Buying Guide
The Best Graphics Card for Gaming PC
Five graphics cards compared, from the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming to the ASUS TUF RTX 5090, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
The graphics card decides gaming performance more than any other part. These are ordered by VRAM.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: GPU, VRAM and memory come from each maker's published specs; a missing recommended PSU is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Video Memory
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090
The largest video memory here (32GB).
Best for: Buyers who put video memory first.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming OC 24GB
A lower price than the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming OC 24GB (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
PowerColor Hellhound AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
DisplayPort 2.1 outputs.
Best for: Buyers who want DisplayPort 2.1 outputs.
Our take Check price for PowerColor Hellhound AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
PNY GeForce RTX 4090 Verto Triple Fan
16,384 CUDA cores and up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth.
Best for: Buyers who want 16,384 CUDA cores and up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth.
Our take Check price for PNY GeForce RTX 4090 Verto Triple Fan (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
MSI GeForce RTX 4090 Gaming Slim 24G
16,384 CUDA cores on a 384-bit memory bus.
Best for: Buyers who want 16,384 CUDA cores on a 384-bit memory bus.
Our take Check price for MSI GeForce RTX 4090 Gaming Slim 24G (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Largest Video Memory1 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS TUF RTX 5090 is in a class of its own with 32GB of GDDR7 and 21,760 CUDA cores.
Best for
- Buyers who put video memory first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
At the time of writing it cost several times more than the other cards here, so it only makes sense when nothing slower will do. Nothing else here matches its 32GB video memory; the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming comes closest at 24GB. You get an RTX 5090 gpu here, which sets it apart from the MSI 4090 Gaming Slim and its an RTX 4090 gpu.
No other pick in this guide offers GDDR7 memory; compare the PNY 4090 Verto, which has GDDR6X memory. You also get a 512-bit memory bus at 28Gbps and a GPU holder in the box. At our last price check it topped the group, with the MSI 4090 Gaming Slim the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed recommended power supply, look to the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming instead: it offers 800W, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5090
- VRAM: 32GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1b, 2 x HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- 32GB of VRAM, room for large local AI models as well as games
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- 512-bit memory bus at 28Gbps
- 21,760 CUDA cores
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here2 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming OC 24GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's Phantom Gaming OC offers a 2615MHz boost, 96MB of Infinity Cache and 0dB silent cooling at light load.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: calls for a 800W or larger PSU.
Why we like it
It was the least expensive 7900 XTX here at the time of writing. It matches the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX, the PNY 4090 Verto and the MSI 4090 Gaming Slim on video memory (24GB). It shares GDDR6 memory with the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX; the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 goes with GDDR7 memory.
No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. It undercut the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: video memory of 24GB, behind the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 (32GB). If that matters, the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 offers 32GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7900 XTX
- VRAM: 24GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Recommended PSU: 800W
- Boost clock: 2615MHz
Pros
- 24GB of VRAM, room for large local AI models as well as games
- 96MB of Infinity Cache
- 0dB silent cooling at light load
- A lower price than the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX and the rest when we checked
Cons
- Calls for a 800W or larger PSU
- Video memory of 24GB, behind the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 (32GB)
Also Consider3 of 5
PowerColor Hellhound AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
PowerColor's Hellhound is 320mm long, uses DisplayPort 2.1 outputs and states an 800W minimum power supply.
Best for
- Buyers who want DisplayPort 2.1 outputs.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when calls for a 800W or larger PS is a problem.
Why we like it
It has 6,144 stream processors and a switch between an OC mode at 2,330MHz and a quieter Silent mode at 2,270MHz game clock. The Silent mode suits a quiet room. It matches the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming, the PNY 4090 Verto and the MSI 4090 Gaming Slim on video memory (24GB).
The PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX is 320mm long; compare that with your case's GPU limit. PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX: the maker suggests a PSU of 800W or more. Its price falls between the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming and the PNY 4090 Verto, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7900 XTX
- VRAM: 24GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 320mm
- Recommended PSU: 800W
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x HDMI 2.1
Pros
- 24GB of VRAM, room for large local AI models as well as games
- DisplayPort 2.1 outputs
- 800W minimum PSU stated by the maker
Cons
- Calls for a 800W or larger PSU
- Costs more than the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
PNY GeForce RTX 4090 Verto Triple Fan on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
PNY's Verto runs the RTX 4090 at NVIDIA's reference 2520MHz boost with up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth.
Best for
- Buyers who want 16,384 CUDA cores and up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It cost the least of the RTX 4090 cards here at the time of writing. It matches the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming, the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX and the MSI 4090 Gaming Slim on video memory (24GB). It shares GDDR6X memory with the MSI 4090 Gaming Slim; the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 goes with GDDR7 memory.
No dimensions are published for the PNY 4090 Verto; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the PNY 4090 Verto with the maker. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX and the pricier MSI 4090 Gaming Slim, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its recommended power supply; if that figure matters, the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming offers 800W.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4090
- VRAM: 24GB
- Memory: GDDR6X
- Boost clock: 2520MHz
Pros
- 24GB of VRAM, room for large local AI models as well as games
- 16,384 CUDA cores and up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth
- Reference 2520MHz boost clock
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
MSI GeForce RTX 4090 Gaming Slim 24G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's Gaming Slim puts the full RTX 4090, with 16,384 CUDA cores and 24GB of GDDR6X, under a thinner cooler than the Gaming X Trio.
Best for
- Buyers who want 16,384 CUDA cores on a 384-bit memory bus.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 offers 32GB.
Why we like it
It suits cases where a four-slot card would block the slot below. It matches the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming, the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX and the PNY 4090 Verto on video memory (24GB). No dimensions are published for the MSI 4090 Gaming Slim; 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 4090 Gaming Slim with the maker. Its price falls between the PNY 4090 Verto and the ASUS TUF RTX 5090, based on our last check. If video memory is your priority, the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 (32GB) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4090
- VRAM: 24GB
- Memory: GDDR6X
Pros
- 24GB of VRAM, room for large local AI models as well as games
- 16,384 CUDA cores on a 384-bit memory bus
- Slimmer cooler than MSI's Gaming X Trio
Cons
- Video memory trails the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 (32GB)
- Costs more than the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming 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.
- Cooling and extras
- We checked cooler design, fan-stop modes, dual BIOS, support brackets and display outputs.
- GPU and memory
- We compared the chip, video memory capacity and memory type stated in each listing.
What to Look for in a Graphics Card for Gaming PC
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.
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.
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.
How to Choose a Graphics Card for Gaming PC
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put video memory first | ASUS TUF RTX 5090 | The largest video memory here (32GB) |
| Keeping the budget tight | ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming | A lower price than the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want DisplayPort 2.1 outputs | PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX | DisplayPort 2.1 outputs |
| Buyers who want 16,384 CUDA cores and up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth | PNY 4090 Verto | 16,384 CUDA cores and up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth |
| Buyers who want 16,384 CUDA cores on a 384-bit memory bus | MSI 4090 Gaming Slim | 16,384 CUDA cores on a 384-bit memory bus |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Recommended PSU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS TUF RTX 5090 | RTX 5090 | 32GB | GDDR7 | Not listed |
| ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming | RX 7900 XTX | 24GB | GDDR6 | 800W |
| PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX | RX 7900 XTX | 24GB | GDDR6 | 800W |
| PNY 4090 Verto | RTX 4090 | 24GB | GDDR6X | Not listed |
| MSI 4090 Gaming Slim | RTX 4090 | 24GB | GDDR6X | 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 $1000 to $1500 | ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming, PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX |
| Over $1500 | PNY 4090 Verto, MSI 4090 Gaming Slim, ASUS TUF RTX 5090 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these graphics cards has the largest video memory?
The ASUS TUF RTX 5090 leads at 32GB, ahead of the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming at 24GB; the MSI 4090 Gaming Slim sits at the other end with 24GB.
What is the least I can spend on one of these graphics cards?
Start with the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming, the lowest-priced pick when we checked. The ASUS TUF RTX 5090 is the premium end, so the spread between them shows what extra money buys here.
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.
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
Our first pick is the ASUS TUF RTX 5090, chosen for the largest video memory here (32GB). Look at the ASRock 7900 XTX Phantom Gaming for a lower price than the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX and the rest when we checked, the PowerColor Hellhound 7900 XTX for DisplayPort 2.1 outputs and the PNY 4090 Verto for 16,384 CUDA cores and up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth if those matter more to you.
Match the card to your monitor's resolution and refresh rate.