Buying Guide
The Best GPUs Under $600
Five graphics cards ranked on video memory and GPU; the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Between $400 and $600, cards target 1080p and 1440p gaming. Every pick sits in that range at the time of writing, ordered by VRAM.
Rankings weigh GPU, VRAM and memory as the makers state them; if a maker skips power connector, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Also Consider
ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OCA white-and-silver Steel Legend finish.
Best for: Buyers who want white-and-silver Steel Legend finish.
Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC 16GThree WINDFORCE fans at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge costs less.
Check price for Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC 16G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5050 Twin Edge OCThe lowest price among these graphics cards at the time of writing.
Best for: Getting two 90mm BladeLink fans for the least money.
Check price for ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5050 Twin Edge OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8GA dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Check price for GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8GThree WINDFORCE fans.
Best for: Buyers who want three WINDFORCE fans.
Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC
The Steel Legend adds a white-and-silver finish and a 2520MHz boost, and it has a 700W recommended power supply.
Best for
- Buyers who want white-and-silver Steel Legend finish.
Skip if
- Pass on it if needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It matches the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC on video memory (16GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RX 7800 XT gpu; compare the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce, which has an RTX 5050 gpu. No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Power for the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend comes through 2 x 8-pin, with 700W the maker's minimum PSU. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile and the pricier Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC, at the time of writing.
Key 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
- RX 7800 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Costs more than the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 XT Gaming OC 16G
The Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC stands out for three WINDFORCE fans, and it adds a 128-bit memory interface.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge costs less.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also offers a 16GB video memory. On video memory it ties with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend at 16GB. You get an RX 7600 XT gpu here, which sets it apart from the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile and its an RTX 4060 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- GPU
- RX 7600 XT
- VRAM
- 16GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Three WINDFORCE fans
- 128-bit memory interface
- RX 7600 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5050 Twin Edge OC
Zotac's RTX 5050 Twin Edge is a two-slot, SFF-Ready card with two 90mm fans and one 8-pin plug.
Best for
- Getting two 90mm BladeLink fans for the least money.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the smallest NVIDIA option here for a compact case. It matches the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce and the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile on video memory (8GB). Like the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce, it has an RTX 5050 gpu, while the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend uses an RX 7800 XT gpu.
It also comes with 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. It undercut the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key 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
- Video memory of 8GB, behind the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (16GB)
The catch
The main gap: video memory of 8GB, behind the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (16GB). If that matters, the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend offers 16GB.
Strong Alternative4 of 5
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8G
Gigabyte's RTX 5050 Windforce is the cheapest way into DLSS 4 here.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games is a problem.
Why we like it
The maker publishes few details, so confirm size and power needs on Gigabyte's page. On video memory it ties with the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge and the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile at 8GB. It shares an RTX 5050 gpu with the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge; the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC goes with an RX 7600 XT gpu.
It also offers 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.
Key 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 Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8G
Gigabyte's RTX 4060 Low Profile is the previous generation, with DLSS 3 rather than DLSS 4.
Best for
- Buyers who want three WINDFORCE fans.
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
Three WINDFORCE fans and a dual BIOS make it a solid fallback if the RTX 5060 cards are out of stock. The low-profile 4060 pairs three WINDFORCE fans with 8GB of GDDR6, and it supports DLSS 3 and ray tracing. On video memory it ties with the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge and the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce at 8GB.
You get an RTX 4060 gpu here, which sets it apart from the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce and its an RTX 5050 gpu. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile; 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 4060 Low Profile with the maker. When we checked, only the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce and cheaper picks cost less, and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend cost more.
Key specs
- GPU
- RTX 4060
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Low profile
- Yes
Pros
- Low-profile design for slim desktops
- Three WINDFORCE fans
- Dual BIOS
- DLSS 3 support
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend (16GB)
- Costs more than the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge at the time of writing
The catch
Video memory is its weakest area, and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend covers it better at 16GB.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and power connector, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and power connector is missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend to the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC, the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce and the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile give no power connector.
- Price range
- From the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge to the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a GPUs Under $600
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much video memory you need
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend tops video memory at 16GB and the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile sits lowest at 8GB; 2 picks share the top figure. The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend is the pick for video memory.
Power connector
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend lists 2 x 8-pin; the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge lists 1 x 8-pin.
A graphics card's bare circuit board around the GPU die Fit and compatibility
No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend; 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 Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge: a pass-through airflow design. The Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce: a PCIe 5.0 interface. The Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile: a dual BIOS.
How much to spend
All 5 sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, from the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge at the low end to the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC at the top, so decide on features first.
How to Choose a GPUs Under $600
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want white-and-silver Steel Legend finish | ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | A white-and-silver Steel Legend finish |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge costs less | Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC | Three WINDFORCE fans at the highest price in the group |
| Getting two 90mm BladeLink fans for the least money | Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge | The lowest price among these graphics cards at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler | Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce | A dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler |
| Buyers who want three WINDFORCE fans | Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile | Three WINDFORCE fans |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend leads on video memory at 16GB, ahead of the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC at 16GB. "Not listed" marks power connector where the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC, the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce and the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Power connector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 2 x 8-pin |
| Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC | RX 7600 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge | RTX 5050 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 1 x 8-pin |
| Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce | RTX 5050 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile | RTX 4060 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC add over the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge?
The spec sheets show video memory (16GB against 8GB) in its favour. Both sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, so the gains in video memory cost little extra by tier.
Why is the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for the lowest price among these graphics cards at the time of writing. It is aimed at getting two 90mm BladeLink fans for the least money.
Do the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC differ on GPU?
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend uses RX 7800 XT; the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC uses RX 7600 XT; the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge and the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce use RTX 5050; the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile uses RTX 4060.
Will the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend work with my setup?
No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Power for the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend comes through 2 x 8-pin, with 700W the maker's minimum PSU. In this guide it ranks first of 5, and first of 5 on video memory (16GB).
What extras do the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC include?
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend: a white-and-silver Steel Legend finish. The Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC: three WINDFORCE fans. The Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge: two 90mm BladeLink fans.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, chosen for a white-and-silver Steel Legend finish. Look at the Gigabyte 7600 XT Gaming OC for three WINDFORCE fans at the highest price in the group, the Zotac RTX 5050 Twin Edge for the lowest price among these graphics cards at the time of writing and the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce for a dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler if those matter more to you.
Prefer 16GB over 8GB at this price if you plan to play at 1440p.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Graphics Cards
- Related guideThe Best Graphics Cards for 1440p Gaming
- Related guideThe Best Budget Graphics Cards
- Lower budgetThe Best Radeon GPUs Under $500
- Higher budgetThe Best Graphics Cards Under $700
- ExplainerHow Much VRAM Do You Need?
- ExplainerGPU Power Connectors Explained
- Check compatibility: power suppliesHow to Choose a Reliable Power Supply
- Similar guideThe Best GPUs Between $280 and $400
- Topic hubAll graphics cards guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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