Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for The Talos Principle 2
Five graphics cards compared, from the Arc B580 Challenger to the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
The Talos Principle 2 recommends 8GB or more of video memory and an RTX 3070, RX 6800 or Arc B580 class card. Every pick has at least 12GB and cost between $300 and $550, ordered by memory.
The Talos Principle 2's official PC requirements list Radeon RX 6800, GeForce RTX 3070, or Intel Arc B580 (8+ GB VRAM) and 16GB of RAM for the recommended tier (source: Steam store page). Matching brand to brand, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT are a newer generation than the RX 6800; the Arc B580 Challenger is the same model class as the Arc B580. The source cites 8GB of video memory for the recommended tier, and every pick with a stated figure has at least that (16GB and 12GB).
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: GPU, VRAM and memory come from each maker's published specs; a missing length is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Requirements source: Steam store page
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC
A white-and-silver Steel Legend finish.
Best for: Buyers who want white-and-silver Steel Legend finish.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC 16G
Three WINDFORCE fans.
Best for: Buyers who want three WINDFORCE fans.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC 16G (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Recommended Power Supply
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC
The lowest recommended power supply here (550W).
Best for: Buyers who put recommended power supply first.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger Pro 16GB OC
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a factory overclock to 3290MHz.
Best for: Buyers who want a factory overclock to 3290MHz and can spend more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB costs.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger Pro 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend the next step up.
Our take Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Steel Legend adds a white-and-silver finish and a 2520MHz boost, and it has a 700W recommended power supply.
Best for
- Buyers who want white-and-silver Steel Legend finish.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables.
Why we like it
On video memory it ties with the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT at 16GB. On recommended power supply it trails the group at 700W, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB offers 550W. An RX 7800 XT gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB uses an RX 9060 XT gpu.
It is the only pick here with a 2 x 8-pin power connector; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB has a 1 x 8-pin power connector instead. It was priced above the Arc B580 Challenger and below the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC at the time of writing. There is no published card length figure, whereas the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes in at 249mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7800 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Recommended PSU: 700W
- Power connector: 2 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 2520MHz
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- White-and-silver Steel Legend finish
- 700W recommended PSU
- RX 7800 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Recommended power supply trails the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB (550W)
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC 16G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC stands out for three WINDFORCE fans, and it adds a 128-bit memory interface.
Best for
- Buyers who want three WINDFORCE fans.
Skip if
- The maker gives no recommended power supply, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
It also offers a 16GB video memory. It matches the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT on video memory (16GB). It is the only pick here with an RX 7600 XT gpu; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend has an RX 7800 XT gpu instead.
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC; 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 7600 XT Gaming OC with the maker. Its price falls between the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed card length should compare it with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, which comes in at 249mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7600 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Three WINDFORCE fans
- 128-bit memory interface
- RX 7600 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- No published recommended power supply
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Lowest Recommended Power Supply3 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's Challenger gives the RX 9060 XT a full 16GB of memory in a two-slot, 249mm card.
Best for
- Buyers who put recommended power supply first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Arc B580 Challenger, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The maker offers a 550W power supply and a single 8-pin plug, so it drops into most existing builds. It matches the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC and the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT on video memory (16GB). Its 550W recommended power supply is the lowest here; the Arc B580 Challenger comes next at 650W.
It shares a 1 x 8-pin power connector with the Arc B580 Challenger; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend goes with a 2 x 8-pin power connector. It shares a 3290MHz boost clock with the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT; the Arc B580 Challenger goes with a 2740MHz boost clock. You also get 32 compute units and 0dB fan stop at light load. Its price falls between the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC and the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 249mm
- Thickness: 2-slot
- Recommended PSU: 550W
- Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 3290MHz
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Short 249mm length suits compact cases
- Dual-slot cooler leaves the next slot free
- A modest 550W PSU recommendation
Cons
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger Pro 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT is built around a factory overclock to 3290MHz, with a triple-fan cooler with a customizable LED indicator on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want a factory overclock to 3290MHz and can spend more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB costs.
Skip if
- Its recommended power supply is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 16GB video memory. It matches the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB on video memory (16GB). It shares a 3290MHz boost clock with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB; the Arc B580 Challenger goes with a 2740MHz boost clock.
No dimensions are published for the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 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 Pro 9060 XT with the maker. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and the rest. The maker doesn't give its card length; if that figure matters, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes in at 249mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 3290MHz
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Factory overclock to 3290MHz
- Triple-fan cooler with a customizable LED indicator
- The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a factory overclock to 3290MHz
Cons
- No published recommended power supply
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Intel's Arc B580 brings 12GB of GDDR6 to the entry tier, more than the 8GB common at this price.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend the next step up.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend offers 16GB.
Why we like it
ASRock's Challenger version is 249mm long and needs one 8-pin plug and a 650W PSU. Its 12GB video memory is the smallest in this group; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend leads at 16GB. Its 650W recommended power supply ranks second of 3 here, behind the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB (550W) and ahead of the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (700W).
No other pick in this guide offers an arc B580 gpu; compare the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, which has an RX 9060 XT gpu. It shares a 1 x 8-pin power connector with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend goes with a 2 x 8-pin power connector. It undercut the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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 trails the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (16GB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We lined up five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and card length, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 5 picks leave out card length.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend to the Arc B580 Challenger, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC and the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT give no card length; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC and the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT give no cooler thickness.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Arc B580 Challenger ($250 to $500) to the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a GPUs for The Talos Principle 2
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory
Here video memory runs from 12GB on the Arc B580 Challenger to 16GB on the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, a 33% spread. If video memory is your first filter, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend sets the ceiling at 16GB.
How much recommended power supply you need
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB tops recommended power supply at 550W and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend sits lowest at 700W. The Arc B580 Challenger comes second at 650W, in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 for the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB. The Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC and the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT give no recommended power supply figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Power connector
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend lists 2 x 8-pin; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and the Arc B580 Challenger list 1 x 8-pin.
Fit and compatibility
No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Measure for 249mm and 2 slots before ordering the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB. Measure for 249mm and 2 slots before ordering the Arc B580 Challenger.
Features beyond the spec table
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB: 20Gbps memory on a 128-bit bus. The ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT: a triple-fan cooler with a customizable LED indicator. The Arc B580 Challenger: dual-fan cooling with 0dB fan stop.
How to Choose a GPUs for The Talos Principle 2
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want white-and-silver Steel Legend finish | ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | A white-and-silver Steel Legend finish |
| Buyers who want three WINDFORCE fans | Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC | Three WINDFORCE fans |
| Buyers who put recommended power supply first | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB | The lowest recommended power supply here (550W) |
| Buyers who want a factory overclock to 3290MHz and can spend more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB costs | ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a factory overclock to 3290MHz |
| Spending as little as possible, with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend the next step up | Arc B580 Challenger | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend leads on video memory at 16GB, ahead of the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC at 16GB. "Not listed" marks card length where the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC and the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC | RX 7600 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 249mm |
| ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Arc B580 Challenger | Arc B580 | 12GB | GDDR6 | 249mm |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Arc B580 Challenger, sat in the $250 to $500 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Arc B580 Challenger, ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC |
| About $500 to $1000 | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these cards run The Talos Principle 2 at recommended settings?
In The Talos Principle 2's list, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT and the Arc B580 Challenger meet the recommended card on brand, generation and model number. Every pick also reaches the 8GB the source cites. The Talos Principle 2 also lists 16GB of system RAM for that tier, which is separate from the card.
Is the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB ahead of the Arc B580 Challenger on recommended power supply?
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB is lowest on recommended power supply at 550W; the Arc B580 Challenger follows at 650W, 15% apart. The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend is at the other end of this group with 700W. No recommended power supply figure is published for the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC and the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT, which leaves 3 of 5 picks ranked here.
Is the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT worth paying more than the Arc B580 Challenger?
On paper it adds video memory (16GB against 12GB). The Arc B580 Challenger sat in the $250 to $500 tier and the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT 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 RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB the Lowest Recommended Power Supply?
It earns the label for the lowest recommended power supply here (550W). The Arc B580 Challenger is next on recommended power supply at 650W, so this pick's 550W is 15% further out. The Arc B580 Challenger, the cheapest pick, sat in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who puts recommended power supply first.
Do the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC differ on GPU?
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend uses RX 7800 XT; the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC uses RX 7600 XT; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT use RX 9060 XT; the Arc B580 Challenger uses Arc B580.
What should I check before buying the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB?
Measure for 249mm and 2 slots before ordering the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB. Power for the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes through 1 x 8-pin, with 550W the maker's minimum PSU. In this guide it ranks third of 5, as our Lowest Recommended Power Supply pick, and third of 5 on video memory (16GB).
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, chosen for a white-and-silver Steel Legend finish. Look at the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC for three WINDFORCE fans, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB for the lowest recommended power supply here (550W) and the ASRock Challenger Pro 9060 XT for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a factory overclock to 3290MHz if those matter more to you.
The game does not support Intel integrated graphics, so a discrete card is required.