Buying Guide

The Best Graphics Cards for 1440p Gaming

Five graphics cards for 1440p gaming, from an RTX 5060 Ti 16GB to an RX 9070 XT, compared on memory, power needs and cooling.

By The PC Journal editorial team

12 min read5 products evaluated

1440p is the sweet spot for many gamers: sharper than 1080p without the cost of 4K. It is also where 8GB cards start to run short, so all five picks here have 12GB or more.

We researched these cards from maker specifications and retailer listings; no frame rates here come from our own testing. Check independent reviews for results in your games.

Quick Picks

Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

  1. Best for 1440p

    ASRock Radeon RX 9070 Challenger 16GB OC

    16GB on a 256-bit bus with a 290mm length and 700W PSU recommendation.

    Best for: High-refresh 1440p gaming.

    Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9070 Challenger 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)

  2. Best NVIDIA for 1440p

    ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5070 12GB OC

    An RTX 5070 with 12GB of GDDR7 and a dual BIOS.

    Best for: DLSS users at 1440p.

    Our take Check price for ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5070 12GB OC (opens in a new tab)

  3. Most Headroom

    XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 XT Triple Fan Gaming Edition

    The RX 9070 XT, the fastest chip in this guide.

    Best for: 1440p at maximum settings and 240Hz monitors.

    Our take Check price for XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 XT Triple Fan Gaming Edition (opens in a new tab)

  4. Best 16GB NVIDIA Value

    ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC

    16GB of GDDR7 on an RTX 5060 Ti.

    Best for: 1440p with high textures on a mid budget.

    Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)

  5. Cheapest 16GB Pick

    XFX Swift Radeon RX 9060 XT OC Gaming Edition 16GB

    16GB of GDDR6 at the lowest price here at the time of writing.

    Best for: Entry 1440p builds.

    Our take Check price for XFX Swift Radeon RX 9060 XT OC Gaming Edition 16GB (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

ASRock Radeon RX 9070 Challenger 16GB OC

Best for 1440p1 of 5

ASRock Radeon RX 9070 Challenger 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

ASRock's RX 9070 Challenger is the most completely documented card here: 290mm long, 2.5 slots, two 8-pin plugs and a 700W PSU.

Best for

High-refresh 1440p gaming.

Skip if

Worth skipping when needs two 8-pin PCIe power cable is a problem.

Why we like it

Its 16GB of memory on a 256-bit bus suits 1440p at high settings. On video memory it ties with the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT, the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB at 16GB. An RX 9070 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT uses an RX 9070 XT gpu.

Like the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT and XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB, it has GDDR6 memory, while the ASUS Prime RTX 5070 uses GDDR7 memory. No other pick in this guide offers a 2520MHz boost clock; compare the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, which has a 2632MHz (OC mode) boost clock. You also get 56 compute units and a triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop. It was priced above the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB and below the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT at the time of writing.

Key dimensions & specs

  • GPU: RX 9070
  • VRAM: 16GB
  • Memory: GDDR6
  • Length: 290mm
  • Thickness: 2.5-slot
  • Recommended PSU: 700W
  • Power connector: 2 x 8-pin
  • Boost clock: 2520MHz

Pros

  • 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
  • 56 compute units
  • 256-bit memory bus at 20Gbps
  • Triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop

Cons

  • Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
  • Costs more than the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB at the time of writing
ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5070 12GB OC

Best NVIDIA for 1440p2 of 5

ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5070 12GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The ASUS Prime RTX 5070 is a 2.5-slot, SFF-Ready card with a quiet/performance BIOS switch.

Best for

DLSS users at 1440p.

Skip if

Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger offers 16GB.

Why we like it

Its 12GB of GDDR7 is enough for most games at 1440p, though less than the 16GB AMD cards here. On video memory it trails the group at 12GB, while the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger offers 16GB. You get an RTX 5070 gpu here, which sets it apart from the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB and its an RX 9060 XT gpu.

Like the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, it has GDDR7 memory, while the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB uses GDDR6 memory. It is the only pick here with a 2587MHz (OC mode) boost clock; the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger has a 2520MHz boost clock instead. It also offers dual-ball fan bearings and a phase-change GPU thermal pad. At our last price check it topped the group, with the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB the nearest cheaper option.

Key dimensions & specs

  • GPU: RTX 5070
  • VRAM: 12GB
  • Memory: GDDR7
  • Thickness: 2.5-slot
  • Boost clock: 2587MHz (OC mode)
  • SFF-Ready: Yes

Pros

  • 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
  • Faster GDDR7 memory
  • Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
  • Quiet/performance dual BIOS switch

Cons

  • Video memory trails the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger (16GB)
  • Costs more than the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB at the time of writing
XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 XT Triple Fan Gaming Edition

Most Headroom3 of 5

XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 XT Triple Fan Gaming Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

XFX's Swift RX 9070 XT uses AMD's top RDNA 4 chip with 16GB of memory and a 2970MHz boost.

Best for

1440p at maximum settings and 240Hz monitors.

Skip if

Its cooler thickness is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.

Why we like it

It is the card to choose for a 240Hz 1440p monitor. It matches the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger, the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB on video memory (16GB). You get a 2970MHz boost clock here, which sets it apart from the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB and its a 3320MHz boost clock.

It also comes with an XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler. No dimensions are published for the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper ASRock RX 9070 Challenger and the pricier ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its cooler thickness; if that figure matters, the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger comes in at 2.5-slot.

Key dimensions & specs

  • GPU: RX 9070 XT
  • VRAM: 16GB
  • Memory: GDDR6
  • Boost clock: 2970MHz
  • Outputs: 1 x HDMI, 3 x DisplayPort

Pros

  • 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
  • XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler
  • RX 9070 XT gpu, the only one here
  • 2970MHz boost clock, the only one here

Cons

  • No published cooler thickness
  • Costs more than the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB at the time of writing
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC

Best 16GB NVIDIA Value4 of 5

ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB is the lower-cost NVIDIA route to 16GB at 1440p.

Best for

1440p with high textures on a mid budget.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB, which cost less when we checked.

Why we like it

It is a 2.5-slot card with 0dB fan stop and dual-ball fan bearings. It matches the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger, the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT and the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB on video memory (16GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 5060 Ti gpu; compare the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT, which has an RX 9070 XT gpu.

It shares GDDR7 memory with the ASUS Prime RTX 5070; the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB goes with GDDR6 memory. You get a 2632MHz (OC mode) boost clock here, which sets it apart from the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB and its a 3320MHz boost clock. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper XFX Swift RX 9070 XT and the pricier ASUS Prime RTX 5070, at the time of writing. The trade-off is cooler thickness; for more, the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger comes in at 2.5-slot.

Key dimensions & specs

  • GPU: RTX 5060 Ti
  • VRAM: 16GB
  • Memory: GDDR7
  • Thickness: 2.5-slot
  • Boost clock: 2632MHz (OC mode)

Pros

  • 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
  • Faster GDDR7 memory
  • Quiet/performance dual BIOS
  • 0dB fan stop

Cons

  • Costs more than the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB at the time of writing
XFX Swift Radeon RX 9060 XT OC Gaming Edition 16GB

Cheapest 16GB Pick5 of 5

XFX Swift Radeon RX 9060 XT OC Gaming Edition 16GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

XFX's Swift RX 9060 XT is the cheapest 16GB card in this guide, with a dual-fan cooler and a 3320MHz boost.

Best for

Entry 1440p builds.

Skip if

Pass if a published cooler thickness matters; this one has none.

Why we like it

It suits 1440p at medium to high settings. On video memory it ties with the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger, the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT and the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB at 16GB. An RX 9060 XT gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASUS Prime RTX 5070 uses an RTX 5070 gpu.

Like the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger and XFX Swift RX 9070 XT, it has GDDR6 memory, while the ASUS Prime RTX 5070 uses GDDR7 memory. No other pick in this guide offers a 3320MHz boost clock; compare the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT, which has a 2970MHz boost clock. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger the next step up. There is no published cooler thickness figure, whereas the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger comes in at 2.5-slot.

Key dimensions & specs

  • GPU: RX 9060 XT
  • VRAM: 16GB
  • Memory: GDDR6
  • Boost clock: 3320MHz
  • Outputs: 1 x HDMI, 2 x DisplayPort

Pros

  • 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
  • XFX SWFT dual-fan cooler
  • RX 9060 XT gpu, the only one here
  • 3320MHz boost clock, the only one here

Cons

  • No published cooler thickness

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.
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.
Power
We noted the power connector and recommended power supply where listed.

What to Look for in a GPUs for 1440p

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

How to Choose a GPUs for 1440p

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
High-refresh 1440p gamingASRock RX 9070 Challenger16GB on a 256-bit bus with a 290mm length and 700W PSU recommendation
DLSS users at 1440pASUS Prime RTX 5070An RTX 5070 with 12GB of GDDR7 and a dual BIOS
1440p at maximum settings and 240Hz monitorsXFX Swift RX 9070 XTThe RX 9070 XT, the fastest chip in this guide
1440p with high textures on a mid budgetASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB16GB of GDDR7 on an RTX 5060 Ti
Entry 1440p buildsXFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB16GB of GDDR6 at the lowest price here at the time of writing

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

Figures as each maker states them.

CardGPUVRAMMemoryThickness
ASRock RX 9070 ChallengerRX 907016GBGDDR62.5-slot
ASUS Prime RTX 5070RTX 507012GBGDDR72.5-slot
XFX Swift RX 9070 XTRX 9070 XT16GBGDDR6Not listed
ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GBRTX 5060 Ti16GBGDDR72.5-slot
XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GBRX 9060 XT16GBGDDR6Not listed

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Is an 8GB graphics card still enough?

For 1080p with tuned texture settings, often yes. For 1440p or high textures in new games, 12GB or 16GB is safer.

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.

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.

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

The ASRock RX 9070 Challenger is the balanced 1440p choice, the XFX RX 9070 XT gives the most headroom, and the ASUS Prime RTX 5070 is the NVIDIA option.

On a smaller budget, the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and the XFX RX 9060 XT 16GB keep 16GB of memory for less.