Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Night in the Woods
From the Arc B580 Challenger to the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend: three graphics cards ranked on video memory and recommended power supply, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
Night in the Woods does not push current hardware, so this guide compares cards by price, memory and what they leave for other games. Every pick has at least 12GB of video memory and cost $650 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for GPU, VRAM and memory; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out recommended PSU, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 3 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)
Largest Video Memory
ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC
The largest video memory here (16GB).
Best for: Buyers who put video memory first.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Spending as little as possible, with the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT the next step up. | Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC (opens in a new tab) |
| 0dB silent cooling at light loads. | Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light loads. | Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT Challenger 12GB OC (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest video memory here (16GB). | Buyers who put video memory first. | Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 3
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
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 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.
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. Power for the Arc B580 Challenger comes through 1 x 8-pin, with 650W the maker's minimum PSU.
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 3
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)
- No published recommended power supply
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Largest Video Memory3 of 3
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 put video memory first.
Skip if
- Pass on it if needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Nothing else here matches its 16GB video memory; the Arc B580 Challenger comes closest at 12GB. You get an RX 7800 XT gpu here, which sets it apart from the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and its an RX 7700 XT gpu. 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. Another plus: 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures. At our last price check it topped the group, with the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT the nearest cheaper option.
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
- 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 lined up three cards on GPU, video memory, memory and recommended power supply from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and recommended power supply and power connector are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 3, from the Arc B580 Challenger to the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT gives no recommended power supply; the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT gives no power connector.
- Price range
- From the Arc B580 Challenger to the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a GPUs for Night in the Woods
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory across these picks
Across these 3 picks video memory spans 12GB (the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT) to 16GB (the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend). The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend is the pick for video memory.
Recommended power supply
Here recommended power supply runs from 700W on the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend to 650W on the Arc B580 Challenger, a 7% spread. If recommended power supply is your first filter, the Arc B580 Challenger sets the ceiling at 650W. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT gives no recommended power supply figure, so 2 of 3 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. Settling power connector first narrows 2 picks to 1 or 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.
Features beyond the spec table
The Arc B580 Challenger: dual-fan cooling with 0dB fan stop. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT: 0dB silent cooling at light loads. The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend: a 700W recommended PSU.
How to Choose a GPUs for Night in the Woods
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 put video memory first | ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | The largest video memory here (16GB) |
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 Arc B580 Challenger at 12GB. "Not listed" marks recommended power supply where the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT leaves the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Recommended PSU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc B580 Challenger | Arc B580 | 12GB | GDDR6 | 650W |
| ASRock Challenger 7700 XT | RX 7700 XT | 12GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 700W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest video memory: the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend or the Arc B580 Challenger?
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend tops video memory at 16GB; the Arc B580 Challenger follows at 12GB, 33% apart.
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. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT is left out of this ranking because its recommended power supply isn't stated; 2 of 3 picks are ranked.
Is the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend worth paying more than the Arc B580 Challenger?
The spec sheets show video memory (16GB against 12GB) in its favour. It does not win everywhere: the Arc B580 Challenger still leads on recommended power supply (650W). Both sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, so the gains in video memory cost little extra by tier.
What makes the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend the Largest Video Memory?
The label rests on the largest video memory here (16GB). The Arc B580 Challenger is next on video memory at 12GB, so this pick's 16GB is 33% further out. It gives up recommended power supply (700W against 650W) to the Arc B580 Challenger, the cheapest pick. It suits anyone who puts video memory first.
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 uses RX 7800 XT.
What should I check before buying the Arc B580 Challenger?
Measure for 249mm and 2 slots before ordering the Arc B580 Challenger. Power for the Arc B580 Challenger comes through 1 x 8-pin, with 650W the maker's minimum PSU. In this guide it ranks first of 3, as our Lowest Price Here pick, and second of 3 on video memory (12GB).
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 and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend for the largest video memory here (16GB) if those matter more to you.
Put leftover budget toward a higher-refresh monitor or an SSD.