Buying Guide
The Best Graphics Cards Under $700
Six cards priced under $700 at the time of writing, from RX 9070 to RX 7900 XT and RTX 4070, compared on memory and size.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
Under $700 at the time of writing brings in the RX 9070, the RX 7900 XT and the RTX 4070. Memory ranges from 12GB to 20GB.
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
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best RX 9070 Under $700
ASRock Radeon RX 9070 Challenger 16GB OC
A 290mm RX 9070 with a 700W PSU listed.
Best for: 1440p high-refresh builds.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9070 Challenger 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Most Memory Under $700
ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming OC 20GB
20GB of VRAM.
Best for: High-resolution textures and 4K.
Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming OC 20GB (opens in a new tab)
Best XFX RX 9070
XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 OC Triple Fan Gaming Edition
An XFX Swift RX 9070.
Best for: XFX builds.
Our take Check price for XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 OC Triple Fan Gaming Edition (opens in a new tab)
Best Gigabyte RX 9070
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 Gaming OC 16G
A Gigabyte Gaming OC RX 9070.
Best for: Gigabyte builds.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 Gaming OC 16G (opens in a new tab)
Best NVIDIA Under $700
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G
An RTX 4070 with dual BIOS.
Best for: DLSS users.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G (opens in a new tab)
Best Triple-Fan RTX 4070
MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ventus 3X E1 12G OC
A triple-fan Ventus cooler.
Best for: Quieter NVIDIA builds.
Our take Check price for MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ventus 3X E1 12G OC (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best RX 9070 Under $7001 of 6
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
- 1440p high-refresh builds.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables.
Why we like it
Its 16GB of memory on a 256-bit bus suits 1440p at high settings. It matches the XFX Swift RX 9070 and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC on video memory (16GB). Like the XFX Swift RX 9070 and Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC, it has an RX 9070 gpu, while the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce uses an RTX 4070 gpu.
It shares a 2520MHz boost clock with the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1; the XFX Swift RX 9070 goes with a 2700MHz boost clock. You also get 56 compute units and a triple-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop. Power for the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger comes through 2 x 8-pin, with 700W the maker's minimum PSU.
It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce was the next step up. The main gap: video memory of 16GB, behind the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming (20GB). If that matters, the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming offers 20GB.
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
- Video memory of 16GB, behind the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming (20GB)
Most Memory Under $7002 of 6
ASRock Radeon RX 7900 XT Phantom Gaming OC 20GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASRock's Phantom Gaming OC offers a 2450MHz boost, 80MB of Infinity Cache and two 8-pin power connectors.
Best for
- High-resolution textures and 4K.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when needs two 8-pin PCIe power cable is a problem.
Why we like it
It was the least expensive 7900 XT here at the time of writing. Its 20GB video memory is the largest here; the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger comes next at 16GB. You get an RX 7900 XT gpu here, which sets it apart from the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and its an RTX 4070 gpu.
It is the only pick here with a 2450MHz boost clock; the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger has a 2520MHz boost clock instead. No dimensions are published for the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. When we checked, only the XFX Swift RX 9070 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7900 XT
- VRAM: 20GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Power connector: 2 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 2450MHz
Pros
- 20GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- 80MB of Infinity Cache
- Triple-fan Phantom Gaming cooler
- RX 7900 XT gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger at the time of writing
Best XFX RX 90703 of 6
XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 OC Triple Fan Gaming Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The RX 9070 keeps 16GB of memory but costs less than the XT.
Best for
- XFX builds.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
XFX's Swift version uses a triple-fan cooler with a 2700MHz boost and three DisplayPort outputs. It matches the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger and the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC on video memory (16GB). Like the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger and Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC, it has an RX 9070 gpu, while the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce uses an RTX 4070 gpu.
A 2700MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 uses a 2520MHz boost clock. No dimensions are published for the XFX Swift RX 9070; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the XFX Swift RX 9070 with the maker. Its price falls between the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 and the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9070
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 2700MHz
- Outputs: 1 x HDMI, 3 x DisplayPort
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler
- 2700MHz boost clock, the only one here
- An XFX Swift RX 9070
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger at the time of writing
Best Gigabyte RX 90704 of 6
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 Gaming OC 16G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RX 9070 Gaming OC is the lowest-cost card here, with 16GB of GDDR6 and a WINDFORCE cooler.
Best for
- Gigabyte builds.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It leaves more of the budget for the CPU, board and memory. It matches the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger and the XFX Swift RX 9070 on video memory (16GB). Like the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger and XFX Swift RX 9070, it has an RX 9070 gpu, while the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce uses an RTX 4070 gpu.
It also offers server-grade thermal conductive gel and RGB lighting. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RX 9070 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 RX 9070 Gaming OC with the maker.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 9070
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- WINDFORCE cooler with Hawk fans
- Server-grade thermal conductive gel
- RGB lighting
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger at the time of writing
Best NVIDIA Under $7005 of 6
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This Gigabyte Windforce OC RTX 4070 adds a dual BIOS switch and an anti-sag bracket, and it was the least expensive RTX 4070 here at the time of writing.
Best for
- DLSS users.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It supports DLSS 3 frame generation, and third-generation RT cores give up to twice the ray tracing performance. It matches the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 on video memory (12GB). Like the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1, it has an RTX 4070 gpu, while the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger uses an RX 9070 gpu.
You get GDDR6X memory here, which sets it apart from the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 and its GDDR6 memory. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte 4070 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 4070 Windforce with the maker. Its price falls between the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR6X
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Dual BIOS switch
- Anti-sag bracket in the box
- GDDR6X memory, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger at the time of writing
Best Triple-Fan RTX 40706 of 6
MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ventus 3X E1 12G OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's Ventus 3X E1 is a triple-fan RTX 4070 that uses GDDR6 memory rather than the GDDR6X on the other 4070 cards here, with a 2520MHz boost.
Best for
- Quieter NVIDIA builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming offers 20GB.
Why we like it
It has three DisplayPort 1.4a outputs and one HDMI 2.1a on a 192-bit memory interface. It uses the GeForce RTX 4070 chip with MSI's three-fan cooler. On video memory it ties with the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce at 12GB.
It shares an RTX 4070 gpu with the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce; the Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC goes with an RX 9070 gpu. Like the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger, it has a 2520MHz boost clock, while the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming uses a 2450MHz boost clock. No dimensions are published for the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
When we checked, only the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and cheaper picks cost less, and the XFX Swift RX 9070 cost more. Video memory is its weakest area, and the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming covers it better at 20GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 2520MHz
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1 x HDMI 2.1a
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Triple-fan Ventus cooler
- GDDR6 memory rather than the GDDR6X on other 4070 cards
Cons
- Video memory trails the ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming (20GB)
- Costs more than the ASRock RX 9070 Challenger at the time of writing
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.
- Cooling and extras
- We checked cooler design, fan-stop modes, dual BIOS, support brackets and display outputs.
- 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.
What to Look for in a GPUs Under $700
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.
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.
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 $700
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1440p high-refresh builds | ASRock RX 9070 Challenger | A 290mm RX 9070 with a 700W PSU listed |
| High-resolution textures and 4K | ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming | 20GB of VRAM |
| XFX builds | XFX Swift RX 9070 | An XFX Swift RX 9070 |
| Gigabyte builds | Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC | A Gigabyte Gaming OC RX 9070 |
| DLSS users | Gigabyte 4070 Windforce | An RTX 4070 with dual BIOS |
| Quieter NVIDIA builds | MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 | A triple-fan Ventus cooler |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Power connector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASRock RX 9070 Challenger | RX 9070 | 16GB | GDDR6 | 2 x 8-pin |
| ASRock 7900 XT Phantom Gaming | RX 7900 XT | 20GB | GDDR6 | 2 x 8-pin |
| XFX Swift RX 9070 | RX 9070 | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Gigabyte RX 9070 Gaming OC | RX 9070 | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| Gigabyte 4070 Windforce | RTX 4070 | 12GB | GDDR6X | Not listed |
| MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 | RTX 4070 | 12GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Bottom Line
ASRock's RX 9070 Challenger is the balanced pick under $700. The RX 7900 XT has the most memory, and the RTX 4070 cards are the NVIDIA options.