In today's market, graphics cards have seen a significant price hike, but there's good news for budget-conscious gamers: affordable options are making a comeback. The standout in this category is the Intel Arc B580, which launched at a competitive $249 and outperforms any other GPU under $300. This means budget gamers no longer have to settle for outdated technology like the GTX 1070 Ti, which debuted at a similar price back in 2014. Even a $450 card like the RTX 5060 Ti is a more affordable choice compared to the high-end RTX 5080, which starts at a hefty $999, yet it still qualifies as a budget 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 Newegg
With these budget-friendly options, you can still enjoy a stellar gaming experience. The RTX 5060 Ti, for example, may not be ideal for 4K gaming, but it excels at 1080p and 1440p, making it a top choice for gamers using the most common 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, despite the general price increase over time.
As someone who has reviewed graphics cards for years, I can confidently endorse the performance and value of each GPU listed here.
Contributions by Kegan Mooney and Georgie Peru
What Do We Consider a "Budget GPU"?
In the current landscape, graphics cards have reached unprecedented price levels, with some Nvidia models costing up to $2,000, while even budget cards are priced in the hundreds. Historically, a budget GPU would cost around $200 and deliver solid 1080p gaming performance, but this is no longer the case. Today, a GPU like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, priced at $399, could be considered budget-friendly.
It's all about perspective. With high-end cards around $1,000 and mid-range options like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 at $449, budget GPUs fall in the $200 to $300 range. While you can find cheaper, last-generation GPUs, they may require compromises on features. However, cards like the RTX 3060 or RTX 2060 still offer excellent 1080p performance, even without the latest bells and whistles.
The key question is whether you truly need advanced features like ray tracing. Often, you can do without them and still enjoy great gaming.
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 felt like budget graphics cards were an afterthought. Nvidia, for instance, hasn't released a successor to the GTX 1660 Ti, leaving budget gamers to settle for last year's models. Thankfully, Intel has stepped up with its second-generation graphics cards, providing an excellent entry point into PC gaming. The Intel Arc B580 is the best budget graphics card we've seen in years.
Priced at $249, it comes equipped with 12GB of VRAM, significantly more than the 8GB found in the RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600. This extra VRAM is crucial for higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K. In my review, the Intel Arc B580 delivered superior performance at 1440p compared to other cards in its class, largely thanks to its robust frame buffer.
Intel Arc B580 – Benchmarks
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In my benchmarks, the Intel Arc B580 offered the lowest cost per frame across eight games, averaging $3.72 per frame at 1440p, compared to $4.39 for the RTX 4060 and $4.89 for the AMD Radeon RX 7600. This makes the B580 an unbeatable value for budget-conscious gamers.
Surprisingly, the B580 handles ray tracing exceptionally well, even outperforming Nvidia's hardware in games like Cyberpunk 2077. At 1440p with the Ray Tracing Ultra preset and XeSS set to Balanced, it achieves a solid 60fps average, compared to the RTX 4060's 49fps.
However, being only the second generation of Intel's graphics cards, there are some bugs to iron out. For instance, during testing with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the benchmark ran without rendering the player's gun, a bug also seen in other Intel GPUs like the Arc A770 and A750.
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 notable improvement over the RTX 4060 Ti. This performance boost comes from a larger chip with 36 compute units, and the introduction of Blackwell architecture features like DLSS 4.
The highlight of this generation is the advanced Frame Generation technology, 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, boosting frame rates at the expense of some latency. I wouldn't recommend using it in fast-paced games like Marvel Rivals, where reaction time is critical.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti – Benchmarks
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In my review, the RTX 5060 Ti was about 23% faster than the RTX 4060 Ti and 43% faster than the RTX 3060 Ti across my testing suite. While this isn't a groundbreaking generational leap, it ensures the card can handle most games at 1080p or 1440p with max settings.
It's worth noting there are two versions of the RTX 4060 Ti: one with 16GB of VRAM, which I reviewed, and another with 8GB. Given the increasing memory demands of modern games, I advise sticking with the 16GB model.
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 budget graphics card often involves compromise. The AMD Radeon RX 7600, for instance, isn't ideal for ray tracing enthusiasts, but it excels at traditional 1080p gaming. For games like Phasmophobia, fancy ray tracing isn't necessary.
In my review, the RX 7600 showed some struggles in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, but it delivered over 60fps in games like Total War: Warhammer 3 at 1080p. At around $250, it's a compelling choice.
The RX 7600 comes with 8GB of VRAM, sufficient for most 1080p gaming. It's perfect for running popular games smoothly, even if you need to dial back ray tracing settings occasionally.
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X
Best Budget GPU Under $200
### MSIGeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X
1The RTX 3050 may be last-gen, but it's one of the best options for budget 1080p gaming. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsBase Clock1507MHzVRAM6GB GDDR6Outputx2 HDMI 2.1, x1 DisplayPort 1.4aShading cores2304Compute units18PROSImpressive dual fan coolingGreat valueCONSOnly 6GB VRAMThe RTX 3050, part of the last-generation 3000-series, remains a great value option. Nvidia hasn't launched a new budget card yet, making the RTX 3050 a solid choice for 1080p gaming at a low price.
You may need to adjust settings for demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Horizon: Forbidden West, but at $179, it's the most affordable entry into PC gaming. The RTX 3050 supports DLSS 2.0, which helps enhance performance in compatible games, though I wouldn't recommend using ray tracing on this card.
This GPU is ideal for traditional gaming, especially esports and indie titles.
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 offers excellent value for 1440p gaming. 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, though not strictly a budget GPU, is the best value under $600. It's an entry-level mid-range card that offers strong 1440p performance and comes with ample VRAM.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks
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In my review, the Radeon RX 9070 outperformed the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 in some ray tracing-heavy games like Cyberpunk 2077, achieving 93fps at 1440p with the ray tracing ultra preset and FSR set to balanced. The RX 9070 also comes with 16GB of GDDR6, a significant advantage over the RTX 5070's 12GB.
The only drawback is its proximity in price to the RX 9070 XT, which offers 4K gaming capabilities for just $50 more. If you're considering 4K gaming, the extra investment might be worthwhile.
How to Pick the Best GPU on a Budget
Selecting the best budget GPU involves understanding your needs and balancing performance with cost. Consider what you'll use the GPU for, focusing on frame rates, resolution capabilities, and compatibility with your existing setup. Check the system requirements for your target games to guide your choice.
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 maximize your investment. Also, consider older models after new releases, as their prices often drop.
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, you'll need to budget over $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 offers enough CUDA cores for Adobe Premiere or Blender and supports DLSS with its 4th-generation Tensor cores, enhancing performance in popular creative applications.
