Best GPU for Stable Diffusion XL (SDXL) (2025)

SDXL generates stunning high-resolution images but is VRAM-hungry. While 8GB is the minimum, 16GB VRAM is highly recommended for faster generation and avoiding out-of-memory errors.

Prices updated: Dec 5, 2025

Minimum VRAM 8 GB

Recommended 16 GB+

BEST PERFORMANCE

GeForce RTX 5090

32GB GDDR7

The ultimate choice for Stable Diffusion XL (SDXL). With 32GB GDDR7 VRAM and a massive score of 14,480, it handles large contexts and training with ease.

$3199.99 Buy on Amazon

BEST VALUE

Radeon RX 9060 XT 8 GB

8GB GDDR6

The smart choice. It meets the 8GB requirement perfectly while offering the best performance per dollar ratio.

$287.99 Buy on Amazon

BUDGET PICK

GeForce RTX 3050 8 GB

8GB GDDR6

The most affordable way to run Stable Diffusion XL (SDXL). It hits the minimum specs needed to get started without breaking the bank.

$209.99 Buy on Amazon

Why VRAM Matters for Stable Diffusion XL (SDXL)

SDXL operates at a native resolution of 1024x1024, which is 4x the pixel count of SD 1.5. This drastically increases VRAM usage during the VAE decode step and for storing the larger UNet. While 8GB cards can generate images using optimizations (like tiled VAE), they are slower and prone to crashing with LoRAs or ControlNet. 16GB VRAM allows for comfortable batch generation, training LoRAs, and using multiple ControlNets simultaneously.

Stable Diffusion XL (SDXL) GPU & System Requirements

CPU

Any modern quad-core CPU

RAM

16GB (32GB recommended for training)

Storage

Fast NVMe SSD (Crucial for loading models and saving images)

All Compatible GPUs for Stable Diffusion XL (SDXL)

GPU	Steel Nomad ↓	Price ↕	VRAM ↕	Bandwidth	Release Date ↕	Cores
GeForce RTX 5090	14,480	$3199.99	32GB GDDR7	1790 GB/s	Jan 30th, 2025	21,760
GeForce RTX 4090	9,236	$3134.99	24GB GDDR6X	1010 GB/s	Sep 20th, 2022	16,384
GeForce RTX 5080	8,762	$999.99	16GB GDDR7	960 GB/s	Jan 30th, 2025	10,752
Radeon RX 9070 XT	7,249	$629.99	16GB GDDR6	644 GB/s	Mar 6th, 2025	4,096
Radeon RX 7900 XTX	6,837	$580.61	24GB GDDR6	960 GB/s	Nov 3rd, 2022	6,144

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum GPU requirements for SDXL?

The minimum GPU requirement for SDXL is an NVIDIA card with 8GB VRAM. However, with 8GB, you will need to use optimizations like `--medvram` or tiled VAE, which slow down generation. 12GB or 16GB is recommended for a smooth experience.

Is RTX 4060 Ti 16GB good for SDXL?

Yes, it is an excellent budget choice for SDXL. While its memory bus is narrow, the 16GB buffer is the key feature that prevents crashes and allows for LoRA training, which 8GB cards struggle with.

AMD vs NVIDIA for Stable Diffusion?

NVIDIA is still the king due to CUDA and TensorRT optimization. AMD cards (via ROCm) are improving and offer better value per GB of VRAM, but NVIDIA offers the most stable and hassle-free experience with the widest compatibility (Automatic1111, ComfyUI).