Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for VRChat
Five graphics cards compared, from the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend to the XFX Swift RX 9070, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Busy VRChat instances fill video memory with avatars and worlds. Every pick has 16GB of VRAM and cost $800 or less.
We sorted these picks by GPU, VRAM and memory, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips length, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting white-and-silver Steel Legend finish for the least money.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Recommended Power Supply
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC
The lowest recommended power supply here (550W).
Best for: Buyers who put recommended power supply first.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC 16G
Three WINDFORCE fans.
Best for: Buyers who want three WINDFORCE fans.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC 16G (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
PowerColor Twin Fan AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
A 260mm length, the shortest 7800 XT here.
Best for: Buyers who want 260mm length, the shortest 7800 XT here.
Our take Check price for PowerColor Twin Fan AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 OC Triple Fan Gaming Edition
An XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 OC Triple Fan Gaming Edition (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Steel Legend adds a white-and-silver finish and a 2520MHz boost, and it has a 700W recommended power supply.
Best for
- Getting white-and-silver Steel Legend finish for the least money.
Skip if
- Pass on it if needs two 8-pin PCIe power cable rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
On recommended power supply it sits mid-pack at 700W: the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB offers 550W, and the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan comes in at 750W. It shares an RX 7800 XT gpu with the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan; the XFX Swift RX 9070 goes with an RX 9070 gpu. Like the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan, it has a 2 x 8-pin power connector, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB uses a 1 x 8-pin power connector.
No other pick in this guide offers a 2520MHz boost clock; compare the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, which has a 3290MHz boost clock. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB the next step up. There is no published card length figure, whereas the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes in at 249mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7800 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Recommended PSU: 700W
- Power connector: 2 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 2520MHz
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- White-and-silver Steel Legend finish
- 700W recommended PSU
- Recommended power supply of 700W, ahead of the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan
Cons
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Recommended power supply of 700W, behind the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB (550W)
Lowest Recommended Power Supply2 of 5
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
- Buyers who put recommended power supply first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, which cost less when we checked.
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 recommended power supply it leads this guide at 550W, ahead of the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (700W). It is the only pick here with an RX 9060 XT gpu; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend has an RX 7800 XT gpu instead.
You get a 1 x 8-pin power connector here, which sets it apart from the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan and its a 2 x 8-pin power connector. A 3290MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the XFX Swift RX 9070 uses a 2700MHz boost clock. It also comes with 32 compute units and 0dB fan stop at light load. Its price falls between the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC, based on our last check.
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
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC 16G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RX 7600 XT Gaming OC carries 16GB of GDDR6 under three Windforce fans, with two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs.
Best for
- Buyers who want three WINDFORCE fans.
Skip if
- Its recommended power supply is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
No other pick in this guide offers an RX 7600 XT gpu; compare the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan, which has an RX 7800 XT gpu. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte 7600 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 7600 XT Gaming OC with the maker.
On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and the pricier PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its card length; if that figure matters, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes in at 249mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7600 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Outputs: 2 x DisplayPort, 2 x HDMI
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Three WINDFORCE fans
- Two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs
- RX 7600 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- No published recommended power supply
- Costs more than the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
PowerColor Twin Fan AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
PowerColor's Twin Fan is 260mm long, the shortest RX 7800 XT here, with two 8-pin connectors.
Best for
- Buyers who want 260mm length, the shortest 7800 XT here.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables.
Why we like it
Its 750W recommended power supply is the highest in this group; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB leads at 550W. Like the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, it has an RX 7800 XT gpu, while the XFX Swift RX 9070 uses an RX 9070 gpu. It shares a 2 x 8-pin power connector with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB goes with a 1 x 8-pin power connector.
It also comes with a dual-fan cooler. Power for the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan comes through 2 x 8-pin, with 750W the maker's minimum PSU. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC and the pricier XFX Swift RX 9070, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7800 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 260mm
- Recommended PSU: 750W
- Power connector: 2 x 8-pin
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Short 260mm length suits compact cases
- 260mm length, the shortest 7800 XT here
- Dual-fan cooler
Cons
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Recommended power supply trails the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB (550W)
- Costs more than the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
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
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Its recommended power supply is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
XFX's Swift version uses a triple-fan cooler with a 2700MHz boost and three DisplayPort outputs. No other pick in this guide offers an RX 9070 gpu; compare the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC, which has an RX 7600 XT gpu. You get a 2700MHz boost clock here, which sets it apart from the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and its a 3290MHz boost clock.
No dimensions are published for the XFX Swift RX 9070; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the XFX Swift RX 9070 with the maker. 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 PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan and the rest. The trade-off is video memory; for more, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend offers 16GB.
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 recommended power supply
- Costs more than the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Fit
- We recorded length and slot thickness where the maker lists them, plus low-profile and SFF-Ready status.
- 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.
- Power
- We noted the power connector and recommended power supply where listed.
What to Look for in a GPUs for VRChat
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.
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.
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 VRChat
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting white-and-silver Steel Legend finish for the least money | ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who put recommended power supply first | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB | The lowest recommended power supply here (550W) |
| Buyers who want three WINDFORCE fans | Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC | Three WINDFORCE fans |
| Buyers who want 260mm length, the shortest 7800 XT here | PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan | A 260mm length, the shortest 7800 XT here |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | XFX Swift RX 9070 | An XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 249mm |
| Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC | RX 7600 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 260mm |
| XFX Swift RX 9070 | RX 9070 | 16GB | 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 $250 to $500 | ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend |
| About $500 to $1000 | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC, PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan, XFX Swift RX 9070 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick leads on recommended power supply?
The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB leads at 550W, ahead of the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend at 700W; the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan sits at the other end with 750W.
Which pick costs the least here?
At our last price check the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend was the cheapest pick and the XFX Swift RX 9070 the most expensive; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB was the next step up from the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend.
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.
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 I need a GPU support bracket?
Long, heavy cards can sag and stress the slot. Some come with a support stand or bracket; otherwise one is inexpensive to add.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB for the lowest recommended power supply here (550W), the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC for three WINDFORCE fans and the PowerColor 7800 XT Twin Fan for a 260mm length, the shortest 7800 XT here if those matter more to you.
Limit shown avatars in crowded instances; it helps more than any GPU upgrade.