Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for League of Legends
From the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger to the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge: five graphics cards ranked on video memory and card length, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
League of Legends is light on the GPU, so a budget card already runs it at a high refresh rate. Every pick cost $350 or less.
We sorted these picks by GPU, VRAM and memory, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips length, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC
A lower price than the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D 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)
Also Consider
ASRock Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8GB
0dB silent cooling at light load.
Best for: Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light load.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8GB (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6G
A dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6G (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G OC
Two HDMI 2.1a outputs.
Best for: Buyers who want two HDMI 2.1a outputs.
Our take Check price for MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G OC (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5050 Twin Edge OC
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with two 90mm BladeLink fans.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5050 Twin Edge OC (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
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
- 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 needs two 8-pin connectors and a 650W power supply. On video memory it ties with the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge at 8GB. An arc A580 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce uses an RTX 3050 gpu.
It is the only pick here with a 2 x 8-pin power connector; the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D has a 1 x 8-pin power connector instead. 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.
It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D the next step up. What it gives up: card length of 271mm, behind the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D (269mm); by contrast, the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D comes in at 269mm.
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
- Video memory of 8GB, ahead of the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Card length of 271mm, behind the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D (269mm)
Also Consider2 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's RX 6600 Challenger D is 269mm long, uses one 8-pin connector and stops its fans at light load.
Best for
- Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light load.
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
It is a previous-generation 8GB card still sold new. It supports AMD FSR upscaling for higher frame rates in supported games. Its single 8-pin connector suits older power supplies.
On video memory it ties with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge at 8GB. You get an RX 6600 gpu here, which sets it apart from the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge and its an RTX 5050 gpu. Like the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge, it has a 1 x 8-pin power connector, while the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger uses a 2 x 8-pin power connector.
It also offers a PCIe 4.0 x8 interface and a dual-fan cooler. When we checked, only the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger cost less, and the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce cost more. If you want a confirmed cooler thickness, look to the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge instead: it comes in at 2-slot, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 6600
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 269mm
- Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.1
Pros
- A single 8-pin power connector
- 0dB silent cooling at light load
- PCIe 4.0 x8 interface
- Dual-fan cooler
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RTX 3050 Windforce OC V2 is the 6GB version of the RTX 3050, with DLSS support and a dual-fan cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
It has 6GB of GDDR6 on a 96-bit interface and third-generation Tensor cores for DLSS. On video memory it ties with the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X at 6GB. It shares an RTX 3050 gpu with the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger goes with an arc A580 gpu.
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RTX 3050 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 3050 Windforce with the maker. It was priced above the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and below the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X at the time of writing. There is no published card length figure, whereas the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D comes in at 269mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 3050
- VRAM: 6GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- Dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler
- DLSS support
- Second-generation RT cores
Cons
- 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G OC has two HDMI 2.1a outputs and one DisplayPort, with DLSS support.
Best for
- Buyers who want two HDMI 2.1a outputs.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent game is a problem.
Why we like it
It matches the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce on video memory (6GB). Like the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce, it has an RTX 3050 gpu, while the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D uses an RX 6600 gpu. It also offers a dual-fan Ventus cooler.
No dimensions are published for the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X with the maker. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce and the pricier Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge, at the time of writing. The trade-off is video memory; for more, the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger offers 8GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 3050
- VRAM: 6GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 1492MHz
- Outputs: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 2 x HDMI 2.1a
Pros
- Two HDMI 2.1a outputs
- Dual-fan Ventus cooler
- DLSS support
Cons
- 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger (8GB)
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 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 the most complete package.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent game rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the smallest NVIDIA option here for a compact case. On video memory it ties with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D at 8GB. An RTX 5050 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D uses an RX 6600 gpu.
Like the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D, it has a 1 x 8-pin power connector, while the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger uses a 2 x 8-pin power connector. It also offers 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.
Only the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. There is no published card length figure, whereas the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D comes in at 269mm.
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 Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
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.
- Cooling and extras
- We checked cooler design, fan-stop modes, dual BIOS, support brackets and display outputs.
- Fit
- We recorded length and slot thickness where the maker lists them, plus low-profile and SFF-Ready status.
- 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 League of Legends
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.
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.
Pair it with a balanced CPU
A fast card with an old CPU can stall at high frame rates, especially at 1080p. At 4K the GPU does most of the work, so the CPU matters less.
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.
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.
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.
How to Choose a GPUs for League of Legends
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting 256-bit memory bus for the least money | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | A lower price than the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want 0dB silent cooling at light load | ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D | 0dB silent cooling at light load |
| Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler | Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce | A dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler |
| Buyers who want two HDMI 2.1a outputs | MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X | Two HDMI 2.1a outputs |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with two 90mm BladeLink fans |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | Arc A580 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 271mm |
| ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D | RX 6600 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 269mm |
| Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge | RTX 5050 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
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 $150 to $250 | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D, Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce |
| About $250 to $500 | MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X, Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick leads on video memory?
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger leads at 8GB, ahead of the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D at 8GB; the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X sits at the other end with 6GB.
Which pick costs the least here?
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger cost the least when we checked, and the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge sat at the top of the range. Prices move often, so check the current listing before buying.
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.
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.
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.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, chosen for a lower price than the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D and the rest when we checked. Look at the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D for 0dB silent cooling at light load, the Gigabyte RTX 3050 Windforce for a dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler and the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X for two HDMI 2.1a outputs if those matter more to you.
A fast CPU matters as much as the GPU for high frame rates in League.