Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Minecraft RTX
We weighed four graphics cards on video memory and GPU; the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB has the largest video memory, and the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
Minecraft RTX adds path-traced lighting that only works on NVIDIA RTX cards. Every pick is an RTX card with at least 12GB of video memory that cost $800 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh GPU, VRAM and memory as the makers state them; we did not test these graphics cards ourselves, and if a maker skips boost clock, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G
The lowest price among these graphics cards at the time of writing.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ventus 3X E1 12G OC
A triple-fan Ventus cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want triple-fan Ventus cooler.
Our take Check price for MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ventus 3X E1 12G OC (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
MSI Gaming RTX 5070 12G Ventus 3X OC
Three TORX Fan 5.0 fans.
Best for: Buyers who want three TORX Fan 5.0 fans.
Our take Check price for MSI Gaming RTX 5070 12G Ventus 3X OC (opens in a new tab)
Largest Video Memory
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC
The largest video memory here (16GB).
Best for: Buyers who put video memory first.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price among these graphics cards at the time of writing. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G (opens in a new tab) |
| A triple-fan Ventus cooler. | Buyers who want triple-fan Ventus cooler. | Check price for MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ventus 3X E1 12G OC (opens in a new tab) |
| Three TORX Fan 5.0 fans. | Buyers who want three TORX Fan 5.0 fans. | Check price for MSI Gaming RTX 5070 12G Ventus 3X OC (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest video memory here (16GB). | Buyers who put video memory first. | Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
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
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Pass on it if video memory of 12GB, behind the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB (16GB rules it out for your setup.
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 MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 and the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X at 12GB. It shares an RTX 4070 gpu with the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1; the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB goes with an RTX 5060 Ti gpu.
No other pick in this guide offers GDDR6X memory; compare the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1, 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 was closest.
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
- GDDR6X memory, the only one here
Cons
- Video memory of 12GB, behind the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB (16GB)
Also Consider2 of 4
MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ventus 3X E1 12G OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's Ventus 3X E1 is a triple-fan RTX 4070 that uses GDDR6 memory rather than the GDDR6X on the other 4070 cards here, with a 2520MHz boost.
Best for
- Buyers who want triple-fan Ventus cooler.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It has three DisplayPort 1.4a outputs and one HDMI 2.1a on a 192-bit memory interface. It uses the GeForce RTX 4070 chip with MSI's three-fan cooler. It has three DisplayPort 1.4a outputs and one HDMI 2.1a, with 12GB of GDDR6 on a 192-bit bus and a 2520MHz clock.
It matches the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X on video memory (12GB). A 2520MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB uses a 2632MHz (OC mode) boost clock. No dimensions are published for the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 with the maker. Its price falls between the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 2520MHz
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1 x HDMI 2.1a
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Triple-fan Ventus cooler
- GDDR6 memory rather than the GDDR6X on other 4070 cards
- 2520MHz boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 4
MSI Gaming RTX 5070 12G Ventus 3X OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ventus 3X is MSI's plain take on the RTX 5070: three TORX fans, a copper baseplate and 12GB of GDDR7.
Best for
- Buyers who want three TORX Fan 5.0 fans.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB offers 16GB.
Why we like it
Three DisplayPort 2.1a outputs and one HDMI 2.1b cover most monitor setups. It matches the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 on video memory (12GB). It is the only pick here with an RTX 5070 gpu; the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 has an RTX 4070 gpu instead.
It shares GDDR7 memory with the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB; the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 goes with GDDR6 memory. A 2557MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB uses a 2632MHz (OC mode) boost clock. You also get a vented metal backplate.
No dimensions are published for the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its price falls between the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 and the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Boost clock: 2557MHz
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1a, 1 x HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Three TORX Fan 5.0 fans
- Nickel-plated copper baseplate
Cons
- Video memory trails the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB (16GB)
- Costs more than the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce at the time of writing
Largest Video Memory4 of 4
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB is the lower-cost NVIDIA route to 16GB at 1440p.
Best for
- Buyers who put video memory first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is a 2.5-slot card with 0dB fan stop and dual-ball fan bearings. Its 16GB video memory is the largest here; the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce comes next at 12GB. It is the only pick here with an RTX 5060 Ti gpu; the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce has an RTX 4070 gpu instead.
It shares GDDR7 memory with the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X; the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 goes with GDDR6 memory. A 2632MHz (OC mode) boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X uses a 2557MHz boost clock. You also get a quiet/performance dual BIOS.
The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5060 Ti
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 2632MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Quiet/performance dual BIOS
- 0dB fan stop
Cons
- Costs more than the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We set side by side four cards on GPU, video memory, memory and boost clock from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce to the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, state GPU, video memory and memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Gigabyte 4070 Windforce gives no boost clock; the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB give no outputs.
- Price range
- From the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce to the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, all sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a GPUs for Minecraft RTX
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory
Here video memory runs from 12GB on the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X to 16GB on the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB. Start with the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB if video memory decides it.
Memory
The Gigabyte 4070 Windforce lists GDDR6X; the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 lists GDDR6; the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X and the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB list GDDR7. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Boost clock
The MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 lists 2520MHz; the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X lists 2557MHz; the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB lists 2632MHz (OC mode).
Fit and compatibility
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
Extras that separate them
The MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1: GDDR6 memory rather than the GDDR6X on other 4070 cards. The MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X: a nickel-plated copper baseplate. The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB: 0dB fan stop.
How to Choose a GPUs for Minecraft RTX
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | Gigabyte 4070 Windforce | The lowest price among these graphics cards at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want triple-fan Ventus cooler | MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 | A triple-fan Ventus cooler |
| Buyers who want three TORX Fan 5.0 fans | MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X | Three TORX Fan 5.0 fans |
| Buyers who put video memory first | ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB | The largest video memory here (16GB) |
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Key specs side by side
The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB leads on video memory at 16GB, ahead of the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce at 12GB. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Boost clock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gigabyte 4070 Windforce | RTX 4070 | 12GB | GDDR6X | Not listed |
| MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 | RTX 4070 | 12GB | GDDR6 | 2520MHz |
| MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X | RTX 5070 | 12GB | GDDR7 | 2557MHz |
| ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB | RTX 5060 Ti | 16GB | GDDR7 | 2632MHz (OC mode) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB ahead of the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce on video memory?
The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB leads at 16GB, with the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce at 12GB.
What does the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB add over the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce?
On paper it adds video memory (16GB against 12GB). The Gigabyte 4070 Windforce was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB our Largest Video Memory pick?
It earns the label for the largest video memory here (16GB). It suits anyone who put video memory first.
Do the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X differ on GPU?
The Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 use RTX 4070; the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X uses RTX 5070; the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB uses RTX 5060 Ti.
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 first of 4, as our Lowest Price Here pick.
What extras do the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 include?
The Gigabyte 4070 Windforce: a dual BIOS switch. The MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1: a triple-fan Ventus cooler. The MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X: three TORX Fan 5.0 fans.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce, chosen for the lowest price among these graphics cards at the time of writing. Look at the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 for a triple-fan Ventus cooler, the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X for three TORX Fan 5.0 fans and the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB for the largest video memory here (16GB) if those matter more to you.
Combine a lower render distance with DLSS to keep ray tracing playable.