I'm putting together a budget-friendly PC build using a Ryzen 5 5600G without a dedicated GPU, along with 24GB of DDR4 RAM that's a mix from two different kits. The power supply is one of those old unlabeled types we've had lying around, so I'm definitely considering upgrading that in the future. The total power draw for my current setup without a GPU is just over 200W, and with a GPU, it's under 400W. I prefer a GPU that's compact and doesn't pull power from the wall with extra cables; Power through the PCIe slot is a must. I'm targeting 1080p gaming; I'm content with 60+ fps, and I'm not planning on moving to 1440p. I plan to game on titles like Vintage Story, VRChat (desktop mode for now), and potentially BeamNG.drive. My minimum VRAM requirement is 8GB, and I'm avoiding Nvidia cards altogether due to compatibility issues on Linux. I've been eyeing several GPUs under $300 like the Intel Arc A770 (16GB), Intel Arc B580 (12GB), Intel Arc B570 (10GB), RX 7600 (8GB), and RX 9060XT (8GB), which all have wattages ranging from 150-190W. I'm open to saving money if there's a good deal on a less expensive option, and I'm not interested in flashy designs since it'll be in a metal case without a window. I'm concerned about bottlenecking and VRAM adequacy for my gaming needs. Any thoughts?
2 Answers
The B580 or RX 9060 XT with 8GB are both solid choices for your setup. Given your focus on compatibility with Linux, AMD will serve you well since their drivers are integrated into the Linux kernel. I would suggest waiting to buy a GPU until you've upgraded that PSU—it’s a bit risky to run a GPU on an unlabeled power supply. Once that's sorted, the 9060 XT will handle 1080p gaming effortlessly!
Definitely go for the B580! Since you want to dodge any compatibility issues, AMD's your best bet. One thing to keep in mind is that while the PCIe slot only supplies 75W, some cards might still require an extra cable, so just double-check the specs when you choose. The 9060 XT is the latest in AMD's lineup, perfect for your needs and won't break the bank if you find a deal!
The 16GB model can be a bit pricey though, sometimes hitting over $350.