Buying Guide
The Best Graphics Cards
Five graphics cards ranked on video memory and cooler thickness; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Current RTX 50 and RX 9000 cards cover every budget from 1080p to 4K. Every pick is one of those that cost $1,300 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh GPU, VRAM and memory as the makers state them; if a maker skips thickness, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB OC
The cheapest way into this group, below the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5050 Twin Edge OC
Two 90mm BladeLink fans.
Best for: Buyers who want two 90mm BladeLink fans.
Our take Check price for ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5050 Twin Edge OC (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8G
A dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8G (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G
A WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans.
Best for: Buyers who want WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 8GB OC
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with axial-tech fans with a barrier ring.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB brings AMD's RDNA 4 architecture to a budget card with 32 compute units.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent game is a problem.
Why we like it
Its 8GB of memory is the compromise; the 16GB version costs more. It shares an RX 9060 XT gpu with the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB; the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce goes with an RTX 5050 gpu. You also get 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. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge the next step up. There is no published cooler thickness figure, whereas the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge comes in at 2-slot.
Key dimensions & 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
- The cheapest way into this group, below the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
Also Consider2 of 5
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5050 Twin Edge OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Zotac's RTX 5050 Twin Edge is a two-slot, SFF-Ready card with two 90mm fans and one 8-pin plug.
Best for
- Buyers who want two 90mm BladeLink fans.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
It is the smallest NVIDIA option here for a compact case. Like the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce, it has an RTX 5050 gpu, while the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB uses an RX 9060 XT gpu. You also get a pass-through airflow design and a metal backplate.
The Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge occupies 2 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case. SFF-Ready is NVIDIA's size guideline, not a guarantee the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge fits every small case. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the pricier Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5050
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2-slot
- Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
- SFF-Ready: Yes
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1b, 1 x HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- Dual-slot cooler leaves the next slot free
- A single 8-pin power connector
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- Two 90mm BladeLink fans
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RTX 5050 Windforce is the cheapest way into DLSS 4 here.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
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
The maker publishes few details, so confirm size and power needs on Gigabyte's page. It shares an RTX 5050 gpu with the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB goes with an RX 9060 XT gpu. It also comes with a dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler and a PCIe 5.0 interface.
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce; 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 RTX 5050 Windforce with the maker. It was priced above the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge and below the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB at the time of writing. There is no published cooler thickness figure, whereas the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge comes in at 2-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5050
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- Dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler
- PCIe 5.0 interface
- RTX 5050 gpu
- 8GB video memory
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB is the entry to AMD's RDNA 4 generation, with Hawk fans and RGB lighting.
Best for
- Buyers who want WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
Its 8GB of memory suits 1080p more than 1440p. It shares an RX 9060 XT gpu with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB; the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 goes with an RTX 5060 gpu. You also get server-grade thermal conductive gel.
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 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 Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB with the maker. It was priced above the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce and below the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 at the time of writing. There is no published cooler thickness figure, whereas the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge comes in at 2-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans
- Server-grade thermal conductive gel
- RGB lighting
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 is a 2.5-slot, SFF-Ready card with GDDR7 memory and DisplayPort 2.1b.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
Its 8GB of memory is best matched to a 1080p monitor. You get an RTX 5060 gpu here, which sets it apart from the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB and its an RX 9060 XT gpu. No other pick in this guide offers GDDR7 memory; compare the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce, which has GDDR6 memory.
It also offers axial-tech fans with a barrier ring. The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 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 Dual RTX 5060 with the maker.
At our last price check it topped the group, with the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB the nearest cheaper option. Video memory is its weakest area, and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB covers it better at 8GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 2565MHz (OC mode)
- SFF-Ready: Yes
- Outputs: HDMI 2.1b, DisplayPort 2.1b
Pros
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- Axial-tech fans with a barrier ring
- RTX 5060 gpu, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB at the time of writing
How We Chose These Graphics Cards
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and cooler thickness, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB to the ASUS Dual RTX 5060, state GPU, video memory and memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce and the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB give no cooler thickness; the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge, the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce and the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB give no boost clock.
- Price range
- From the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB to the ASUS Dual RTX 5060, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Graphics Card
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much cooler thickness you need
Here cooler thickness runs from 2.5-slot on the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 to 2-slot on the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge. Start with the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge if cooler thickness decides it. No figure for the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce and the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB.
Memory
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge, the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce and the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB list GDDR6; the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 lists GDDR7. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Boost clock
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB lists 3290MHz; the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 lists 2565MHz (OC mode). Settle this first, then compare prices.
Setup checks
No dimensions are published for the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. The Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge occupies 2 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
Extras that separate them
The Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce: a PCIe 5.0 interface. The Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB: server-grade thermal conductive gel. The ASUS Dual RTX 5060: axial-tech fans with a barrier ring.
Cooler size affects noise
Larger triple-fan coolers usually run quieter under load than compact dual-fan designs. A 0dB mode stops the fans at light load.
How to Choose a Graphics Card
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB | The cheapest way into this group, below the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge |
| Buyers who want two 90mm BladeLink fans | Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge | Two 90mm BladeLink fans |
| Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler | Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce | A dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler |
| Buyers who want WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans | Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB | A WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | ASUS Dual RTX 5060 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with axial-tech fans with a barrier ring |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge leads on cooler thickness at 2-slot, ahead of the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 at 2.5-slot. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB | RX 9060 XT | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge | RTX 5050 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 2-slot |
| Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce | RTX 5050 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB | RX 9060 XT | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS Dual RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 | 8GB | GDDR7 | 2.5-slot |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the slimmest cooler thickness: the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge or the ASUS Dual RTX 5060?
The Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge comes out best at 2-slot, with the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 at 2.5-slot. The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce and the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Why is the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge. It suits spending as little as possible.
Do the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge differ on GPU?
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB use RX 9060 XT; the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge and the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce use RTX 5050; the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 uses RTX 5060.
Will the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB work with my setup?
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. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick.
What extras do the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB and the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge include?
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB: 32 compute units with third-generation ray tracing. The Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge: two 90mm BladeLink fans. The Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce: a dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 8GB, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge. Look at the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge for two 90mm BladeLink fans, the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce for a dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler and the Gigabyte RX 9060 XT Gaming OC 8GB for a WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans if those matter more to you.
Match the card to your monitor resolution.