Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Gaming and Video Editing
We weighed five graphics cards on video memory and cooler thickness; the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 has the largest video memory, and the ASUS Prime costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
NVIDIA cards add hardware encoding that speeds up exports in popular editors, which helps when one PC handles both jobs. Every pick is an RTX card with 16GB or more of video memory, ordered by memory.
The order reflects GPU, VRAM and memory from maker specifications; we did not test these graphics cards ourselves, and a missing thickness is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Video Memory
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090
The largest video memory here (32GB).
Best for: Buyers who put video memory first.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
PNY GeForce RTX 4090 Verto Triple Fan
16,384 CUDA cores and up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth.
Best for: Buyers who want 16,384 CUDA cores and up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth.
Our take Check price for PNY GeForce RTX 4090 Verto Triple Fan (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5070 Ti OC
A lower price than the Zotac Solid SFF and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5070 Ti OC (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ZOTAC RTX 5070 Ti Solid SFF OC
A metal backplate.
Best for: Buyers who want metal backplate.
Our take Check price for ZOTAC RTX 5070 Ti Solid SFF OC (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black Edition
A bundled GPU support stand.
Best for: Buyers who want bundled GPU support stand.
Our take Check price for ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black Edition (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Largest Video Memory1 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS TUF RTX 5090 is in a class of its own with 32GB of GDDR7 and 21,760 CUDA cores.
Best for
- Buyers who put video memory first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the ASUS Prime was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
At the time of writing it cost several times more than the other cards here, so it only makes sense when nothing slower will do. On video memory it leads this guide at 32GB, ahead of the PNY 4090 Verto (24GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 5090 gpu; compare the Zotac Solid SFF, which has an RTX 5070 Ti gpu.
It shares GDDR7 memory with the ASUS Prime and Zotac Solid SFF; the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black goes with GDDR6X memory. It also offers a 512-bit memory bus at 28Gbps and a GPU holder in the box. 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 PNY 4090 Verto and the rest. The maker doesn't give its cooler thickness; if that figure matters, the Zotac Solid SFF comes in at 2-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5090
- VRAM: 32GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1b, 2 x HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- 32GB of VRAM, room for large local AI models as well as games
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- 512-bit memory bus at 28Gbps
- 21,760 CUDA cores
Cons
- Costs more than the ASUS Prime at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
PNY GeForce RTX 4090 Verto Triple Fan on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
PNY's Verto runs the RTX 4090 at NVIDIA's reference 2520MHz boost with up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth.
Best for
- Buyers who want 16,384 CUDA cores and up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the ASUS Prime, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It cost the least of the RTX 4090 cards here at the time of writing. The 24GB of GDDR6X sits on a 384-bit bus with 1008GB/s of bandwidth, and the card runs a 2520MHz boost clock on a triple-fan cooler. On video memory it sits mid-pack at 24GB: the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 offers 32GB, and the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black comes in at 16GB.
Like the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black, it has GDDR6X memory, while the ASUS Prime uses GDDR7 memory. No dimensions are published for the PNY 4090 Verto; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the PNY 4090 Verto with the maker. If you want a confirmed cooler thickness, look to the Zotac Solid SFF instead: it comes in at 2-slot, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4090
- VRAM: 24GB
- Memory: GDDR6X
- Boost clock: 2520MHz
Pros
- 24GB of VRAM, room for large local AI models as well as games
- 16,384 CUDA cores and up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth
- Reference 2520MHz boost clock
- RTX 4090 gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the ASUS Prime at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5070 Ti OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Prime is the best-documented card here: ASUS offers a 306mm length, a 2.5-slot cooler, a 750W minimum power supply and a 2527MHz OC-mode boost.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Pass on it if needs a 16-pin 12V-2x6 power cabl rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
A dual BIOS switch toggles quiet and performance modes, and the fans stop at light load. On video memory it ties with the Zotac Solid SFF and the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black at 16GB. It shares an RTX 5070 Ti gpu with the Zotac Solid SFF; the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black goes with an RTX 4070 Ti Super gpu.
Like the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 and Zotac Solid SFF, it has GDDR7 memory, while the PNY 4090 Verto uses GDDR6X memory. Power for the ASUS Prime comes through 16-pin 12V-2x6, with 750W the maker's minimum PSU. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Zotac Solid SFF the next step up. What it gives up: video memory of 16GB, behind the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 (32GB); by contrast, the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 offers 32GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5070 Ti
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Length: 306mm
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Recommended PSU: 750W
- Power connector: 16-pin 12V-2x6
- Boost clock: 2527MHz (OC mode)
- SFF-Ready: Yes
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- Dual BIOS switch between quiet and performance modes
Cons
- Needs a 16-pin 12V-2x6 power cable
- Video memory of 16GB, behind the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 (32GB)
Strong Alternative4 of 5
ZOTAC RTX 5070 Ti Solid SFF OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Zotac Solid SFF is the dual-slot SFF-Ready pick, with three 90mm BladeLink fans, a metal backplate and a support stand in the box.
Best for
- Buyers who want metal backplate.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the ASUS Prime, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It has three DisplayPort 2.1b outputs and one HDMI 2.1b. It matches the ASUS Prime and the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black on video memory (16GB). Like the ASUS Prime, it has an RTX 5070 Ti gpu, while the PNY 4090 Verto uses an RTX 4090 gpu.
It shares GDDR7 memory with the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 and ASUS Prime; the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black goes with GDDR6X memory. The Zotac Solid SFF occupies 2 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 Zotac Solid SFF with the maker.
SFF-Ready is NVIDIA's size guideline, not a guarantee the Zotac Solid SFF fits every small case. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper ASUS Prime and the pricier Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5070 Ti
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Thickness: 2-slot
- SFF-Ready: Yes
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1b, 1 x HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Dual-slot cooler leaves the next slot free
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
Cons
- Costs more than the ASUS Prime at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Zotac's Trinity Black Edition pairs the RTX 4070 Ti Super with FREEZE fan stop and a bundled GPU support stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want bundled GPU support stand.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 offers 32GB.
Why we like it
Its IceStorm 2.0 cooling, SPECTRA RGB and metal backplate round out a three-fan design. It matches the ASUS Prime and the Zotac Solid SFF on video memory (16GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 4070 Ti Super gpu; compare the ASUS Prime, which has an RTX 5070 Ti gpu.
It shares GDDR6X memory with the PNY 4090 Verto; the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 goes with GDDR7 memory. No dimensions are published for the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black with the maker.
On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Zotac Solid SFF and the pricier PNY 4090 Verto, at the time of writing. The trade-off is video memory; for more, the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 offers 32GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4070 Ti Super
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6X
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Bundled GPU support stand
- FREEZE fan stop at light load
- RTX 4070 Ti Super gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Video memory trails the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 (32GB)
- Costs more than the ASUS Prime at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and cooler thickness from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 to the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black, state GPU, video memory and memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASUS TUF RTX 5090, the PNY 4090 Verto and the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black give no cooler thickness; the ASUS TUF RTX 5090, the Zotac Solid SFF and the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black give no boost clock.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ASUS Prime ($1000 to $1500) to the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 (over $1500).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Gaming and Video Editing
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much video memory you need
Here video memory runs from 16GB on the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black to 32GB on the ASUS TUF RTX 5090. The PNY 4090 Verto comes second for less money.
Cooler thickness
Here cooler thickness runs from 2.5-slot on the ASUS Prime to 2-slot on the Zotac Solid SFF. The Zotac Solid SFF is the pick for cooler thickness. No figure for the ASUS TUF RTX 5090, the PNY 4090 Verto and the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black.
Memory
The ASUS TUF RTX 5090, the ASUS Prime and the Zotac Solid SFF list GDDR7; the PNY 4090 Verto and the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black list GDDR6X.
Boost clock
The PNY 4090 Verto lists 2520MHz; the ASUS Prime lists 2527MHz (OC mode).
Fit and compatibility
No dimensions are published for the ASUS TUF RTX 5090; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Measure for 306mm and 2.5 slots before ordering the ASUS Prime. The Zotac Solid SFF occupies 2 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
How to Choose a GPUs for Gaming and Video Editing
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put video memory first | ASUS TUF RTX 5090 | The largest video memory here (32GB) |
| Buyers who want 16,384 CUDA cores and up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth | PNY 4090 Verto | 16,384 CUDA cores and up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth |
| Keeping the budget tight | ASUS Prime | A lower price than the Zotac Solid SFF and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want metal backplate | Zotac Solid SFF | A metal backplate |
| Buyers who want bundled GPU support stand | Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black | A bundled GPU support stand |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASUS TUF RTX 5090 leads on video memory at 32GB, ahead of the PNY 4090 Verto at 24GB. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS TUF RTX 5090 | RTX 5090 | 32GB | GDDR7 | Not listed |
| PNY 4090 Verto | RTX 4090 | 24GB | GDDR6X | Not listed |
| ASUS Prime | RTX 5070 Ti | 16GB | GDDR7 | 2.5-slot |
| Zotac Solid SFF | RTX 5070 Ti | 16GB | GDDR7 | 2-slot |
| Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black | RTX 4070 Ti Super | 16GB | GDDR6X | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The ASUS Prime was the lowest-priced pick and the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $1000 to $1500 | ASUS Prime, Zotac Solid SFF, Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black |
| Over $1500 | PNY 4090 Verto, ASUS TUF RTX 5090 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 ahead of the PNY 4090 Verto on video memory?
The ASUS TUF RTX 5090 leads at 32GB, with the PNY 4090 Verto at 24GB. The Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black is at the other end of this group with 16GB.
How does the ASUS Prime compare with the Zotac Solid SFF on cooler thickness?
The Zotac Solid SFF comes out best at 2-slot, with the ASUS Prime at 2.5-slot. The ASUS TUF RTX 5090, the PNY 4090 Verto and the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
What does the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 add over the ASUS Prime?
On paper it adds video memory (32GB against 16GB). The ASUS Prime was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 our Largest Video Memory pick?
It earns the label for the largest video memory here (32GB). It suits anyone who put video memory first.
Do the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 and the PNY 4090 Verto differ on GPU?
The ASUS TUF RTX 5090 uses RTX 5090; the PNY 4090 Verto uses RTX 4090; the ASUS Prime and the Zotac Solid SFF use RTX 5070 Ti; the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Trinity Black uses RTX 4070 Ti Super.
Will the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 work with my setup?
No dimensions are published for the ASUS TUF RTX 5090; 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 TUF RTX 5090 with the maker. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Largest Video Memory pick.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASUS TUF RTX 5090, chosen for the largest video memory here (32GB). Look at the PNY 4090 Verto for 16,384 CUDA cores and up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth, the ASUS Prime for a lower price than the Zotac Solid SFF and the rest when we checked and the Zotac Solid SFF for a metal backplate if those matter more to you.
Confirm that your editing software supports the card's encoder before you buy.