Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Machine Learning
From the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto to the ASUS TUF RTX 5090: five graphics cards ranked on video memory and cooler thickness, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Most machine learning tools target NVIDIA's CUDA, and VRAM decides which models fit. Every pick is an NVIDIA RTX card with 16GB or more, ordered by VRAM.
Our comparison rests on published figures for GPU, VRAM and memory; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out thickness, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Also Consider
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 32GB OC EditionA dual BIOS switch for Quiet or Performance.
Best for: Buyers who want dual BIOS switch for Quiet or Performance.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 32GB OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 512-bit memory bus at 28Gbps.
Best for: Buyers who want a 512-bit memory bus at 28Gbps and can spend more than the ASUS TUF 5090 costs.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 OC EditionA vapor chamber with a milled heatspreader.
Best for: Buyers who want vapor chamber with a milled heatspreader.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
PNY GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16GB Verto Dual FanThe cheapest way into this group, below the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB.
Best for: Getting dual-fan cooler for the least money.
Check price for PNY GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16GB Verto Dual Fan on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GBA 2.5-slot design.
Best for: Buyers who want 2.5-slot design.
Check price for ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 32GB OC Edition
The ASUS TUF 5090 stands out for a dual BIOS switch for Quiet or Performance, and it adds 0dB fan stop at light loads.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual BIOS switch for Quiet or Performance.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 32GB video memory and offers a 2.5-slot cooler thickness. On video memory it ties with the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 at 32GB. It shares an RTX 5090 gpu with the ASUS TUF RTX 5090; the ROG Strix 4090 goes with an RTX 4090 gpu.
Like the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 and ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB, it has GDDR7 memory, while the ROG Strix 4090 uses GDDR6X memory. The ASUS TUF 5090 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 TUF 5090 with the maker.
SFF-Ready is NVIDIA's size guideline, not a guarantee the ASUS TUF 5090 fits every small case. It was priced above the ROG Strix 4090 and below the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- GPU
- RTX 5090
- VRAM
- 32GB
- Memory
- GDDR7
- Thickness
- 2.5-slot
- SFF-Ready
- Yes
Pros
- 32GB of VRAM, room for large local AI models as well as games
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- Dual BIOS switch for Quiet or Performance
Cons
- Costs more than the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090
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 want a 512-bit memory bus at 28Gbps and can spend more than the ASUS TUF 5090 costs.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto 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. On video memory it ties with the ASUS TUF 5090 at 32GB. It shares an RTX 5090 gpu with the ASUS TUF 5090; the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB goes with an RTX 5060 Ti gpu.
Like the ASUS TUF 5090 and ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB, it has GDDR7 memory, while the ROG Strix 4090 uses GDDR6X memory. You also get a 512-bit memory bus at 28Gbps and a GPU holder in the box. No dimensions are published for the ASUS TUF RTX 5090; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Only the ASUS TUF 5090 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key 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 PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published cooler thickness figure, whereas the ASUS TUF 5090 comes in at 2.5-slot.
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 OC Edition
ASUS's ROG Strix 4090 uses a vapor chamber with a milled heatspreader and enlarged Axial-tech fans.
Best for
- Buyers who want vapor chamber with a milled heatspreader.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the most premium of the RTX 4090 listings here, and it was also the priciest at the time of writing. A vapor chamber with a milled heatspreader and scaled-up axial-tech fans cool the chip, which supports DLSS 3. On video memory it sits mid-pack at 24GB: the ASUS TUF 5090 offers 32GB, and the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB comes in at 16GB.
You get an RTX 4090 gpu here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB and its an RTX 5060 Ti gpu. No other pick in this guide offers GDDR6X memory; compare the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto, which has GDDR6 memory. No dimensions are published for the ROG Strix 4090; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. When we checked, only the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB and cheaper picks cost less, and the ASUS TUF 5090 cost more.
Key specs
- GPU
- RTX 4090
- VRAM
- 24GB
- Memory
- GDDR6X
Pros
- 24GB of VRAM, room for large local AI models as well as games
- Vapor chamber with a milled heatspreader
- Axial-tech fans scaled up for more airflow
- RTX 4090 gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed cooler thickness, look to the ASUS TUF 5090 instead: it comes in at 2.5-slot, while this one gives no figure.
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
PNY GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16GB Verto Dual Fan
The PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto is built around a dual-fan cooler, with a 2535MHz boost clock on top.
Best for
- Getting dual-fan cooler for the least money.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: video memory of 16GB, behind the ASUS TUF 5090 (32GB).
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 16GB video memory. On video memory it ties with the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB at 16GB. An RTX 4060 Ti gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 uses an RTX 5090 gpu.
It is the only pick here with GDDR6 memory; the ASUS TUF 5090 has GDDR7 memory instead. No dimensions are published for the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB 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 4060 Ti 16GB Verto with the maker. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB the next step up.
Key specs
- GPU
- RTX 4060 Ti
- VRAM
- 16GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Boost clock
- 2535MHz
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Dual-fan cooler
- 2535MHz boost clock
- RTX 4060 Ti gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Video memory of 16GB, behind the ASUS TUF 5090 (32GB)
The catch
There is no published cooler thickness figure, whereas the ASUS TUF 5090 comes in at 2.5-slot.
Worth a Look5 of 5
ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB
The ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB is built around a 2.5-slot design, with a dual BIOS switch on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want 2.5-slot design.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the ASUS TUF 5090 offers 32GB.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 16GB video memory and offers a 2.5-slot cooler thickness. On video memory it ties with the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto at 16GB. An RTX 5060 Ti gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 uses an RTX 5090 gpu.
Like the ASUS TUF 5090 and ASUS TUF RTX 5090, it has GDDR7 memory, while the ROG Strix 4090 uses GDDR6X memory. The ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 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 Prime 5060 Ti 16GB with the maker.
SFF-Ready is NVIDIA's size guideline, not a guarantee the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB fits every small case. It was priced above the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto and below the ROG Strix 4090 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- GPU
- RTX 5060 Ti
- VRAM
- 16GB
- Memory
- GDDR7
- Thickness
- 2.5-slot
- SFF-Ready
- Yes
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- 2.5-slot design
Cons
- Video memory trails the ASUS TUF 5090 (32GB)
- Costs more than the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on video memory, where the ASUS TUF 5090 offers 32GB.
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.
- What we compared
- We lined up five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and cooler thickness, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 5 picks leave out cooler thickness.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the ASUS TUF 5090 to the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB, state GPU, video memory and memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASUS TUF RTX 5090, the ROG Strix 4090 and the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto give no cooler thickness; the ASUS TUF RTX 5090, the ROG Strix 4090 and the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto give no SFF-Ready.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto ($500 to $1000) to the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 (over $1500).
What to Look for in a GPUs for Machine Learning
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory
Here video memory runs from 16GB on the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB to 32GB on the ASUS TUF 5090, a 100% spread. The ASUS TUF 5090 is the pick for video memory.
Memory
The ASUS TUF 5090, the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 and the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB list GDDR7; the ROG Strix 4090 lists GDDR6X; the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto lists GDDR6.
The circuit board on the back of a graphics card SFF-Ready
The ASUS TUF 5090 and the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB have it. Settling SFF-Ready first narrows 2 picks to 2.
What to check at home
The ASUS TUF 5090 occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case. No dimensions are published for the ASUS TUF RTX 5090; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Features beyond the spec table
The ROG Strix 4090: Axial-tech fans scaled up for more airflow. The PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto: a 2535MHz boost clock. The ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB: a dual BIOS switch.
How to Choose a GPUs for Machine Learning
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want dual BIOS switch for Quiet or Performance | ASUS TUF 5090 | A dual BIOS switch for Quiet or Performance |
| Buyers who want a 512-bit memory bus at 28Gbps and can spend more than the ASUS TUF 5090 costs | ASUS TUF RTX 5090 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 512-bit memory bus at 28Gbps |
| Buyers who want vapor chamber with a milled heatspreader | ROG Strix 4090 | A vapor chamber with a milled heatspreader |
| Getting dual-fan cooler for the least money | PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto | The cheapest way into this group, below the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB |
| Buyers who want 2.5-slot design | ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB | A 2.5-slot design |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASUS TUF 5090 leads on video memory at 32GB, ahead of the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 at 32GB. "Not listed" marks cooler thickness where the ASUS TUF RTX 5090, the ROG Strix 4090 and the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto leave the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS TUF 5090 | RTX 5090 | 32GB | GDDR7 | 2.5-slot |
| ASUS TUF RTX 5090 | RTX 5090 | 32GB | GDDR7 | Not listed |
| ROG Strix 4090 | RTX 4090 | 24GB | GDDR6X | Not listed |
| PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto | RTX 4060 Ti | 16GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB | RTX 5060 Ti | 16GB | GDDR7 | 2.5-slot |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto, sat in the $500 to $1000 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 at over $1500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $500 to $1000 | PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto, ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB |
| Over $1500 | ROG Strix 4090, ASUS TUF 5090, ASUS TUF RTX 5090 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 worth paying more than the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto?
On paper it adds video memory (32GB against 16GB). The PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto sat in the $500 to $1000 tier and the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 in the over $1500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if video memory decides your purchase.
What makes the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto the Lowest Price Here?
It carries the badge for the cheapest way into this group, below the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB. It makes sense for getting dual-fan cooler for the least money.
Do the ASUS TUF 5090 and the ROG Strix 4090 differ on GPU?
The ASUS TUF 5090 and the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 use RTX 5090; the ROG Strix 4090 uses RTX 4090; the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto uses RTX 4060 Ti; the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB uses RTX 5060 Ti.
What should I check before buying the ASUS TUF 5090?
The ASUS TUF 5090 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 TUF 5090 with the maker. In this guide it ranks first of 5, and first of 5 on video memory (32GB).
Beyond the specs, what sets the ASUS TUF 5090 and the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 apart?
The ASUS TUF 5090: a dual BIOS switch for Quiet or Performance. The ASUS TUF RTX 5090: a 512-bit memory bus at 28Gbps. The ROG Strix 4090: a vapor chamber with a milled heatspreader.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASUS TUF 5090, chosen for a dual BIOS switch for Quiet or Performance. Look at the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 512-bit memory bus at 28Gbps, the ROG Strix 4090 for a vapor chamber with a milled heatspreader and the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto for the cheapest way into this group, below the ASUS Prime 5060 Ti 16GB if those matter more to you.
Check your framework's CUDA version support before buying an older card.
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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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