The best graphics card isn’t necessarily the latest or the most powerful one, despite what you might assume, but rather the one that fits perfectly with the rest of your PC’s specs – and that fits within your budget.
As the choice of graphics card is highly individual, we’ve reviewed and compared the best models on the market, looking at features like GPU benchmarks, thermal performance, and the pros and cons of each model to help you make an informed decision about what the best graphics card on the Australian market is for you. Time to get the perfect graphics card for your gaming setup.
13 Best Graphics Cards in Australia Ranked
Here’s our final list of the best graphics cards for 2024:
- MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 — Super powerful graphics card for fully immersive gaming at 60 FPS in 4K, with Ray Tracing turned on.
- MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti — Best budget graphics card with super-low power consumption and smart cooling technology.
- XFX RX 580 — Perfect mid-range option for a custom-built PC, especially if you’re planning on using an AMD Ryzen CPU.
- Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 Ti — Easy overclocking and four performance modes to choose from to customize the GPU according to your needs.
- MSI Nvidia Geforce GTX 1660 Super Ventus — Affordable graphics card with Nvidia G-Sync and HDR support for smooth, tear-free gameplay on 240Hz refresh rate monitors.
- Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 — Powerful, efficient graphics card for gaming at 120 FPS, with 3rd generation Ray Tracing cores for smooth, crisp visuals.
- Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Ti — Nvidia DLSS 3 for smooth gameplay at 144 FPS, impressive thermal performance, and dual BIOS.
- Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030 — Best value GPU for casual gaming, ideal for an affordable custom-built PC setup for kids.
- XFX Speedster RX 6600 — Reliably achieves 100 FPS at 1080p on medium-to-high graphics settings.
- Gigabyte RTX 3050 — Decent option for gaming at 1440p on high settings, thanks to Ray Tracing and DLSS support.
- EVGA GeForce RTX 2060 — On par with RTX 3050, but smaller and more compact, making it a better choice for smaller PC cases.
- ASUS GeForce GTX 1660 Super — Great mid-tier option for a multi-monitor setup, with the ability to fine-tune the card’s critical parameters via the ASUS GPU Tweak II utility app.
- Zotac NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti — Solid mid-range option, reliably reaching 60+ FPS at 1080p oh high/ultra-high graphics settings.
Top 13 Best GPUs for Australia Reviewed
Here are our in-depth reviews of the best GPUs so you can see how different models compare and find the best value graphics card for your build.
1. MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 — Super-Powerful Graphics Card for Fully Immersive Gaming
The MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 is the most powerful graphics card on our list, offering incredible raw performance if you have the budget to afford it.
The graphics card features the Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, the latest and the fastest GPU from the manufacturer, so it easily runs even the most demanding games at max settings.
Price | GPU | GPU Cores | GPU Clock | Memory Clock | VRAM | Power Consumption | Outputs |
From $3,200 AUD | Nvidia RTX 4090 | 16,384 CUDA Cores | 2235 MHz | 1313 MHz | 24 Gb | 450 W | DisplayPort x 3, HDMI 2.1 |
You can run your favourite AAA titles at the max resolution of 7,680 x 4,320p for an immersive, movie-like gaming experience, provided your monitor supports the resolution – and if not, you may want to upgrade with a pick from our guide to the best gaming monitors.
With 24 Gb of VRAM, the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 also reaches incredible rendering speeds, so it’s a premium option for video editing as well.
This model features three super powerful coolers that keep the graphics card cool even at 100% utilization, so you won’t have to worry about the temperature. At the same time, the card has no coil whine and stays silent even if you’re running the most resource-intensive games or apps. In short, this GPU compares extremely well to the competition.
That said, the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 is very bulky and weighs over 2kg, so it requires a lot of space in the PC’s case. Another potential drawback is that you’ll need an extremely powerful CPU and a premium monitor to make full use of this graphics card, so the PC setup can get quite expensive.
Pros
- Significant performance jump from the last gen
- Easily runs games at 60 FPS in 4K resolution with Ray Tracing on
- Very quiet, with great thermal performance
- 24 Gb VRAM
Cons
- Expensive
- Large and bulky
2. MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti — Best Budget Graphics Card
The MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is one of the best budget GPU options due to its extremely low power consumption and solid, reliable performance for the money.
Despite the fact that the GPU is almost seven years old, the MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is more than capable of running any modern game at 60FPS on medium-to-high settings, at 1080p. It’s a great option if you’re a fan of older titles like League of Legends, DOTA 2, CS: GO, Overwatch, ApexLegends, or less demanding picks like Minecraft or indie games.
Price | GPU | GPU Cores | GPU Clock | Memory Clock | VRAM | Power Consumption | Outputs |
From $400 AUD | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti | 768 CUDA Cores | 1291 MHz | 1752 MHz | 4 Gb | 75 W | DisplayPort |
One of the key aspects of the MSI GeForce GTX 1050 is the cooling fan technology. The card features two TORX 2.0 fans, which stay idle at temperatures below 60° Celcius and turn on if the temperature hits that number. Even when on, they’re reasonably quiet, so you can focus on gaming without distractions.
Another thing worth mentioning is that this graphics card is compatible with the MSI Overburner, an application that gives you full control over the graphics card and lets you overclock it if you need to squeeze out a bit more power for more graphically demanding tasks or games.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Capable of running most games at 1080p at 60FPS on mid-to-high settings
- Extremely low power consumption
- Smart cooling technology that stops the fans at low temperatures
Cons
- Might struggle with AAA games on high or ultra-high settings
- Not a good fit for VR gaming
3. XFX RX 580 — Perfect Mid-Range Option for a Custom-Built PC
The XFX RX 580 is a great mid-range option, ideal if you’re looking to create your first custom-built PC and are considering an AMD Ryzen processor.
The appeal of this graphic card comes from the fact that you can leverage the XFX True Clock Technology to increase the base clock speed of 1,405 Mhz up to a whopping 8,000 MHz for even faster and smoother gaming performance.
Price | GPU | GPU Cores | GPU Clock | Memory Clock | VRAM | Power Consumption | Outputs |
From $750 AUD | AMD Radeon RX 580 | 2,304 | Up to 8,000 MHz | 2,000 MHz | 8 Gb | 185 W | DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI |
One thing to keep in mind is that increasing the clock speed will also raise the temperature of the GPU, but the trade-off is well worth it, especially thanks to the XFX double dissipation cooling technology.
The dual fans and the heatsink provide enhanced VRAM and memory cooling, reducing temperatures by up to 30° and 20°, respectively. This also results in an overall reduction in noise by about 5%, so you can expect excellent performance without the fans being too loud.
With the XFX RX 580, you’ll be able to run most games at high fps in FHD resolution, as well as less graphically intensive games at 4K and medium settings, which makes it the best AMD graphics card on our list.
Pros
- Double dissipation cooling for greatly reduced temperatures
- Ability to overclock the GPU up to 8,000 MHz
- Great performance at high FPS for most games
Cons
- No Ray Tracing
- Not the best option for a dual-monitor setup
4. Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 Ti — Easy Overclocking and Four Performance Modes to Choose From
The Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is another excellent model with the high-performing, extremely popular GTX 1050 Ti GPU.
While the performance benchmarks are largely the same, the difference between Gigabyte’s and MSI’s model of the GTX 1050 Ti stems from the approach to cooling. This card features a single fan, custom-built to keep the fan noise down while providing optimal airflow. As a result, the Gigabyte one is a bit bulkier, as you can see in the image above, thus requiring more space in your PC’s case.
Price | GPU | GPU Cores | GPU Clock | Memory Clock | VRAM | Power Consumption | Outputs |
From $410 AUD | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti | 768 CUDA Cores | 1291 MHz | 1752 MHz | 4 Gb | 75 W | DisplayPort |
On the other hand, the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is much easier to overclock. You can easily choose between four distinct modes — OC (OverClock) mode, Gaming mode, Silent mode, and User mode.
This lets you overclock the card while running graphically demanding games, as well as tone down the clock speed to keep the temperature and fan noise to a minimum when you’re casually browsing the web or watching online content.
Pros
- Great gaming performance for the money
- Single, custom-built cooler with reduced noise
- Easy-to-adjust GPU clock for your needs
Cons
- Bulkier than the MSI model, requiring more room in the PC case
5. MSI Nvidia Geforce GTX 1660 Super Ventus — Affordable Graphics Card With Nvidia G-Sync and HDR Support
The MSI Nvidia Geforce GTX 1660 Super Ventus is an excellent budget graphics card with HDR (High Dynamic Range) support for brighter colours and a more immersive gaming experience.
What’s characteristic of this graphics card is the super-sturdy backplate that helps straighten the card and keep it in place while giving it a pristine look.
Price | GPU | GPU Cores | GPU Clock | Memory Clock | VRAM | Power Consumption | Outputs |
From $366 AUD | Nvidia Geforce GTX 1660 | 1,408 CUDA cores | 1815 MHz | 1750 MHz | 6 Gb | 125 W | DisplayPort x 3, HDMI 2.0 |
The card also features award-winning TORX 2.0 fans, with curved blades that accelerate the airflow and help keep the temperatures low even during high loads.
Gamers will also appreciate the fact that the MSI Nvidia Geforce GTX 1660 Super Ventus supports Nvidia G-Sync, so if you have a compatible gaming monitor, you’ll enjoy smooth, tear-free gameplay at high FPS and refresh rates up to 240 Hz.
You can also leverage the MSI Afterburner software to automatically adjust the best stable overclock settings and get the highest possible performance without running the risk of the card overheating.
Pros
- Nvidia G-Sync and HDR support
- Award-winning TORX 2.0 fans
- Excellent performance for the price
- Compatible with MSI Afterburner software
Cons
- Memory not overclocked
- Not ideal for 1440p (QHD) gaming
6. Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 — Powerful, Efficient Graphics Card for Gaming at 120 FPS
The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 is a great option for gaming if you’re looking to upgrade from an older graphics card to one that can reliably run most modern games on high settings.
This graphics card features a super-efficient GeForce RTX 3060 GPU with Nvidia Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors and 3rd Generation RT (Ray Tracing) cores, so you can expect superb gaming performance and smooth, crisp visuals.
Price | GPU | GPU Cores | GPU Clock | Memory Clock | VRAM | Power Consumption | Outputs |
From $560 AUD | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 | 3584 CUDA Cores | 1320 MHz — 1777 MHz (boost clock) | 1875 MHz | 12 Gb | 170 W | 3x DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1 |
With the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060, you’ll be able to run popular battle royale games, first-person shooters, MOBAs, and RPGs at 120 FPS in 1080p.
Thanks to three powerful fans with curved blades, the card’s temperatures rarely tick over 80 degrees, even under heavy load. Admittedly, the fans can get a bit noisy, but it’s a small trade-off, considering how much power the RTX 3060 packs.
Another major advantage of the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 over the competitors is the price point. You can find this model for as little as $560 AUD, while most other manufacturers sell the RTX 3060 for $700 AUD or more.
Pros
- Incredible performance at a relatively low price point
- Reliably hits 120 FPS at 1080p on high settings
- 3rd generation RT cores for the next level of Ray Tracing performance
Cons
- The cooling fans can get a bit noisy
7. Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Ti — Nvidia DLSS 3 For Smooth Gameplay at 144 FPS
The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Ti is powered by the Nvidia DLSS 3, which greatly improves gaming performance by leveraging a mix of AI tasks running on 4th generation Tensor Cores.
The DLSS 3 technology renders in-game visuals at a lower resolution than your monitor to increase raw frame generation. It then uses AI Tensor Cores with machine learning to reconstruct the image and displays it in superb quality. As a result, you get enhanced performance and better FPS at even the highest graphics settings.
Price | GPU | GPU Cores | GPU Clock | Memory Clock | VRAM | Power Consumption | Outputs |
From $1,577 AUD | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti | 7,680 CUDA Cores | 2310 MHz | 1313 MHz | 12 Gb | 250W | DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1 |
The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Ti graphics card features a three-fan WINDFORCE cooling system with RGB infusion, ensuring comfortable temperatures and superb performance even when running the most GPU-taxing games or programs.
If you want to play the newest AAA titles on ultra-high settings at 1080p and 144 fps but don’t want or can’t afford to go all-out on an RTX 4090, the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Ti is the perfect option.
Pros
- Enhanced speed and performance using NVIDIA DLSS 3
- Impressive thermal performance (average temperatures <50°C)
- 4th gen Tensor Cores and 3rd gen RT cores
- Dual BIOS so you can switch between overclocked and standard mode in an instant
Cons
- Poor performance at 4K
8. Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030 — Best Value GPU for Casual Gaming
The Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030 is a compact, low-profile, affordable graphics card that can fit into smaller PC cases, so it’s ideal for more casual gamers who are on a tight budget.
While this GeForce graphics card might struggle to run modern AAA titles, it’s more than powerful enough to run games like Minecraft and CS: GO. This makes it a great option if you’re replacing a faulty GPU or want to put together a PC build for under $500 AUD for your family.
Price | GPU | GPU Cores | GPU Clock | Memory Clock | VRAM | Power Consumption | Outputs |
From $250 AUD | Nvidia GeForce GT 1030 | 384 CUDA Cores | 1228 MHz | 1502 MHz | 2 Gb | 30 W | DVI, HDMI 2.0 |
The card has a custom-built cooling fan designed to optimize airflow and keep the speed and the noise at a very low level. This ensures the card stays relatively quiet while maintaining great thermal performance. On top of that, the GPU has extremely low power requirements, which is another huge plus.
Another benefit of this graphics card is that it enables one-click overclocking through the AORUS graphics engine, allowing you to further improve its performance and run slightly more graphically-demanding games as well.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Low-profile and easily fits into smaller PC cases
- Works well on a 45 W power supply
- One-click overclocking
Cons
- Can’t run modern AAA games
9. XFX Speedster RX 6600 — Reliably Achieves 100 FPS at 1080p
The XFX Speedster RX 6600 is another affordable graphics card, perfectly capable of running games at 1080p and 1440p on medium-to-high graphics settings.
You can use this sleek graphics card to play games like Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, Apex Legends, and similar titles at a comfortable 100 fps at 1080p or at around 60 fps at 1440p.
Price | GPU | GPU Cores | GPU Clock | Memory Clock | VRAM | Power Consumption | Outputs |
From $360 AUD | AMD RX 6600 | 1792 | 1626 MHz — 2491 MHz | 1900 MHz | 8 Gb | 132 W | DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1 |
The base clock speed of this model is 1626 MHz, but you can easily overclock it by selecting the Game Clock option (2044 MHz) or the Boost Clock option (2491 MHz) if you feel like you need a bit more power for a particular AAA game.
The weak point of the XFX Speedster RX 6600 is Ray Tracing, so if you’re concerned about realistic lighting in games, you’ll be better off with an Nvidia alternative.
Pros
- Relatively high FPS at 1080p on medium-to-high settings
- Can be easily overclocked if you need more power
- Excellent performance benchmarks for the price
Cons
- Poor performance with Ray Tracing on
10. Gigabyte RTX 3050 — Decent Option for Gaming at 1440p on High Settings
The Gigabyte RTX 3050 is a great mid-range graphics card with Nvidia Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors. It’s a decent option for gaming at 1440p on high/ultra-high settings, at around 45-60fps, as well as a solid choice for video editing.
As an entry-level in the Nvidia RTX 30 series, the Gigabyte RTX 3050 offers excellent performance for the money. Thanks to 2nd generation RT Cores and 3rd generation Tensor Cores, it enables Ray Tracing and DLSS, so you get crystal-clear visuals and a smooth gameplay experience.
Price | GPU | GPU Cores | GPU Clock | Memory Clock | VRAM | Power Consumption | Outputs |
From $468 AUD | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 | 2560 CUDA Cores | 1777 MHz | 1750 MHz | 8 Gb | 130 W | DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1 |
The card also features the Gigabyte WINDFORCE cooling system, so it has excellent thermal performance and remains relatively silent even while under heavy load.
Pros
- Great performance at 1440p on high/ultra-high graphics settings
- Low temperatures thanks to the WINDFORCE cooling system
- Ray Tracing and DLSS
- Low power consumption
Cons
- Similar performance to the GTX 1660, which is around $100 AUD cheaper
11. EVGA GeForce RTX 2060 SC Gaming — On Par With RTX 3050 but Smaller and More Compact
The EVGA GeForce RTX 2060 SC Gaming card offers performance that’s on par with the RTX 3050 at a better price point, although it has a slightly higher power consumption.
You can use this card to run games like Overwatch, Rocket League, and Apex Legends at 1080ps at 70-100 FPS on high settings. It’s also a decent option for VR games, especially since you can overclock it to 1710 MHz with the EVGA Precision software.
Price | GPU | GPU Cores | GPU Clock | Memory Clock | VRAM | Power Consumption | Outputs |
From $425 AUD | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 | 1920 CUDA Cores | 1365 MHz — 1710 MHz | 1750 MHz | 8 Gb | 160 W | DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1, Dual-Link DVI |
The advantage of the EVGA GeForce RTX 2060 over other models with similar performance benchmarks is that it’s small and compact, so you can fit it in a smaller PC case.
One thing to note is that this model comes with a single cooling fan, so the GPU temperatures can reach 80°C when playing more demanding AAA games.
Pros
- Decent performance at 1080p
- Great option for VR games
- Small and compact
- Can be overclocked to 1710 MHz
Cons
- Not the best thermal performance
12. ASUS GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC Edition — Great Mid-Tier Option for a Multi-Monitor Setup
The ASUS GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC Edition comes with a Gaming Mode at 1800 MHz and a Boost Clock mode at 1,830 MHz, which lets you utilize the card’s full potential to achieve excellent gaming performance at 1080p on high settings.
The graphics card features a single Phoenix double ball bearing fan, which provides improved airflow and enhanced cooling compared to standard cooling fans. While this helps keep the GPU and memory from overheating in the OC mode, you can still expect the temperatures to reach over 80°C while under heavy load.
Price | GPU | GPU Cores | GPU Clock | Memory Clock | VRAM | Power Consumption | Outputs |
From $450 AUD | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 | 1408 CUDA Cores | 1530 MHz — 1830 MHz | 1750 MHz | 6 Gb | 125 W | DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0, DVI-D |
You can freely switch between different modes and fine-tune the card’s critical parameters and fan speed using the ASUS GPU Tweak II utility app to get the most out of your graphics card.
Another reason to opt for the ASUS GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC Edition is the fact that it can easily support up to three monitors since it comes with HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, and DVI-D ports.
Pros
- Easy to switch between different modes
- ASUS utility app gives you full control over the card’s critical parameters
- Can support up to three monitors
Cons
- Temperatures tick over 80°C when running demanding games in OC or Gaming Mode
13. Zotac NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti — Solid Mid-Range Option, Reliably Reaching 60+ FPS at 1080p
The Zotac NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti is a super solid graphics card if you’re looking to play most games at 1080p on high or ultra-high settings. It can also run modern AAA titles at 1440p, provided you tone down some of the graphics settings and leave the RT off.
Price | GPU | GPU Cores | GPU Clock | Memory Clock | VRAM | Power Consumption | Outputs |
From $660 AUD | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti | 4864 CUDA Cores | 1410 MHz — 1665 MHz | 1750 MHz | 8 Gb | 200 W | DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1 |
One thing to keep in mind with this graphics card is that it’s bulky and heavy, so you will need a lot of space in your PC case to comfortably slot it in.
Another reason why this model is at the very bottom of our list is that it can get quite loud under heavy load while reaching temperatures of over 70°C. Still, the level of performance you get with this graphics card makes it more than worthwhile, especially if you can find it on sale for less than $600 AUD.
Pros
- Runs most games at 60+ fps on high/ultra-high settings at 1080p
- Sturdy, durable build
- Great performance for the money, especially if you get it on sale
Cons
- Loud under heavy load
- Bulky and heavy
Best GPU Comparison Chart – the Best Graphics Cards Compared
Here’s a quick graphics card comparison table so you can see the critical parameters of different models and get a better understanding of the level of performance different graphic cards offer for the price:
Graphics Card Model | Price | GPU | GPU Cores | GPU Clock | Memory Clock | VRAM | Power Consumption | Outputs |
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 | From $3,200 AUD | Nvidia RTX 4090 | 16,384 CUDA Cores | 2235 MHz | 1313 MHz | 24 Gb | 450 W | DisplayPort x 3, HDMI 2.1 |
MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti | From $400 AUD | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti | 768 CUDA Cores | 1291 MHz | 1752 MHz | 4 Gb | 75 W | DisplayPort |
XFX RX 580 | From $750 AUD | AMD Radeon RX 480 | 2,304 | Up to 8,000 MHz | 2,000 MHz | 8 Gb | 185 W | DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI |
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 Ti | From $410 AUD | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti | 768 CUDA Cores | 1291 MHz | 1752 MHz | 4 Gb | 75 W | DisplayPort |
MSI Nvidia Geforce GTX 1660 Super Ventus | From $366 AUD | Nvidia Geforce GTX 1660 | 1,408 CUDA cores | 1815 MHz | 1750 MHz | 6 Gb | 125 W | DisplayPort x 3, HDMI 2.0 |
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 | From $560 AUD | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 | 3584 CUDA Cores | 1320 MHz — 1777 MHz (boost clock) | 1875 MHz | 12 Gb | 170 W | 3x DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1 |
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Ti | From $1,577 AUD | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti | 7,680 CUDA Cores | 2310 MHz | 1313 MHz | 12 Gb | 250W | DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1 |
Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030 | From $250 AUD | Nvidia GeForce GT 1030 | 384 CUDA Cores | 1228 MHz | 1502 MHz | 2 Gb | 30 W | DVI, HDMI 2.0 |
XFX Speedster RX 6600 | From $360 AUD | AMD RX 6600 | 1792 | 1626 MHz — 2491 MHz | 1900 MHz | 8 Gb | 132 W | DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1 |
Gigabyte RTX 3050 | From $468 AUD | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 | 2560 CUDA Cores | 1777 MHz | 1750 MHz | 8 Gb | 130 W | DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1 |
EVGA GeForce RTX 2060 SC Gaming | From $425 AUD | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 | 1920 CUDA Cores | 1365 MHz — 1710 MHz | 1750 MHz | 8 Gb | 160 W | DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1, Dual-Link DVI |
ASUS GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC Edition | From $450 AUD | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 | 1408 CUDA Cores | 1530 MHz — 1830 MHz | 1750 MHz | 6 Gb | 125 W | DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0, DVI-D |
Zotac NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti | From $660 AUD | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti | 4864 CUDA Cores | 1410 MHz — 1665 MHz | 1750 MHz | 8 Gb | 200 W | DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1 |
How We Selected the Best Graphics Card for Australia
Not every graphics card is going to be a good fit for every user. That’s why you need to ask yourself the following question: “What is the best graphics card for my PC build?”
In order to answer that correctly, you need to look at several key factors that will help you find a GPU that can comfortably run all the games you intend to play while fitting into your allocated budget. After all, having a graphics card that can power your system is at the very heart of your system – and is just as important as getting a robust gaming desk for your setup.
Here are the key factors we looked at when selecting the best graphics cards for Australia in 2024:
Performance Benchmarks
Naturally, the first aspect you need to pay attention to is the graphics card benchmark. This tells you what level of performance you can expect from the GPU when playing different types of games at 1080p and 1044p.
While the choice will strongly depend on your needs, it’s a good idea to opt for a card that can comfortably run your favourite games at 60+ FPS at your preferred resolution. If you have a 1044p gaming monitor, you should take that into consideration since you’ll likely need a more powerful GPU in order to experience smooth, stutter-free gameplay with high frame rates while running at 1044p.
Thermal Performance and Fan Noise
In addition to the GPU benchmark, it’s also vital to take note of the card’s average working temperatures. While these largely depend on the load the GPU is under (e.g., how graphically demanding the games or tasks are), the video card benchmark should also give you an idea of the average working temperatures.
As the temperature increases, fans can start to get considerably noisy, as they try to compensate by spinning faster to prevent the card from reaching critical temperatures. If the cooling cannot keep the card within an acceptable temperature range, the overheating can damage the card’s components, cause your system to become unstable, or straight up cause the graphics card to die on you.
Overclocking
Most graphics cards on our list can be easily overclocked via the accompanying utilization software. This gives you the option to squeeze out a bit more power and get a slightly better performance when gaming, as well as revert to the card’s natural GPU clock when idling or just casually browsing the web.
As we mentioned, you need to be mindful of the GPU’s temperatures in overclocked mode. If you notice that a card has poor thermal performance when overclocked, it’s best to avoid this feature so as not to risk damaging it.
Ray Tracing
If you want realistic lighting that lets you fully immerse in the games you’re playing, you’ll need a graphics card with a GPU that supports Ray Tracing. Nvidia is miles ahead of AMD in terms of Ray Tracing capabilities of its GPUs, so we strongly recommend a GeForce graphics card with 2nd or 3rd generation RT cores if you find Ray Tracing crucial for your games.
Ports
When it comes to ports, you need to consider what monitor you’ll be gaming on. While most modern monitors come with both DisplayPort and HDMI cables, if you’re using an older one, you might need a graphics card with DVI-D or VGA ports.
Additionally, if you’re planning on using a multi-monitor setup, pay attention to the number of ports each graphics card has. Cheaper cards typically only have a single DisplayPort, while the premium models often come with three.
Pricing
To get the best graphics card for the money, you should look beyond the price tag alone. Different manufacturers produce graphics cards with the same GPUs, using the guidelines provided by Nvidia or AMD. The difference is often in the build, the cooling technology, and the price.
So, it pays off to take the time and compare the performance and the price of similar models from different manufacturers in order to find the best-performing graphics card within your price range. And, of course, you may want to consider the cost of other gaming accessories, like buying a high-performing gaming headset.
User Reviews
As always, user reviews are helpful, as they often provide real, objective feedback from people who have been using the graphics cards for extended periods of time. If you’re on the fence between two or more models, you should read what other people have to say about them and compare their experiences.
On Amazon, for example, users will often write what games they’re playing, what FPS they can reach, what the average temperatures of the card are, and other key details that will help you make an informed decision.
The Best Graphics Card Brands: Nvidia, AMD, Intel
GPU manufacturing is an industry with a huge barrier to entry. It would take billions of dollars for another company to even think about producing GPUs. They’d also need to put together a professional team with a super-specific skill set, which would likely require poaching people from other companies. Even if a new company wanted to penetrate this market, it would be difficult to compete with the well-established brands that have been around for decades.
That’s why Nvidia and AMD are the only two brands that develop GPUs for PCs. Intel also deserves an honourable mention here, although Intel mostly creates graphics co-processors for their laptop CPUs.
So, when it comes to GPU brands, your choice basically boils down to Nvidia or AMD. That said, when it comes to graphics card manufacturers, the choice isn’t quite as narrow.
What’s important to understand here is the difference between a GPU and a graphics card. While Nvidia and AMD produce GPUs (the chips that handle graphics processing), the manufacturers are the ones using their guidelines to build actual graphics cards.
In terms of graphics card manufacturers, the most reputable brands that create the best-performing graphics cards are MSI, Gigabyte, ASUS, XFX, Zotac, and EVGA. With a GPU from these firms, you can sit back comfortably in your carefully chosen gaming chair and know you’re in for a good experience.
Hardware Limitations: What Graphics Card Is Good For My PC?
When you come to compare graphics cards, you should consider what GPU you’ll be pairing it with. If you’re using an Intel processor, a graphics card with either an AMD or an Nvidia GPU will work just fine. On the other hand, if you have an AMD processor, you might want to consider pairing it with an AMD GPU.
Next, you should consider the size of the graphics card. If you’re looking to upgrade an old PC setup, make sure there’s enough room in your PC case to comfortably fit the graphics card you’re looking to buy. For example, the Nvidia 4090 is massive, so you’ll need a spacious PC case to ensure it fits and has enough airflow.
In addition to the space and the case’s airflow, you need to keep your PC’s cooling in mind. You want to make sure there’s plenty of room for your cooling system, especially if you’re building a custom PC with liquid cooling.
Finally, pay attention to the card’s power consumption, especially if you’re upgrading from an older GPU. You’ll need to make sure that your power supply can support your new graphics card, so you might need to buy a new one if you’re making a huge leap between several generations of graphics cards.
You can check out the options for the best gaming PCs in our guide.
Graphics Card FAQs
What is the best graphics card?
Is a video card the same as a graphics card?
What is a graphics card used for?
Which graphics card is best for gaming?
Should I buy an RTX or a GTX for gaming?
How expensive is a graphics card?
Conclusion – What’s the Best Graphics Card for Australia in 2024?
The best graphics card for your gaming PC depends on a variety of factors, as we’ve explained in detail in this article. That’s why we advise you to compare the graphics cards on our list and see which one offers a sufficient level of performance in your price range.
That said, the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 is undoubtedly the most powerful graphics card on the market if you have the budget for it.
With a 2,235 MHz GPU clock and 24 VRAM, this 4K graphics card can easily run even the most graphically demanding AAA games at super-high FPS, so you can enjoy next-level graphics in your games.