Gaming has become more than a mere pastime. For some, playing video games is a great way to relieve stress. For others, though, it’s a way of life. As the entertainment industry continues to push its limits, video games have become more demanding than ever. Playing the best video games often means needing to have a machine equipped to support the latest technology trends.
Getting the best graphics card allows you to enjoy the most demanding features of games. It improves your computer’s performance and efficiency, allowing you to enjoy a high-quality gaming experience. To make sense of the market, we present you with the best graphics cards out there for gamers, videographers, and animators.
The Best Gaming Graphics Cards Ranked
Finding the best graphics card is challenging, and reading about GPU – graphics processing unit – specs can often seem like translating hieroglyphics. As a result, many people spend more than they mean to or want to in an attempt to get the best gaming experience.
However, getting the best GPU for gaming doesn’t have to cost much. Our analysts have reviewed hundreds of GPUs, searching for the best graphics card for gaming. The following graphics cards stand out in performance, efficiency, and pricing. In our guide below, you’ll find different GPUs that cater even to the most distinctive tastes and are suitable for every budget. Here are the best graphics cards in 2024.
- MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI – he best graphics card in 2024, with excellent two-fan cooling, offering superb performance at an affordable price.
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 – High-end GPU with 24 Gb VRAM, capable of smoothly running even the most demanding games in 4k resolution.
- XFX Speedster SWFT RTX 4090 – Great mid-range graphics card with lower power consumption and less noise, providing steady FPS at 1080p.
- Asus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti – Reliable GTX model, capable of comfortably running modern AAA games at medium-to-high graphics settings.
- EVGA 06G-P4-1068 – High-performing GPU with Ray Tracing support and an 1830 MHz real boost clock.
- Zotac GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge – Advanced Ampere GPU microarchitecture and second gen ray tracing cores.
- Zotac GeForce GTX 1660 – Compact lower-end GPU that can easily fit into 99% of setups.
- Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 7900 – Powerful graphics card that will let you run modern games on ultra-high settings.
- Asus PH-GTX1050TI – Super-affordable GPU that fits all budgets and reliably achieves 40 to 60 FPS on medium-to-high settings.
- Asus ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 – Solid multi-purpose GPU, perfect for both gaming and crypto mining.
- Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 OC 12G – Mid-tier option, ideal for casual gamers looking for great performance at a reasonable price.
- MSI GeForce RTX 3060 12GB 15Gbps GDRR6 – The best choice for anyone who enjoys virtual reality games.
The Best GPUs Reviewed in Depth
Every GPU on our list has passed rigorous tests and has been pushed to the limits. Here you can find the best graphics cards, which will perfectly fit your needs – and your budget. Find out more about each GPU in more detail below.
1. MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI – Best Graphics Card Overall in 2024
The MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI is the best graphics card for gaming. Based on Nvidia’s famous Pascal architecture, this GPU is perfect for enjoying high-resolution video gaming.
With a 2560 x 1600 maximum resolution, the GTX 1050 TI guarantees ultimate pleasure. Your experience may naturally vary depending on the power of your machine. If you don’t run a high-end computer, it may be wise to stick to 1080p. You can push it to 1440p in some cases, though it depends on your game choice.
| Price | GPU Cores | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Video RAM | TDP | Outputs |
| $239 | 768 | 1,290 MHz | 1,392 MHz | 4 GB | 75 watt |
|
It comes with a 1,290 Mhz clock speed, which is great for gaming in FHD. In all fairness, this means that you won’t be able to enjoy gaming in 4K resolution. Unless you’re ready to pay large sums for a 5,888 Mhz graphics card for 4K or 8K gaming, though, this one will do an excellent job – and we still rate it as the best gaming graphics card.
The GeForce GTX 1050 TI comes with an industry-standard 4 GB RAM. Playing high-end games in the highest resolutions with this GPU may be challenging, and it excludes playing Far Cry 6, Resident Evil Village, or Final Fantasy 7 Remake in 4K. You would likely need to lower your graphics settings to medium or low if you want your GPU to perform well in these circumstances.
However, if you’re a fan of evergreen titles like Battlefield, Far Cry 3, Factorio, PUBG, or APEX Legends, you’ll have a great time playing in HD. You can even push some titles to ultra-high settings and play with no glitches whatsoever.
You can have all that for only $239, which is a bargain. There aren’t many video cards in the $200 to $250 range that can score this high on benchmark GPU testing, which is why the GTX 1050 TI is the best-buy graphics card for2024.
Pros 
- Low price
- Great performance
- Low power consumption
- Ideal for 1080p gaming
- Excellent cooling ability supported by two fans
Cons
- Struggles to deliver in 8K resolution
2. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 – Ideal for Demanding PC Games
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 is a powerful GPU with 24GB VRAM and a 1,006 GB/s bandwidth that guarantees lots of fun playing at 4K resolution.
Get this baby for your computer, and you’ll have the best gaming PC that can handle the most complex tasks.
| Price | GPU Cores | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Video RAM | TDP | Outputs |
| $2,257.99 | 16,384 | 2,235 MHz | 2,520 MHz | 24 GB | 450W |
|
The RTX 4090 is often compared with its predecessor, the 3090 Ti, which was one of the fastest GPUs ever crafted. Still, compared with the latest 4090 models, Nvidia’s 3090 Ti graphics card is nothing to write home about, given that the RTX 4090 is two to four times faster.
In addition, the 4090 delivers a 2.23 GHz boost clock with the potential to reach the max speed of 2.52 GHz, allowing it to process graphics at incredible speeds.
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 is the best Nvidia graphics card if you like playing the most demanding PC games at high resolution. For instance, you can play Total War Three Kingdoms, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, or Borderlands 3 with ultra-high settings and ray tracing turned on, all while maintaining a staggering 100+ fps frame rate.
The RTX 4090 also successfully mimics the way light behaves in the real world, allowing for more realistic simulations. Instead of static baked-in lighting, which most GPUs use, this graphics card traces virtual rays of light, ensuring a more realistic gaming environment. Turning on the ray tracing feature unlocks a new perspective when it comes to enjoying video gaming.
Another of Nvidia’s successes in this story is the fact that it managed to implement and utilize DLSS fully. Thanks to the deep learning super sampling feature, the RTX 4090 is able to render lower resolutions and output much higher ones. For example, you can set the resolution to 1440p, and the card will output at the highest visual quality at 4K.
Pros
- 2.52 GHz boost clock
- Supports 4K resolution
- Ray Tracing
- 24GB VRAM
Cons
- Pricey for an average gamer
3. XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX 6600 – Great Mid-Range Graphics Card
The XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX was first introduced in October 2021 and quickly became the best AMD graphics card for up to $250.
Like its more expensive counterparts, the neat-looking card comes with a dual-fan cooler. It’s also less substantial than the GeForce RTX 4090, for example, which makes it easy to fit into most PCs.
| Price | GPU Cores | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Video RAM | TDP | Outputs |
| $239.99 | 1,792 | 2,044 MHz | 2,491 MHz | 8GB | 132W |
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It’s also worth noting that the card is powerful and fast. The Radeon RX 6600 comes with a 2,044 MHz base clock that you can boost up to 2,491 MHz. This puts the XFX Speedster in line with other, more expensive competitors. As a result, this GPU is more than capable of delivering an extraordinary gaming experience at 1080p, with around 100 fps.
You can game at 1440p, and RX 6600 will still deliver a decent result. Naturally, you can expect your fps to drop slightly, though it won’t affect your pleasure in the slightest. Your frame rates will drop to 70 to 80, which is still more than enough for average gamers.
Playing with ray tracing enabled is also an option. However, your fps will drop to a merely acceptable 21 fps.
The XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX is best for medium-demanding games like Death Stranding, Days Gone, Silent Hill, and Shadow of Colossus, which require at least 8 GB RAM. You can also push settings ultra high and still enjoy 80 to 100 fps at 1080p.
Another critical detail that sets this card apart is its low power consumption. This goes from 68W to 120W when overclocked. The RX 6600 also stands out with low noise and low heat levels. For the most part, your XFX Speedster card won’t heat over 82 degrees Celsius at maximum effort.
All you need to do is sit back in the best gamer chair and enjoy a unique gaming experience.
Pros
- High fps rates at 1080p
- Low power consumption
- Less noise
- Minimal heat at maximum performance
Cons
- Fps drops under 20 when ray tracing is enabled
4. Asus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti – Perfect for Playing FPS Games
The Asus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is based on a 5-year-old technology but can still deliver a high-quality gaming experience at 1080p.
Powered by Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, the PH-GTX Asus model combines affordability and performance.
| Price | GPU Cores | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Video RAM | TDP | Outputs |
| $196.89 | 768 | 1,290 MHz | 1,392 MHz | 4 GB | 75W |
|
With 4 GB RAM, the GeForce Phoenix graphics card won’t be an ideal solution if you intend to play high-end games with ultra-high graphics settings. Playing Elden Ring, Dying Light 2, Halo Infinite, or Far Cry 6 at medium to high resolution is out of the question with this card.
However, despite a relatively limited RAM, the Asus GTX 1050 Ti is still able to draw impressive frame rates for less-demanding video games like CS: GO, Valorant, LoL, Apex Legends, and Forza Horizons 4.
Playing League of Legends on the Asus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, with the graphics set ultra high at 1080p, the card was able to pull out a more-than-satisfying 196 frames per second.
Great numbers were also seen for COD: Warzone, where we’ve seen 66 fps in Battle Royale – though it may be preferable to lower the game graphics for better performance. Nevertheless, this is the best graphics card for entry-level to medium-experienced eSports lovers.
The Asus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU is priced at just under $200. It offers decent performance and, just as importantly, is built of quality materials. As a result, it will serve as a reliable and durable graphics card that’ll serve you well for years to come.
Pros
- 75W TDP
- Affordable price
- Decent performance at 1080p
- Ideal for eSports games
Cons
- No ray tracing
5. EVGA 06G-P4-1068 – Ray Tracing Under $300
The EVGA 06G-P4-1068 offers an above-average performance, underlined with ray tracing options at a reasonable price.
In terms of design, this card isn’t far from higher-end GPUs like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, for example. It looks modern and slick and is supported by two front fans and a metal backplate.
| Price | GPU Cores | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Video RAM | TDP | Outputs |
| $289.99 | 1920 | – | 1,830 MHz | 6 GB | 160W |
|
The two 85-millimeter cooling fans keep the device’s vital components cool. Consequently, the maximum temperature this card will hit is as low as 67 degrees Celsius at maximum load. Your GPU will remain cool and quiet while performing the most complex tasks.
With 1920 Cuda cores and a 1,830 MHz boost clock, the EVGA 06G offers great performance at 1080p. Ray tracing is the next generation of graphics and, as such, often requires high-end graphics cards and a hefty price tag.
However, in this particular case, you can get a high-performing GPU that supports ray tracing for under $300.
We’ve seen the EVGA 06G-P4-1068 running different video games and enjoyed the incredible level of detail delivered. This graphics card provides outstanding performance with games that require 4 to 8GB and at least 5th generation Intel Core processors.
We played Far Cry 5 at 1080p with ultra-high settings and achieved 103 fps. On the other hand, the card pulled out a decent 77 fps on 1440p. A similar thing happened with the Rise of the Tomb Raider. At 1080p, the card delivered 107 fps, while the frame rate dropped to 67 at 1440p, which is expected.
When it comes to more demanding games, the EVGA 06G-P4-1068 manages to get good results. For example, playing Metro Exodus at 1080p with moderate graphics settings will allow you to enjoy 40 fps.
Surprisingly, the frame rate didn’t drop much at 1440p, maintaining an acceptable 33 fps.
Pros
- Ray tracing features
- 1,680 boost clock
- 67 degrees Celsius TDP
- Performs well at 1440p
Cons
- Could offer more display outputs
6. Zotac GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge – 2nd Gen Ray Tracing Cores
The Zotac GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge is based on Nvidia’s latest GPU microarchitecture and comes with 2nd generation ray tracing cores.
You might think this kind of technology comes with a substantial price tag – but you’d actually be wrong in this case.
| Price | GPU Cores | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Video RAM | TDP | Outputs |
| $349.99 | 3584 | 1,320 MHz | 1,807 Mhz | 12 GB | 170W |
|
You’ll find many Nvidia GPUs with a price between $250 and $400 that run on Volta and Turing architectures. However, this case is an exception and sees Nvidia offering a super-modern, high-performing graphics card that relies on the Ampere GPU microarchitecture.
With 12 GB RAM and 1,807 MHz GPU clock speed, the Zotac GeForce RTX 3060 has everything an above-average video gaming consumer needs.
You can enjoy high-quality lighting backed by a decent 1,807 MHz boost clock. As a result, you can expect some high-class frame rates and maximum visual enjoyment.
Combine this graphic card with the best gaming monitor, and you’ll have the time of your life.
Pros
- 1,807 MHz boost clock
- 2nd gen ray tracing cores
- 12 GB RAM
- Advanced GPU architecture
Cons
- Junction temperatures can get hot
7. Zotac GeForce GTX 1660 – Great Lower-End GPU
The Zotac GeForce GTX 1660 is the best graphics card for those who want to make the jump from being entry-level to medium-experienced gamers.
Compared to the Zotac RTX 3060, this GPU has less memory and a lower boost clock, at 6 GB and 1,770 MHz, respectively. Regardless, you can enjoy a decent 40 to 60 fps at 1080p with ultra-high graphics settings. More importantly, you can achieve that for less money than with its RTX counterpart.
| Price | GPU Cores | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Video RAM | TDP | Outputs |
| $280.42 | 1,408 | 1,500 MHz | 1,770 MHz | 6 GB | 120 W |
|
The Zotac GeForce GTX 1660 uses two 90mm cooling fans. This is enough to keep impressively low cooling temperatures, which enables your GPU to remain quiet.
This card is also tiny, allowing you to install it on practically any device. You can even get some of the best gaming laptops and upgrade them into a powerful gaming beast that eats three-figure fps for lunch. If you’re looking for the best graphics card for laptop devices, look no further than the Zotac RTX 3060.
Pros
- Small size to fit anywhere
- Silent operator
- Great for 1080p gaming
- 6 GB RAM
Cons
- Lacks idle-fan-stop
8. Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 7900 – Powerful Graphics Card
The Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 7900 runs 24 GB GDDR6 RAM. It’s meant for those who enjoy ultra-demanding gaming.
This magnificent, robust, and beautiful GPU will leave no one unfazed. The same is true of the price, but more about that later.
| Price | GPU Cores | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Video RAM | TDP | Outputs |
| $1,677.99 | 12,288 | 2,220 MHz | 2,560 MHz | 24 GB | 300 W |
|
The Sapphire Nitro+ is a power-consuming beast with a 300W tdp. If you want to get this card, you’ll need to think about investing in a reliable power supply unit, delivering at least 700 W.
With a 2,220 base clock and 2,560 boost clock, the RX 7900 has much to offer. Combine it with 12,288 Cuda cores, and you’ll get a high-performing setup that will deliver in 1440p and 4K resolutions.
Just as an illustration, the Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 7900 allows you to play Cyberpunk 2077 with 4K settings at around 50 fps. Bear in mind that this was with the game graphics set ultra high and with ray tracing and TAA enabled.
You should also consider buying the best gaming mouse, as you’ll need quality tools to cope with this GPU’s enormous speed.
Pros
- High processing power
- Advanced ray tracing feature
- 24 GB RAM
- Slick looks
Cons
- High power consumption
9. Asus PH-GTX1050TI – Fits All Budgets
The Asus PH-GTX1050TI resembles the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti in many ways, except for the price – and we name it the best-buy graphics card by Asus.
The PH-GTX model is the best graphics card made by Asus for those with lower budgets. You’ll find the base and boost clocks in a similar range, at 1,290 MHz and 1,392 MHz, respectively.
| Price | GPU Cores | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Video RAM | TDP | Outputs |
| $122.50 | 768 | 1,290 MHz | 1,392 MHz | 4 GB | 75W |
|
The cards have the same memory size of 4 GB and GDDR5 RAM. As a result, both are equally good for 1080p gaming. So the question is, what accounts for the price difference?
The first and the most obvious difference between the PH-GTX and GTX 1050 Ti is in the GPU clock speed. The PH-GTX1050TI has a 1,290 MHz clock speed, while its more expensive counterpart has a 1,392 MHz core speed.
Worry not, because both cards are able to sustain the weight of playing 1080p games. However, if you opt for this cheaper option, you need to accept a slightly reduced fps rate.
For instance, you can play LoL at medium-to-high graphics settings and have 40 to 60 fps. Admittedly, it has a slightly lower fps rate than the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti. However, paying $70 less will help make up some of the difference for a 10 to 15% lower frame rate while playing, making the PH-GTX the best budget graphics card on the market.
The Asus PH-GTX1050TI is not at the top of the table in the GPU hierarchy, but its affordability makes it desirable for countless gamers.
Pros
- Decent performance
- GDDR 5 RAM
- Affordable price
- 1,290 MHz clock speed
Cons
- Not ideal for 4K gaming
10. Asus ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 – Great for Gaming and Crypto Mining
The Asus ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 is a modern, and reliable multi-purpose graphics card.
With a price above $1,000, the RTX 4070 certainly requires a more significant budget. In all fairness, though, it has been reported that Nvidia game card prices rise and fall along with crypto mining demand.
| Price | GPU Cores | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Video RAM | TDP | Outputs |
| $1,049.99 | 7,680 | 2,310 MHz | 2,760 MHz | 12 GB | 285W |
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That being said, if you’re looking to get a reliable GPU for either gaming or mining for around $1,000, the Asus ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 is the perfect solution.
This card comes with 4th gen tensor cores, meaning it can compute significantly faster than the standard CUDA cores. This perfectly combines with DLSS 3, Nvidia’s AI-powered algorithm that allows you to play at 4K resolution with 70 to 100 fps.
Its superb ray tracing performance lets you enjoy realistic images while playing complex video games. On top of that, this card’s axial-tech fans allow up to 31% more airflow, making your GPU cooler and quieter.
Pros
- 4,000 MHz memory speed
- 7,680 cores for incredible performance
- Ideal for mining and gaming
- High fps rates at 4K
Cons
- Heavy power consumption (285W)
11. Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 OC 12G – For Medium-Level Gamers
The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 OC 12G premiered in January 2021. Based on Nvidia’s Ampere microarchitecture, the Gigabyte is the best graphics card for under $400.
This GPU comes with 12 GB of GDDR 6 memory and 360GB/s memory bandwidth. And looking into the Asus ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 specs, the RAM is virtually the same.
|
Price |
GPU Cores | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Video RAM | TDP | Outputs |
| $379.99 | 3,584 | 1.320 MHz | 1,837 MHz | 12 GB | 170W |
|
As a result, you can get the same memory size for significantly less money. On the other hand, the Gigabyte comes with 2nd gen RT cores and 3rd-generation tensor cores, which is why you can get a card like this at a relatively low price.
If you’re not into mining or professional video game streaming, this GPU will do a fantastic job. You can play most of the newer-gen games at 1080p with ultra-high settings.
Pros
- 360GB/s memory bandwidth
- 3,584 core
- Ray tracing
- High fps rating at 1080p
Cons
- Fps drops to 20 when ray tracing enabled
12. MSI GeForce RTX 3060 12GB 15Gbps GDRR6 – For Virtual Reality Lovers
The MSI GeForce RTX 3060 12GB 15Gbps GDRR6 is a powerful yet affordable GPU from Nvidia’s 30 series.
The MSI GeForce comes with three display ports and one HDMI. Consequently, you can connect up to three monitors, if necessary, running 4K at 120Hz HDR. On the other hand, if you prefer to play at 8K, you would need a monitor with at least 60Hz HDR.
| Price | GPU Cores | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Video RAM | TDP | Outputs |
| $359.99 | 3,584 | 1,320 MHz | 1,837 MHz | 12 GB | 170W |
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The MSI GeForce RTX 3060 12GB does not support SLI or CrossFire, though. This essentially means you won’t be able to link multiple GPUs for better performance. Unless you’re a professional gamer who makes a living from playing video games, this will be fine, though.
All in all, the MSI GeForce RTX is the best graphics card for virtual reality. If you’re a VR fan, this GPU will provide you with a smooth image.
Pros
- 3,584 GPU cores
- Supports 8K resolution
- VR ready
- Operates at low heat
Cons
- CrossFire and SLI not supported
Compare the Market’s Top Graphics Cards
Here’s a quick GPU comparison if you want to crunch the numbers. Take a look at the table below.
| GPU | Price | GPU Cores | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Video RAM | TDP | Outputs |
| MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI | $239 | 768 | 1,290 MHz | 1,392 MHz | 4 GB | 75 watt |
|
| Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 | $2,257.99 | 16,384 | 2,235 MHz | 2,520 MHz | 24 GB | 450W |
|
| XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX | $239.99 | 1,792 | 2,044 MHz | 2,491 MHz | 8GB | 132W |
|
| Asus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti | $196.89 | 768 | 1,290 MHz | 1,392 MHz | 4 GB | 75W |
|
| EVGA 06G-P4-1068 | $289.99 | 1920 | – | 1,755 MHz | 6 GB | 160W |
|
| Zotac GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge | $349.99 | 3584 | 1,320 MHz | 1,807 MHz | 12 GB | 170W |
|
| Zotac GeForce GTX 1660 | $280.42 | 1,408 | 1,500 MHz | 1,770 MHz | 6 GB | 120 W |
|
| Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 7900 | $1,677.99 | 12,288 | 2,220 MHz | 2,560 MHz | 24 GB | 300 W |
|
| Asus PH-GTX1050TI | $122.50 | 768 | 1,290 MHz | 1,392 MHz | 4 GB | 75W |
|
| Asus ROG Strix Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 | $1,049.99 | 7,680 | 2,310 MHz | 2,760 MHz | 12 GB | 285W |
|
| Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 OC 12G | $379.99 | 3,584 | 1.320 MHz | 1,837 MHz | 12 GB | 170W |
|
| MSI GeForce RTX 3060 12GB 15Gbps GDRR6 | $359.99 | 3,584 | 1,320 MHz | 1,837 MHz | 12 GB | 170W |
|
How to Choose the Best Gaming Graphics Card for You
The first question you need to ask yourself is, “What graphics card do I have?”. If the answer is 2GB RAM and you’re still unsatisfied with the performance, then it’s time to get yourself a well-deserved upgrade.
When deciding between two or three different graphic cards, a less tech-savvy gamer will most likely opt for a more expensive option. The logic behind such a decision is evident, as you naturally expect the one with a higher price to deliver more.
However, this doesn’t necessarily have to be true, especially if the price difference is less than 15%. Because of that, we offer a few handy tips for buying the graphics card that’ll meet your needs.
Set a Budget
Money makes the world go round, as Liza Minnelli sang. Money can’t buy you love, but it can get you a brand-new graphics card.
A high-end card comes with a hefty price tag, however. Because of that, it is vital to decide on a budget before you begin searching for the best graphics card and not spending more than you can afford.
If you aim to get a high-end graphics processor unit, be prepared to spend more than $1,000. If you’re looking for a beast and wish to play in 8K, it can cost you even more. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 comes with 24 GB Ram and a 2,520 MHz boost clock. However, this card also comes with a price tag of $2,257.99.
If you aim to get a mid-range card, it will cost you somewhere between $350 and $800. A good example is the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 OC 12G, with 12 GB RAM and a whopping 3,584 GPU units, priced at $379.99.
Finally, if you don’t care much about image quality, you can find several affordable GPUs that can deliver a satisfactory level of quality. The MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is the best cheap graphics card available, and it will provide you with enough for your needs. Alternatively, you can compare graphics cards by price in the table above – just make sure to leave something aside for accessories like your gaming headset.
Make Sure Your CPU Matches Your GPU
Every time a new picture appears on your screen, whether it’s an in-game camera change or when moving a mouse cursor, your GPU performs a huge number of calculations to render the output.
Part of this task is shared between your graphics card and the central processing unit, the CPU. However, if you have a powerful CPU that delivers more frames per second than your GPU can grasp, then you’ll potentially have an issue.
You need to take extra care and make sure to pick a GPU that can handle your Intel graphics card performance and vice-versa.
Watch Out For Monitor Resolution
You thought it would be that simple? That’s not all! Buying the best GPU isn’t a walk in the park, but it’s not an insolvable puzzler either. Think of buying a new GPU like getting a new outfit – you don’t wear a casual jacket over a fancy, colorful shirt. It simply doesn’t go together well.
The same is true of graphics cards. You can spend thousands of dollars getting the best-performing high-end GPU, but it’ll be worth nothing if your PC monitor can’t deliver a sufficient level of quality.
For example, if your monitor has 60Hz and supports 1080p, there’s no purpose in buying the Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 7900 with 24 GB RAM and a 2,560 boost clock. Instead, you should look for low-to-mid range cards such as the EVGA 06G-P4-1068 or the XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX, both designed for FHD 1080p.
Alternatively, you might buy the Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 7900 – but make sure to set aside some extra cash for a new PC monitor with at least a 240Hz refresh rate.
Graphics Card Size
Card dimensions shouldn’t be at the top of your list when choosing the best graphics card. Still, this is a vital aspect that beginners often neglect. The logic is simple here: you need to make sure your PC has enough room to fit your new GPU.
Hence, before you click purchase, check the card’s dimensions and see if you can plug it in. If you aren’t sure, go for a two-fan card, as they are smaller than the three-fan GPU models.
GPU RAM
Your graphics card’s memory bank is what stands between you and the best and most demanding video games like Dying Light 2, God of War, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Last of Us Part 1.
The more RAM your GPU has, the more complex tasks it will be able to perform. If you wish to enjoy AAA games, you need to get a GPU with at least 12 GB RAM.
You can play these games with less – for example, 8GB. However, you need to be prepared for significant graphical compromises, as you won’t be able to play these games at medium to ultra-high settings, and you’ll need to sacrifice image quality.
On the other side of the coin, if these games aren’t your cup of tea, then you can satisfy your needs with something in the range of 4 to 8GB. In that case, getting the Asus PH-GTX1050TI for only $122.50 may be the best decision you’ve ever made.
Get the Right Power Supply
A GPU is a complex system that requires a lot of power to run. Because of that, you need the right power supply unit –PSU – that can match your computer’s power consumption.
Luckily, you don’t have to be a brain surgeon to calculate what kind of PSU you’ll need. Just look at the GPU requirements, and you’ll find how much power your video card needs. For example, the MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI, our best graphics card, needs 74W power from its PSU. Given this, you should go for the 450W power supply.
On the other hand, if you have a more powerful GPU, like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, that requires 450W, we recommend at least 850W PSU.
Also, take into account that your PC power consumption does not solely depend on your GPU. Several factors like CPU utilization, the motherboard, fans, other devices, monitors, and optical drives can all affect the power consumption of your PC. Getting the best gaming keyboard will also influence your computer’s burning wattage.
Because of that, you shouldn’t look to match your needs exactly. If you need a 500W supply, it won’t hurt if you get a 650W PSU. While it may cost a little extra, it’ll protect your PC if something goes south.
This small financial sacrifice can protect you from significant losses in the future. Therefore, you should consider it an investment rather than an expense.
Research More
You can find tons of information online. Details like RAM and base and boost clocks are easy to find. However, it is also a good idea to look for user reviews.
Of course, relying exclusively on the opinions of anonymous people online is not the best idea. Reviews are a good way to gain insight into the general potential pros and cons of a particular product, though. Reviews hence give you room to focus on concrete details and make an educated decision.
Keep in mind, as well, that reviews should not be used alone but can be one factor among many that can help you decide on a purchase.
AMD vs Nvidia: Which is the Best?
As you’ve probably noticed, GPUs occupy quite a competitive market. You can select between several quality brands that differ in performance, durability, experience, and price. However, if we focus solely on quality, the entire race really boils down to two names: AMD and Nvidia.
Much like DC Comics’ Batman and Superman, AMD and Nvidia are competing champions in the same universe. The race between the two high-quality brands has led to a boom in the graphics card market.
So, what is the best graphics card? The blue pill or the red pill? Read on and find out.
Price
Between AMD and Nvidia, which brand will suit your budget the best? While both AMD graphics cards and Nvidia are famous for making powerful GPUs, they also stand out when it comes to budget-friendly solutions.
If you’re looking for a high-end graphics card, opting for Nvidia products would be the best solution. Just take a look at our graphics card comparison table above. You’ll find Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 4090 to be the most powerful GPU we looked at. Nvidia GPUs typically stand out with higher GPU cores and impressive base and boost clocks.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for low-end GPUs, AMD has a larger scale of products that are more affordable for those on a budget.
Nvidia still has something to offer, though. Looking at the Nvidia GeForce, you’ll find both low-end and high-end solutions. Both the MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI and the Asus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti dominate the under $200 market and offer fantastic value for money.
AMD vs Nvidia: Ray Tracing
Modern games heavily rely on real-time rendering techniques. A quality GPU will have a more substantial impact on the improved rendering performance. Despite obvious progress in image quality over the last few years, GPU manufacturers continue to push limits to create life-like gaming environments.
Ray tracing is a rendering technique that aims to simulate rays of light. As a result, modern GPUs can render realistic reflections or even shadows. It should be mentioned that Nvidia was the first to introduce ray-traced reflections and, in many ways, changed the existing GPU landscape.
The approach enables computers to render near-photorealistic scenes that look absolutely stunning. At the same time, though, ray tracing will impact your PC’s fps rate. Here we come to another difference between AMD and Nvidia.
If you prefer to enjoy video games in high resolutions while keeping ray tracing enabled, then Nvidia is a better solution. While it’s true that some AMD GPUs can deliver the desired result, it seems like the company falls short compared to its rival.
GPUs like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 and the Zotac GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge both support ray tracing and come at relatively affordable prices.
AMD’s XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX also support this option. However, you need to accept that your fps rate will suffer and potentially drop below 20.
The best way to decide is to compare GPU ray tracing capabilities on both ends and see which one is more pleasing to the eye for you.
Resolution Quality
GPU manufacturers continue to drive graphics quality forwards, with the goal of bringing video games ever closer to reality. Image quality and performance have dramatically improved in recent years, and it is continuing to do so.
Nvidia’s DLSS plays no small part in the overall advancement of image resolution. This brand was the first to push the boundaries after introducing its latest AI-based solution. The company’s idea was to redefine real-time rendering, and it has succeeded.
Nvidia’s solution essentially inserted AI between frames. Doing this means that the image quality is improved, with the AI doing some of the legwork for the GPU, allowing the graphics card to remain efficient and effective.
AMD responded with FidelityFX Super Resolution or FSR. While created with the same goal of boosting resolution quality, FSR works differently from DLSS.
AMD’s solution relies on a rendering technique that boosts game framerates. Hence, the best graphics card by AMD renders frames at a lower resolution. However, it simultaneously uses an open-source algorithm to boost the game’s performance.
As a result, using a FSR-based AMD GPU, you can run games in FHD while having the visual impression of running the game in 4K, thanks to this unique image-rendering system.
All in all, both DLSS and FSR can do an impressive job of boosting game resolution. It all comes down to your personal impression, but our take is that Nvidia still does a better job.
Best GPU FAQs
Which graphics card is best for gaming?
What does GTX mean?
What does RTX mean?
Is GTX or RTX better?
Which GPU is the fastest?
Does your graphics card matter for gaming?
Conclusion: What’s the Best Graphics Card You Can Buy in 2024?
Finding the best graphics card is a challenging task, especially if you’re not familiar with technical computer hardware terminology. Indeed, reading up on it and attempting to make sense of the jargon and competing specs can give you a headache.
Luckily for you, our analysts have tested a wide range of GPUs, searching for the best solutions. After assessing GPU benchmark standards, we have concluded that the MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI is the best gaming graphics card.
This card offers a decent 4 GB RAM combined with an impressive base clock speed of 1,290MHz. Supported by two fans, this card boasts an excellent cooling ability and will remain quiet while performing the most complex tasks.
Finally, the greatest competitive advantage of the MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI is its price: you can get this for only $239, truly crowning it as the best graphics card. Waste no time: grab this opportunity to enjoy 1080p gaming at ultra-high settings at a bargain price.
