Buying Guide
The Best Graphics Cards for Call of Duty
Six current cards for high-refresh Call of Duty play, compared on memory, size and power needs.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
Activision publishes separate PC requirements for each Call of Duty release, and they rise over time. For competitive play on a high-refresh monitor, a current card with 12GB or more is a safe base.
Check the requirements for the release you play. We do not quote frame rates. We compared listed specifications from the card makers and retailer listings; we did not benchmark these cards.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Match for Call of Duty
MSI RTX 5070 Ti Ventus 3X PZ OC
An SFF-Ready RTX 5070 Ti with 16GB.
Best for: High-refresh 1440p.
Our take Check price for MSI RTX 5070 Ti Ventus 3X PZ OC (opens in a new tab)
Best AMD Pick
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 XT Gaming OC 16G
A 16GB RX 9070 XT.
Best for: Radeon high-refresh builds.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 XT Gaming OC 16G (opens in a new tab)
Best 12GB NVIDIA Pick
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 12GB GDDR7 OC Edition
An ASUS TUF RTX 5070.
Best for: 1440p with DLSS.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 12GB GDDR7 OC Edition (opens in a new tab)
Best Value AMD Pick
XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 OC Triple Fan Gaming Edition
A 16GB RX 9070.
Best for: 1440p on a smaller budget.
Our take Check price for XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 OC Triple Fan Gaming Edition (opens in a new tab)
Best 1080p NVIDIA Pick
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC
A 16GB RTX 5060 Ti.
Best for: High-refresh 1080p.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Pick
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC
A 249mm, 16GB RX 9060 XT on one 8-pin connector.
Best for: Budget competitive builds.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Match for Call of Duty1 of 6
MSI RTX 5070 Ti Ventus 3X PZ OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's Ventus 3X PZ is an SFF-Ready card with three TORX Fan 5.0 fans and nickel-plated core pipes.
Best for
- High-refresh 1440p.
Skip if
- Pass if a published cooler thickness matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It is one of the more affordable triple-fan RTX 5070 Ti models here. On video memory it ties with the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC, the XFX Swift RX 9070, the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB at 16GB. An RTX 5070 Ti gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC uses an RX 9070 XT gpu.
No other pick in this guide offers a 2482MHz boost clock; compare the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, which has a 2632MHz (OC mode) boost clock. Only the ASUS TUF RTX 5070 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks. There is no published cooler thickness figure, whereas the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes in at 2-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5070 Ti
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Boost clock: 2482MHz
- SFF-Ready: Yes
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1a, 1 x HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- Nickel-plated square core pipes
Cons
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB at the time of writing
Best AMD Pick2 of 6
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 XT Gaming OC 16G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RX 9070 XT Gaming OC pairs AMD's top RDNA 4 chip with 16GB of GDDR6 and a WINDFORCE cooler.
Best for
- Radeon high-refresh builds.
Skip if
- The maker gives no cooler thickness, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
At the time of writing it cost about half as much as the RTX 5080 cards we researched, which makes it the strongest value in the upper tiers. It matches the MSI Ventus 3X, the XFX Swift RX 9070, the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB on video memory (16GB). You also get server-grade thermal conductive gel and RGB lighting.
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT 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 XT Gaming OC with the maker. Its price falls between the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and the ASUS TUF RTX 5070, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed cooler thickness should compare it with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, which comes in at 2-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9070 XT
- 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
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB at the time of writing
Best 12GB NVIDIA Pick3 of 6
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 12GB GDDR7 OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS TUF RTX 5070 trades size for cooling, with a 3.125-slot heatsink and three axial fans.
Best for
- 1440p with DLSS.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: its 3.125-slot cooler covers the slots below.
Why we like it
The GPU Guard bracket helps against sag and the PCB carries a protective coating. Its 12GB video memory is the smallest in this group; the MSI Ventus 3X leads at 16GB. On cooler thickness it trails the group at 3.125-slot, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes in at 2-slot.
It is the only pick here with an RTX 5070 gpu; the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB has an RTX 5060 Ti gpu instead. It shares GDDR7 memory with the MSI Ventus 3X and ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB goes with GDDR6 memory. A 2640MHz (OC mode) boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the XFX Swift RX 9070 uses a 2700MHz boost clock. Its price falls between the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC and the MSI Ventus 3X, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Thickness: 3.125-slot
- Boost clock: 2640MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Military-grade components and a protective PCB coating
- ASUS GPU Guard bracket against sag
Cons
- Its 3.125-slot cooler covers the slots below
- Video memory trails the MSI Ventus 3X (16GB)
- Cooler thickness trails the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB (2-slot)
Best Value AMD Pick4 of 6
XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 OC Triple Fan Gaming Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The RX 9070 keeps 16GB of memory but costs less than the XT.
Best for
- 1440p on a smaller budget.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its cooler thickness before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
XFX's Swift version uses a triple-fan cooler with a 2700MHz boost and three DisplayPort outputs. On video memory it ties with the MSI Ventus 3X, the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC, the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB at 16GB. You get an RX 9070 gpu here, which sets it apart from the ASUS TUF RTX 5070 and its an RTX 5070 gpu.
Like the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC and ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, it has GDDR6 memory, while the ASUS TUF RTX 5070 uses GDDR7 memory. It is the only pick here with a 2700MHz boost clock; the MSI Ventus 3X has a 2482MHz boost clock instead. If you want a confirmed cooler thickness, look to the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB instead: it comes in at 2-slot, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & 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
- RX 9070 gpu, the only one here
- 2700MHz boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB at the time of writing
Best 1080p NVIDIA Pick5 of 6
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
- High-refresh 1080p.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB 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 MSI Ventus 3X, the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC, the XFX Swift RX 9070 and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB on video memory (16GB). On cooler thickness it sits mid-pack at 2.5-slot: the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes in at 2-slot, and the ASUS TUF RTX 5070 comes in at 3.125-slot.
It is the only pick here with an RTX 5060 Ti gpu; the XFX Swift RX 9070 has an RX 9070 gpu instead. It shares GDDR7 memory with the MSI Ventus 3X and ASUS TUF RTX 5070; the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC goes with GDDR6 memory. Its price falls between the XFX Swift RX 9070 and the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC, based on our last check.
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 RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB at the time of writing
Best Budget Pick6 of 6
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's Challenger gives the RX 9060 XT a full 16GB of memory in a two-slot, 249mm card.
Best for
- Budget competitive builds.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
The maker offers a 550W power supply and a single 8-pin plug, so it drops into most existing builds. On video memory it ties with the MSI Ventus 3X, the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC, the XFX Swift RX 9070 and the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB at 16GB. Its 2-slot cooler thickness is the slimmest here; the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB comes next at 2.5-slot.
An RX 9060 XT gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC uses an RX 9070 XT gpu. No other pick in this guide offers a 3290MHz boost clock; compare the XFX Swift RX 9070, which has a 2700MHz boost clock. You also get 32 compute units and 0dB fan stop at light load. It cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the XFX Swift RX 9070 the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 249mm
- Thickness: 2-slot
- Recommended PSU: 550W
- Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 3290MHz
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Short 249mm length suits compact cases
- Dual-slot cooler leaves the next slot free
- A modest 550W PSU recommendation
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- GPU and memory
- We compared the chip, video memory capacity and memory type stated in each listing.
- Fit
- We recorded length and slot thickness where the maker lists them, plus low-profile and SFF-Ready status.
- Power
- We noted the power connector and recommended power supply where listed.
- Price tier
- We grouped picks by price at the time of writing rather than by listed clock speed.
What to Look for in a GPUs for Call of Duty
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match the card to your monitor
Resolution and refresh rate decide how much GPU you need. A 1080p screen at 144Hz asks far less than 1440p at 165Hz or 4K.
Buy for the monitor you use now or will buy soon, not for a resolution you may never run.
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.
Count the display outputs
Most cards offer three DisplayPort outputs and one HDMI, but some swap that balance. Check that the ports match your monitors, TV or VR headset.
How to Choose a GPUs for Call of Duty
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High-refresh 1440p | MSI Ventus 3X | An SFF-Ready RTX 5070 Ti with 16GB |
| Radeon high-refresh builds | Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC | A 16GB RX 9070 XT |
| 1440p with DLSS | ASUS TUF RTX 5070 | An ASUS TUF RTX 5070 |
| 1440p on a smaller budget | XFX Swift RX 9070 | A 16GB RX 9070 |
| High-refresh 1080p | ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB | A 16GB RTX 5060 Ti |
| Budget competitive builds | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB | A 249mm, 16GB RX 9060 XT on one 8-pin connector |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI Ventus 3X | RTX 5070 Ti | 16GB | GDDR7 | Not listed |
| Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC | RX 9070 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS TUF RTX 5070 | RTX 5070 | 12GB | GDDR7 | 3.125-slot |
| XFX Swift RX 9070 | RX 9070 | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB | RTX 5060 Ti | 16GB | GDDR7 | 2.5-slot |
| ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 2-slot |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $500 to $1000 | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, XFX Swift RX 9070, ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, Gigabyte RX 9070 XT Gaming OC, ASUS TUF RTX 5070 |
| About $1000 to $1500 | MSI Ventus 3X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my CPU hold the card back?
It depends on resolution and the games you play. At 1080p and high refresh rates the CPU matters more; at 4K the GPU sets the limit.
Is an 8GB graphics card still enough?
For 1080p with tuned texture settings, often yes. For 1440p or high textures in new games, 12GB or 16GB is safer.
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.
Do partner cards of the same GPU perform differently?
Only slightly. Factory overclocks add a few percent at most; cooling, noise, size and price differ more.
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
MSI's RTX 5070 Ti Ventus 3X is the strongest match for Call of Duty here, with Gigabyte's RX 9070 XT the AMD alternative. The RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and RX 9060 XT 16GB cover budget high-refresh 1080p.