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Many gamers still look at 1080p as their ideal gaming resolution despite GPUs being capable of pushing games up to 4K. You can easily meet your gaming needs if you have a 144Hz gaming monitor and the most powerful 1080p gaming GPU. A gaming rig that has 144Hz 1080p right now is considered “future-proof” rather than affordable.
With this guide to 1080p 144Hz GPUs, we’ll focus only on the graphics cards you can afford. At this point, we can stick with mid-range GPUs since our focus will be to play games at 1080p settings on a 144Hz gaming monitor.
A 144Hz refresh rate monitor shows amazing performance on both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs. It will therefore improve the image quality as well as the average frame rates if the resolution is reduced to 1080p on an HD screen.
For your convenience, we have reviewed some of the best 1080p gaming GPUs for 144Hz monitors so you don’t have to waste time or money on them.
List of the Best GPU for 1080p 144hz Gaming
On a 144Hz monitor, these graphics cards will run at 1080p.
1. Nvidia RTX 2060 Super | Best GPU for 1080p 144Hz PC Gaming
Editor’s Pick
Reasons to Consider
There are enough CUDA cores in the Radeon RTX 2060 Super to handle the most demanding games. It has a base clock speed of 1470 MHz. GDDR6 video memory is supported on this graphics card on a 256-bit interface, with a total of 8GB of memory.
Specifications
- Base Clock Speed 1470 MHz
- Memory 8GB GDDR6
- Memory Clock 14Gbps
- Bandwidth 448.0 GB/s
- 256-bit Interface
- Requires 500W PSU
As a result of the huge demand in mining, GPU prices have spiked over the past two years all over the globe. Nvidia’s RTX series has also been affected by these shortages. In the past month, prices have dropped significantly, with mid-range GPUs like the Nvidia RTX 2060 Super now within gamers’ budgets.
Nvidia has regained its lost legacy from AMD once again with the RTX 2060, which gives users access to ray tracing. There are enough CUDA cores on the RTX 2060 Super to handle games with high demands. It has a base clock speed of 1470 MHz.
Further, this graphics card is equipped with 8GB of GDDR6 video memory on a 256-bit interface. In addition, the memory bandwidth of this video card is 448.0GB/s, which affects frame rates when playing games at 1080p, 1440p, or even 4K.
We also chose this card because it comes with DLSS 2.0, which boosts frame rates by 1.5x at higher resolutions. In addition, you can take advantage of Nvidia’s ray-tracing feature to enhance your gameplay’s visuals.
This graphics card performed extremely well with AAA games when tested on a 1080p/144Hz monitor. Most of the time, the RTX 2060 Super achieved 60 to 100 frames per second at medium-high settings. This GPU is best suited for gamers who play games like Fortnite, Metro, and Witcher at 1080p settings.
2. AMD RX 5700 XT | Best Value AMD GPU for 1080p/144Hz Gaming Monitor
Best Value AMD GPU
Reasons to Consider
There is 8GB of GDDR6 memory in the AMD RX 5700 XT, which runs at a clock speed of 1605 MHz on a 256-bit interface. The RTX 2060 Super GPU from Nvidia has a higher TDP than this GPU.
Specifications
- Base Clock Speed 1605 MHz
- 8GB GDDR6 Video Memory
- 448 GB/s Memory Bandwidth
- 256-bit Memory Interface
- Needs 500W PSU
Gaming enthusiasts may be familiar with AMD’s RX 5700 XT’s capabilities. One of the best midrange GPUs on the market, this GPU has given some tough competition to some of the top ones. As far as graphics cards that perform well in high-FPS gaming, the RX 5700 XT stands out.
There is 8GB of GDDR6 memory on the AMD RX 5700 XT, which runs at 1605 MHz over a 256-bit interface. As a result, this configuration is capable of meeting the requirements of the most demanding PC games. As compared to the RTX 2060 Super GPU from Nvidia, this GPU has a lower thermal design power (TDP).
In terms of price and performance, the RX 5700 XT is the best graphics card for 1080p 144hz to consider. If you pair this GPU with a high-end gaming CPU like the Core i9-9900K, it performs well in games such as Fortnite, Red Dead Redemption 2, Overwatch, and GTA V.
If you want the best gpu for 1080p/144Hz graphics card, an RX 5700 XT would be a worthy upgrade. 144Hz refresh rate is not suitable for all games, however. As a result, it is vital to know if the game you intend to play is well-optimized for higher refresh rates.
The RX 5700 XT can easily hit over 100 frames per second in modern AAA games. In some games, the RX 5700 XGT is beaten by Nvidia’s 2070 and 2080 Ti, but not in every game. Due to Nvidia’s flagship features such as ray-tracing and DLSS 2.0, both 2070 and 2080Ti hold Nvidia’s flagship features. When it comes to 1080p 144HZ gaming, RX 5700 XT goes 1 on 1 with Nvidia’s flagship GPU.
3. MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 2080 Super | Next-Generation Graphics Card for Gaming at 1080p
Next-Generation GPU
Reasons to Consider
Its extra CUDA core count and higher base clock speed result in an 8% improvement over the Nvidia 2060 Super. GPUs have 256-bit interfaces and 8GB of GDDR6 memory.
Specifications
- Base Clock Speed 1650 MHz
- 8GB GDDR6 Video Memory
- 496.0 GB/s Memory Bandwidth
- 256-bit Memory Interface
- Needs 700W PSU
There is no doubt that Nvidia RTX 2080 Super is a graphics card that is ideal for 4k gaming. Due to its high efficiency and power, this GPU is a lethal combination. There is no doubt that this graphics card excels in 1080p 144Hz gaming, but it also performs well in 1440p 144Hz gaming.
A combination of the additional CUDA cores and base clock speed of the RTX 2080 Super leads to an 8% performance increase over the Nvidia 2060 Super. The GPU has 8GB of GDDR6 memory and a 256-bit interface. This is the fastest GPU in the RTX-2000 series with 496.0 GB/s memory bandwidth.
Nvidia’s RTX series GPUs also offer a great cooling solution. Through Nvidia’s FrameView software, you can monitor the rising temperature and power consumption quickly.
Our recommendation for this graphics card is based on many factors. A major benefit of this graphics card is its high compatibility with 144Hz gaming screens. RTX 2080 Super is the best GPU for 4K 144Hz gaming on any forum on the web, and gamers praise it.
Using the ASUS 144Hz gaming monitor at high settings, we played Red Dead Redemption. It usually maintained over 100 frames per second at 1080p settings. The settings were changed to 1440p. There was a drop in frame rate between 75 and 85. When compared with others on the list, this graphics card offers the best price-to-performance ratio.
4. MSI Gaming Radeon RX 6700 XT | Best Entry-level card for 1080p 144Hz Gaming
Best Entry-level card
Reasons to Consider
There are few GPUs that can deliver serious 1440p gaming performance like the MSI Gaming Radeon RX 6700 XT with Memory capacity of 12GB GDDR6.
Specifications
- Boost Clock Speed 2424 MHz
- 12GB GDDR6 Video Memory
- 192-bit Memory Interface
- 16 Gbps Memory Clock
- Needs 650W PSU
There are few GPUs that deliver serious 1440p gaming performance as well as MSI Gaming Radeon RX 6700 XT. When paired with a high refresh rate gaming monitor that can stretch resolution to 1080p or 1440p, this graphics card steals the show.
On the cooling fans, there is a dragon logo, making it one of the prettiest graphics cards on our list. This GPU not only looks great but also performs well when playing AAA games. The boost clock speed of 2424 MHz and 12GB of video memory are the reasons for this.
In order to determine whether this GPU could keep up with its promise, we connected it to a 144Hz 1080p gaming monitor from Acer.With the exception of RDR2 and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, all games on this GPU maintained fps over 100. However, ray tracing was not enabled in these games. Ray tracing isn’t that good on AMD graphics cards, and we don’t think they are as good as Nvidia.
In games like Assasin’s Creed Valhalla and Metro Exodus at 1080p settings, this GPU easily hits 120 fps. If you’re not interested in ray-tracing, the RX 6700 XT is an excellent choice for 1080p gaming. You can also play some less demanding AAA titles at 1080p 240Hz with this graphics card.
As a result of the great GPU shortage of 2021, this GPU has been over-priced. Even though it’s under $1000, it’s a costly choice. GPUs like 2080 Super and RX 5700 XT are available in the same price range. The GPU might be a good choice for you if you need more video memory and faster clock speeds.
5. ZOTAC GTX 1660 Super | Most Affordable GPU with 1080p 144Hz Monitors
Most Affordable GPU
Reasons to Consider
There are 6GB of GDDR6 RAM and a boost clock speed of 1785 MHz on this GPU, but its memory interface is smaller and its bandwidth is lower.
Specifications
- Boost Clock Speed 1785 MHz
- 6GB of GDDR6 Video Memory
- 192-bit Memory Interface
- 14 Gbps Memory Clock
- Needs 450W PSU
On the budget side of 1080p gaming, ZOTAC GTX 1660 Super is a good GPU. The GTX 1660 Super might be an alternative to save a few bucks if you’re on a tight budget and looking for a GPU for a 1080p 144Hz monitor.
Considering the specs of this GPU, it would be hard to say that it performs well in AAA games. In spite of having 6GB of GDDR6 memory, the GPU has a slower memory interface and lower bandwidth than some GPUs. As a result, this GPU is ideal for playing esports games, but not AAA titles that are highly demanding.
Even at medium settings, you won’t be able to push 60fps on this GPU. You’re good to go with this GPU if you’re interested in playing esports games on a 144Hz screen. Compared to other GPUs on this list, it draws less power and costs half as much. In terms of low-budget gaming, this is your best option right now at 1080p.
Analyses on 1080p 144Hz Settings
Graphics Cards | Fortnite (Avg Fps) | GTA V (Avg Fps) | Assassins Creed: Odyssey (Avg Fps) |
Nvidia RTX 2060 Super | 173 fps | 120+ fps | 62 fps |
AMD RX 5700 XT | 184 fps | 140+ fps | 60 fps |
GeForce RTX 2080 Super | 224 fps | 180+ fps | 135 fps |
MSI Gaming Radeon RX 6700 XT | 216 fps | 201 fps | 126 fps |
GTX 1660 Super | 157 fps | 142 fps | 82 fps |
In order to test the performance of all graphics cards on this list, we used the Core i9 9900K and ASUS Z390 motherboard with 16GB of DDR4 Corsair (3200 MHz). Gaming monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz for the Acer Nitro XZ342CK Pbmiiphx.
What you need to know when choosing a 144Hz 1080p GPU
FPS (Frames Per Second)
Due to the 144Hz refresh rate monitor, we would be using, it is imperative to get a GPU that delivers frame rates around 144fps while playing games. GPUCheck, for instance, is an online benchmarking platform that can help you figure this out.
Video Memory (VRAM)
A graphics card with at least 6GB of VRAM is required for higher resolutions like 1080p. Your graphics card’s frame rate will be affected by the type of VRAM you choose. GDDR5, GDDR6, and GDDR6X are the most common types of VRAM nowadays. An 8GB GDDR5 GPU is worse than a graphics card with 6GB GDDR6 memory.
Your computer case’s interior space
The GPU dimensions are very critical for fitting it into your PC case. Know what they are. At least two slots on your motherboard are swapped by mid-range to high-end graphics cards. If you are going with a large graphics card, make sure your PC case is spacious.
Cooling
You should make sure that the video card that you pick comes with adequate cooling so it can maintain the lowest possible temperature. An applicable rule of thumb is to go with a card with two fans for optimal cooling.
Recommendation
Ultimately, these were the best graphics cards for 1080p 144Hz video games and monitor resolutions. As far as our recommendation goes, we recommend Nvidia RTX 2080 Super if you’re looking for a card that will carry you into the future and offer you gaming experiences with an incredible amount of frames. RTX 2080 Super is a solid investment if you’re looking for the best bang for the buck GPU.
FAQs
Does 1080p work with 144Hz monitors?
Yes, 1080p works out well with a 144Hz monitor. They are also compatible with most graphics cards that are readily available on the market.
Can Nvidia GTX 1060 run 1080p 144Hz?
Unfortunately, this card has less CUDA cores and a lower clock speed than the GTX 1660. However, to achieve 1080p 144Hz, you will have to lower some of the in-game settings. You will also need to lower the selected graphical settings to get the most out of GTX 1660 with a 144Hz monitor.
Can GTX 1050 Ti run 144Hz?
The GTX 1050 Ti can run games such as CS: GO, Fortnite, and GTA V well in several situations whenever used with a 144Hz monitor. But with graphically intense titles, the GTX 1050 Ti might be restricted in an attempt to achieve 144 frames per second at 1080p settings down there.
Does GTX 1650 support 144 frames per second?
Yes, the Nvidia GTX 1650 will work fine in a 1080p 144 frames per second combo as long as you are playing less intense games. However, getting into competitive AAA titles may limit the GTX 1650 from delivering more than 60fps at 1080p settings.
Can this card not run 144Hz?
No, it won t since the maximum resolution this card supports is up to 7680 [email protected] Hz. So, attempting to connect to a 144Hz screen with a GT 1030 will restrict its refresh rate to 60Hz.