12 Best Graphics Cards in the UK for 2023

The best graphics card will not only enhance your gaming experience, but it will also give your machine the power to run smoothly when performing demanding tasks like video editing and programming. A top-notch GPU will make all the difference for creative work and for tasks such as powering AI.

There are a huge number of graphics cards available on the market today, though, and it’s tough to find the best card for your needs. Let us give you a helping hand. We’ve identified the 12 best graphics cards for UK users based on factors like VRAM, use case, clock speed, outputs, and price. Read on to learn why brands like MSI, NVIDIA, and XFX are topping the charts for PC graphics cards.

Top 12 Best Graphics Cards in the UK Ranked

The MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI is our number one recommendation. With 4GB RAM, support for up to three display monitors, a weight of just 1.13 kgs, and, most notably, one of the more affordable prices out there, this graphics card will meet most gaming, editing, rendering, and 3D modelling needs with ease.

See how the other options stack up in the graphics card rankings:

1. MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI — The best graphics card in the UK for its beginner-friendly attributes, decent 4GB RAM, and pocket-friendly price.
2. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 — A sturdy, premium graphics card built to last long. It comes with 24GB of RAM, offering superior performance.
3. XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX — An affordable graphics card that provides crystal-clear visuals with high frame rates and also supports 8K resolution.
4. ASUS GeForce GTX 1050 Ti — Easy to use with a plug-and-play design and comes with a double ball-bearing cooling fan for quick and efficient cooling.
5. EVGA 06G-P4-2068 — With a refresh rate of 240Hz, HDR, and built-in real-time ray tracing, this graphics card offers some of the smoothest gameplay in the industry.
6. Zotac GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge — A graphics card with a unique cooling system involving a set of all-new 11-blade fans that increase airflow by 10%.
7. Zotac GeForce GTX 1660 — A slim & compact graphics card of just 6.83 inches that can fit into 99% of modern systems.
8. Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 790 — With 24 GB of RAM, it’s one of the best-performing graphics cards on the market. Play music in the background while you’re running demanding games and software.
9. ASUS PH-GTX1050TI — Similar to the ASUS GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, this graphics card is easy to set up and built with Auto-Extreme technology for sturdiness.
10. ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 — Comes with dynamic software that lets you monitor the system, control the fans, and much more.
11. Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 OC 12G — Enjoy over 16.7 million RGB colours plus a great heat dissipation system for faster cooling.
12. MSI GeForce RTX 3060 12GB 15Gbps GDRR6 — Offers ray tracing and the ability to set up and manage RGB lighting on multiple compatible devices.

12 Best Gaming Graphics Cards in the UK Reviewed

It’s time we tell you more about our shortlisted options. This section will provide all the details of the top 12 UK graphics cards, including their best features and pricing and their pros and cons. Time to compare graphics cards…

1. MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI — Overall, the Best Graphics Card in the UK

The MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI is one of the most popular graphics cards on the market, and it’s great for both new gamers on a tight budget and professional video editors. Its pocket-friendliness and rich catalogue of features make it a no-brainer for most users looking for a comprehensive solution.

One MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI graphics card can support up to three display monitors. For someone trying to create a larger-than-life gaming experience with multiple displays, this graphics card is transformative.

Speaking of resolution, the MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI supports a maximum of 2560p x 1600p, creating sharp images with incredible details. This graphics card will add a realistic touch to whatever game you’re playing.

The card itself is quite compact and lightweight. Measuring only 229 x 131 x 39 mm and weighing about 1138 g, it can fit snugly inside most modern gaming systems.

Another benefit of this MSI GeForce graphics card is its incredible GPU speed. With 1290 MHz, the GPU processors will run lightning fast, enhancing the game’s performance and loading all in-game assets within seconds.

Its memory interface is 128-bit. While there are certainly many competitors with a 256-bit memory interface, 128-bit should be enough for most PC users, especially so at this price point.

The MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI will need at least 300W of power to perform its best. Now, most modern PCs and the best gaming laptops these days demand over 300W. In fact, some higher-end models have system power requirements as high as 1000W, which will need to be supplied alongside the graphics card. To conclude, even if you have a fairly low-end budget system, you shouldn’t have too many problems running this video card – making it arguably the best budget GPU around and offering remarkable value for money.

2. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 —24GB Graphics Card for Sturdiness and High Performance

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 stands out for its superior speed and performance – and it’s one of the strongest RTX cards. Heavy games often take a toll on graphics cards, leading to a slower load time. However, this NVIDIA graphics card is designed to be 2x faster and more efficient than its competitors. No matter how demanding the game is, it’ll ensure it runs smoothly.

It also comes with a massive 24 GB of RAM, making it not just the best graphics card for gaming but a comprehensive all-rounder. The more RAM you have, the easier it becomes to run programs – such as multiplayer games – without lag.

For fast performance, NVIDIA also provides a GPU clock speed of 2.54 GHz. The higher the clock speed, the better your system can handle multiple simultaneous instructions. For games like Fortnite that require a lot of precise mouse actions in a short space of time, a GPU clock speed this high will transform your experience.

Along with that, you get an extra layer of protection from the metal back plate, which acts as armour and protects the card from external impacts.

The biggest benefit of using the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card for your gaming PC or laptop is that it comes with a stellar cooling system. The biggest fear people have with high-end graphics cards is that they can get too hot, affecting the overall integrity of the system. This NVIDIA graphics card comes with the latest Windforce cooling system, which helps maintain an optimum system temperature no matter how long you game.

When NVIDIA graphics cards are ranked, this model is at the front of the line, and it’s also the best graphics card for mining on our list.

3. XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX — Affordable Graphics Card with 8K Support

The XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX is widely acclaimed for providing ultra-high resolution — every detail of your game will pop. Your visuals will be delivered in 1080p resolution, accompanied by super high frame rates, creating crystal-clear clarity.

The SWFT 210 also supports 8K displays, so if your system has the capacity for such high-definition visuals, the SWFT will provide you with truly immersive gaming experiences.

There’s still a lot to gain from this graphics card, though. You can play most games and run almost every heavy-duty coding or editing software effortlessly with the specifications that it provides. We’d say that it’s better suited for new to medium-level players who are looking for a budget-friendly option.

If these features still don’t suffice, we have some good news — the SWFT 210 lets you boost the GPU clock speed to 2491 MHz.

The SWFT 210 uses a dual cooling system. If you flip the graphics card, you’ll find enough outlets to maintain adequate airflow and keep the system running at an optimal temperature.

Speaking of the fans, they’re optimised to run at the highest possible speed while minimising noise – so if you’re in the middle of an intense gaming session, the fans will automatically speed up to keep up with the energy generated.

All in all, it’s one of the best cheap graphics cards out there and the best graphics card for the money.

4. ASUS GeForce GTX 1050 Ti — Easy-to-Use Graphics Card with Quick Cooling

The ASUS GeForce GTX 1050 Ti provides one of the smoothest gameplay in the industry. With 60 FPS, each shot loads just in time with no delay. The incredibly quick response time also helps you get more accuracy.

For example, if you have to shoot an enemy in Fortnite, lagging gameplay might kill your chance, but not with this lag-free ASUS graphics card. Not to mention, this 60 FPS is topped with a live-like 1080p display that makes every character look larger than life.

A 1392 MHz GPU clock speed, although not the best, should be enough for your system’s GPU to quickly access its memory and reflect all your moves to the screen without delays. The higher your GPU clock speed is, the faster your system runs.

The only thing we didn’t like about the ASUS GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is its small RAM size. Don’t get us wrong — 4GB is enough for smooth gameplay for most regular games. However, when there are other options providing 8GB RAM for the same price, it makes little sense to settle for 4GB, especially when modern games are simply going to get more demanding, and not less.

That said, its price, coupled with an impressive cooling mechanism, makes it a worthy buy. It comes with the Phoenix double-ball-bearing cooling fan. With less friction and more timely temperature management, this cooling system can almost double your graphics card’s lifespan.

The entire system has been built to last. Made with an aerospace-grade super alloy, the ASUS GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is built to stand the test of time, even with long hours of gaming and frequent heating.

To top it all off, the ASUS graphics card is extremely easy to use. It comes with a unique plug-and-play design so that you don’t have to waste any time setting up PCIe power connections.

5. EVGA 06G-P4-2068-KR GeForce RTX 2060 — Comes with 240Hz Refresh Rate, HDR, and Built-in Real-Time Ray Tracing

The EVGA 06G-P4-2068 is perfect for gamers who not only enjoy smooth gameplay but would also like to document their gaming sessions. For starters, EVGA provides a hyper-realistic in-game photo mode that turns every screenshot you take into very uploadable media content.

Next, it provides tear-free gameplay with HDR and a 240Hz refresh rate. A higher refresh rate basically means that the visuals of your game are updated more frequently and accurately so that you never miss a shot, and 240Hz is as high as you can get.

The GPU has built-in real-time ray tracing technology to make your games look even more realistic. In simple terms, it imitates the way light reflects and refracts in the real world so that the visuals in your gaming world look more natural, giving you an immersive gaming experience.

Also, since the drivers of the graphics card are game-ready by default, you’ll get to use all the aforementioned features from your very first gaming session.

At 6GB, the RAM size is quite average — not too bad, not too good. It’s certainly better than many other competing graphics cards and will surely be sufficient for the majority of the games.

However, if you’re planning on playing heavy games with lots of in-game assets and visual effects, 6GB RAM might not cut it.

Speaking of cooling, the graphics card follows the standard design of dual fan cooling, which helps the system maintain an optimum temperature despite long hours of gaming.

Our favourite thing about the EVGA graphics card is that it comes with technical support for the first three years. It’s quite rare to see such long-term support for graphics cards, let alone direct assistance from the in-house experts.

6. Zotac GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge — Graphics Card with a Cooling System that Increases Airflow by 10%

The Zotac GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge is truly the face of new-age graphics cards. It not only matches everything that its competitors do but also does it better.

While almost every graphics card offers this technology, GeForce RTX 3060 goes a step ahead to provide second-generation ray tracing. In simpler terms, the visuals provided by this card are clearer and look more realistic.

In terms of its cooling system, this model is slightly ahead of the rest. The IceStorm 2.0 Cooling technology comes with a set of all-new 11-blade fans that increase airflow by at least 10%.

On top of that, this graphics card’s NVIDIA coprocessor uses a new-age AI rendering technology that boosts frame rates by at least 1.5x. This way, the visuals load much faster and without compromising the overall picture quality.

AI rending also gives you enough headroom to push the graphics settings to the maximum. This means that you can also maximise the game’s resolution, even up to 8K.

What’s more, the graphics card supports up to four displays at once. If you ever want to expand your gaming setup, the Zotac GeForce RTX 3060 might be the best choice for you – and it’s one of the best mid-range graphics card picks.

7. Zotac GeForce GTX 1660 — Slim & Compact Graphics Card at 6.83 Inches

The Zotac GeForce GTX 1660 is a modern graphics card with a compact design and the new Turing architecture. Measuring just 6.83 inches, it can fit into 99% of most modern systems with ease.

It comes with a 6GB RAM size which might not be the best in the industry but is enough to help you have an uninterrupted gaming experience.

Another reason why Zotac graphics cards are so good are their dual slots. Any graphics card with a dual slot provides increased gaming performance. It also enhances the visual resolution and rendering speed so that you can get a larger-than-life experience and better accuracy with each shot.

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming system and switch to VR, the GeForce GTX 1660 is the perfect graphics card for you. It comes VR-ready by default, designed to support the game and VR equipment in just a few clicks.

The cooling system is pretty basic — a dual fan system to maintain optimum airflow. While you’ll certainly find other graphics cards with better cooling technology, the Zotac GeForce GTX 1660 works just fine.

If you’re still worried about this graphics card’s cooling power, Zotac makes up for it with a massive memory clock of 14Gbps. The memory clock helps the GPU access stored data such as game texture and 3D models. So the higher it is, the faster your game will run.

8. Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 7900 — Powerful 24GB Graphics Card for Multitasking

The Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 790’s biggest USP is that it comes with 24GB RAM. In fact, it’s one of the few in the market that can compete with NVIDIA GeForce’s graphics cards in terms of RAM and is one of the best GPUs for gaming.

The market standard for RAM is 4 to 8GB. So you can only imagine the difference in quality, speed, and performance you’ll get with this graphics card. A higher RAM will not only help the game run smoother but will also have enough capacity to handle other apps and software simultaneously.

For example, you can enjoy a chill gaming session with soothing music playing in the background.

Our favourite part about the Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 790 is its angular velocity fan. It’s fast, efficient, plus easy to clean. The fans are held in place by just one screw, which means you can easily remove it, clean it, or replace it.

In fact, this is also why Sapphire assures that you don’t have to change the entire card if you ever face an issue with the fans — reach out to them, and they’ll send you a replacement fan that you can easily install by yourself.

For gamers very particular about the aesthetics of their gaming system, Sapphire provides the perfect solution. Its unique shroud design is laced with ARGB LED light strips. You can control them through the Trixx software and change the colours to create a customised look. You can either stick to static colours or switch to the dynamic rainbow mode.

You can use the same software to control the fan speed inside the card or the PCB temperature mode. Very few other graphics cards give you so much command over their functionality.

9. ASUS PH-GTX1050TI — Sturdy Built with Auto-Extreme Technology

The ASUS PH-GTX1050TI is a lot like the ASUS GeForce GTX 1050 Ti in terms of design and features. For example, both their cooling systems feature a dual ball-bearing fan that reduces friction between the internal parts so that the fans can last twice as long.

Speaking of the build and material of the card, it’s quite sturdy and equipped for the long run. It’s manufactured using the best-in-class Auto-Extreme technology with Super Alloy Power II components. Together, they make this graphics card strong, stable, and efficient.

The unique material composition also prevents the system from overheating, which reduces power loss and keeps the components stable. Unlike many cheap graphics cards that buzz under too much pressure, this ASUS graphics card quietly delivers top-notch service.

The only thing that you might not like about the ASUS PH-GTX1050TI graphics card is its 4GB RAM. That said, it’ll still do the job for you.

However, on the brighter side, it’s incredibly easy to set up. Its plug-and-play design and affordable price make it the perfect graphics card for new gamers.

10. ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 — Graphics Card Offering Software to Control the System, Fans, and More

The ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070’s standout feature is that you can manage everything from the GPU Tweak III software, be it thermal controls, performance tweaking, or system monitoring.

It’s a reliable and sturdy graphics card inside and out. Made with Auto-Extreme precision automated manufacturing technology, you can count on it for long-term service.

For additional strength, this ASUS graphics card comes with a backplate, diecast shroud, and a strong frame, all designed to protect the delicate internal parts. The design is such that it leaves enough room for adequate airflow and heat management.

Heat management and dissipation are handled by Axial-tech fans that improve airflow by 31%. Thanks to their heat management systems, ASUS ROG graphics cards last longer than the rest.

On top of that, you get 12GB RAM — plenty enough for most games.

Speaking of visual components, the ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 uses 3rd generation technology that provides 2x more efficient ray tracking. In simple terms, the lights in the game behave in the same way light behaves in the real world, meaning you get more realistic visuals when gaming.

11. Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 OC 12G — Offers Over 16.7 Million RGB Colors

The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 OC 12G is one of the few graphics cards that looks ahead and takes every possible precaution to extend its lifespan. For instance, it uses a better power phase design and lets its user know every time there’s a power overload through a flashing indicator.

It also has one of the most extensive cooling systems we have ever seen. For starters, it uses the WINDFORCE 3X cooling system, which comes with 3x 80mm unique blade fans, 3D active fans, alternate spinning options, and screen cooling, making managing system temperature much easier.

On top of that, it has three composite copper heat pipes that are in direct touch with the GPU. As you might know, copper is a great conductor of heat, so it basically takes the heat away from the GPU, accelerating the dissipation.

If you want your graphics card to provide RGB lighting as well, the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 OC 12G won’t disappoint you. It comes with over 16.7 Million RGB colours that you can choose and optimise as per your preference. In fact, you can also create multiple lighting effects of your own using a multitude of colours.

For protection from external impact, the GeForce RTX 3060 gets a traditional black metal plate design and has traditional PCB surfaces.

12. MSI GeForce RTX 3060 12GB 15Gbps GDRR6 — Top Graphics Card with Multi-Device RGB Set Up

The MSI GeForce RTX 3060 is one of MSI’s most revered graphics cards. Now, MSI is a popular name in the gaming industry, and as an avid gamer, you probably already know how MSI’s performance and aesthetics have been winning over players all around the world.

Talking about this graphics card, in particular, its RGB lighting effects are more than just impressive. Along with adjusting the colours on your system, you can also pair it up with other compatible devices, such as your keyboard and headset, to create synchronised lighting across your entire gaming setup.

Also, your gaming performance will see an improvement, thanks to its advanced tensor cores, ray tracing technology, and high-speed G6 memory. Tensor cores are used for mixed precision training, and the ray tracing feature, as we’ve already told you, is used to create realistic visuals within the game. Together, these features will give you a power-packed gaming session.

The best thing about the cooling system here is it gets the job done without making too much noise. To protect the card from electrical damage, they’ve added additional fuses to the custom PCB. With features like these, it’s no wonder that MSI GeForce graphics cards are so long-lasting.

Best UK Graphics Card Comparison Chart – Top 12 Picks Compared

Short on time? No worries. Here’s a crisp GPU comparison chart highlighting the main differences between the 12 best GPU options we’ve reviewed that’ll help you zero in on the best graphics card for your needs quickly.

How to Choose the Best Graphics Card for You

Selecting the right graphics card is essential for building a gaming PC to deliver an immersive gaming experience. The graphics card is responsible for rendering all images and videos on the screen, which is one of the most critical components to consider.

Here, we’ll highlight the key factors you should consider while choosing a graphics card that suits your requirements.

AMD vs. NVIDIA: Which One Should You Choose?

Two main brands dominate the market: AMD and NVIDIA. Both offer high-quality graphics cards that can handle most games and creative applications.

AMD offers more affordable options with better performance in certain applications, such as video editing and rendering.

Meanwhile, NVIDIA has a wider range of high-end cards with more advanced features like ray tracing and DLSS. Ultimately, the brand you choose depends on your specific needs and budget.

Integrated vs. Discrete Graphics

Integrated graphics are built into the CPU and are more common in smaller form factor systems like laptops – the best laptop graphics card will have to be compact, after all. While they’re not ideal for graphic-intensive tasks like gaming or video editing, they’re more budget-friendly and consume less power.

Discrete graphics cards, on the other hand, have their memory and are better suited for graphic-intensive tasks. They require a good CPU and cooling setup to avoid overheating, and they consume more power, so you’ll need a bigger power supply.

Investing in a discrete graphics card is a must if you plan to use your PC for gaming or creative work.

Ray Tracing: The Future of Gaming Graphics

Ray tracing is a rendering technique that simulates the way light interacts with objects in the reel world. It produces realistic lighting effects, reflections, and shadows in games, making them look more lifelike.

Ray tracing is a relatively new technology, but it’s becoming increasingly popular in games like Cyberpunk 2077, Watch Dogs Legion and Control. Both AMD and NVIDIA offer graphics cards with ray-tracing capabilities, so if you’re looking to future-proof your gaming PC, investing in a card with ray-tracing support is a smart move.

What Games Do You Play?

The types of games you play will determine the kind of graphics card you should get. Games like Assassin’s Creed and God of War are more demanding and require a higher-end graphics card, while games like World of Warcraft, League of Legends, Fortnite, and Minecraft are less demanding and can be run on a more affordable entry-level graphics card.

If you’re a serious gamer, investing in a high-end graphics card is essential to get the best performance and experience out of your games.

Compatibility

The resolution of your monitor will affect the performance of your GPU. Higher resolutions require more pixels per frame, making games more demanding.

We recommend investing in a gaming monitor. Check out our guide for the best gaming monitors.

To ensure smooth gameplay, consider using FreeSync technology to sync the refresh rate of your monitor and eliminate stuttering and screen tearing. Invest in a high-end graphics card if you plan to game on a 4K screen.

For 1080p gaming, a more affordable graphics card should suffice. However, if you plan to upgrade to a higher-resolution screen, investing in a better-quality graphics card now is a wise decision.

System Balance

Make sure your graphics card is balanced with the rest of your system. Over- or under-spending on your graphics card relative to your other components can create bottlenecks in your system.

For instance, a $400 graphics card paired with a $100 processor can limit the graphics card’s potential. While the processor, graphics card, and RAM impact your system’s performance, skimping on the power supply, motherboard, and case can also affect your system’s performance.

Resolution/Refresh Rate on Your Monitor

Your monitor’s resolution and refresh rate also play a crucial role in determining what graphics card you need. The higher the resolution, the more pixels need to be rendered, which puts more strain on your GPU.

If you plan to play demanding games on a 4K monitor, you’ll need a high-end graphics card to handle the load. However, if you’re using a 1080P monitor, you can save money by choosing a less-expensive graphics card that can easily handle games on a budget monitor.

Graphics Card Memory: How Much Is Enough?

Several factors come into play when considering how much graphics card memory (VRAM) is enough. For general computer use, such as browsing the internet, creating documents, or watching videos, a GPU with 2GB of VRAM is more than enough.

However, a minimum of 4GB of VRAM is recommended for gaming or creative work, and a GPU ranking 8GB of VRAM is a good option for gaming, as it allows for high-quality graphics and smoother gameplay.

If you plan to play games on a 4K monitor, it’s better to go beyond 8GB of VRAM. As the monitor resolution increases, more VRAM is needed to deliver the required level of detail.

The level of VRAM required also varies depending on the game’s graphical demands. Graphics-intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Red Dead Redemption 2 require more VRAM than less intensive games like Minecraft or Among Us.

Ports

When choosing a graphics card, it’s important to consider the number and types of ports available. The ports on a graphics card determine the types of displays and resolutions it can support.

Some common ports include HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI. Ensure the graphics card you choose has enough ports to support your desired setup, such as multiple monitors or high-resolution displays.

Customer Reviews

Before purchasing, it’s always a good idea to read customer reviews of the product you’re considering. Look for reviews that discuss the graphics card’s performance, reliability, and compatibility.

Reading reviews can help you identify potential issues with the product and determine if it’s the right choice for your needs. Remember that some reviews may be biased or not fully representative of the product, so read various reviews from different sources.

Pricing: Finding the Right Balance

When picking a graphics card, it’s all about finding the right balance between performance and cost. While high-end models may offer the best performance, they often come with a hefty price tag.

On the other hand, budget models may be more affordable, but they may not provide the same level of performance as their higher-end counterparts.

The prices of graphics cards are based on several factors, including the cost of materials, research and development, production, marketing, and other related expenses.

Generally, higher-end graphics cards come with more powerful GPUs and more memory, which makes them more expensive to produce. In contrast, budget models often have less powerful GPUs and less memory, which results in lower production costs.

Best Graphics Card UK FAQs

Krishi Chowdhary

• 
• 

Krishi Chowdhary

Krishi is an experienced B2B and B2C content writer who reviews and compares different software to help both individuals and businesses find the right programs for their needs. Krishi's specialized writing educational material on customer relationship management (CRM) software and project management tools, but he also covers many other software topics for Techopedia, including antivirus programs.

All Posts by Krishi Chowdhary