Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Path of Exile 2
We weighed five graphics cards on video memory and card length; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB has the lowest recommended power supply, and the Arc B580 Challenger costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Path of Exile 2 stacks particle effects in late-game maps, which stress both the GPU and the CPU. Every pick has at least 12GB of video memory and cost between $300 and $600.
The order reflects GPU, VRAM and memory from maker specifications; we did not test these graphics cards ourselves, and a missing length is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 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.
Our take Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC
A white-and-silver Steel Legend finish.
Best for: Buyers who want white-and-silver Steel Legend finish.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Recommended Power Supply
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC
The lowest recommended power supply here (550W).
Best for: Buyers who put recommended power supply first.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS Dual Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB
A dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles.
Best for: Buyers who want dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 GRE EVO OC Edition
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a phase-change GPU thermal pad.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 GRE EVO OC Edition (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
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.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers 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. On video memory it ties with the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE at 12GB. It matches the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB on cooler thickness (2-slot).
On recommended power supply it sits mid-pack at 650W: the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB offers 550W, and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend comes in at 700W. An arc B580 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB uses an RX 9060 XT gpu. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend the next step up. What it gives up: video memory of 12GB, behind the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (16GB); by contrast, 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 5
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 want white-and-silver Steel Legend finish.
Skip if
- Pass on it if needs two 8-pin PCIe power cable rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It matches the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB on video memory (16GB). Its 700W recommended power supply is the highest in this group; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB leads at 550W. No other pick in this guide offers an RX 7800 XT gpu; compare the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB, which has an RX 9060 XT gpu.
A 2 x 8-pin power connector is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB uses a 1 x 8-pin power connector. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Arc B580 Challenger and the pricier ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its card length; if that figure matters, the Arc B580 Challenger comes in at 249mm.
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
- No published cooler thickness
- Recommended power supply trails the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB (550W)
Lowest Recommended Power Supply3 of 5
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 put recommended power supply first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Arc B580 Challenger, which cost less when we checked.
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 ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB at 16GB. It matches the Arc B580 Challenger on cooler thickness (2-slot).
On recommended power supply it leads this guide at 550W, ahead of the Arc B580 Challenger (650W). Like the Arc B580 Challenger, it has a 1 x 8-pin power connector, while the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend uses a 2 x 8-pin power connector. It is the only pick here with a 3290MHz boost clock; the Arc B580 Challenger has a 2740MHz boost clock instead.
It also offers 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.
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 Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
ASUS Dual Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual RX 9060 XT 16GB offers a 3250MHz boost in OC mode with Quiet and Performance BIOS profiles and 0dB fan stop.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles.
Skip if
- Pass if a published recommended power supply matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
On video memory it ties with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB at 16GB. It matches the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE on cooler thickness (2.5-slot). It shares an RX 9060 XT gpu with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB; the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE goes with an RX 9070 GRE gpu.
No other pick in this guide offers a 3250MHz (OC mode) boost clock; compare the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, which has a 3290MHz boost clock. The ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB 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 9060 XT 16GB with the maker. There is no published card length figure, whereas the Arc B580 Challenger comes in at 249mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 3250MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles
- 0dB fan stop at light load
- 3250MHz (OC mode) boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- No published recommended power supply
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 GRE EVO OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Prime RX 9070 GRE has 12GB of GDDR6 and a 2880MHz boost in OC mode, with a phase-change thermal pad.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend offers 16GB.
Why we like it
On video memory it ties with the Arc B580 Challenger at 12GB. It matches the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB on cooler thickness (2.5-slot). You get an RX 9070 GRE gpu here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB and its an RX 9060 XT gpu.
It is the only pick here with a 2880MHz (OC mode) boost clock; the Arc B580 Challenger has a 2740MHz boost clock instead. It also offers a dual BIOS switch. The ASUS Prime 9070 GRE occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
At our last price check it topped the group, with the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB the nearest cheaper option. Video memory is its weakest area, and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend covers it better at 16GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9070 GRE
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 2880MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad
- Dual BIOS switch
- RX 9070 GRE gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Video memory trails the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (16GB)
- Cooler thickness trails the Arc B580 Challenger (2-slot)
- No published recommended power supply
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 card length from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Arc B580 Challenger to the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB and the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE give no card length; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend gives no cooler thickness.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Arc B580 Challenger ($250 to $500) to the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Path of Exile 2
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory
Here video memory runs from 12GB on the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE to 16GB on the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend. Start with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend if video memory decides it.
Cooler thickness across these picks
Here cooler thickness runs from 2.5-slot on the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE to 2-slot on the Arc B580 Challenger. The Arc B580 Challenger is the pick for cooler thickness. No figure for the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend.
Recommended power supply across these picks
Here recommended power supply runs from 700W on the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend to 550W on the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB. The Arc B580 Challenger comes second for less money. No figure for the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB and the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE.
Power connector
The Arc B580 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB list 1 x 8-pin; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend lists 2 x 8-pin.
What to check at home
Measure for 249mm and 2 slots before ordering the Arc B580 Challenger. No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend; 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.
How to Choose a GPUs for Path of Exile 2
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | Arc B580 Challenger | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want white-and-silver Steel Legend finish | ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | A white-and-silver Steel Legend finish |
| Buyers who put recommended power supply first | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB | The lowest recommended power supply here (550W) |
| Buyers who want dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles | ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB | A dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | ASUS Prime 9070 GRE | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a phase-change GPU thermal pad |
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 ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB at 16GB. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc B580 Challenger | Arc B580 | 12GB | GDDR6 | 249mm |
| ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 249mm |
| ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS Prime 9070 GRE | RX 9070 GRE | 12GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Arc B580 Challenger was the lowest-priced pick and the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Arc B580 Challenger, ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend |
| About $500 to $1000 | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB, ASUS Prime 9070 GRE |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Arc B580 Challenger compare with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB on recommended power supply?
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes out best at 550W, with the Arc B580 Challenger at 650W. The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend is at the other end of this group with 700W. The ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB and the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
What does the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE add over the Arc B580 Challenger?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the Arc B580 Challenger still leads on cooler thickness (2-slot). The Arc B580 Challenger was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
Why is the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB our Lowest Recommended Power Supply pick?
It earns the label for the lowest recommended power supply here (550W). It suits anyone who put recommended power supply first.
Do the Arc B580 Challenger and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend differ on GPU?
The Arc B580 Challenger uses Arc B580; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend uses RX 7800 XT; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB use RX 9060 XT; the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE uses RX 9070 GRE.
Will the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB work with my setup?
Measure for 249mm and 2 slots before ordering the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB. Power for the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes through 1 x 8-pin, with 550W the maker's minimum PSU. In this guide it ranks third of 5, as our Lowest Recommended Power Supply pick.
What extras do the Arc B580 Challenger and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend include?
The Arc B580 Challenger: a 192-bit memory bus at 19Gbps. The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend: a white-and-silver Steel Legend finish. The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB: 32 compute units.
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 7800 XT Steel Legend for a white-and-silver Steel Legend finish, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB for the lowest recommended power supply here (550W) and the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB for a dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles if those matter more to you.
Reduce effect density in the settings for smoother endgame maps.