I'm putting together a secondary Linux PC for my living room using an older Ryzen 5 1600 and 16GB of DDR4. My main Windows system already has a 4070 Ti Super, but this machine needs its own display adapter for media use and some lighter gaming.
I'm mainly targeting 1080p output, even though the TV is 4K. Games would include moderately modded Skyrim and possibly Armored Core 6, along with general home-media tasks. I'm familiar with Linux and know that game streaming from my main PC is an option, but I'd prefer a reasonably capable local GPU if I can find one for around $300 in the US.
I've been considering a new Radeon 9060 XT 8GB, though I'm aware of the ongoing concerns about 8GB of VRAM. AMD seems appealing because of its open-source Linux drivers, but I'm also open to Intel or Nvidia if they make more sense. Used cards are fine, but I'm not sure which models offer the best value right now.
4 Answers
A used RX 6700 XT is a strong option for this build. It’s usually cheaper than newer cards and gives you 12GB of VRAM, which is a nice cushion for modded Skyrim and other games. If you find a good deal, a used RX 6800 XT can be an especially strong value, although it may be more GPU than the Ryzen 1600 can fully use in some games.
Eight gigabytes should be adequate for the games and 1080p resolution you described, so I wouldn’t reject a card solely because it has 8GB. Intel Arc can work well under Linux too—the A380 is excellent for media features, while a B580 is more appropriate if gaming performance is the priority. Nvidia is usable, but AMD or Intel may involve less driver setup and fewer compromises for this particular machine.
For mostly media playback, an Arc A380 is a good inexpensive choice, but for Armored Core 6 and other demanding games you’ll want something substantially faster.
For Linux, AMD is probably the simplest choice because the drivers are well supported and integrated into the kernel and Mesa stack. A new 9060 XT makes sense around this budget, while used RX 6000- and 7000-series cards could give you more performance for the money.
The RX 7600 XT is worth checking if you want a new AMD card with more than 8GB of VRAM. It isn’t always the fastest option for the price, but the extra memory can help with heavily modded games and gives the system a bit more longevity.
The 6700 XT is probably the best balance here. The 6800 XT is faster, but it also uses more power and could be limited by the older CPU at 1080p.