Buying Guide
The Best Graphics Cards Under $300
Five cards priced under $300 at the time of writing, compared on memory, power needs and features.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Raising the budget to $300 brings in Intel's Arc B570 with 10GB, as well as a low-profile RTX 3050 for slim PCs.
Prices move often, so check current listings. We compared listed specifications from the card makers and retailer listings; we did not benchmark these cards.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Most Memory Under $300
ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC10GB of VRAM with a single 8-pin connector.
Best for: Recent games at 1080p.
Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best AMD Value
ASRock Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8GB8GB with fan stop and a single 8-pin connector.
Best for: Budget Radeon builds.
Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price at Writing
ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OCThe least expensive card here at the time of writing.
Best for: The tightest budgets.
Check price for ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best for Two HDMI Displays
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G OCTwo HDMI 2.1a outputs with DLSS support.
Best for: TV and monitor setups.
Check price for MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Low-Profile Pick
MSI Gaming RTX 3050 LP 6G OCA low-profile RTX 3050.
Best for: Slim office desktops.
Check price for MSI Gaming RTX 3050 LP 6G OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Most Memory Under $3001 of 5
ASRock Intel Arc B570 Challenger 10GB OC
The Arc B570 is the B580's cheaper sibling with 10GB of memory on a 160-bit bus.
Best for
- Recent games at 1080p.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It was the least expensive card here at the time of writing and still offers three DisplayPort 2.1 outputs. Its dual striped axial fans stop completely at low load, and the card supports Intel XeSS 2 upscaling. On video memory it leads this guide at 10GB, ahead of the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D (8GB).
It is the only pick here with an arc B570 gpu; the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D has an RX 6600 gpu instead. It shares a 1 x 8-pin power connector with the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger goes with a 2 x 8-pin power connector. A 2600MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the MSI RTX 3050 LP uses a 1492MHz boost clock. Its price falls between the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger and the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X, based on our last check.
Key specs
- GPU
- Arc B570
- VRAM
- 10GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Power connector
- 1 x 8-pin
- Boost clock
- 2600MHz
- Outputs
- 3 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x HDMI 2.1a
Pros
- 10GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- A single 8-pin power connector
- 160-bit memory bus at 19Gbps
- 0dB fan stop
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed card length should compare it with the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D, which comes in at 269mm.
Best AMD Value2 of 5
ASRock Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8GB
ASRock's RX 6600 Challenger D is 269mm long, uses one 8-pin connector and stops its fans at light load.
Best for
- Budget Radeon builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
It is a previous-generation 8GB card still sold new. It supports AMD FSR upscaling for higher frame rates in supported games. Its single 8-pin connector suits older power supplies.
On video memory it ties with the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at 8GB. An RX 6600 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger uses an arc A580 gpu. Like the Arc B570 Challenger, it has a 1 x 8-pin power connector, while the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger uses a 2 x 8-pin power connector.
You also get a PCIe 4.0 x8 interface and a dual-fan cooler. The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D is 269mm long; compare that with your case's GPU limit. Only the MSI RTX 3050 LP came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- GPU
- RX 6600
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Length
- 269mm
- Power connector
- 1 x 8-pin
- Outputs
- 3 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.1
Pros
- A single 8-pin power connector
- 0dB silent cooling at light load
- PCIe 4.0 x8 interface
- Dual-fan cooler
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
Lowest Price at Writing3 of 5
ASRock Intel Arc A580 Challenger 8GB OC
ASRock's Arc A580 Challenger has 8GB on a 256-bit bus and supports XeSS upscaling.
Best for
- The tightest budgets.
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
It needs two 8-pin connectors and a 650W power supply. On video memory it ties with the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D at 8GB. You get an arc A580 gpu here, which sets it apart from the MSI RTX 3050 LP and its an RTX 3050 gpu.
No other pick in this guide offers a 2 x 8-pin power connector; compare the Arc B570 Challenger, which has a 1 x 8-pin power connector. You also get a 256-bit memory bus and 0dB silent cooling at light load. Measure for 271mm and 2.4 slots before ordering the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger.
Power for the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger comes through 2 x 8-pin, with 650W the maker's minimum PSU. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Arc B570 Challenger was closest.
Key specs
- GPU
- Arc A580
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Length
- 271mm
- Thickness
- 2.4-slot
- Recommended PSU
- 650W
- Power connector
- 2 x 8-pin
- Outputs
- 3 x DisplayPort 2.0, 1 x HDMI 2.0b
Pros
- 256-bit memory bus
- 0dB silent cooling at light load
- XeSS upscaling support
- Video memory of 8GB, ahead of the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Video memory of 8GB, behind the Arc B570 Challenger (10GB)
The catch
What it gives up: video memory of 8GB, behind the Arc B570 Challenger (10GB); by contrast, the Arc B570 Challenger offers 10GB.
Best for Two HDMI Displays4 of 5
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G OC
MSI's RTX 3050 Ventus 2X 6G OC has two HDMI 2.1a outputs and one DisplayPort, with DLSS support.
Best for
- TV and monitor setups.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games is a problem.
Why we like it
It is built on the Ampere architecture with 6GB of GDDR6 at 14Gbps on a 96-bit interface and a 1492MHz boost clock. Its single DisplayPort output is version 1.4a, and the card carries two HDMI 2.1a ports. It matches the MSI RTX 3050 LP on video memory (6GB).
Like the MSI RTX 3050 LP, it has an RTX 3050 gpu, while the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger uses an arc A580 gpu. It shares a 1492MHz boost clock with the MSI RTX 3050 LP; the Arc B570 Challenger goes with a 2600MHz boost clock. You also get a dual-fan Ventus cooler.
No dimensions are published for the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X; 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 RTX 3050 Ventus 2X with the maker.
Key specs
- GPU
- RTX 3050
- VRAM
- 6GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Boost clock
- 1492MHz
- Outputs
- 1 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 2 x HDMI 2.1a
Pros
- Two HDMI 2.1a outputs
- Dual-fan Ventus cooler
- DLSS support
Cons
- 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed card length should compare it with the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D, which comes in at 269mm.
Best Low-Profile Pick5 of 5
MSI Gaming RTX 3050 LP 6G OC
MSI's RTX 3050 LP is an entry card with 6GB of memory, fine for older games and esports titles.
Best for
- Slim office desktops.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
Two HDMI 2.1a ports and a DisplayPort make it useful in a multi-monitor work PC. On video memory it ties with the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X at 6GB. It shares an RTX 3050 gpu with the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger goes with an arc A580 gpu.
Like the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X, it has a 1492MHz boost clock, while the Arc B570 Challenger uses a 2600MHz boost clock. No dimensions are published for the MSI RTX 3050 LP; 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 RTX 3050 LP with the maker.
Half-height cases need the low-profile bracket; confirm it ships with the MSI RTX 3050 LP. It was priced above the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and below the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D at the time of writing.
Key specs
- GPU
- RTX 3050
- VRAM
- 6GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Boost clock
- 1492MHz
- Low profile
- Yes
- Outputs
- 1 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 2 x HDMI 2.1a
Pros
- Low-profile design for slim desktops
- 14Gbps memory on a 96-bit bus
- Two HDMI 2.1a outputs
- A low-profile RTX 3050
Cons
- 6GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the Arc B570 Challenger (10GB)
- Costs more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on video memory, where the Arc B570 Challenger offers 10GB.
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.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and card length from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and card length and power connector are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Arc B570 Challenger to the MSI RTX 3050 LP, state GPU, video memory and memory and share GDDR6 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Arc B570 Challenger, the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP give no card length; the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP give no power connector.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger ($150 to $250) to the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a GPUs Under $300
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory
The Arc B570 Challenger tops video memory at 10GB and the MSI RTX 3050 LP sits lowest at 6GB. The Arc B570 Challenger is the pick for video memory.
How much card length you need
Across these 2 picks card length spans 271mm (the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger) to 269mm (the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D). If card length is your first filter, the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D sets the ceiling at 269mm. The Arc B570 Challenger, the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP give no card length figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
The circuit board on the back of a graphics card Power connector
The Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D list 1 x 8-pin; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger lists 2 x 8-pin.
What to check at home
No dimensions are published for the Arc B570 Challenger; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. The ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D is 269mm long; compare that with your case's GPU limit. Measure for 271mm and 2.4 slots before ordering the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger.
Features beyond the spec table
The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger: 0dB silent cooling at light load. The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X: a dual-fan Ventus cooler. The MSI RTX 3050 LP: two HDMI 2.1a outputs.
How to Choose a GPUs Under $300
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Recent games at 1080p | Arc B570 Challenger | 10GB of VRAM with a single 8-pin connector |
| Budget Radeon builds | ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D | 8GB with fan stop and a single 8-pin connector |
| The tightest budgets | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | The least expensive card here at the time of writing |
| TV and monitor setups | MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X | Two HDMI 2.1a outputs with DLSS support |
| Slim office desktops | MSI RTX 3050 LP | A low-profile RTX 3050 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Arc B570 Challenger leads on video memory at 10GB, ahead of the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D at 8GB. "Not listed" marks card length where the Arc B570 Challenger, the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc B570 Challenger | Arc B570 | 10GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D | RX 6600 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 269mm |
| ASRock Arc A580 Challenger | Arc A580 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 271mm |
| MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| MSI RTX 3050 LP | RTX 3050 | 6GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | ASRock Arc A580 Challenger |
| About $250 to $500 | Arc B570 Challenger, MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X, MSI RTX 3050 LP, ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Arc B570 Challenger ahead of the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D on video memory?
The Arc B570 Challenger tops video memory at 10GB; the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D follows at 8GB, 25% apart. The MSI RTX 3050 LP closes the ranking at 6GB.
Which has the shortest card length: the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D or the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger?
Between the top two, it is 269mm on the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D against 271mm on the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, a 1% difference. The Arc B570 Challenger, the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP don't state a card length figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D worth paying more than the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger?
The spec sheets show card length (269mm against 271mm) in its favour. The ASRock Arc A580 Challenger sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if card length decides your purchase.
What makes the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X the Best for Two HDMI Displays?
It carries the badge for two HDMI 2.1a outputs with DLSS support. It gives up video memory (6GB against 8GB) to the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger, the cheapest pick. It is aimed at TV and monitor setups.
Do the Arc B570 Challenger and the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D differ on GPU?
The Arc B570 Challenger uses Arc B570; the ASRock RX 6600 Challenger D uses RX 6600; the ASRock Arc A580 Challenger uses Arc A580; the MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X and the MSI RTX 3050 LP use RTX 3050.
What should I check before buying the MSI RTX 3050 LP?
No dimensions are published for the MSI RTX 3050 LP; 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 RTX 3050 LP with the maker. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Best Low-Profile Pick, and fifth of 5 on video memory (6GB).
Bottom Line
The Arc B570 offers the most memory under $300. The RX 6600 is the AMD alternative, the RTX 3050 Ventus suits two HDMI displays, and MSI's low-profile 3050 fits half-height cases.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Graphics Cards Under $250
- Related guideThe Best Graphics Cards Under $400
- Related guideThe Best Budget Graphics Cards
- Higher budgetThe Best Graphics Cards Under $350
- Similar guideThe Best Graphics Cards Under $450
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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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