Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Warframe
Four graphics cards compared, from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to the Arc B580 Challenger, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read4 products evaluated
Warframe runs well on modest hardware, so a budget card covers high frame rates at 1080p. Every pick cost $350 or less and has at least 8GB of video memory.
Our comparison rests on published figures for GPU, VRAM and memory; where a maker leaves out length, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 4 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Largest Video Memory
ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OCThe largest video memory here (12GB).
Best for: Buyers who put video memory first.
Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OCA 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps.
Best for: Buyers who want 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps.
Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OCA lower price than the Arc B570 Challenger and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money.
Check price for ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB OC32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing.
Best for: Buyers who want 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing.
Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Largest Video Memory1 of 4
ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC
Intel's Arc B580 brings 12GB of GDDR6 to the entry tier, more than the 8GB common at this price.
Best for
- Buyers who put video memory first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
ASRock's Challenger version is 249mm long and needs one 8-pin plug and a 650W PSU. On video memory it leads this guide at 12GB, ahead of the Arc B570 Challenger (10GB). It shares a 1 x 8-pin power connector with the Arc B570 Challenger; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger goes with a 2 x 8-pin power connector.
A 2740MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB uses a 3290MHz boost clock. You also get a 192-bit memory bus at 19Gbps and dual-fan cooling with 0dB fan stop. Measure for 249mm and 2 slots before ordering the Arc B580 Challenger.
Power for the Arc B580 Challenger comes through 1 x 8-pin, with 650W the maker's minimum PSU. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB.
Key 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
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 4
ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC
The Arc B570 is the B580's cheaper sibling with 10GB of memory on a 160-bit bus.
Best for
- Buyers who want 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps.
Skip if
- The maker gives no card length, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
It was the least expensive card here at the time of writing and still offers three DisplayPort 2.1 outputs. Its dual striped axial fans stop completely at low load, and the card supports Intel XeSS 2 upscaling. Its 10GB video memory ranks second of 4 here, behind the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB) and ahead of the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB (8GB).
It shares a 1 x 8-pin power connector with the Arc B580 Challenger; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger goes with a 2 x 8-pin power connector. A 2600MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB uses a 3290MHz boost clock. No dimensions are published for the Arc B570 Challenger; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its price falls between the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, based on our last check.
Key specs
- GPU
- Arc B570
- VRAM
- 10GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Power connector
- 1 x 8-pin
- Boost clock
- 2600MHz
- Outputs
- 3 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x HDMI 2.1a
Pros
- 10GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- A single 8-pin power connector
- 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps
- 0dB fan stop
Cons
- No published card length
- No published cooler thickness
- No published recommended power supply
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed card length should compare it with the Arc B580 Challenger, which comes in at 249mm.
Lowest Price Here3 of 4
ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC
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
- Worth skipping when 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games is a problem.
Why we like it
It needs two 8-pin connectors and a 650W power supply. On video memory it ties with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB at 8GB. You get an arc A580 gpu here, which sets it apart from the Arc B570 Challenger and its an arc B570 gpu.
No other pick in this guide offers a 2 x 8-pin power connector; compare the Arc B580 Challenger, which has a 1 x 8-pin power connector. It also comes with 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 Arc B570 Challenger was closest.
Key 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
- Arc A580 gpu, the only one here
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 Arc B580 Challenger (12GB)
The catch
What it gives up: video memory of 8GB, behind the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB); by contrast, the Arc B580 Challenger offers 12GB.
Strong Alternative4 of 4
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB OC
ASRock's RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB brings AMD's RDNA 4 architecture to a budget card with 32 compute units.
Best for
- Buyers who want 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing.
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 the compromise; the 16GB version costs more. It matches the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger on video memory (8GB). A 3290MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the Arc B570 Challenger uses a 2600MHz boost clock.
It also comes with a dual-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop. No dimensions are published for the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB; 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 RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB with the maker. Its price falls between the Arc B570 Challenger and the Arc B580 Challenger, based on our last check.
Key specs
- GPU
- RX 9060 XT
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Boost clock
- 3290MHz
- Outputs
- DisplayPort 2.1a, HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing
- Dual-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop
- 20Gbps memory on a 128-bit bus
- RX 9060 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB)
- No published card length
The catch
If video memory is your priority, the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB) is the stronger choice.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We compared four cards on GPU, video memory, memory and card length, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 4 picks leave out card length.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the Arc B580 Challenger to the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB give no card length; the Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB give no cooler thickness.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger ($150 to $250) to the Arc B580 Challenger ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Warframe
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much video memory you need
The Arc B580 Challenger tops video memory at 12GB and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB sits lowest at 8GB. For less, the Arc B570 Challenger is the runner-up at 10GB.
Card length across these picks
Across these 2 picks card length spans 271mm (the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger) to 249mm (the Arc B580 Challenger). The Arc B580 Challenger is the pick for card length. The Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB give no card length figure, so 2 of 4 picks are compared here.
The circuit board on the back of a graphics card Cooler thickness across these picks
Here cooler thickness runs from 2.4-slot on the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to 2-slot on the Arc B580 Challenger, a 17% spread. The Arc B580 Challenger is the pick for cooler thickness. The Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB give no cooler thickness figure, so 2 of 4 picks are compared here.
Power connector
The Arc B580 Challenger and the Arc B570 Challenger list 1 x 8-pin; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger lists 2 x 8-pin. Settling power connector first narrows 3 picks to 2 or 1.
Fit and compatibility
Measure for 249mm and 2 slots before ordering the Arc B580 Challenger. No dimensions are published for the Arc B570 Challenger; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Measure for 271mm and 2.4 slots before ordering the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger.
How to Choose a GPUs for Warframe
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put video memory first | Arc B580 Challenger | The largest video memory here (12GB) |
| Buyers who want 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps | Arc B570 Challenger | A 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps |
| Getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | A lower price than the Arc B570 Challenger and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB | 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Arc B580 Challenger leads on video memory at 12GB, ahead of the Arc B570 Challenger at 10GB. "Not listed" marks card length where the Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc B580 Challenger | Arc B580 | 12GB | GDDR6 | 249mm |
| Arc B570 Challenger | Arc B570 | 10GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | Arc A580 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 271mm |
| ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB | RX 9060 XT | 8GB | 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 Arc B580 Challenger at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger |
| About $250 to $500 | Arc B570 Challenger, ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, Arc B580 Challenger |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Arc B580 Challenger ahead of the Arc B570 Challenger on video memory?
The Arc B580 Challenger leads at 12GB, with the Arc B570 Challenger at 10GB. The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB is at the other end of this group with 8GB.
Which has the shortest card length: the Arc B580 Challenger or the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger?
The Arc B580 Challenger is lowest on card length at 249mm; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger follows at 271mm, 8% apart. The Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB are left out of this ranking because their card length isn't stated; 2 of 4 picks are ranked.
How does the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger compare with the Arc B580 Challenger on cooler thickness?
Between the top two, it is 2-slot on the Arc B580 Challenger against 2.4-slot on the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, a 17% difference. The Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB don't state a cooler thickness figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 4 picks are ranked.
Is the Arc B580 Challenger worth paying more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger?
The spec sheets show video memory (12GB against 8GB), card length (249mm against 271mm) and cooler thickness (2-slot against 2.4-slot) in its favour. The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the Arc B580 Challenger in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 2 other picks between them; pay the difference only if video memory and card length decide your purchase.
What makes the Arc B580 Challenger the Largest Video Memory?
It earns the label for the largest video memory here (12GB). The Arc B570 Challenger is next on video memory at 10GB, so this pick's 12GB is 20% further out. The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, 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 anyone who puts video memory first.
Do the Arc B580 Challenger and the Arc B570 Challenger differ on GPU?
The Arc B580 Challenger uses Arc B580; the Arc B570 Challenger uses Arc B570; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger uses Arc A580; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB uses RX 9060 XT.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Arc B580 Challenger, chosen for the largest video memory here (12GB). Look at the Arc B570 Challenger for a 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps, the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger for a lower price than the Arc B570 Challenger and the rest when we checked and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB for 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing if those matter more to you.
Cap the frame rate to your monitor's refresh rate to keep the card cool.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Graphics Cards
- Related guideThe Best Graphics Cards for 1440p Gaming
- Related guideThe Best Budget Graphics Cards
- Lower budgetThe Best GPUs Under $300
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End GPUs
- ExplainerHow Much VRAM Do You Need?
- ExplainerGPU Power Connectors Explained
- Check compatibility: power supplies80 Plus Ratings Explained
- Similar guideThe Best AMD GPUs
- Topic hubAll graphics cards guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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