Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Warframe
Three graphics cards compared, from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to the Arc B580 Challenger, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 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
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Video Memory
ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC
The largest video memory here (12GB).
Best for: Buyers who put video memory first.
Our take Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC
A 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps.
Best for: Buyers who want 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps.
Our take Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC
A lower price than the Arc B570 Challenger 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)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest video memory here (12GB). | Buyers who put video memory first. | Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC (opens in a new tab) |
| A 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps. | Buyers who want 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps. | Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the Arc B570 Challenger and the rest when we checked. | Getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money. | Check price for ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Video Memory1 of 3
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
- 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.
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 Arc B570 Challenger.
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
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 3
ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
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 10GB video memory ranks second of 3 here, behind the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB) and ahead of the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger (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.
You also get 0dB fan stop. 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 Arc B580 Challenger, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed card length should compare it with the Arc B580 Challenger, which comes in at 249mm.
Key dimensions & 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
Lowest Price Here3 of 3
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
- Worth skipping when 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent game is a problem.
Why we like it
It needs two 8-pin connectors and a 650W power supply. On video memory it trails the group at 8GB, while the Arc B580 Challenger offers 12GB. 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 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
- 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 trails the Arc B580 Challenger (12GB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared three cards on GPU, video memory, memory and card length, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 3, from the Arc B580 Challenger to the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Arc B570 Challenger gives no card length; the Arc B570 Challenger gives 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
Here video memory runs from 8GB on the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to 12GB on the Arc B580 Challenger. For less, the Arc B570 Challenger is the runner-up at 10GB.
Card length across these picks
Here card length runs from 271mm on the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to 249mm on the Arc B580 Challenger. Start with the Arc B580 Challenger if card length decides it. No figure for the Arc B570 Challenger.
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. The Arc B580 Challenger is the pick for cooler thickness. No figure for the Arc B570 Challenger.
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. Settle this first, then compare prices.
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.
Check length and thickness
Partner cards of the same GPU can differ by several centimetres. Compare the card's length with the case's GPU clearance, allowing for front fans or a radiator, and check how many slots it covers.
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 |
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" means the maker leaves that 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 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger was the lowest-priced pick and the Arc B580 Challenger the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger |
| About $250 to $500 | Arc B570 Challenger, 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 Arc A580 Challenger 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 comes out best at 249mm, with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at 271mm. The Arc B570 Challenger doesn't state a figure, so it sits outside this comparison.
How does the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger compare with the Arc B580 Challenger on cooler thickness?
The Arc B580 Challenger comes out best at 2-slot, with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at 2.4-slot. The Arc B570 Challenger doesn't state a figure, so it sits outside this comparison.
Is the Arc B580 Challenger worth paying more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger?
On paper it adds video memory (12GB against 8GB), card length (249mm against 271mm) and cooler thickness (2-slot against 2.4-slot). The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the Arc B580 Challenger the Largest Video Memory?
It earns the label for the largest video memory here (12GB). It suits anyone who put 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.
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 and the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger for a lower price than the Arc B570 Challenger and the rest when we checked if those matter more to you.
Cap the frame rate to your monitor's refresh rate to keep the card cool.