Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Rust
We weighed five graphics cards on video memory and card length; the Arc B580 Challenger has the slimmest cooler thickness, and it also costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Rust needs VRAM for large maps and bases. Every pick has 12GB or more and cost $700 or less.
Rust's official PC requirements list AMD Radeon RX 6600XT, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, Intel Arc B580 and 16GB of RAM for the recommended tier (source: Rust on Steam). Matching brand to brand, the Arc B580 Challenger is the same model class as the Arc B580; the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB, the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger and the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB are a newer generation than the RX 6600XT.
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.
Requirements source: Rust on Steam
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Slimmest Cooler Thickness
ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OCThe slimmest cooler thickness here (2-slot).
Best for: Buyers who put cooler thickness first.
Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT Challenger 12GB OC0dB silent cooling at light loads.
Best for: Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light loads.
Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT Challenger 12GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS Dual Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GBA dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles.
Best for: Buyers who want dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles.
Check price for ASUS Dual Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Challenger 16GB OCA 267mm length.
Best for: Buyers who want 267mm length.
Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Challenger 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB OC EditionThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a dual BIOS switch.
Best for: Buyers who want a dual BIOS switch and can spend more than the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger costs.
Check price for ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Slimmest Cooler Thickness1 of 5
ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC
Intel's Arc B580 brings 12GB of GDDR6 to the entry tier, more than the 8GB common at this price.
Best for
- Buyers who put cooler thickness first.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: video memory of 12GB, behind the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB (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 ASRock Challenger 7700 XT at 12GB. On cooler thickness it leads this guide at 2-slot, ahead of the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB (2.5-slot).
You get an arc B580 gpu here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB and its an RX 9060 XT gpu. It is the only pick here with a 2740MHz boost clock; the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB has a 3330MHz (OC mode) boost clock instead. It also offers 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT was closest.
Key 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 ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB (16GB)
The catch
What it gives up: video memory of 12GB, behind the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB (16GB); by contrast, the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB offers 16GB.
Also Consider2 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7700 XT Challenger 12GB OC
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 ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB offers 16GB.
Why we like it
It also offers a 12GB video memory. On video memory it ties with the Arc B580 Challenger at 12GB. You get an RX 7700 XT gpu here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB and its an RX 9060 XT gpu.
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. When we checked, only the Arc B580 Challenger cost less, and the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB cost more. Video memory is its weakest area, and the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB covers it better at 16GB.
Key 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 ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB (16GB)
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASUS Dual Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB
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
- Price-first buyers should look at the Arc B580 Challenger, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On video memory it ties with the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger and the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB at 16GB. It matches the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger and the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB on cooler thickness (2.5-slot). It shares an RX 9060 XT gpu with the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB; the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT goes with an RX 7700 XT gpu.
It is the only pick here with a 3250MHz (OC mode) boost clock; the Arc B580 Challenger has a 2740MHz boost clock instead. 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. When we checked, only the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT and cheaper picks cost less, and the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger cost more.
Key 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
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed card length, look to the Arc B580 Challenger instead: it comes in at 249mm, while this one gives no figure.
Worth a Look4 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Challenger 16GB OC
ASRock's Challenger is a 267mm, 2.5-slot dual-fan RX 7800 XT with two 8-pin connectors and a 750W recommended power supply.
Best for
- Buyers who want 267mm length.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables.
Why we like it
On video memory it ties with the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB and the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB at 16GB. An RX 7800 XT gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT uses an RX 7700 XT gpu. No other pick in this guide offers a 2475MHz boost clock; compare the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB, which has a 3330MHz (OC mode) boost clock.
Power for the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger comes through 2 x 8-pin, with 750W the maker's minimum PSU. Worth noting: 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures. You also get this: RX 7800 XT gpu, the only one here.
Key specs
- GPU
- RX 7800 XT
- VRAM
- 16GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Length
- 267mm
- Thickness
- 2.5-slot
- Recommended PSU
- 750W
- Power connector
- 2 x 8-pin
- Boost clock
- 2475MHz
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- 267mm length
- Dual-fan Challenger cooler
- 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
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB OC Edition
What the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB brings to the table is a dual BIOS switch, plus dual ball fan bearings.
Best for
- Buyers who want a dual BIOS switch and can spend more than the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger costs.
Skip if
- Skip it if cooler thickness matters most to you; the Arc B580 Challenger offers 2-slot.
Why we like it
It also offers a 16GB video memory and offers a 2.5-slot cooler thickness. It matches the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB and the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger on video memory (16GB). On cooler thickness it ties with the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB and the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger at 2.5-slot.
Like the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB, it has an RX 9060 XT gpu, while the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT uses an RX 7700 XT gpu. A 3330MHz (OC mode) boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB uses a 3250MHz (OC mode) boost clock. The ASUS Prime 9060 XT 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 ASRock 7800 XT Challenger.
Key specs
- GPU
- RX 9060 XT
- VRAM
- 16GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Thickness
- 2.5-slot
- Boost clock
- 3330MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Dual BIOS switch
- Dual ball fan bearings
- 3330MHz (OC mode) boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- Cooler thickness trails the Arc B580 Challenger (2-slot)
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed card length should compare it with the Arc B580 Challenger, which comes in at 249mm.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and card length as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 5 picks leave out card length.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Arc B580 Challenger to the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB and the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB give no card length; the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT 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 9060 XT 16GB ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Rust
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory
The ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB tops video memory at 16GB and the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT sits lowest at 12GB; 3 picks share the top figure. If video memory is your first filter, the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB sets the ceiling at 16GB.
Cooler thickness across these picks
Here cooler thickness runs from 2.5-slot on the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB to 2-slot on the Arc B580 Challenger, a 20% spread. The Arc B580 Challenger is the pick for cooler thickness. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT gives no cooler thickness figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
A graphics card's bare circuit board around the GPU die How much card length you need
Here card length runs from 267mm on the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger to 249mm on the Arc B580 Challenger, a 7% spread. Start with the Arc B580 Challenger if card length decides it. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB and the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB give no card length figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Power connector
The Arc B580 Challenger lists 1 x 8-pin; the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger lists 2 x 8-pin.
Fit and compatibility
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. 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.
How to Choose a GPUs for Rust
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put cooler thickness first | Arc B580 Challenger | The slimmest cooler thickness here (2-slot) |
| Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light loads | ASRock Challenger 7700 XT | 0dB silent cooling at light loads |
| 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 267mm length | ASRock 7800 XT Challenger | A 267mm length |
| Buyers who want a dual BIOS switch and can spend more than the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger costs | ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a dual BIOS switch |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB leads on video memory at 16GB, ahead of the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger at 16GB. "Not listed" marks card length where the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB and the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc B580 Challenger | Arc B580 | 12GB | GDDR6 | 249mm |
| ASRock Challenger 7700 XT | RX 7700 XT | 12GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock 7800 XT Challenger | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 267mm |
| ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | 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 ($250 to $500) and the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Arc B580 Challenger, ASRock Challenger 7700 XT |
| About $500 to $1000 | ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB, ASRock 7800 XT Challenger, ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these cards run Rust at recommended settings?
In Rust's list, the Arc B580 Challenger, the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB, the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger and the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB meet the recommended card on brand, generation and model number. Rust also lists 16GB of system RAM for that tier, which is separate from the card.
How does the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB compare with the Arc B580 Challenger on cooler thickness?
Between the top two, it is 2-slot on the Arc B580 Challenger against 2.5-slot on the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB, a 20% difference. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT is left out of this ranking because its cooler thickness isn't stated; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
Which has the shortest card length: the Arc B580 Challenger or the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger?
The Arc B580 Challenger is lowest on card length at 249mm; the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger follows at 267mm, 7% apart. No card length figure is published for the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB and the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB, which leaves 2 of 5 picks ranked here.
Which has the lowest recommended power supply: the Arc B580 Challenger or the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger?
The Arc B580 Challenger is lowest on recommended power supply at 650W; the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger follows at 750W, 13% apart. The ASRock Challenger 7700 XT, the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB and the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB are left out of this ranking because their recommended power supply isn't stated; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB add over the Arc B580 Challenger?
On paper it adds video memory (16GB against 12GB). It does not win everywhere: the Arc B580 Challenger still leads on cooler thickness (2-slot). On our last price check the Arc B580 Challenger was in the $250 to $500 tier and the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if video memory decides your purchase.
Why is the Arc B580 Challenger our Slimmest Cooler Thickness pick?
It carries the badge for the slimmest cooler thickness here (2-slot). On cooler thickness it leads the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB, 2-slot against 2.5-slot, a 20% margin. It makes sense for anyone who puts cooler thickness first.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Arc B580 Challenger, chosen for the slimmest cooler thickness here (2-slot). Look at the ASRock Challenger 7700 XT for 0dB silent cooling at light loads, the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB for a dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles and the ASRock 7800 XT Challenger for a 267mm length if those matter more to you.
Lower grass detail for higher frame rates.
Related Guides
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- Lower budgetThe Best GPUs Under $300
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End GPUs
- ExplainerHow Much VRAM Do You Need?
- ExplainerGPU Power Connectors Explained
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- Topic hubAll graphics cards guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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