It's no secret that graphics cards have become significantly more expensive in recent years. However, there's good news for budget-conscious gamers: budget graphics cards are making a strong comeback. My top recommendation, the Intel Arc B580, has just been released at a competitive price of $249 and outperforms all other graphics cards under $300. This means that instead of settling for older, pricier models like the GTX 1070 Ti, which launched at a similar price back in 2014, budget gamers now have access to more powerful options. Even a $450 graphics card like the RTX 5060 Ti is a much more affordable choice compared to the $999 RTX 5080, which powers the top-tier gaming PCs on the market today, yet it's still considered a budget option in the current landscape.
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 Newegg
Even with a lower price tag, you can still enjoy an outstanding gaming experience if you adjust your expectations slightly. For example, while the RTX 5060 Ti may not be ideal for 4K gaming, it excels at 1080p and even 1440p resolutions, making it an excellent choice for gamers using the most popular display resolution, as reported by the latest Steam Hardware Survey. This means you don't need to spend thousands of dollars to build a great gaming PC in 2025, despite the slight increase in prices over the years.
With years of experience reviewing graphics cards, I can confidently vouch for the performance and value of every GPU listed here, especially considering their price points.
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 models reaching up to $2,000, while even the more affordable options still cost hundreds of dollars. Previously, a budget graphics card around $200 could deliver a solid 1080p gaming experience in the latest games, but this is no longer the case. For instance, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, which could be considered a budget option by today's standards, starts at $399.
It's all about perspective. If a high-end graphics card costs around $1,000 and a mid-range option like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 is priced at $449, a budget graphics card typically falls within the $200 to $300 range. While you can find ultra-cheap graphics cards below this range, they often require you to compromise on performance and features, usually opting for last-generation models. However, GPUs like the RTX 3060 or RTX 2060 still offer excellent performance at 1080p, even if you miss out on some modern features.
Ask yourself if you really need the best ray tracing effects. Chances are, you can manage without them.
Intel Arc B580 – Photos
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1. Intel Arc B580
The Best Budget Graphics Card
### Intel Arc B580
4
The Intel Arc B580 is the best budget graphics card we've seen in years, period. See it at Newegg
Product Specifications
- Base clock: 2,670MHz
- VRAM: 12GB GDDR6
- Output: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x HDMI 2.1a
- Shading cores: 2,560
- Compute units: 20
PROS
- Excellent performance at 1440p
- Very affordable
CONS
- Some driver problems at launch
For 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, instead suggesting budget buyers settle for last year's GPUs. Thankfully, Intel has entered the market, and its second generation of graphics cards offers an excellent entry point for PC gaming. The Intel Arc B580 is by far the best budget graphics card we've had in years.
Priced at $249 and equipped with 12GB of VRAM, the Arc B580 significantly outperforms the 8GB VRAM found in the RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600. While more VRAM is beneficial at 1080p, it's essential for higher resolutions where the frame buffer can quickly fill up. My review of the Intel Arc B580 showed it delivering superior performance at 1440p compared to other graphics cards in its class, largely due to its robust frame buffer.
Intel Arc B580 – Benchmarks
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In fact, across the eight games I benchmarked with the Intel Arc B580, it consistently offered the lowest cost per frame. Averaged out across the test suite, the Arc B580 costs only $3.72 per frame in a 1440p game, compared to $4.39 for the RTX 4060 and $4.89 for the AMD Radeon RX 7600 (based on retail prices). This makes the B580 the best value for budget-conscious gamers.
Surprisingly, the B580 handles ray tracing exceptionally well. Even in games that typically favor Nvidia's hardware, like Cyberpunk 2077, the Intel B580 shines. At 1440p with the Ray Tracing Ultra preset and XeSS set to Balanced, it achieves a solid 60fps average, compared to the more expensive RTX 4060's 49fps.
However, as this is only the second generation of Intel's 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 gun in the player's hand. While annoying, this is an issue that can likely be fixed with future updates. It's worth noting that this bug was present across all Intel GPUs I tested, including the last-gen Arc A770 and A750, so it's not unique to the B580.
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 Newegg
Product Specifications
- Shaders: 4608
- Compute units: 36
- Base Clock: 2407MHz
- VRAM: 16GB GDDR7
- Output: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1b, 1 x HDMI 2.1b
- Bus Standard: PCIe 5.0
PROS
- DLSS 4 compatible
- Incredible 1080p performance
CONS
- Struggles at higher resolutions
Nvidia has faced challenges following up its RTX 4000 series, but the RTX 5060 Ti marks a significant improvement over the RTX 4060 Ti. This upgrade is largely due to its larger chip size, now with 36 compute units instead of 34, along with new features like DLSS 4.
The highlight of this generation is the next iteration of Frame Generation, with the RTX 5060 Ti supporting Multi-Frame Generation (MFG) through DLSS 4. This AI-driven feature can generate up to three interpolated frames for every rendered frame, dramatically boosting frame rates. However, this comes at the cost of increased latency, so it's not recommended for games requiring quick reactions, such as Marvel Rivals.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti – Benchmarks
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My review of the Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti showed it to be about 23% faster than the RTX 4060 Ti across the entire testing suite, and 43% faster than the RTX 3060 Ti. While not the most dramatic generational improvement, it can handle nearly any game at 1080p or 1440p with settings cranked to the max.
It's important to note that there are two versions of the RTX 4060 Ti: the 16GB model I reviewed and an 8GB model. I haven't tested the latter, but given the increasing memory demands of modern games, it's advisable to steer clear of the 8GB version.
Best Gaming PC Deals
- Legion Tower 5 Gen 8 (AMD) with RX 7600- $1,049.99
- Legion Tower 7i Gen 8 (Intel) with RTX 4080 Super- $2,699.99
- Legion Tower 7i Gen 8 (Intel) with RTX 4070 Ti Super- $2,199.99
- Alienware 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 Amazon
Product Specifications
- Base clock: 2655MHz
- VRAM: 8GB GDDR6
- Output: x2 HDMI 2.1, x2 DisplayPort 1.4a
- Shading cores: 2,048
- Compute units: 32
PROS
- Solid 1080p performance
- Competitively priced
CONS
- Underwhelming ray tracing performance
Purchasing a budget graphics card often involves compromise. While the AMD Radeon RX 7600 isn't ideal for ray tracing enthusiasts, it excels at traditional 1080p gaming. Who really needs fancy ray tracing when you're just looking to enjoy games like Phasmophobia with friends?
In my review of the AMD Radeon RX 7600, I found that while it may struggle with certain games like Cyberpunk 2077, it easily achieves over 60fps at 1080p in many others. For instance, in Total War: Warhammer 3, it reaches up to 83fps at this resolution. At around $250, this performance is hard to beat.
Moreover, this AMD graphics card comes with 8GB of VRAM, more than sufficient for most 1080p gaming needs. The RX 7600 shines by running popular games smoothly, requiring minimal fuss. You'll rarely find a modern game that can't run well on this GPU, even if you occasionally need to dial back ray tracing settings.
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X
Best Budget GPU Under $200
### MSIGeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X
1
The RTX 3050 may be from the last generation, but it remains one of the best options for budget-conscious gamers seeking a 1080p graphics card. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Base Clock: 1507MHz
- VRAM: 6GB GDDR6
- Output: x2 HDMI 2.1, x1 DisplayPort 1.4a
- Shading cores: 2304
- Compute units: 18
PROS
- Impressive dual fan cooling
- Great value
CONS
- Only 6GB VRAM
The RTX 3050, part of Nvidia's last-generation 3000-series, is still a fantastic value. Nvidia hasn't released a direct follow-up, leaving the RTX 3050 as a solid choice for budget 1080p gaming. At the time of writing, this EVGA RTX 3050 is available for just $179 on Amazon, making it one of the most affordable new options for entering PC gaming.
You may need to adjust quality settings in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Horizon: Forbidden West, but the RTX 3050's performance remains robust. Thanks to Nvidia's third-generation Tensor cores, it supports DLSS 2.0, enhancing its value and performance in compatible games. However, I wouldn't recommend enabling ray tracing on this GPU; while it's technically possible, the experience won't be satisfactory.
This GPU is best suited for traditional gaming workloads, making it perfect for esports or indie games.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 – Photos
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5. AMD Radeon RX 9070
Best Mid-Range GPU
### AMD Radeon RX 9070
0
While priced close to the RX 9070 XT, the Radeon RX 9070 offers excellent value for 1440p gaming. See it at Newegg
Product Specifications
- Shading Units: 3584
- Base Clock: 1330 MHz
- Boost Clock: 2520 MHz
- Video Memory: 16GB GDDR6
- Memory Bandwidth: 644.6 GB/s
- Memory Bus: 256-bit
- Power Connectors: 2 x 8-pin
PROS
- Excellent 1440p performance
- 16GB of VRAM
CONS
- Not technically a budget GPU
While the AMD Radeon RX 9070 isn't typically considered a "budget graphics card," it provides the best value under $600 once stock levels stabilize in a few months. It serves as the entry point to mid-range performance, delivering outstanding 1440p performance with ample VRAM.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks
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My review of the Radeon RX 9070 showed it outperforming the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 at the same price point, even in games with heavy ray tracing effects. For example, in Cyberpunk 2077, the Radeon RX 9070 achieves 93fps at 1440p with the ray tracing ultra preset and FSR set to balanced, compared to the RTX 5070's 90fps under similar settings. AMD's improvements to its ray tracing pipeline have significantly closed the performance gap.
The AMD Radeon RX 9070 comes with 16GB of GDDR6, which, while not as fast as the GDDR7 on the Nvidia card, offers more VRAM than the RTX 5070's 12GB. This extra memory will be crucial as games become more demanding at higher resolutions. The only drawback is its pricing, which is uncomfortably close to the 9070 XT, capable of handling 4K gaming for just $50 more. While it's not a negligible difference, it's a small price to pay if you have a 4K display.
How to Pick the Best GPU on a Budget
Choosing the best budget GPU doesn't have to be overwhelming; it's about finding the right balance between performance and cost. Before making a purchase, consider your specific gaming needs.
Focus on factors like frame rates, resolution capabilities, and compatibility with your existing hardware. A GPU that excels in these areas is likely a solid choice. If you're targeting a specific game, review its system requirements to guide your decision.
Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and bundle deals, as prices can fluctuate. If you're not in a hurry, waiting for a good deal can be beneficial. Also, consider older models when new GPUs are released, as their prices often drop. Combining a quality GPU with a great deal maximizes your value.
FAQs about Cheaper GPUs
How much should I budget for a GPU?
For less demanding games, you can find a decent graphics card for 1080p gaming within the $200 to $400 range. However, for 1440p or 4K gaming, prices can exceed $500.
What is the best budget GPU for content creation?
If you're into content creation but can't afford a high-end GPU like the RTX 5080, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is an excellent choice. With enough CUDA cores to handle most creative workloads in Adobe Premiere or Blender, plus the 4th-generation Tensor cores for DLSS, it's increasingly compatible with popular content creation applications.
