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Graphics cards have become significantly more expensive over the years, but the good news is that budget options are making a strong comeback. My top pick, the Intel Arc B580, is a game-changer at just $249, outperforming any other card under $300. This means budget gamers no longer need to settle for outdated technology priced like the GTX 1070 Ti from 2014. Even a $450 card like the RTX 5060 Ti is a steal compared to the $999 RTX 5080, which is powering the best gaming PCs today. While it may not be considered ultra-budget, the RTX 5060 Ti remains an affordable option in today's market.
TL;DR - These Are the Best Budget GPUs:
### Intel Arc B580
4See it at Newegg
### PNY Dual Fan OC GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB
5See it at Newegg
### Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7600 OC
2See it at Amazon
### MSIGeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X
1See it at Amazon
### AMD Radeon RX 9070
0See it at NeweggEven with a lower price tag, these GPUs can deliver an exceptional gaming experience if you manage your expectations. The RTX 5060 Ti, for example, isn't designed for 4K gaming, but it excels at 1080p and 1440p, making it perfect for the most popular display resolutions according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey. So, you don't need to break the bank to build a great gaming PC in 2025, even though prices have risen overall.
Having reviewed graphics cards for years, I can confidently recommend the performance of each GPU on this list, especially considering their cost.
Contributions by Kegan Mooney and Georgie Peru
What Do We Consider a "Budget GPU"?
In today's market, graphics cards are pricier than ever, with some Nvidia cards reaching up to $2,000, while even the more affordable options still cost hundreds of dollars. A budget graphics card used to be around $200 and offer solid 1080p gaming, but times have changed. For instance, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, considered a budget option today, costs $399.
It's all about perspective. If high-end cards cost around $1,000 and mid-range cards like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 are about $449, then budget cards fall between $200 and $300. You can find cheaper, last-generation GPUs, but they might require compromises. An RTX 3060 or RTX 2060, for example, can still deliver excellent 1080p performance, even if they lack some modern features.
Ask yourself if you really need the best ray tracing effects. Chances are, you can live without them.
Intel Arc B580 – Photos
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1. Intel Arc B580
The Best Budget Graphics Card
### Intel Arc B580
4The Intel Arc B580 is the best budget graphics card we've seen in years. Period. See it at NeweggProduct SpecificationsBase clock2,670MHz VRAM12GB GDDR6Output3 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x HDMI 2.1aShading cores2,560Compute units20PROSExcellent performance at 1440pVery affordableCONSSome driver problems at launchFor years, it seemed like graphics card manufacturers had forgotten about budget options. Nvidia, for example, hasn't released a follow-up to the GTX 1660 Ti, leaving budget-conscious gamers to settle for last year's models. Fortunately, Intel has entered the market, and its second-generation graphics cards provide an excellent entry point for PC gaming. The Intel Arc B580 is the best budget graphics card we've seen in years.
Priced at $249, the B580 comes with 12GB of VRAM, far surpassing the 8GB found in the RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600. While 8GB is sufficient for 1080p, higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K benefit greatly from the larger frame buffer. In my review, the Intel Arc B580 delivered superior performance at 1440p compared to any other card in its class, largely thanks to its VRAM.
Intel Arc B580 – Benchmarks
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Across eight games, the Intel Arc B580 offered the lowest cost per frame at 1440p, averaging just $3.72 per frame compared to $4.39 for the RTX 4060 and $4.89 for the AMD Radeon RX 7600. This makes the B580 a fantastic value for budget-conscious gamers.
What's surprising is how well the B580 handles ray tracing. Even in games like Cyberpunk 2077, which typically favor Nvidia hardware, the B580 performs admirably. At 1440p with the Ray Tracing Ultra preset and XeSS set to Balanced, it delivers a smooth 60fps, outperforming the more expensive RTX 4060's 49fps.
However, as this is only Intel's second generation of graphics cards, there are still some bugs to work out. During my testing of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the benchmark ran without rendering the player's gun, a glitch also seen in last-gen Intel GPUs like the Arc A770 and A750. While annoying, this issue can be addressed in future updates.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti – Photos
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2. Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti
Best Budget Graphics Card Under $450
### PNY Dual Fan OC GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB
5See it at NeweggProduct SpecificationsShaders 4608Compute units36Base Clock2407MHzVRAM16GB GDDR7 Output3 x DisplayPort 2.1b, 1 x HDMI 2.1bBus StandardPCIe 5.0PROSDLSS 4 compatibleIncredible 1080p performanceCONSStruggles at higher resolutionsNvidia has struggled to follow up its RTX 4000 series, but the RTX 5060 Ti marks a significant improvement over the RTX 4060 Ti. This is largely due to its larger chip, now featuring 36 compute units instead of 34, along with new features like DLSS 4.
The standout feature of this generation is the next iteration of Frame Generation, with the RTX 5060 Ti supporting Multi-Frame Generation (MFG) via DLSS 4. This AI-powered technology generates up to three interpolated frames per rendered frame, boosting frame rates but increasing latency. I wouldn't recommend using it in games requiring fast reaction times, like Marvel Rivals.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti – Benchmarks
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In my review, the RTX 5060 Ti was 23% faster than the RTX 4060 Ti and 43% faster than the RTX 3060 Ti across the entire testing suite. While not a dramatic leap, it's enough to handle most games at 1080p or 1440p with max settings.
Note that there are two versions of the RTX 4060 Ti: one with 16GB of VRAM and one with 8GB. I tested the 16GB model, but given how memory-intensive modern games are, it's best to steer clear of the 8GB variant.
Best Gaming PC Deals
Legion Tower 5 Gen 8 (AMD) with RX 7600- $1,049.99Legion Tower 7i Gen 8 (Intel) with RTX 4080 Super- $2,699.99Legion Tower 7i Gen 8 (Intel) with RTX 4070 Ti Super- $2,199.99Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 5080 (32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) Gaming PC- $2,499.99### Radeon RX 7600
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3. Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7600 OC
Best Budget AMD GPU
### Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7600 OC
2See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsBase clock2655MHz VRAM8GB GDDR6Outputx2 HDMI 2.1, x2 DisplayPort 1.4aShading cores2,048Compute units32PROSSolid 1080p performanceCompetitively pricedCONSUnderwhelming ray tracing performanceChoosing a more affordable graphics card often involves compromises. The AMD Radeon RX 7600 isn't ideal for ray tracing, but it excels at traditional 1080p gaming. Why bother with fancy ray tracing when you just want to enjoy games like Phasmophobia with friends?
In my review, the RX 7600 performed well in many games, achieving over 60fps at 1080p in titles like Total War: Warhammer 3, where it reached 83fps. While it may not match the performance of more expensive cards, its $250 price tag makes it a great value.
With 8GB of VRAM, the RX 7600 has enough memory for most 1080p gaming scenarios. It shines at running popular games smoothly, and you'll find few modern games that can't run well on this GPU, even if you need to adjust ray tracing settings occasionally.
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X
Best Budget GPU Under $200
### MSIGeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X
1The RTX 3050 might be last-gen, but it's still a top choice for budget-conscious gamers looking for 1080p performance. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsBase Clock1507MHzVRAM6GB GDDR6Outputx2 HDMI 2.1, x1 DisplayPort 1.4aShading cores2304Compute units18PROSImpressive dual fan coolingGreat valueCONSOnly 6GB VRAMThe RTX 3050 is an older card, part of Nvidia's last-generation 3000-series, but with no new budget-friendly options from Nvidia yet, it remains a solid choice. At $179 on Amazon, it's the most affordable way to get into PC gaming without resorting to used cards.
You might need to adjust quality settings for demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Horizon: Forbidden West, but for esports and indie games, the RTX 3050 is perfect. It also supports DLSS 2.0, which can boost performance in compatible games. However, I wouldn't recommend enabling ray tracing on this card, as it won't provide a smooth experience.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 – Photos
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5. AMD Radeon RX 9070
Best Mid-Range GPU
### AMD Radeon RX 9070
0While it's priced close to the RX 9070 XT, the Radeon RX 9070 is a fantastic 1440p graphics card for the money. See it at NeweggProduct SpecificationsShading Units3584Base Clock1330 MHzBoost Clock2520 MHzVideo Memory16GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth644.6 GB/sMemory Bus256-bitPower Connectors2 x 8-pinPROSExcellent 1440p performance16GB of VRAMCONSNot technically a budget GPUThe AMD Radeon RX 9070 isn't a typical budget GPU, but it's the best value under $600 right now. As the entry point to the mid-range, it delivers excellent 1440p performance and comes with more VRAM than expected for its price.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks
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In my review, the Radeon RX 9070 outperformed the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 at the same price point, even in ray tracing-intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077. At 1440p with the ray tracing ultra preset and FSR set to balanced, it achieved 93fps, compared to the RTX 5070's 90fps.
The RX 9070's 16GB of GDDR6 is a significant advantage over the RTX 5070's 12GB of GDDR7, especially as games become more memory-intensive at higher resolutions. The only drawback is its proximity in price to the RX 9070 XT, which offers 4K gaming capabilities for just $50 more.
How to Pick the Best GPU on a Budget
Choosing the best budget GPU doesn't have to be daunting. Consider what you'll use the GPU for and balance performance with cost. Look at factors like frame rates, resolution capabilities, and compatibility with your current setup. If you have a specific game in mind, check its system requirements.
Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and bundle deals. Prices can fluctuate, so waiting for a good deal can be beneficial if you're not in a rush. Older models often drop in price after new releases, offering better value. A quality GPU at a great price can maximize your gaming experience.
FAQs about Cheaper GPUs
How much should I budget for a GPU?
For less demanding games at 1080p, a decent GPU can be found between $200 and $400. For 1440p or 4K gaming, prices can exceed $500.
What is the best budget GPU for content creation?
For content creation on a budget, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is a strong choice. It has enough CUDA cores to handle most creative workloads in Adobe Premiere or Blender, and its 4th-generation Tensor cores support DLSS, increasingly integrated into popular content creation apps.
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