Best GPU for Returnal
Moving to PC from PS5 it has a lot more to play with but with less system optimization there is some power to use up
Updated: Jul 3, 2023 1:39 pm
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Table of Contents
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ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 OC Edition
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Returnal is an advanced video game that demands a powerful GPU to run at optimal performance. As a PlayStation 5 exclusive, it now has come to PC. So what is the best GPU for Returnal as a console port?
The game is another take on a roguelike, with bullet-hell third-person shooter gameplay. Even including co-op. So how does the graphics port over to the PC?
Best GPU for Returnal
At a minimum, the game asks for a GPU with a GTX 1060 or RX 580. Cards with 6 and 8GB of VRAM and some power. With the recommended suggestion an RTX 2070 Super or RX 6700 XT, 8 and 12GB. These are a lot more powerful and good level of performance.
Returnal requires a GPU that can deliver stable frame rates at 4K resolution with advanced graphical features like ray tracing, high dynamic range (HDR), and fast loading times.
MSI Radeon RX 6700 XT Gaming X
Pros
Smaller in size than some optioons
Cheaper yet still powerful
Cons
More basic design
Based on these requirements, the best GPU for Returnal would be either an AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT or an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080.
The AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT is a stunning GPU, with 72 compute units, 16GB of GDDR6 memory, and a base clock of 1520 MHz.
It can deliver up to 20.74 teraflops of processing power double that of the PlayStation 5’s GPU! Consequently, the RX 6800 XT can easily handle Returnal’s graphic demands while maintaining stable frame rates even in demanding scenes.
XFX RX 6800 XT 16GB GDDR6 Graphics Card
Pros
Hardware ray tracing (72 cores)
Solid frame rate performance in high resolutions
Integrated AMD Fidelity FX
Fairly decent price
AMD Freesync reduces chances of screen tear
Radeon Anti-Lag protocol
Great XFX enclosure and triple-fan cooling system
16GB GDDR6 VRAM
Cons
Not quite as fast as our top picks
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CHECK PRICEEVGA GeForce RTX 3080 XC3 Ultra Gaming
Pros
Very good build quality
Attractive design
Displays excellent value
Tasteful RGB
Cons
A very long design
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CHECK PRICEThe NVIDIA GeForce 3080 is an ultra-performance GPU specifically designed to play games and create content. It boasts 8704 CUDA cores, 10GB of GDDR6X memory, and a base clock speed of 1440 MHz, making it capable of delivering up to 29.8 teraflops of processing power.
With such high requirements already, then for even higher framerates or resolutions you might want to pick something even greater.
Zotac RTX 3090 Ti AMP Extreme Holo
Pros
Sleek design
Cheaper option
Cons
Only 2 PCI covers so succeptible to GPU sag
MSI Radeon RX 6950 XT GAMING X TRIO
Pros
Good overclock
Great cooling
Cons
Quite pricey
Bulky
As such, from the same generation, the RTX 3090 Ti and RX 6950 XT are both good choices. With the top end of the performance, it does mean there is no held-back power to give you the best possible options.
Only did the new releases give good improvements over the selection. As the RTX 4090 and RX 7900 XTX. They are the top pick of graphics cards around at the moment, so they will hold up for a while yet.
ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4090 OC
Pros
Excellent air cooling solution
Pushes performance above the rest of the selection
Updated design cooling and aesthetically focused
Cons
A more expensive choice over the rest of the picks and will cost a lot to run
XFX SPEEDSTER MERC 310 AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
Pros
A cheap basic alternative without any extras on top
Simple and basic design without any additions
Cons
Lower quality build with plastic builds
