listed" marks power connector where the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC and the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Power connector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming | RX 7900 XT | 20GB | GDDR6 | 2 x 8-pin |
| Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC | RX 9070 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 1 x 8-pin |
| Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC | RX 7600 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC was the lowest-priced pick ($250 to $500) and the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC |
| About $500 to $1000 | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC, ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest video memory: the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming or the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC?
The ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming tops video memory at 20GB; the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC follows at 16GB, 25% apart.
What does the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming add over the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC?
What it brings is video memory (20GB against 16GB). On our last price check the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC was in the $250 to $500 tier and the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 2 other picks between them; pay the difference only if video memory decides your purchase.
Why is the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming our Largest Video Memory pick?
It carries the badge for the largest video memory here (20GB). On video memory it leads the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC, 20GB against 16GB, a 25% margin. The Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC, the cheapest pick, sat in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for anyone who puts video memory first.
Do the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming and the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC differ on GPU?
The ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming uses RX 7900 XT; the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC uses RX 9070 XT; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB uses RX 9060 XT; the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC uses RX 7600 XT.
Will the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming work with my setup?
No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Power for the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming comes through 2 x 8-pin. In this guide it ranks first of 4, as our Largest Video Memory pick, and first of 4 on video memory (20GB).
What extras do the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming and the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC include?
The ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming: 80MB of Infinity Cache. The Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC: a WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans. The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB: 32 compute units.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming, chosen for the largest video memory here (20GB). Look at the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC for a WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB for 32 compute units and the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC for the lowest price among these graphics cards at the time of writing if those matter more to you.
Check the card's power connector against your power supply before ordering.