Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Project Zomboid
Four graphics cards ranked on video memory and card length; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
Project Zomboid is light on the GPU; a budget card is plenty. Every pick cost $300 or less.
Rankings weigh GPU, VRAM and memory as the makers state them; if a maker skips length, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC
A lower price than the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money.
Our take Check price for ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASRock Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8GB
0dB silent cooling at light load.
Best for: Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light load.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8GB (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6G
A dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6G (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
MSI Gaming RTX 3050 LP 6G OC
The top of this price range, adding 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for MSI Gaming RTX 3050 LP 6G OC (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A lower price than the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and the rest when we checked. | Getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money. | Check price for ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC (opens in a new tab) |
| 0dB silent cooling at light load. | Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light load. | Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8GB (opens in a new tab) |
| A dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler. | Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler. | Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6G (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for MSI Gaming RTX 3050 LP 6G OC (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's Arc A580 Challenger has 8GB on a 256-bit bus and supports XeSS upscaling.
Best for
- Getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money.
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
It needs two 8-pin connectors and a 650W power supply. It matches the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D on video memory (8GB). It is the only pick here with an arc A580 gpu; the MSI RTX 3050 LP has an RTX 3050 gpu instead.
It also offers a 256-bit memory bus and 0dB silent cooling at light load. Measure for 271mm and 2.4 slots before ordering the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger. Power for the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger comes through 2 x 8-pin, with 650W the maker's minimum PSU.
It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D was the next step up. The main gap: card length of 271mm, behind the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D (269mm). If that matters, the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D comes in at 269mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: Arc A580
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 271mm
- Thickness: 2.4-slot
- Recommended PSU: 650W
- Power connector: 2 x 8-pin
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.0, 1 x HDMI 2.0b
Pros
- 256-bit memory bus
- 0dB silent cooling at light load
- XeSS upscaling support
- Video memory of 8GB, ahead of the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Card length of 271mm, behind the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D (269mm)
Also Consider2 of 4
ASRock Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's RX 6600 Challenger D is 269mm long, uses one 8-pin connector and stops its fans at light load.
Best for
- Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light load.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent game is a problem.
Why we like it
It is a previous-generation 8GB card still sold new. It supports AMD FSR upscaling for higher frame rates in supported games. Its single 8-pin connector suits older power supplies.
It matches the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger on video memory (8GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RX 6600 gpu; compare the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, which has an RTX 3050 gpu. It also offers a PCIe 4.0 x8 interface and a dual-fan cooler.
The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D is 269mm long; compare that with your case's GPU limit. On price it sat second of 4, between the cheaper ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the pricier Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 6600
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 269mm
- Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.1
Pros
- A single 8-pin power connector
- 0dB silent cooling at light load
- PCIe 4.0 x8 interface
- Dual-fan cooler
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 4
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
- Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 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. It matches the MSI RTX 3050 LP on video memory (6GB). Like the MSI RTX 3050 LP, it has an RTX 3050 gpu, while the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger uses an arc A580 gpu.
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. Its price falls between the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and the MSI RTX 3050 LP, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed card length should compare it with the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D, which comes in at 269mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 3050
- VRAM: 6GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- Dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler
- DLSS support
- Second-generation RT cores
Cons
- 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- No published card length
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 4
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
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 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 on video memory (6GB). Like the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, it has an RTX 3050 gpu, while the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger uses an arc A580 gpu.
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.
It was the highest-priced of the 4 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the rest. The trade-off is video memory; for more, the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger offers 8GB.
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
- The top of this price range, adding 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus
Cons
- 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger (8GB)
- No published card length
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 card length from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to the MSI RTX 3050 LP, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the MSI RTX 3050 LP give no card length; the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the MSI RTX 3050 LP give no power connector.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger ($150 to $250) to the MSI RTX 3050 LP ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Project Zomboid
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory across these picks
Here video memory runs from 6GB on the MSI RTX 3050 LP to 8GB on the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger. Start with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger if video memory decides it.
How much card length you need
Here card length runs from 271mm on the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to 269mm on the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D. The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D is the pick for card length. No figure for the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the MSI RTX 3050 LP.
Power connector
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger lists 2 x 8-pin; the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D lists 1 x 8-pin. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
What to check at home
Measure for 271mm and 2.4 slots before ordering the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger. The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D is 269mm long; compare that with your case's GPU limit. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Extras that separate them
The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D: a PCIe 4.0 x8 interface. The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce: DLSS support. The MSI RTX 3050 LP: two HDMI 2.1a outputs.
Check length and thickness
Partner cards of the same GPU can differ by several centimetres. Compare the card's length with the case's GPU clearance, allowing for front fans or a radiator, and check how many slots it covers.
How to Choose a GPUs for Project Zomboid
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | A lower price than the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light load | ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D | 0dB silent cooling at light load |
| Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler | Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce | A dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | MSI RTX 3050 LP | The top of this price range, adding 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger leads on video memory at 8GB, ahead of the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D at 8GB. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | Arc A580 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 271mm |
| ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D | RX 6600 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 269mm |
| Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| MSI RTX 3050 LP | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger was the lowest-priced pick and the MSI RTX 3050 LP the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D, Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce |
| About $250 to $500 | MSI RTX 3050 LP |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger compare with the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D on card length?
The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D comes out best at 269mm, with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at 271mm. The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the MSI RTX 3050 LP don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
What does the MSI RTX 3050 LP add over the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger still leads on video memory (8GB). The ASRock Arc A580 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 MSI RTX 3050 LP our Premium Pick pick?
It earns the label for the top of this price range, adding 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus. It suits spending more for the fullest feature set.
Do the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D differ on GPU?
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger uses Arc A580; the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D uses RX 6600; the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the MSI RTX 3050 LP use RTX 3050.
Will the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger work with my setup?
Measure for 271mm and 2.4 slots before ordering the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger. Power for the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger comes through 2 x 8-pin, with 650W the maker's minimum PSU. In this guide it ranks first of 4, as our Lowest Price Here pick.
What extras do the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D include?
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger: a 256-bit memory bus. The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D: 0dB silent cooling at light load. The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce: a dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, chosen for a lower price than the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and the rest when we checked. Look at the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D for 0dB silent cooling at light load, the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce for a dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler and the MSI RTX 3050 LP for the top of this price range, adding 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus if those matter more to you.
The CPU matters more with big hordes.