Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Ray Tracing
We weighed five graphics cards on video memory and GPU, and the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
NVIDIA's RTX 40 and 50 series handle ray tracing best, and DLSS keeps frame rates playable. Every pick is an RTX 40 or 50 card with 12GB or more, ordered from the lowest price.
The order reflects GPU, VRAM and memory from maker specifications; we did not test these graphics cards ourselves, and a missing boost clock is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
PNY GeForce RTX 4070 12GB XLR8 Gaming Verto Epic-X RGBA lower price than the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 the next step up.
Check price for PNY GeForce RTX 4070 12GB XLR8 Gaming Verto Epic-X RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ventus 3X E1 12G OCA triple-fan Ventus cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want triple-fan Ventus cooler.
Check price for MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ventus 3X E1 12G OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
PNY GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16GB Verto Dual FanA dual-fan cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want dual-fan cooler.
Check price for PNY GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16GB Verto Dual Fan on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
MSI Gaming RTX 5070 12G Ventus 3X OCThree TORX Fan 5.0 fans.
Best for: Buyers who want three TORX Fan 5.0 fans.
Check price for MSI Gaming RTX 5070 12G Ventus 3X OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB White OC EditionA white finish at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto costs less.
Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB White OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
PNY GeForce RTX 4070 12GB XLR8 Gaming Verto Epic-X RGB
The PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto is built around a triple-fan cooler with Epic-X RGB lighting, with a 2475MHz boost clock on top.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 the next step up.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when video memory of 12GB, behind the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto (16GB) is a problem.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 12GB video memory. On video memory it ties with the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 and the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X at 12GB. It shares an RTX 4070 gpu with the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1; the ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White goes with an RTX 5060 Ti gpu.
It is the only pick here with GDDR6X memory; the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 has GDDR6 memory instead. No other pick in this guide offers a 2475MHz boost clock; compare the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X, which has a 2557MHz boost clock. No dimensions are published for the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 the next step up.
Key specs
- GPU
- RTX 4070
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Memory
- GDDR6X
- Boost clock
- 2475MHz
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Triple-fan cooler with Epic-X RGB lighting
- 2475MHz boost clock
- GDDR6X memory, the only one here
Cons
- Video memory of 12GB, behind the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto (16GB)
The catch
What it gives up: video memory of 12GB, behind the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto (16GB); by contrast, the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto offers 16GB.
Also Consider2 of 5
MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ventus 3X E1 12G OC
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
- Buyers who want triple-fan Ventus cooler.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto, which cost less when we checked.
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. It has three DisplayPort 1.4a outputs and one HDMI 2.1a, with 12GB of GDDR6 on a 192-bit bus and a 2520MHz clock.
It matches the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto and the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X on video memory (12GB). Like the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto, it has an RTX 4070 gpu, while the ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White uses an RTX 5060 Ti gpu. It shares GDDR6 memory with the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto; the ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White goes with GDDR7 memory.
A 2520MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto uses a 2535MHz boost clock. Its price falls between the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto and the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto, based on our last check.
Key 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
- 2520MHz boost clock, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 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
- Buyers who want dual-fan cooler.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 16GB video memory. It matches the ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White on video memory (16GB). It is the only pick here with an RTX 4060 Ti gpu; the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto has an RTX 4070 gpu instead.
It shares GDDR6 memory with the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1; the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X goes with GDDR7 memory. A 2535MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X uses a 2557MHz boost clock. 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. Its price falls between the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 and the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X, based on our last check.
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
- Costs more than the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
MSI Gaming RTX 5070 12G Ventus 3X OC
The Ventus 3X is MSI's plain take on the RTX 5070: three TORX fans, a copper baseplate and 12GB of GDDR7.
Best for
- Buyers who want three TORX Fan 5.0 fans.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto offers 16GB.
Why we like it
Three DisplayPort 2.1a outputs and one HDMI 2.1b cover most monitor setups. It matches the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 on video memory (12GB). It is the only pick here with an RTX 5070 gpu; the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto has an RTX 4070 gpu instead.
It shares GDDR7 memory with the ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White; the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 goes with GDDR6 memory. A 2557MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto uses a 2475MHz boost clock. It also comes with a vented metal backplate.
No dimensions are published for the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its price falls between the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto and the ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White, based on our last check.
Key specs
- GPU
- RTX 5070
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Memory
- GDDR7
- Boost clock
- 2557MHz
- Outputs
- 3 x DisplayPort 2.1a, 1 x HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Three TORX Fan 5.0 fans
- Nickel-plated copper baseplate
Cons
- Video memory trails the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto (16GB)
- Costs more than the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto at the time of writing
The catch
If video memory is your priority, the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto (16GB) is the stronger choice.
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB White OC Edition
The ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White stands out for a white finish, and it adds dual ball fan bearings.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto costs less.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 16GB video memory and offers a 2.5-slot cooler thickness. It matches the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto on video memory (16GB). It is the only pick here with an RTX 5060 Ti gpu; the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto has an RTX 4070 gpu instead.
It shares GDDR7 memory with the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X; the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto goes with GDDR6 memory. The ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White 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 Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White with the maker. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X.
Key specs
- GPU
- RTX 5060 Ti
- VRAM
- 16GB
- Memory
- GDDR7
- Thickness
- 2.5-slot
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- White finish
- Dual ball fan bearings
Cons
- Costs more than the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto at the time of writing
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 compared five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and boost clock as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out boost clock.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto to the ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White, state GPU, video memory and memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White gives no boost clock; the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto, the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto and the ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White give no outputs.
- Price range
- From the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto to the ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White, all sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a GPUs for Ray Tracing
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Video memory across these picks
Across these 5 picks video memory spans 12GB (the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X) to 16GB (the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto). The PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto is the pick for video memory.
Memory
The PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto lists GDDR6X; the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 and the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto list GDDR6; the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X and the ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White list GDDR7.
A graphics card's bare circuit board around the GPU die Boost clock
The PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto lists 2475MHz; the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 lists 2520MHz; the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto lists 2535MHz; the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X lists 2557MHz.
What to check at home
No dimensions are published for the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. The ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
Extras that separate them
The PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto: a 2535MHz boost clock. The MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X: a nickel-plated copper baseplate. The ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White: dual ball fan bearings.
How to Choose a GPUs for Ray Tracing
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 the next step up | PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto | A lower price than the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want triple-fan Ventus cooler | MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 | A triple-fan Ventus cooler |
| Buyers who want dual-fan cooler | PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto | A dual-fan cooler |
| Buyers who want three TORX Fan 5.0 fans | MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X | Three TORX Fan 5.0 fans |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto costs less | ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White | A white finish at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto leads on video memory at 16GB, ahead of the ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White at 16GB. "Not listed" marks boost clock where the ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White leaves the figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Boost clock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto | RTX 4070 | 12GB | GDDR6X | 2475MHz |
| MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 | RTX 4070 | 12GB | GDDR6 | 2520MHz |
| PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto | RTX 4060 Ti | 16GB | GDDR6 | 2535MHz |
| MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X | RTX 5070 | 12GB | GDDR7 | 2557MHz |
| ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White | RTX 5060 Ti | 16GB | GDDR7 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White add over the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto?
What it brings is video memory (16GB against 12GB). Both sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, so the gains in video memory cost little extra by tier.
Why is the ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White our Premium Pick?
It earns the label for a white finish at the highest price in the group. It suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto costs less.
Do the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto and the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto differ on GPU?
The PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 use RTX 4070; the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto uses RTX 4060 Ti; the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X uses RTX 5070; the ASUS Dual 5060 Ti 16GB White uses RTX 5060 Ti.
Will the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto work with my setup?
No dimensions are published for the PNY 4070 XLR8 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 4070 XLR8 Verto with the maker. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick, and third of 5 on video memory (12GB).
What extras do the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 include?
The PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto: a triple-fan cooler with Epic-X RGB lighting. The MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1: a triple-fan Ventus cooler. The PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto: a dual-fan cooler.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the PNY 4070 XLR8 Verto, chosen for a lower price than the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 and the rest when we checked. Look at the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 for a triple-fan Ventus cooler, the PNY 4060 Ti 16GB Verto for a dual-fan cooler and the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X for three TORX Fan 5.0 fans if those matter more to you.
Turn on DLSS or frame generation with ray tracing to keep frame rates up.
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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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