Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for ARK: Survival Ascended
Five graphics cards ranked on video memory and cooler thickness, where the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White has the largest video memory, and it also costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
ARK: Survival Ascended uses Unreal Engine 5 and is one of the most demanding games around. Every pick has 16GB of VRAM and sits between $700 and $1,800.
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.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Video Memory
ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White 20GB OC
The largest video memory here (20GB).
Best for: Buyers who put video memory first.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White 20GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Gigabyte Radeon RX 7800 XT Gaming OC 16G
Two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs.
Best for: Buyers who want two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte Radeon RX 7800 XT Gaming OC 16G (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC
A quiet/performance dual BIOS.
Best for: Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Steel Legend 16GB
64 compute units.
Best for: Buyers who want 64 compute units.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Steel Legend 16GB (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB OC
The top of this price range, adding a quiet/performance BIOS switch.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Largest Video Memory1 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White 20GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Phantom Gaming White is ASRock's white 7900 XT, with a white shroud and backplate on a 320-bit memory bus.
Best for
- Buyers who put video memory first.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its cooler thickness before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
A reinforced metal frame keeps the card from sagging in the slot. On video memory it leads this guide at 20GB, ahead of the Gigabyte 7800 XT Gaming OC (16GB). You get an RX 7900 XT gpu here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT and its an RX 9070 XT gpu.
No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White; 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 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White with the maker. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Gigabyte 7800 XT Gaming OC was closest. If you want a confirmed cooler thickness, look to the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB instead: it comes in at 2.5-slot, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7900 XT
- VRAM: 20GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- 20GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- White shroud and backplate
- 320-bit memory bus
- RX 7900 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- No published cooler thickness
Also Consider2 of 5
Gigabyte Radeon RX 7800 XT Gaming OC 16G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's Gaming OC offers a 2565MHz boost and two HDMI plus two DisplayPort outputs under a triple-fan Windforce cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who want two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs.
Skip if
- Pass if a published cooler thickness matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
On video memory it ties with the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend and the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT at 16GB. An RX 7800 XT gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB uses an RTX 5060 Ti gpu. No other pick in this guide offers a 2565MHz boost clock; compare the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, which has a 2632MHz (OC mode) boost clock.
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte 7800 XT Gaming OC; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Gigabyte 7800 XT Gaming OC: the maker suggests a PSU of 700W or more. It was priced above the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White and below the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB at the time of writing. There is no published cooler thickness figure, whereas the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB comes in at 2.5-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7800 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Recommended PSU: 700W
- Boost clock: 2565MHz
- Outputs: 2 x DisplayPort, 2 x HDMI
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs
- WINDFORCE triple-fan cooler
- Lowest recommended power supply of the picks (700W)
Cons
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB is the lower-cost NVIDIA route to 16GB at 1440p.
Best for
- Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is a 2.5-slot card with 0dB fan stop and dual-ball fan bearings. It matches the Gigabyte 7800 XT Gaming OC, the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend and the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT on video memory (16GB). On cooler thickness it ties with the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT at 2.5-slot.
No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 5060 Ti gpu; compare the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend, which has an RX 9070 XT gpu. GDDR7 memory is unique to it among these picks, while the Gigabyte 7800 XT Gaming OC uses GDDR6 memory. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Gigabyte 7800 XT Gaming OC and the pricier ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its recommended power supply; if that figure matters, the Gigabyte 7800 XT Gaming OC offers 700W.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5060 Ti
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 2632MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Quiet/performance dual BIOS
- 0dB fan stop
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Steel Legend 16GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's RX 9070 XT Steel Legend is the AMD route to 4K, with 16GB of GDDR6 and a reinforced metal frame.
Best for
- Buyers who want 64 compute units.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when calls for a 800W or larger PS is a problem.
Why we like it
It uses two 8-pin plugs, which suits power supplies without a 16-pin cable, but the maker recommends 800W. It matches the Gigabyte 7800 XT Gaming OC, the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT on video memory (16GB). On cooler thickness it trails the group at 2.9-slot, while the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB comes in at 2.5-slot.
Like the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT, it has an RX 9070 XT gpu, while the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White uses an RX 7900 XT gpu. You get a 2970MHz boost clock here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and its a 2632MHz (OC mode) boost clock. You also get 64 compute units and Polychrome SYNC lighting. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and the pricier ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9070 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 298mm
- Thickness: 2.9-slot
- Recommended PSU: 800W
- Power connector: 2 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 2970MHz
- Outputs: DisplayPort 2.1a, HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- 64 compute units
- Polychrome SYNC lighting
- Reinforced metal frame
Cons
- Calls for a 800W or larger PSU
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Cooler thickness trails the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB (2.5-slot)
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's Prime RX 9070 XT lists the highest boost clock among these Radeon cards and keeps to 2.5 slots.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White offers 20GB.
Why we like it
A quiet/performance BIOS switch and 0dB fan stop make it easy to live with. It matches the Gigabyte 7800 XT Gaming OC, the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend on video memory (16GB). On cooler thickness it ties with the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB at 2.5-slot.
You get a 3030MHz (OC mode) boost clock here, which sets it apart from the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend and its a 2970MHz boost clock. You also get dual-ball fan bearings. 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 ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend and the rest. The trade-off is video memory; for more, the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White offers 20GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9070 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 3030MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Quiet/performance BIOS switch
- 0dB fan stop
- Dual-ball fan bearings
Cons
- Video memory trails the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White (20GB)
- Costs more than the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Price tier
- We grouped picks by price at the time of writing rather than by listed clock speed.
- Cooling and extras
- We checked cooler design, fan-stop modes, dual BIOS, support brackets and display outputs.
- Power
- We noted the power connector and recommended power supply where listed.
- GPU and memory
- We compared the chip, video memory capacity and memory type stated in each listing.
What to Look for in a GPUs for ARK: Survival Ascended
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much video memory you need
Among these picks, video memory runs from 16GB on the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT to 20GB on the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White. Settle how much you need before comparing prices, since paying for more rarely helps if your use never reaches it.
Treat 8GB of VRAM as the floor
Some recent games already push past 8GB at high texture settings. Cards with 12GB or 16GB give more room, especially at 1440p and above.
Two versions of the same chip can differ only in memory; check the capacity in the exact model name.
Plan the power connector and PSU
Cards use one or two 8-pin PCIe plugs or a single 16-pin 12V-2x6 plug. Confirm your power supply has the right cables and meets the maker's recommended wattage.
Compare upscaling and encoders
NVIDIA cards support DLSS, AMD cards FSR and Intel cards XeSS. Each game supports a different mix, so check the titles you play.
Streamers should also compare hardware video encoders.
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 ARK: Survival Ascended
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put video memory first | ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White | The largest video memory here (20GB) |
| Buyers who want two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs | Gigabyte 7800 XT Gaming OC | Two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs |
| Buyers who want quiet/performance dual BIOS | ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB | A quiet/performance dual BIOS |
| Buyers who want 64 compute units | ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend | 64 compute units |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT | The top of this price range, adding a quiet/performance BIOS switch |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White | RX 7900 XT | 20GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Gigabyte 7800 XT Gaming OC | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB | RTX 5060 Ti | 16GB | GDDR7 | 2.5-slot |
| ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend | RX 9070 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 2.9-slot |
| ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT | RX 9070 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 2.5-slot |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do these graphics cards compare on cooler thickness?
The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, at 2.5-slot. The ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT follows at 2.5-slot, while the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend has 2.9-slot.
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
The ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White. It undercut the Gigabyte 7800 XT Gaming OC when we checked, while the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT cost the most of the group.
Should I choose AMD or NVIDIA?
Compare price and memory at your budget first, then features such as DLSS or FSR support in your games and hardware encoding if you stream.
How big a power supply do I need?
Use the maker's recommendation for your exact card, then add headroom if you run a high-power CPU. Also check the connectors, not just the wattage.
Will a PCIe 5.0 card work in a PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 slot?
Yes, the interface is backward compatible. Cards with a narrow x8 link can lose some performance on PCIe 3.0 boards.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming White, chosen for the largest video memory here (20GB). Look at the Gigabyte 7800 XT Gaming OC for two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs, the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB for a quiet/performance dual BIOS and the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend for 64 compute units if those matter more to you.
Use DLSS or FSR in ARK; native rendering is heavy even on high-end cards.