Buying Guide
The Best GPUs Under $600
Five graphics cards ranked on video memory and cooler thickness; the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
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 thickness, the guide says 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.
Also Consider
ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC
A white-and-silver Steel Legend finish.
Best for: Buyers who want white-and-silver Steel Legend finish.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC
32 compute units.
Best for: Buyers who want 32 compute units.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS Dual Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB
The top of this price range, adding a dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8G
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8G (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8G
Three WINDFORCE fans.
Best for: Buyers who want three WINDFORCE fans.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8G (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 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
- Buyers who want white-and-silver Steel Legend finish.
Skip if
- Pass on it if needs two 8-pin PCIe power cable rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It matches the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB 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. You get a 2520MHz boost clock here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB and its a 3250MHz (OC mode) boost clock.
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 third of 5, between the cheaper Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile and the pricier ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its cooler thickness; if that figure matters, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes in at 2-slot.
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
- RX 7800 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 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 want 32 compute units.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce was cheaper at our last price check.
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 ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB at 16GB. It shares an RX 9060 XT gpu with the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB; the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce goes with an RTX 5050 gpu.
It is the only pick here with a 3290MHz boost clock; the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend has a 2520MHz boost clock instead. It also comes with 32 compute units and 0dB fan stop at light load. Power for the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes through 1 x 8-pin, with 550W the maker's minimum PSU.
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 Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce at the time of writing
Premium Pick3 of 5
ASUS Dual Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual RX 9060 XT 16GB offers a 3250MHz boost in OC mode with Quiet and Performance BIOS profiles and 0dB fan stop.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On video memory it ties with the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend and the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB at 16GB. No other pick in this guide offers a 3250MHz (OC mode) boost clock; compare the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, which has a 2520MHz boost clock. You also get 0dB fan stop at light load.
The ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB with the maker. Only the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. There is no published recommended power supply figure, whereas the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB offers 550W.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 3250MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles
- 0dB fan stop at light load
- 3250MHz (OC mode) boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RTX 5050 Windforce is the cheapest way into DLSS 4 here.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent game 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 Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile at 8GB. An RTX 5050 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB uses an RX 9060 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.
It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile the next step up. 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 5050
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- Dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler
- PCIe 5.0 interface
- RTX 5050 gpu, the only one here
- The lowest price of the group at our last check
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)
Worth a Look5 of 5
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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. On video memory it ties with 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. Half-height cases need the low-profile bracket; confirm it ships with the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile.
When we checked, only the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce cost less, and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend cost more. Video memory is its weakest area, and the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend covers it better at 16GB.
Key dimensions & 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 Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce 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.
- 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.
- Cooling and extras
- We checked cooler design, fan-stop modes, dual BIOS, support brackets and display outputs.
What to Look for in a GPUs Under $600
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 who want 32 compute units | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB | 32 compute units |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB | The top of this price range, adding a dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles |
| Spending as little as possible | Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| 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
Figures as each maker states them.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend | RX 7800 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 2-slot |
| ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | GDDR6 | 2.5-slot |
| 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.
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 | Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce, Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile, ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend |
| About $500 to $1000 | ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do these graphics cards compare on video memory?
The ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, at 16GB. The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB follows at 16GB, while the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile has 8GB.
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
The Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce. It undercut the Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile when we checked, while the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB 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.
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.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASRock 7800 XT Steel Legend, chosen for a white-and-silver Steel Legend finish. Look at the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB for 32 compute units, the ASUS Dual 9060 XT 16GB for the top of this price range, adding a dual BIOS switch with Quiet and Performance profiles and the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce for the lowest price of the group at our last check if those matter more to you.
Prefer 16GB over 8GB at this price if you plan to play at 1440p.