We rated, reviewed, & compared some of the best graphics cards for gaming across various budgets. These top GPUs are perfect for gamers who are looking to max out their favorite games.
There is no component that has a bigger direct impact on your gaming experience than your video card will. And, if you’re looking to build a gaming computer and you want to really take your gaming experience to the next level, then you definitely need to make sure you get yourself a high-end GPU.
A graphics card (or video card) basically acts like a second processor. However, the video card is only responsible for processing graphics-related tasks.
Therefore, having a high-end video card not only helps your system by improving the quality of visual effects that it can display, but also by relieving your main processor of the responsibility of having to carry out graphics-related tasks. This gives your computer a significant increase in performance in gaming over system’s that rely on the integrated graphics on their processor.
When building a new gaming computer, you want to put a good portion of your budget towards getting the best video card for gaming possible. It’s generally recommended to put at least 20-30% of your total budget into your graphics card.
In this post, we will take a look at the best graphics cards for gaming at various price ranges.
Our Picks for the Best GPUs
Quick Look: Graphics Card Comparison
The table below gives you a quick-look at our top picks for the best video cards for gaming across a range of categories.
|
|
NAME | SPECS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
EXTREME
|
 |
MSI RTX 4090 Gaming X Slim |
|
|
|
AMD
|
 |
Sapphire Pulse RX 7900 XTX |
|
|
|
MID-RANGE
|
 |
ASUS TUF RX 7800 XT |
|
|
|
VALUE
|
 |
ZOTAC RTX 4060 Twin Edge OC |
|
|
|
BUDGET
|
 |
Intel Arc A750 |
|
|
|
ENTRY
|
 |
ASRock Challenger Arc A380 |
|
*To check out our full overviews on our top GPU choices, just click the “Read Review »” button. You can also scroll down on this post to find more options based on your specific budget.
1. MSI RTX 4090 Gaming X Slim
Our pick for the best graphics card
| CLOCK | 2595 MHz Boost |
| VRAM | 24GB GDDR6X |
| LENGTH | 322mm |
| PSU | 850W Recommended |
| PRICE | Amazon | BH Photo | Newegg |
If money is no object to you and you have to have the absolute best performance possible, then an RTX 4090 is what you’re looking for. Be forewarned, though, with a pricetag of over $1,700, an RTX 4090 costs more right now than what it costs to build a complete high-end system.
Also Read: Best Gaming PC Build Under $1,500
If you’ve got the money for it, though, the RTX 4090 is a monster of a graphics card and it will deliver extreme performance. So, whether you’re looking to get a new 4K 144Hz monitor, or you’re a hardcore competitive gamer that wants to maximize their framerate on a 360Hz display, the RTX 4090 will give you as much performance as you can handle.
And, of the RTX 4090s out there, we like the MSI Gaming X Slim edition for its affordable pricetag and excellent cooling performance despite coming in a more compact configuration.
This RTX 4090 features a 2595 MHz boost clock speed and it can ramp all the way up to 2610 MHz using MSI Center. This specific card measures in at 322mm long by 62mm thick, making about as long as other RTX 4090s, but a lot less bulky (hence its “Slim” title.)
Despite its more compact nature, the Gaming X Slim delivers excellent thermals. With its TRI FROZR 3 thermal design, the three TORX 5.0 fans, and a vented backplate, you’ll have no trouble with keeping this card cool.
All-in-all, the elevated pricetag of the RTX 4090 won’t be for everyone. But, if you’re budget allows for it, you won’t be disappointed. And, of the RTX 4090s out there, the MSI Gaming X Slim is not only affordable, but it doesn’t sacrifice performance or cooling, too.
2. Sapphire Pulse RX 7900 XTX
The top AMD graphics card
| CLOCK | 2525 MHz Boost |
| VRAM | 24GB GDDR6 |
| LENGTH | 313mm |
| PSU | 800W Recommended |
| PRICE | Amazon | Newegg |
If you’re an AMD fan and you want the best graphics card they have to offer, or you’re just looking for extreme GPU performance without having to pay over $1,000, then an RX 7900 XTXÂ is what you’re looking for.
Of the RX 7900 XTXs out there, the Sapphire Pulse strikes a nice balance between how much it costs and the features it comes with. The Sapphire Pulse comes with a boost clock of 2525MHz, 24GB of GDDR6 VRAM, and a triple fan cooling array.
Also Read: 7900 XT vs 7900 XTX: Which AMD GPU is Better Value?
For dimensions, this card measures in at 313mm long x134mm tall x 53mm thick. That’s actually fairly compact for an RX 7900 XTX. For a comparison, the ASUS TUF RX 7900 XTX measures in at 353mm x 158mm x 73 mm. At 313mm long, you should have no problem fitting this card in a mid tower case, and it would likely fit in a number of roomier micro-ATX and mini-ITX cases as well.
And, just like the MSI RTX 4090 card listed above, the more compact design of the Sapphire Pulse does not hurt its cooling ability. With three Angular Velocity Bladed fans, the Sapphire Pulse’s cooling array creates more downware air pressure than typical fans, which results in excellent cooling performance and quiet operation.
Ultimately, the RX 7900 XTX is an excellent option for gamers who have an extreme budget—but who don’t want to pay over $1,000 for a graphics card—and who are looking to hop into 4K gaming, or who want to run a 1440P 240Hz monitor with good results. Of the RX 7900 XTX’s out there, the Sapphire Pulse is one of the more attractive options currently available.
3. ASUS TUF RX 7800 XT
The best mid-range+ graphics card
| CLOCK | 2565 MHz MHz Boost |
| VRAM | 16GB GDDR6 |
| LENGTH | 320mm |
| PSU | 750W Recommended |
| PRICE | Amazon | Newegg |
The RX 7800 XT is an excellent graphics card for people who have a decent-sized budget and who want to be able to max-out games on a 1080P/1440P monitor. This GPU is more moderately priced when compared to the extreme options listed above and it can also serve well for anyone looking to jump up to 4K gaming.
Also Read: Is 4K Worth it for Gaming?
The NVIDIA RX 7800 XT sports 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM, features 3840 Steam Processors, and has a 256-bit memory interface.
Of the RX 7800 XTs currently available, we like ASUS’ TUF edition. Typically ASUS’ TUF edition graphics card is priced higher than the competition due to its robust cooling configuration. However, for its RX 7800 XT, its price is more aligned with the competition. And, because it does have a high-end cooling design, it’s one of the better RX 7800 XT options currently available.
This card measures in at 320mm long x 151mm tall x 59mm thick, making it one of the bulkier RX 7800 XTs currently available. Its bulky design allows for larger heatsinks and, when paired with the three axial-tech fans, is able to provide superior cooling performance.
This card comes with a base clock of 2213 MHz, but it can ramp all the way up to 2565 MHz in OC mode.
In the end, if you’re looking for a graphics card that will easily allow you to max-out games at 1080P and 1440P with an average framerate that is conducive for running a high refresh rate monitor, the RX 7800 XT is worth taking a look at. Obviously, if you have an unlimited budget, options like the RTX 4090 and RX 7900 XTX would be better overall choices. However, if you don’t want to spend $1,000 or more for extreme performance, the ~$500 ASUS TUF RX 7800 XT will still deliver a very high-end in-game experience.
4. ZOTAC RTX 4060 Twin Edge OC
An excellent value option
| CLOCK | 2475 MHz Boost |
| VRAM | 8GB GDDR6 |
| LENGTH | 221mm |
| PSU | 500W Recommended |
| PRICE | Amazon | BH Photo | Newegg |
If you don’t have a huge budget and you’re looking for a powerful graphics card, then, as of right now, one excellent option is NVIDIA’s RTX 4060. However, there are other great options in slightly higher and lower price brackets as well.
The RTX 4060 Ti and 6700 XT would be worth considering if you can spend ~$400. And, the RX 6600 and the 6650 XT would be more affordable options coming in closer to ~$200.
If you have ~$250-$300 to spend, though, the RTX 4060 is probably your best bet at the moment.
And, of the RTX 4060 options available, ZOTAC’s Twin Edge OC is a great option. It doesn’t have the most robust cooling configuration, but that shouldn’t be too big of a deal thanks to the lower power demands that the RTX 4060 comes with.
At ~$290, the Twin Edge OC comes with a boost clock rate of 2475 MHz and a dual fan cooling configuration. This card is also very compact, measuring in at 221mm long x 123mm tall x 43mm thick. Its smaller design will make it the perfect option for installing inside of a small form-factor system.
Overall, if you’re looking for a more affordable graphics card option that will still deliver ideal performance on a 1080P display, the ZOTAC Twin Edge OC is a worthy choice.
5. Intel Arc A750
The best sub-$200 graphics card
| CLOCK | 2050 MHz Core |
| VRAM | 8GB GDDR6 |
| LENGTH | 280mm |
| PSU | 550W Recommended |
| PRICE | Amazon | BH Photo | Newegg |
There’s a pretty big dip in performance when you dip into the sub-$200 graphics card market. This hasn’t always been the case. But, due to inflation and rising GPU prices, there aren’t as many good graphics cards available for under $200.
However, Intel’s Arc A750 is one option that stands out right now. Intel’s entrance into the GPU market has been fairly quiet and their GPUs hit some optimization issues early on. But the longer they’ve been out the better driver support they’ve received. And, with that, Intel’s Arc GPUs have become legitimate options for gamers.
Intel’s Arc A750 reference card can be had right now for just under $200. This card sports a 2050 MHz core clock and 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM. It measure in at 280mm long and features two 85mm fans.
In terms of performance, the A750 routinely beats the RX 6600 in benchmarks and provides performance similar to an RTX 3060 and RTX 2070.
Of course, there are still optimization issues that hamper the GPU a bit and you probably wouldn’t get as consistent of performance with the A750 as you would with a GPU like the RX 6600. However, the A750 is currently a bit cheaper and is one of the only really good 1080P GPUs for under $200.
6. ASRock Challenger Arc A380
A solid entry-level GPU option
| CLOCK | 2250 MHz Core |
| VRAM | 6GB GDDR6 |
| LENGTH | 190mm |
| PSU | 500W Recommended |
| PRICE | Amazon | Newegg |
Another offering from Intel’s Arc GPU lineup that stands out because of its price is the A380. For just a little over $100, the A380 will offer excellent entry-level performance.
In fact, the A380 goes toe-to-toe with the much more expensive RX 6500 XT. That makes this GPU good enough to run any game on a 1080P monitor. It won’t be able to max-out today’s most-demanding titles. However, if you’re looking to put together a budget gaming PC to run games like Fortnite, Rocket League, Apex Legends, Valorant, League of Legends, etc., the A380 will get the job done.
Of the A380’s available right now, ASRock’s Challenger edition is an attracive choice. It comes in at ~$110, making it the most affordable A380 right now.
Ultimately, this card isn’t a long-term solution, but it will serve well for moderate 1080P gaming and will hold you over until you’re ready to make a jump up to a higher-end GPU.
Which Graphics Card is Right for You?
This is not a list of every graphics card on the market. And, while NVIDIA has held the high-end of the market on lockdown in past few generations, it is always at least worth looking into newer architecture before you make your decision. In fact, as of the latest update to this guide, AMD currently offers the better high-end options (with exception to the RTX 4090) on a price-to-performance basis.
However, the performance difference, if any, is usually minimal between AMD and NVIDIA’s offerings at similar price levels. And, so if you’re ready to build now, the options listed here should fit your needs based off of the price range you are looking to choose from.
In the end, the graphics card you choose for your gaming computer will be the biggest determining factor in what games you can play, at what resolution you can play them at, and how high you can turn up the settings.
