Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Owlboy
We weighed five graphics cards on video memory and cooler thickness, and the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
For Owlboy, the card matters less than the monitor, memory and storage around it, so compare price and memory first. 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 thickness, 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
MSI Gaming RTX 3050 LP 6G OC
14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus.
Best for: Buyers who want 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus.
Our take Check price for MSI Gaming RTX 3050 LP 6G OC (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5050 8GB OC
A quiet/performance dual BIOS.
Best for: Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5050 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 OC White Edition
A white shroud for light-themed builds at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce costs less.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 OC White Edition (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
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
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 and the MSI RTX 3050 LP on video memory (6GB). 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.
It undercut the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its cooler thickness; if that figure matters, the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 comes in at 2-slot.
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 ASUS Dual RTX 5050 (8GB)
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 and the MSI RTX 3050 LP at 6GB.
It shares an RTX 3050 gpu with the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and MSI RTX 3050 LP; the ASUS Dual 4060 White goes with an RTX 4060 gpu. Like the MSI RTX 3050 LP, it has a 1492MHz boost clock, while the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 uses a 2677MHz (OC mode) boost clock. You also get a dual-fan Ventus cooler.
It was priced above the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and below the MSI RTX 3050 LP at the time of writing. There is no published cooler thickness figure, whereas the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 comes in at 2-slot.
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
Cons
- 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
MSI Gaming RTX 3050 LP 6G OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's RTX 3050 LP is an entry card with 6GB of memory, fine for older games and esports titles.
Best for
- Buyers who want 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
Two HDMI 2.1a ports and a DisplayPort make it useful in a multi-monitor work PC. It matches the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X on video memory (6GB). It shares a 1492MHz boost clock with the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X; the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 goes with a 2677MHz (OC mode) boost clock.
No dimensions are published for the MSI RTX 3050 LP; 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 RTX 3050 LP with the maker. Half-height cases need the low-profile bracket; confirm it ships with the MSI RTX 3050 LP.
Its price falls between the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the ASUS Dual RTX 5050, based on our last check. If video memory is your priority, the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 (8GB) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 3050
- VRAM: 6GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 1492MHz
- Low profile: Yes
- Outputs: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 2 x HDMI 2.1a
Pros
- Low-profile design for slim desktops
- 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus
- Two HDMI 2.1a outputs
Cons
- 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 (8GB)
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5050 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual RTX 5050 is the least expensive GeForce here, a two-slot card with a dual BIOS and 0dB fan stop.
Best for
- Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS.
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 brings DLSS 4 to budget builds, with 8GB of GDDR6. It matches the ASUS Dual 4060 White on video memory (8GB). It is the only pick here with an RTX 5050 gpu; the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce has an RTX 3050 gpu instead.
A 2677MHz (OC mode) boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the MSI RTX 3050 LP uses a 1492MHz boost clock. It also comes with dual-ball fan bearings. The ASUS Dual RTX 5050 occupies 2 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 Dual RTX 5050 with the maker. SFF-Ready is NVIDIA's size guideline, not a guarantee the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 fits every small case. Its price falls between the MSI RTX 3050 LP and the ASUS Dual 4060 White, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5050
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2-slot
- Boost clock: 2677MHz (OC mode)
- SFF-Ready: Yes
Pros
- Dual-slot cooler leaves the next slot free
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- Quiet/performance dual BIOS
- 0dB fan stop
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
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 OC White Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual White has a white shroud for light-themed builds, a dual BIOS switch and a 2.5-slot cooler.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce costs less.
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
Its OC mode boosts to 2,535MHz, and Axial-tech fans with barrier rings push more air downward. Its dual ball fan bearings last up to twice as long as sleeve bearings. On video memory it ties with the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 at 8GB.
An RTX 4060 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X uses an RTX 3050 gpu. The ASUS Dual 4060 White 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 Dual 4060 White with the maker. Only the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
Pros
- White shroud for light-themed builds
- Dual BIOS switch
- 2.5-slot dual-fan cooler
- 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
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and cooler thickness from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick, while cooler thickness and boost clock have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce to the ASUS Dual 4060 White, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP give no cooler thickness; the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the ASUS Dual 4060 White give no boost clock.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce ($150 to $250) to the ASUS Dual 4060 White ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Owlboy
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much video memory you need
Across these 5 picks video memory spans 6GB (the MSI RTX 3050 LP) to 8GB (the ASUS Dual RTX 5050). Start with the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 if video memory decides it.
Cooler thickness
The ASUS Dual RTX 5050 tops cooler thickness at 2-slot and the ASUS Dual 4060 White sits lowest at 2.5-slot. If cooler thickness is your first filter, the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 sets the ceiling at 2-slot. The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP give no cooler thickness figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Boost clock
The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP list 1492MHz; the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 lists 2677MHz (OC mode).
Fit and compatibility
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. The ASUS Dual RTX 5050 occupies 2 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
Extras that separate them
The MSI RTX 3050 LP: two HDMI 2.1a outputs. The ASUS Dual RTX 5050: 0dB fan stop. The ASUS Dual 4060 White: a dual BIOS switch.
How to Choose a GPUs for Owlboy
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 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus | MSI RTX 3050 LP | 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus |
| Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS | ASUS Dual RTX 5050 | A quiet/performance dual BIOS |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce costs less | ASUS Dual 4060 White | A white shroud for light-themed builds at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASUS Dual RTX 5050 leads on video memory at 8GB, ahead of the ASUS Dual 4060 White at 8GB. "Not listed" marks cooler thickness where the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| MSI RTX 3050 LP | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS Dual RTX 5050 | RTX 5050 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 2-slot |
| ASUS Dual 4060 White | RTX 4060 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 2.5-slot |
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 ASUS Dual 4060 White the highest ($250 to $500) 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, MSI RTX 3050 LP, ASUS Dual RTX 5050, ASUS Dual 4060 White |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the ASUS Dual 4060 White compare with the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 on cooler thickness?
Between the top two, it is 2-slot on the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 against 2.5-slot on the ASUS Dual 4060 White, a 20% difference. The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP are left out of this ranking because their cooler thickness isn't stated; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the ASUS Dual 4060 White add over the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce?
What it brings is video memory (8GB against 6GB). On our last price check the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce was in the $150 to $250 tier and the ASUS Dual 4060 White in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if video memory decides your purchase.
Why is the ASUS Dual 4060 White our Premium Pick?
It carries the badge for a white shroud for light-themed builds at the highest price in the group. The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, the cheapest pick, sat in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce costs less.
Do the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 differ on GPU?
The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP use RTX 3050; the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 uses RTX 5050; the ASUS Dual 4060 White uses RTX 4060.
Will the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X work with my setup?
No dimensions are published for the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X; 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 RTX 3050 Ventus 2X with the maker. In this guide it ranks second of 5, 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 MSI RTX 3050 LP: 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus.
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 MSI RTX 3050 LP for 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus and the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 for a quiet/performance dual BIOS if those matter more to you.
Put leftover budget toward a higher-refresh monitor or an SSD.