Buying Guide
The Best NVIDIA Graphics Card
From the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB to the ASUS TUF RTX 5090: five graphics cards ranked on video memory and cooler thickness, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
NVIDIA's RTX cards add DLSS upscaling and strong ray tracing. Every pick is an NVIDIA card, ordered by VRAM.
We sorted these picks by GPU, VRAM and memory, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips thickness, the guide says so.
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)
Also Consider
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)
Strong Alternative
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 OC Edition
Axial-tech fans that ASUS rates for 23% more airflow.
Best for: Buyers who want Axial-tech fans that ASUS rates for 23% more airflow.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 OC Edition (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge OC
Two 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop.
Best for: Buyers who want two 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop.
Our take Check price for ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge OC (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
- Price-first buyers should look at the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, which 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 PNY 4090 Verto comes closest at 24GB. You get an RTX 5090 gpu here, which sets it apart from the Zotac 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge and its an RTX 5060 Ti gpu.
Like the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and Zotac 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge, it has GDDR7 memory, while the PNY 4090 Verto uses GDDR6X memory. It also offers 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 ASUS TUF 4090 the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed cooler thickness, look to the Zotac 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge instead: it comes in at 2-slot, 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 ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB at the time of writing
Also Consider2 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 ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, 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 ASUS TUF 4090 on video memory (24GB). Like the ASUS TUF 4090, it has an RTX 4090 gpu, while the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 uses an RTX 5090 gpu.
It shares GDDR6X memory with the ASUS TUF 4090; the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB goes with GDDR7 memory. You get a 2520MHz boost clock here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and its a 2632MHz (OC mode) boost clock. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Zotac 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge and the pricier ASUS TUF 4090, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its cooler thickness; if that figure matters, the Zotac 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge comes in at 2-slot.
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 ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS TUF 4090 offers a 2595MHz boost in OC mode and Axial-tech fans that ASUS rates for 23% more airflow.
Best for
- Buyers who want Axial-tech fans that ASUS rates for 23% more airflow.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is a large, conservatively styled card built around cooling rather than lighting. It matches the PNY 4090 Verto on video memory (24GB). Like the PNY 4090 Verto, it has an RTX 4090 gpu, while the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB uses an RTX 5060 Ti gpu.
It shares GDDR6X memory with the PNY 4090 Verto; the Zotac 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge goes with GDDR7 memory. You get a 2595MHz (OC mode) boost clock here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and its a 2632MHz (OC mode) boost clock. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper PNY 4090 Verto and the pricier ASUS TUF RTX 5090, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its cooler thickness; if that figure matters, the Zotac 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge comes in at 2-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4090
- VRAM: 24GB
- Memory: GDDR6X
- Boost clock: 2595MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 24GB of VRAM, room for large local AI models as well as games
- Axial-tech fans that ASUS rates for 23% more airflow
- 2595MHz boost clock in OC mode
Cons
- Costs more than the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 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
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: video memory of 16GB, behind the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 (32GB).
Why we like it
It is a 2.5-slot card with 0dB fan stop and dual-ball fan bearings. On video memory it ties with the Zotac 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge at 16GB. It shares an RTX 5060 Ti gpu with the Zotac 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge; the ASUS TUF 4090 goes with an RTX 4090 gpu.
Like the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 and Zotac 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge, it has GDDR7 memory, while the PNY 4090 Verto uses GDDR6X memory. It is the only pick here with a 2632MHz (OC mode) boost clock; the PNY 4090 Verto has a 2520MHz boost clock instead. It also comes with a quiet/performance dual BIOS.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Zotac 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge was closest. What it gives up: video memory of 16GB, behind the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 (32GB); by contrast, the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 offers 32GB.
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
- Video memory of 16GB, behind the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 (32GB)
Worth a Look5 of 5
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Zotac's RTX 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge OC is a 2-slot, SFF-Ready card powered by a single 8-pin connector.
Best for
- Buyers who want two 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 offers 32GB.
Why we like it
It matches the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB on video memory (16GB). Like the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, it has an RTX 5060 Ti gpu, while the ASUS TUF 4090 uses an RTX 4090 gpu. It shares GDDR7 memory with the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 and ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB; the ASUS TUF 4090 goes with GDDR6X memory.
It also comes with two 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop and a metal backplate. The Zotac 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge occupies 2 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and the pricier PNY 4090 Verto, at the time of writing. The trade-off is video memory; for more, the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 offers 32GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5060 Ti
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Thickness: 2-slot
- Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
- SFF-Ready: Yes
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1b, 1 x HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Dual-slot cooler leaves the next slot free
- A single 8-pin power connector
Cons
- Video memory trails the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 (32GB)
- Costs more than the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Cooling and extras
- We checked cooler design, fan-stop modes, dual BIOS, support brackets and display outputs.
- Power
- We noted the power connector and recommended power supply where listed.
- Price tier
- We grouped picks by price at the time of writing rather than by listed clock speed.
- Fit
- We recorded length and slot thickness where the maker lists them, plus low-profile and SFF-Ready status.
What to Look for in an NVIDIA Graphics Card
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.
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.
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.
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 an NVIDIA Graphics Card
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put video memory first | ASUS TUF RTX 5090 | The largest video memory here (32GB) |
| 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 Axial-tech fans that ASUS rates for 23% more airflow | ASUS TUF 4090 | Axial-tech fans that ASUS rates for 23% more airflow |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want two 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop | Zotac 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge | Two 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS TUF RTX 5090 | RTX 5090 | 32GB | GDDR7 | Not listed |
| PNY 4090 Verto | RTX 4090 | 24GB | GDDR6X | Not listed |
| ASUS TUF 4090 | RTX 4090 | 24GB | GDDR6X | Not listed |
| ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB | RTX 5060 Ti | 16GB | GDDR7 | 2.5-slot |
| Zotac 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge | RTX 5060 Ti | 16GB | GDDR7 | 2-slot |
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 $500 to $1000 | ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, Zotac 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge |
| Over $1500 | PNY 4090 Verto, ASUS TUF 4090, ASUS TUF RTX 5090 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick leads on video memory?
The ASUS TUF RTX 5090 leads at 32GB, ahead of the PNY 4090 Verto at 24GB; the Zotac 5060 Ti 16GB Twin Edge sits at the other end with 16GB.
Which pick costs the least here?
The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB cost the least when we checked, and the ASUS TUF RTX 5090 sat at the top of the range. Prices move often, so check the current listing before buying.
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.
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.
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.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ASUS TUF RTX 5090, chosen for the largest video memory here (32GB). Look at the PNY 4090 Verto for 16,384 CUDA cores and up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth, the ASUS TUF 4090 for Axial-tech fans that ASUS rates for 23% more airflow and the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB for the lowest price of the group at our last check if those matter more to you.
Check the card's length and power connector against your case and PSU.