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Your GPU becomes your ground reality if you are an avid PC gamer or professional 3D artist. Since your in-game performance and display go hand in hand, you need a fast graphics card to process the visuals more efficiently.
And if you are a 3D designer, you will need a sound, graphic card to do all the rendering promptly. Nowadays, there are a lot of brands manufacturing graphic cards. So it becomes challenging to weed out the good from the bad. And when it comes to purchasing GPU, your budget also plays a part in getting the best one.
So if you don’t have much to spend on GPU but still want a good one, here are our Best Budget Graphics Cards options:
- AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050
- AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
- NVidia Geforce RTX 3060
- ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super
Quick Comparison Chart of Best Budget Graphics Card
| Graphics Cards | Ram | CUDA | Video Output | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT | 8GB GDDR6 | 2,048 cores | DisplayPort x 3 (v1.4) / HDMI x 1 | Check Price on Amazon |
| Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 | 8GB DDR6 | 2,560 cores | 1x HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a | Check Price on Amazon |
| AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT | 8GB GDDR6 | 2560 cores | DisplayPort x 3 (v1.4) / HDMI x 1 | Check Price on Amazon |
| NVidia Geforce RTX 3060 | 8GB GDDR6 | 4864 Cores | 3x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI | Check Price on Amazon |
| ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super | 6GB GDDR6 | 1408 Cores | 3 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.0b | Check Price on Amazon |
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Our Picks for Best Budget Graphic Cards
After reviewing several different lower-price GPUs, we came up with the following. So let’s see why these graphic cards suit your budget.
1. AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT
editos picks
Reasons to Consider
If you’re on a budget and want a good GPU, the AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT fits the bill. You get 8 GB of massive RAM and a whopping clock speed of 2,539 MHz for less than 400 dollars. A GPU like this can handle many high-end games without lag. However, you must be generous with its power consumption since it consumes 160 watts.
Specifications
- Ram: 8GB GDDR6
- Video Output: DisplayPort x 3 (v1.4) / HDMI x 1
- CUDA: 2,048 cores
- Boost Clock Speed: 2,539 MHz
- Base Clock Speed: 1968 MHz
- Bandwidth: 256 GB/Sec
- Memory Interface: 128-bit
- Power Consumption: 160 W
A graphics card like the AMD AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT offers excellent performance at a reasonable price. Its excellent features allow it to be on our list even though it needs a bit more power than other GPUs.
The first benefit is that it comes with 8 GB of VRAM and 256 GB/s of bandwidth, so many modern games will run smoothly on it. In addition, the card features several thermal pads and TORX Fan 4.0, which offers a unique cooling system. Moreover, it works even during heavy processing at 0 dB.
The DirectX ray tracing feature also makes it possible to play in VR with graphics cards that are VR-ready. For modern titles, you can also achieve a higher frame rate at 4K resolution.
2. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050
mid-range gpu
Reasons to Consider
A great choice for mid-range budget GPUs is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050. If you are looking for the highest efficiency with the lowest power consumption, look no further than this GPU. The 8GB VRAM and 2560 CUDA cores deliver an excellent price-to-performance ratio for most modern games. In addition, it offers a more extraordinary frame when viewed at 4K resolution. And if you look at its power requirements, it requires 115 watts, which is quite reasonable for a unit this efficient.
Specifications
- Ram: 8GB DDR6
- Video Output: 1x HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a
- CUDA: 2,560 cores
- Boost Clock Speed: 1780 MHz
- Base Clock Speed: 1760 MHz
- Bandwidth: 448 GB/sec
- Memory Interface: 128-bit
- Power Consumption: 115 Watt
Due to its brand-new status on the market, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 has a slightly reasonable price tag. There are no major compromises on features, so don’t worry.
In the first place, it comes with 8 GB DDR6, which is more than enough for even high-end processing. The 1780 MHz boost clock and 256 CUDA cores enable the GPU to run most graphic-demanding games smoothly.
It shares many features with the Radeon RX 6600, but it does not consume the same amount of power as the RX 6600. Therefore, you will need to spare 115 watts of power for this graphic card. If you’re looking for a powerful low-budget GPU, this graphic card is a wise choice.
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3. AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
best cheap gpu
Reasons to Consider
AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT is one of the best cheap graphics cards that does not compromise performance. First, its 8 GB VRAM and 2560 cores will make for the best performance. Moreover, it allows you to play the most modern titles in the best settings without a lag, thanks to its 448 GB/s bandwidth. Additionally, it can overclock the system up to 1980 MHz for better performance.
Specifications
- Ram: 8GB GDDR6
- Video Output: DisplayPort x 3 (v1.4) / HDMI x 1
- CUDA: 2560 cores
- Boost Clock Speed: 1980 MHz
- Base Clock Speed: 1605 MHz
- Bandwidth: 448 GB/Sec
- Memory Interface: 256-bit
The AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT provides an excellent price-to-performance ratio. Since this GPU supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, You can play most modern titles without issues.
Since this GPU comes fitted with 8 GB GDDR6 and a 128-bit memory interface, it can do most of the graphic processing smoothly. Moreover, The GPU operates at a frequency of 1605 MHz, which can be boosted up to 1980 MHz.
The latest processors in the Radeon RX 5700 series are the fastest for visual effects. Moreover, they also have a multi-level cache architecture for significantly lower lag and high-speed gameplay. You can achieve a fantastic frame rate with this VR-ready graphic card.
4. NVidia Geforce RTX 3060
Best budget gaming gpu
Reasons to Consider
Your immersive gaming experience is enhanced with a GeForce graphics card. You will get the most bang for your buck with this graphics card if you want a powerful graphics card that performs well. It is possible to have a unique VR experience with RT and Tensor Cores, as well as DLSS’ better frame rates.
Specifications
- Ram: 8GB GDDR6
- Video Output: 3x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI
- CUDA: 4864 Cores
- Boost Clock Speed: 1665 MHz
- Base Clock Speed: 11410 MHz
- Bandwidth: 448 GB/Sec
- Memory Interface: 256-bit
One of the best GPUs for 1080p 240hz is the RTX 3060 Ti Founder Edition. A 356-bit interface and 8GB of DDR6 RAM make this card perfect for gaming.
The Founder Edition of 3060 is better than the RTX 2000 Series graphic cards because of its NIVIDIA chip. In addition, you’ll be able to play high-resolution games like Tomb Raider and COD exceptionally well with its boost clock of 1665 MHz.
Because NVIDIA graphic cards use the Ampere architecture, you’ll have a lag-free gameplay experience. Additionally, it has real-time ray tracing and DLSS capabilities. Overall, it is the best GPU for 240 FPS considering its price.
5. ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super
Mid-Level GPU
Reasons to Consider
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super is a mid-level graphic card that works well for most gamers. It comes with 6 GB VRAM and 336 GB/sec data rate will let you play most games without any lag. In addition, this GPU also comes to VR ready, and you need to plug in your VR headset and indulge in the best graphic display.
Specifications
- Ram: 6GB GDDR6
- Video Output: 3 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.0b
- CUDA: 1408 Cores
- Boost Clock Speed: 1785 MHz
- Base Clock Speed: 1530 MHz
- Bandwidth: 336GB/sec
- Memory Interface: 192-bit
Yet another budget pick for the graphic card is ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super. Since this GPU entails NVIDIA Turing architecture, you get the best performance for most titles.
Moreover, these budget graphics cards have the best cooling system thanks to their dual offset fan design. In addition, this GPU also works quietly despite working at its best.
Furthermore, this double-slot graphic comes to be VR-ready and can connect your VR headset instantly. And yes, if you tweak your in-game setting a bit, you can achieve maximum frame rates.
Considering the features of this GPU, it is one of the best budget GPUs for this price point.
Why You Need a Graphic Card?
The graphic card is essential if you are an avid gamer or a dedicated 3D artist. Since every computer has a dedicated slot for GPU, you can easily connect one to enhance the graphical display.
A graphic card is responsible for taking your display to another level as the CPU in a PC makes for processing different tasks, the GPU processing the images and graphics.
The GPU comes with a dedicated processor that processes graphics and images.
Video games, 3D rendering, etc., require the GPU because it has a separate processor that converts inputs from the processor into the visuals that appear on the screen. You can achieve better FPS, enhance the gameplay experience, and render visuals fast if your graphics card is powerful.
Which Budget GPU is Right for You?
While a cheap gpu can be a good starting point for new gamers, a more avid gamer will need a high-end graphics card. Why? Because the GPU quality contributes to higher FPS during the game.
However, modern GPUs provide an incredible price-to-performance ratio because many budget graphic cards can make for a 4k display at better frame rates.
In a nutshell, the budget of the GPU depends on your requirements. For 100-150 bucks, you can get an entry-level graphic card. However, 150-300 dollars can get the most out of impressive GPUs if you are looking for a mid-range graphics card. But if you have a generous budget, you can spend extra dollars on GPU.
What to Look for In a Best budget graphic card?
Consider these three points before buying a graphic card!
Price
The first and foremost thing is your budget. If you have a 100-to 150 dollars budget, you can get a good upgrade for your system. However, you have to set aside 150-300 dollars for more sophisticated GPUs.
While looking for the best budget graphics card, check if the card provides an excellent price-to-performance ratio. If you can get an AMD or NVIDIA GPU for your PC with ray tracing technology at a reasonable price, then go for it.
Your Requirements
You already know that there are a numbe of Graphic cards available in the market, so you need clarification to get the best one. However, before you begin your hunt, you must be aware of the type of card you need, its specifications, and your intended purpose for using it.
If you are a 3D artist, you should get a higher VRAM and bandwidth.
On the other hand, most gamers can achieve better frame rates even with entry-level GPUs.
GDDR RAM
When considering the GPU’s features, the VRAM or GDDR Ram comes on top of the list. The VRAM speaks of the memory capacity of the GPU. So for a better gameplay experience, make sure you have an excellent VRAM of 4GB and above.
The Takeaway
There are a numbe of options for GPUS for budget buyers. Although most pioneering GPUs from AMD and Nvidia do not come under the budget buyers’ belt, there are several options.
We hope you find this guide helpful and the best budget graphics card.
