Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for The Seance of Blake Manor
Five graphics cards compared, from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
The Seance of Blake Manor does not need a high-end card, which leaves room to choose on price, memory and video outputs. Every pick cost $600 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
We sorted these picks by GPU, VRAM and memory, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips thickness, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 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 6500 XT 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 6500 XT Phantom Gaming D 4GB OC
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 6500 XT Phantom Gaming D 4GB OC (opens in a new tab)

Strong Alternative
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB OC Edition
A dual BIOS switch.
Best for: Buyers who want dual BIOS switch.
Our take Check price for ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB OC Edition (opens in a new tab)

Worth a Look
XFX Swift AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT OC White Triple Fan 16GB
A white triple-fan SWFT cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want white triple-fan SWFT cooler.
Our take Check price for XFX Swift AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT OC White Triple Fan 16GB (opens in a new tab)

Premium Pick
XFX Mercury AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT OC White 16GB
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a white triple-fan MERC cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want a white triple-fan MERC cooler and can spend more than the XFX Swift 9060 XT White costs.
Our take Check price for XFX Mercury AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT OC White 16GB (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
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
- 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 needs two 8-pin connectors and a 650W power supply. On video memory it sits mid-pack at 8GB: the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB offers 16GB, and the ASRock RX 6500 XT comes in at 4GB. You get an arc A580 gpu here, which sets it apart from the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White and its an RX 9060 XT gpu.
You also get 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the ASRock RX 6500 XT was closest.
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 ASRock RX 6500 XT
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Video memory of 8GB, behind the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB (16GB)
Also Consider2 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 6500 XT Phantom Gaming D 4GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's RX 6500 XT has only 4GB of memory and states a 400W minimum power supply.
Best for
- Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light load.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 4GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
It suits light esports titles rather than recent AAA games. Its 4GB video memory is the smallest in this group; the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB leads at 16GB. No other pick in this guide offers an RX 6500 XT gpu; compare the XFX Swift 9060 XT White, which has an RX 9060 XT gpu.
You get a 2820MHz boost clock here, which sets it apart from the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White and its a 3320MHz boost clock. You also get 0dB silent cooling at light load and a metal backplate. No dimensions are published for the ASRock RX 6500 XT; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Power for the ASRock RX 6500 XT comes through 1 x 8-pin, with 400W the maker's minimum PSU. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the pricier ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 6500 XT
- VRAM: 4GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Recommended PSU: 400W
- Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 2820MHz
Pros
- A modest 400W PSU recommendation
- A single 8-pin power connector
- 0dB silent cooling at light load
- Metal backplate
Cons
- 4GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB (16GB)
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dual BIOS switch.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 16GB video memory and offers a 2.5-slot cooler thickness. On video memory it ties with the XFX Swift 9060 XT White and the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White at 16GB. It shares an RX 9060 XT gpu with the XFX Swift 9060 XT White and XFX Mercury 9060 XT White; the ASRock RX 6500 XT goes with an RX 6500 XT gpu.
It is the only pick here with a 3330MHz (OC mode) boost clock; the XFX Swift 9060 XT White has a 3320MHz boost clock instead. When we checked, only the ASRock RX 6500 XT and cheaper picks cost less, and the XFX Swift 9060 XT White cost more. If you want a confirmed recommended power supply, look to the ASRock RX 6500 XT instead: it offers 400W, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & 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
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
XFX Swift AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT OC White Triple Fan 16GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XFX Swift 9060 XT White stands out for a white triple-fan SWFT cooler, and it adds a boost clock of up to 3320MHz.
Best for
- Buyers who want white triple-fan SWFT cooler.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also offers a 16GB video memory. It matches the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB and the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White on video memory (16GB). Like the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB and XFX Mercury 9060 XT White, it has an RX 9060 XT gpu, while the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger uses an arc A580 gpu.
It shares a 3320MHz boost clock with the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White; the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB goes with a 3330MHz (OC mode) boost clock. No dimensions are published for the XFX Swift 9060 XT 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 XFX Swift 9060 XT White with the maker. The maker doesn't give its cooler thickness; if that figure matters, the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger comes in at 2.4-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 3320MHz
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- White triple-fan SWFT cooler
- Boost clock of up to 3320MHz
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
XFX Mercury AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT OC White 16GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XFX Mercury 9060 XT White is built around a white triple-fan MERC cooler, with a boost clock of up to 3320MHz on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want a white triple-fan MERC cooler and can spend more than the XFX Swift 9060 XT White costs.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 16GB video memory. It matches the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB and the XFX Swift 9060 XT White on video memory (16GB). Like the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB and XFX Swift 9060 XT White, it has an RX 9060 XT gpu, while the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger uses an arc A580 gpu.
It shares a 3320MHz boost clock with the XFX Swift 9060 XT White; the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB goes with a 3330MHz (OC mode) boost clock. No dimensions are published for the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the XFX Swift 9060 XT White. Buyers who need a confirmed cooler thickness should compare it with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, which comes in at 2.4-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 3320MHz
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- White triple-fan MERC cooler
- Boost clock of up to 3320MHz
- The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a white triple-fan MERC cooler
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger 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 lined up five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and cooler thickness as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 7 fields compared are stated for every pick, while cooler thickness and recommended power supply have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASRock RX 6500 XT, the XFX Swift 9060 XT White and the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White give no cooler thickness; the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB, the XFX Swift 9060 XT White and the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White give no recommended power supply.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger ($150 to $250) to the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a GPUs for The Seance of Blake Manor
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 4GB (the ASRock RX 6500 XT) to 16GB (the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB). If video memory is your first filter, the ASUS Prime 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 2.4-slot on the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, a 4% spread. Start with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger if cooler thickness decides it. The ASRock RX 6500 XT, the XFX Swift 9060 XT White and the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White give no cooler thickness figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Recommended power supply across these picks
The ASRock RX 6500 XT tops recommended power supply at 400W and the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger sits lowest at 650W. Start with the ASRock RX 6500 XT if recommended power supply decides it. The ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB, the XFX Swift 9060 XT White and the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White give no recommended power supply figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Power connector
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger lists 2 x 8-pin; the ASRock RX 6500 XT lists 1 x 8-pin.
Fit and compatibility
Measure for 271mm and 2.4 slots before ordering the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger. No dimensions are published for the ASRock RX 6500 XT; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. 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.
How to Choose a GPUs for The Seance of Blake Manor
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 6500 XT and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light load | ASRock RX 6500 XT | 0dB silent cooling at light load |
| Buyers who want dual BIOS switch | ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB | A dual BIOS switch |
| Buyers who want white triple-fan SWFT cooler | XFX Swift 9060 XT White | A white triple-fan SWFT cooler |
| Buyers who want a white triple-fan MERC cooler and can spend more than the XFX Swift 9060 XT White costs | XFX Mercury 9060 XT White | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a white triple-fan MERC cooler |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB leads on video memory at 16GB, ahead of the XFX Swift 9060 XT White at 16GB. "Not listed" marks cooler thickness where the ASRock RX 6500 XT, the XFX Swift 9060 XT White and the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | Arc A580 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 2.4-slot |
| ASRock RX 6500 XT | RX 6500 XT | 4GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 2.5-slot |
| XFX Swift 9060 XT White | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| XFX Mercury 9060 XT White | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, ASRock RX 6500 XT |
| About $500 to $1000 | ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB, XFX Swift 9060 XT White, XFX Mercury 9060 XT White |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB compare with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger on cooler thickness?
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger comes out best at 2.4-slot, with the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB at 2.5-slot. The ASRock RX 6500 XT, the XFX Swift 9060 XT White and the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White don't state a cooler thickness figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the ASRock RX 6500 XT ahead of the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger on recommended power supply?
The ASRock RX 6500 XT is lowest on recommended power supply at 400W; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger follows at 650W, 38% apart. No recommended power supply figure is published for the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB, the XFX Swift 9060 XT White and the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White, which leaves 2 of 5 picks ranked here.
Is the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White worth paying more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger?
What it brings is video memory (16GB against 8GB). The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if video memory decides your purchase.
What makes the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger the Lowest Price Here?
It carries the badge for a lower price than the ASRock RX 6500 XT and the rest when we checked. It is aimed at getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money.
Do the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the ASRock RX 6500 XT differ on GPU?
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger uses Arc A580; the ASRock RX 6500 XT uses RX 6500 XT; the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB, the XFX Swift 9060 XT White and the XFX Mercury 9060 XT White use RX 9060 XT.
What should I check before buying the ASRock RX 6500 XT?
No dimensions are published for the ASRock RX 6500 XT; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Power for the ASRock RX 6500 XT comes through 1 x 8-pin, with 400W the maker's minimum PSU. In this guide it ranks second of 5, and fifth of 5 on video memory (4GB).
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, chosen for a lower price than the ASRock RX 6500 XT and the rest when we checked. Look at the ASRock RX 6500 XT for 0dB silent cooling at light load, the ASUS Prime 9060 XT 16GB for a dual BIOS switch and the XFX Swift 9060 XT White for a white triple-fan SWFT cooler if those matter more to you.
Install the latest driver from the maker after the card arrives.
