Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II
We weighed five graphics cards on video memory and GPU, and the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II does not push current hardware, so this guide compares cards by price, memory and what they leave for other games. Every pick is an RTX card that cost $650 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh GPU, VRAM and memory as the makers state them; we did not test these graphics cards ourselves, and if a maker skips boost clock, the guide says 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
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5060 WINDFORCE OC 8G
A dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5060 WINDFORCE OC 8G (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 8GB OC
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with axial-tech fans with a barrier ring.
Best for: Buyers who want axial-tech fans with a barrier ring and can spend more than the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce costs.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 8GB OC (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
- Look at the others if this bothers 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 main gap: video memory of 6GB, behind the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce (8GB). If that matters, the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce offers 8GB.
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 Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce (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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
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 RTX 5060 goes with an RTX 5060 gpu. Like the MSI RTX 3050 LP, it has a 1492MHz boost clock, while the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 uses a 2565MHz (OC mode) boost clock. It also offers a dual-fan Ventus cooler.
No dimensions are published for the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. It was priced above the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and below the MSI RTX 3050 LP at the time of writing.
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 5060 goes with a 2565MHz (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 Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce, based on our last check. If video memory is your priority, the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce (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 Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce (8GB)
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5060 WINDFORCE OC 8G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RTX 5060 Windforce is the budget route to DLSS 4 and GDDR7 memory.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
The maker publishes few details, so confirm length and power needs on Gigabyte's spec page before buying. It matches the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 on video memory (8GB). Like the ASUS Dual RTX 5060, it has an RTX 5060 gpu, while the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X uses an RTX 3050 gpu.
It shares GDDR7 memory with the ASUS Dual RTX 5060; the MSI RTX 3050 LP goes with GDDR6 memory. It also comes with a dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler and a PCIe 5.0 interface. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RTX 5060 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 5060 Windforce with the maker. Its price falls between the MSI RTX 3050 LP and the ASUS Dual RTX 5060, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR7
Pros
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler
- PCIe 5.0 interface
- 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
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 is a 2.5-slot, SFF-Ready card with GDDR7 memory and DisplayPort 2.1b.
Best for
- Buyers who want axial-tech fans with a barrier ring and can spend more than the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce costs.
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 8GB of memory is best matched to a 1080p monitor. On video memory it ties with the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce at 8GB. It shares an RTX 5060 gpu with the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce; the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X goes with an RTX 3050 gpu.
Like the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce, it has GDDR7 memory, while the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X uses GDDR6 memory. It is the only pick here with a 2565MHz (OC mode) boost clock; the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X has a 1492MHz boost clock instead. You also get axial-tech fans with a barrier ring.
The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 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 Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 2565MHz (OC mode)
- SFF-Ready: Yes
- Outputs: HDMI 2.1b, DisplayPort 2.1b
Pros
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- Axial-tech fans with a barrier ring
- 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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and boost clock from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 5 fields compared are stated for every pick, while boost clock and outputs have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce to the ASUS Dual RTX 5060, state GPU, video memory and memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce give no boost clock; the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce give no outputs.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce ($150 to $250) to the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory
Here video memory runs from 6GB on the MSI RTX 3050 LP to 8GB on the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce, a 33% spread. Start with the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce if video memory decides it.
Memory
The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP list GDDR6; the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce and the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 list GDDR7. Settling memory first narrows 5 picks to 3 or 2.
Boost clock
The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP list 1492MHz; the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 lists 2565MHz (OC mode). Sort out boost clock before price: it splits 3 stated picks into groups of 2 and 1.
Setup checks
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 occupies 2.5 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 Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce: a PCIe 5.0 interface. The ASUS Dual RTX 5060: axial-tech fans with a barrier ring.
How to Choose a GPUs for Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II
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 dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler | Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce | A dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler |
| Buyers who want axial-tech fans with a barrier ring and can spend more than the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce costs | ASUS Dual RTX 5060 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with axial-tech fans with a barrier ring |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce leads on video memory at 8GB, ahead of the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 at 8GB. "Not listed" marks boost clock where the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Boost clock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | 1492MHz |
| MSI RTX 3050 LP | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | 1492MHz |
| Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce | RTX 5060 | 8GB | GDDR7 | Not listed |
| ASUS Dual RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 | 8GB | GDDR7 | 2565MHz (OC mode) |
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 RTX 5060 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, Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce, ASUS Dual RTX 5060 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 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 RTX 5060 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 RTX 5060 our Premium Pick?
It carries the badge for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with axial-tech fans with a barrier ring. 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 anyone who wants axial-tech fans with a barrier ring and can spend more than the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce costs.
Do the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce differ on GPU?
The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP use RTX 3050; the Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce and the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 use RTX 5060.
Will the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 work with my setup?
The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 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 RTX 5060 with the maker. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Premium Pick, and second of 5 on video memory (8GB).
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 Gigabyte RTX 5060 Windforce for a dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler if those matter more to you.
Confirm the card fits your case; many budget cards are compact but some are long.