Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Warzone
Five graphics cards ranked on video memory and cooler thickness; the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Warzone players chase high refresh at 1440p. Every pick is an RTX 5070/4070-class or RX 9070-class card that cost $1,000 or less.
Call of Duty: Warzone's official PC requirements list AMD Radeon RX 6600XT or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or Intel Arc B580 and 12GB of RAM for the recommended tier (source: Activision support: PC system requirements for Call of Duty: Warzone). Matching brand to brand, the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE, the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE, the XFX Swift RX 9070 and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC are a newer generation than the RX 6600XT; the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X is a newer generation than the RTX 3060. The source cites 8GB of video memory for the recommended tier, and every pick with a stated figure has at least that (12GB and 16GB).
We ranked these graphics cards on GPU, VRAM and memory using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out thickness, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Requirements source: Activision support: PC system requirements for Call of Duty: Warzone
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 GRE EVO OC EditionUndercutting the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE the next step up.
Check price for ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 GRE EVO OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASUS ATS Radeon RX 9070 GRE 12GB OC EditionA 2.5-slot design.
Best for: Buyers who want 2.5-slot design.
Check price for ASUS ATS Radeon RX 9070 GRE 12GB OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 OC Triple Fan Gaming EditionAn XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler.
Check price for XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 OC Triple Fan Gaming Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 Gaming OC 16GA WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans.
Best for: Buyers who want WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans.
Check price for GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 Gaming OC 16G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
MSI Gaming RTX 5070 12G Ventus 3X OCThree TORX Fan 5.0 fans at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE costs less.
Check price for MSI Gaming RTX 5070 12G Ventus 3X OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 GRE EVO OC Edition
The ASUS Prime RX 9070 GRE has 12GB of GDDR6 and a 2880MHz boost in OC mode, with a phase-change thermal pad.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE the next step up.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when video memory of 12GB, behind the XFX Swift RX 9070 (16GB) is a problem.
Why we like it
On video memory it ties with the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE and the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X at 12GB. It shares an RX 9070 GRE gpu with the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE; the XFX Swift RX 9070 goes with an RX 9070 gpu. No other pick in this guide offers a 2880MHz (OC mode) boost clock; compare the XFX Swift RX 9070, which has a 2700MHz boost clock.
It also offers a dual BIOS switch. The ASUS Prime 9070 GRE occupies 2.5 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 ASUS Prime 9070 GRE with the maker. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE the next step up.
Key specs
- GPU
- RX 9070 GRE
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Thickness
- 2.5-slot
- Boost clock
- 2880MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad
- Dual BIOS switch
- 2880MHz (OC mode) boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- Video memory of 12GB, behind the XFX Swift RX 9070 (16GB)
The catch
What it gives up: video memory of 12GB, behind the XFX Swift RX 9070 (16GB); by contrast, the XFX Swift RX 9070 offers 16GB.
Also Consider2 of 5
ASUS ATS Radeon RX 9070 GRE 12GB OC Edition
What the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE brings to the table is a 2.5-slot design, plus a dual BIOS switch.
Best for
- Buyers who want 2.5-slot design.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also offers a 12GB video memory and offers a 2.5-slot cooler thickness. It matches the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE and the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X on video memory (12GB). Like the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE, it has an RX 9070 GRE gpu, while the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC uses an RX 9070 gpu.
The ASUS ATS 9070 GRE occupies 2.5 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 ASUS ATS 9070 GRE with the maker. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper ASUS Prime 9070 GRE and the pricier XFX Swift RX 9070, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- GPU
- RX 9070 GRE
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Thickness
- 2.5-slot
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- 2.5-slot design
- Dual BIOS switch
Cons
- Costs more than the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 OC Triple Fan Gaming Edition
The RX 9070 keeps 16GB of memory but costs less than the XT.
Best for
- Buyers who want XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
XFX's Swift version uses a triple-fan cooler with a 2700MHz boost and three DisplayPort outputs. It is the RX-97SWFB3B9 model with one HDMI port and three DisplayPort outputs, and it carries 16GB of GDDR6 under a triple-fan cooling solution. On video memory it ties with the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC at 16GB.
It shares an RX 9070 gpu with the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC; the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE goes with an RX 9070 GRE gpu. It is the only pick here with a 2700MHz boost clock; the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE has a 2880MHz (OC mode) boost clock instead. No dimensions are published for the XFX Swift RX 9070; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. When we checked, only the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE and cheaper picks cost less, and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC cost more.
Key specs
- GPU
- RX 9070
- VRAM
- 16GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Boost clock
- 2700MHz
- Outputs
- 1 x HDMI, 3 x DisplayPort
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler
- 2700MHz boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed cooler thickness, look to the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE instead: it comes in at 2.5-slot, while this one gives no figure.
Worth a Look4 of 5
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 Gaming OC 16G
Gigabyte's RX 9070 Gaming OC is the lowest-cost card here, with 16GB of GDDR6 and a WINDFORCE cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who want WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It leaves more of the budget for the CPU, board and memory. On video memory it ties with the XFX Swift RX 9070 at 16GB. It shares an RX 9070 gpu with the XFX Swift RX 9070; the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE goes with an RX 9070 GRE gpu.
You also get server-grade thermal conductive gel and RGB lighting. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RX 9070 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 RX 9070 Gaming OC with the maker. It was priced above the XFX Swift RX 9070 and below the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X at the time of writing.
Key specs
- GPU
- RX 9070
- VRAM
- 16GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans
- Server-grade thermal conductive gel
- RGB lighting
Cons
- Costs more than the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published cooler thickness figure, whereas the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE comes in at 2.5-slot.
Premium Pick5 of 5
MSI Gaming RTX 5070 12G Ventus 3X OC
The Ventus 3X is MSI's plain take on the RTX 5070: three TORX fans, a copper baseplate and 12GB of GDDR7.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE costs less.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the XFX Swift RX 9070 offers 16GB.
Why we like it
Three DisplayPort 2.1a outputs and one HDMI 2.1b cover most monitor setups. It matches the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE and the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE on video memory (12GB). It is the only pick here with an RTX 5070 gpu; the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE has an RX 9070 GRE gpu instead.
You get GDDR7 memory here, which sets it apart from the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC and its GDDR6 memory. A 2557MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the XFX Swift RX 9070 uses a 2700MHz boost clock. It also offers a vented metal backplate.
No dimensions are published for the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X; 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 Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC.
Key specs
- GPU
- RTX 5070
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Memory
- GDDR7
- Boost clock
- 2557MHz
- Outputs
- 3 x DisplayPort 2.1a, 1 x HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Three TORX Fan 5.0 fans
- Nickel-plated copper baseplate
Cons
- Video memory trails the XFX Swift RX 9070 (16GB)
- Costs more than the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE at the time of writing
The catch
If video memory is your priority, the XFX Swift RX 9070 (16GB) 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 set side by side five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and cooler thickness from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick, while cooler thickness and boost clock have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE to the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X, state GPU, video memory and memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The XFX Swift RX 9070, the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC and the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X give no cooler thickness; the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC give no boost clock.
- Price range
- From the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE to the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X, all sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a GPUs for Warzone
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory
Here video memory runs from 12GB on the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X to 16GB on the XFX Swift RX 9070, a 33% spread. If video memory is your first filter, the XFX Swift RX 9070 sets the ceiling at 16GB.
Memory
The ASUS Prime 9070 GRE, the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE, the XFX Swift RX 9070 and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC list GDDR6; the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X lists GDDR7. Sort out memory before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 4 and 1.
A graphics card's bare circuit board around the GPU die Boost clock
The ASUS Prime 9070 GRE lists 2880MHz (OC mode); the XFX Swift RX 9070 lists 2700MHz; the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X lists 2557MHz. Sort out boost clock before price: it splits 3 stated picks into groups of 1, 1 and 1.
What to check at home
The ASUS Prime 9070 GRE occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case. No dimensions are published for the XFX Swift RX 9070; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Extras that separate them
The XFX Swift RX 9070: an XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler. The Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC: server-grade thermal conductive gel. The MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X: a nickel-plated copper baseplate.
How to Choose a GPUs for Warzone
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE the next step up | ASUS Prime 9070 GRE | Undercutting the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want 2.5-slot design | ASUS ATS 9070 GRE | A 2.5-slot design |
| Buyers who want XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler | XFX Swift RX 9070 | An XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler |
| Buyers who want WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans | Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC | A WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE costs less | MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X | Three TORX Fan 5.0 fans at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The XFX Swift RX 9070 leads on video memory at 16GB, ahead of the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC at 16GB. "Not listed" marks cooler thickness where the XFX Swift RX 9070, the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC and the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS Prime 9070 GRE | RX 9070 GRE | 12GB | GDDR6 | 2.5-slot |
| ASUS ATS 9070 GRE | RX 9070 GRE | 12GB | GDDR6 | 2.5-slot |
| XFX Swift RX 9070 | RX 9070 | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC | RX 9070 | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X | RTX 5070 | 12GB | GDDR7 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these cards run Call of Duty: Warzone at recommended settings?
In Call of Duty: Warzone's list, the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE, the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE, the XFX Swift RX 9070, the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC and the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X meet the recommended card on brand, generation and model number. Every pick also reaches the 8GB the source cites. Call of Duty: Warzone also lists 12GB of system RAM for that tier, which is separate from the card.
Why is the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X our Premium Pick?
It earns the label for three TORX Fan 5.0 fans at the highest price in the group. It suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE costs less.
Do the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE and the XFX Swift RX 9070 differ on GPU?
The ASUS Prime 9070 GRE and the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE use RX 9070 GRE; the XFX Swift RX 9070 and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC use RX 9070; the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X uses RTX 5070.
Will the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC work with my setup?
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RX 9070 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 RX 9070 Gaming OC with the maker. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5, and second of 5 on video memory (16GB).
What extras do the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE and the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE include?
The ASUS Prime 9070 GRE: a phase-change GPU thermal pad. The ASUS ATS 9070 GRE: a 2.5-slot design. The XFX Swift RX 9070: an XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler.
Who should choose the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE?
The ASUS Prime 9070 GRE carries our Lowest Price Here label for undercutting the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE on price when we checked. It ranks first of 5 here and sat in the $500 to $1000 tier at our last price check; it suits spending as little as possible, with the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE the next step up.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASUS Prime 9070 GRE, chosen for undercutting the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE on price when we checked. Look at the ASUS ATS 9070 GRE for a 2.5-slot design, the XFX Swift RX 9070 for an XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC for a WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans if those matter more to you.
Enable NVIDIA Reflex or AMD Anti-Lag.
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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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