Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Stardew Valley
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
For Stardew Valley, 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.
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
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 8GB White OC Edition
A white finish.
Best for: Buyers who want white finish.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 8GB White OC Edition (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5060 8GB
The top of this price range, adding a quiet/performance dual BIOS switch.
Best for: Spending more than the ASUS Dual 5060 White costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5060 8GB (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). Like the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and MSI RTX 3050 LP, it has an RTX 3050 gpu, while the ASUS Dual 5060 White uses an RTX 5060 gpu. 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 ASUS Dual 5060 White (8GB). If that matters, the ASUS Dual 5060 White 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 ASUS Dual 5060 White (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
- Pass on it if 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games rules it out for your setup.
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 Prime RTX 5060 goes with an RTX 5060 gpu. Like the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and MSI RTX 3050 LP, it has GDDR6 memory, while the ASUS Dual 5060 White uses GDDR7 memory. Like the MSI RTX 3050 LP, it has a 1492MHz boost clock, while the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 uses a 2527MHz (OC mode) boost clock. 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
- 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
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). Like the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X, it has an RTX 3050 gpu, while the ASUS Dual 5060 White uses an RTX 5060 gpu.
It shares a 1492MHz boost clock with the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X; the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 goes with a 2527MHz (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 price falls between the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the ASUS Dual 5060 White, based on our last check. If video memory is your priority, the ASUS Dual 5060 White (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 5060 White (8GB)
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 8GB White OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the ASUS Dual 5060 White brings to the table is a white finish, plus a dual BIOS switch.
Best for
- Buyers who want white finish.
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
It also offers an 8GB video memory. On video memory it ties with the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 at 8GB. It shares an RTX 5060 gpu with the ASUS Prime RTX 5060; the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X goes with an RTX 3050 gpu.
Like the ASUS Prime RTX 5060, it has GDDR7 memory, while the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X uses GDDR6 memory. No dimensions are published for the ASUS Dual 5060 White; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the ASUS Dual 5060 White with the maker.
SFF-Ready is NVIDIA's size guideline, not a guarantee the ASUS Dual 5060 White fits every small case. When we checked, only the MSI RTX 3050 LP and cheaper picks cost less, and the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- SFF-Ready: Yes
Pros
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- White finish
- Dual BIOS switch
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 Prime GeForce RTX 5060 8GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Prime RTX 5060 is a well-rounded 1080p card: GDDR7 memory, a quiet/performance BIOS switch and 0dB fan stop in a 2.5-slot, SFF-Ready design.
Best for
- Spending more than the ASUS Dual 5060 White costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
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
On video memory it ties with the ASUS Dual 5060 White at 8GB. It shares an RTX 5060 gpu with the ASUS Dual 5060 White; the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce goes with an RTX 3050 gpu. Like the ASUS Dual 5060 White, it has GDDR7 memory, while the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X uses GDDR6 memory.
It is the only pick here with a 2527MHz (OC mode) boost clock; the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X has a 1492MHz boost clock instead. It also comes with dual-ball fan bearings. The ASUS Prime 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 Prime RTX 5060 with the maker. At our last price check it topped the group, with the ASUS Dual 5060 White the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 2527MHz (OC mode)
- SFF-Ready: Yes
Pros
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- Quiet/performance dual BIOS switch
- 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
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We set side by side five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and boost clock, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and boost clock and SFF-Ready are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce to the ASUS Prime RTX 5060, state GPU, video memory and memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the ASUS Dual 5060 White give no boost clock; the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP give no SFF-Ready.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce ($150 to $250) to the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Stardew Valley
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 5060 White). The ASUS Dual 5060 White is the pick for video memory.
Memory
The Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP list GDDR6; the ASUS Dual 5060 White and the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 list GDDR7.
Boost clock
The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP list 1492MHz; the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 lists 2527MHz (OC mode). Sort out boost clock before price: it splits 3 stated picks into groups of 2 and 1.
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 Prime 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 ASUS Dual 5060 White: a dual BIOS switch. The ASUS Prime RTX 5060: 0dB fan stop.
How to Choose a GPUs for Stardew Valley
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 white finish | ASUS Dual 5060 White | A white finish |
| Spending more than the ASUS Dual 5060 White costs for the fullest feature set in this group | ASUS Prime RTX 5060 | The top of this price range, adding a quiet/performance dual BIOS switch |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASUS Dual 5060 White leads on video memory at 8GB, ahead of the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 at 8GB. "Not listed" marks boost clock where the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the ASUS Dual 5060 White 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 |
| ASUS Dual 5060 White | RTX 5060 | 8GB | GDDR7 | Not listed |
| ASUS Prime RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 | 8GB | GDDR7 | 2527MHz (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 Prime 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, ASUS Dual 5060 White, ASUS Prime RTX 5060 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 add over the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce?
The spec sheets show video memory (8GB against 6GB) in its favour. On our last price check the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce was in the $150 to $250 tier and the ASUS Prime 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 Prime RTX 5060 our Premium Pick?
The label rests on the top of this price range, adding a quiet/performance dual BIOS switch. 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 makes sense for spending more than the ASUS Dual 5060 White costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Do the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the ASUS Dual 5060 White 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 5060 White and the ASUS Prime RTX 5060 use RTX 5060.
Will the MSI RTX 3050 LP work with my setup?
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. In this guide it ranks third of 5, and fifth 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 5060 White for a white finish if those matter more to you.
Check the card's power connector against your power supply before ordering.