Building or upgrading a gaming PC? The graphics card is usually the first component you consider, and for good reason: it massively impacts frame rates. A better GPU generally means better performance, at least to a certain point. With the Nvidia RTX 5090 and 5080 now available, let's look at the best graphics cards on the market.
TL;DR: Best Graphics Cards:
Zotac Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super
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Gigabyte Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090
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Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
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Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT
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MSI Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
See it at AmazonHigh-end GPUs like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 (over $1999) are now luxury items, significantly more expensive than previous generations. However, excellent gaming experiences are still achievable at lower price points, especially at 1440p or 1080p.
I've reviewed GPUs for four generations and personally tested every card listed. Need help finding the perfect card for your needs? Leave a comment below!
What to Look For in a Graphics Card
Choosing a GPU requires careful consideration. It's not just about raw power. Your gaming resolution is key. A 4K powerhouse might underperform at 1080p due to CPU bottlenecks (e.g., the RTX 5090). 1080p gamers might find the Intel Arc B580 a better value. For 1440p, the AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT or Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super are strong choices.
Budget is crucial. Prices start around $200-$250 for solid 1080p performance. Higher budgets (around $1000) unlock cards like the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 for excellent 4K gaming. The best choice depends on your ray tracing needs. The Radeon RX 7900 XTX generally offers better raw performance.
Power consumption is important, especially with high-end cards. Check your power supply against the GPU's requirements. The Intel Arc B580 works with a 450W PSU, while the Radeon RX 7800 XT needs significantly more.
AnswerSee ResultsNvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super Unboxing
1. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super: The Best Graphics Card for Most People
Zotac Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super
At around $599, the Zotac RTX 4070 Super offers excellent 1440p performance and can handle some 4K gaming. It features a strong dual-fan cooler and 7,168 CUDA cores (a 21% increase over the original RTX 4070). While 12GB VRAM is a limitation, the performance boost is significant.
See it at Amazon!Nvidia RTX 4070 Super Benchmarks
The RTX 4070 Super excels at 1440p and frequently handles 4K gaming well. With 1440p gaming growing, this is a strong choice.
2. Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090: The Best Nvidia Graphics Card
Gigabyte Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090
The RTX 5090 is currently the most powerful consumer GPU. While the generational leap isn't as dramatic as previous releases, its performance, especially with DLSS multi-frame generation, is unmatched. It boasts 21,760 CUDA cores and 32GB of GDDR7 memory.
See it at Newegg!Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Photos
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Benchmarks
Approximately 26% faster than the RTX 4090 at 4K, but the advantage lessens at lower resolutions. Its high price ($1999+) is only justified for 4K gaming at maximum settings.
3. AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX: The Best AMD Graphics Card
Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
A strong competitor to the RTX 4080 Super, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX delivers excellent 4K performance at a more competitive price. It holds its own even in ray tracing-heavy games, though it might lag behind in some titles. Its triple-fan cooler keeps temperatures low.
See it at Amazon!AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT – Benchmarks
AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT – Photos
Ideal for 4K gaming with minimal ray tracing. DisplayPort 2.1 support makes it suitable for high-resolution ultrawide monitors.
4. AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT: The Best GPU for 1440p
Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT
The Radeon RX 7700 XT is a strong 1440p performer, offering excellent value for its price. It often outperforms the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, especially in games without heavy ray tracing. However, it does consume more power.
See it at Amazon!5. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060: The Best GPU for 1080p
MSI Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
For 1080p gaming, the RTX 4060 delivers solid performance at under $300. It handles most games at over 60fps, even with ray tracing enabled. DLSS 3.0 helps extend performance in supported titles. However, it has only 8GB of VRAM and may slightly underperform the RTX 3060 Ti in some benchmarks.
See it at Amazon!RTX 4060 benchmarks
Upcoming GPUs
2025 promises new releases from Nvidia (RTX 5070, 5070 Ti) and AMD (Radeon RX 9070, 9070 XT). Early benchmarks suggest strong competition.
Best Graphics Cards FAQ
AMD or Nvidia? Or Intel?
The best brand depends on your needs and budget. Intel offers affordability, Nvidia boasts top performance, and AMD provides a balance between the two.
What power supply should I get?
High-end GPUs require powerful PSUs. Consider a 1000W PSU for top-tier cards.
GTX vs. RTX
RTX cards are newer, more powerful, and feature ray tracing and DLSS. GTX cards are becoming obsolete.
Where to Get the Best Graphics Cards in the UK
Best Graphics Card Asus TUF Gaming RTX 4070 Ti OC Edition
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Best Budget Graphics Card MSI Geforce RTX 3050 Gaming X
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Best AMD Graphics Card XFX Speedster MERC310 RX 7900XT
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