All the best graphics cards in one place – always up to date.
Even though you can buy a souped-up pre-built PC sporting multiple graphics cards and an 18-core processor if you so desire, you’ re best off checking out the cheaper option before putting down any cash. More specifically, we’ re talking about building your own computer. While it might seem like a demanding task to carry out, it really doesn’ t have to be.
One of the most important first steps of building a PC, of course, is picking out the best graphics card for your budget. Taking into consideration that not everyone is made of money, the best graphics cards don’ t always mean the most expensive. Some are more about providing you with sublime value than real-time 4K graphics at 60 frames per second.
Whether you’ re repping Team Red (AMD) or Team Green (Nvidia) , we’ ve narrowed our list down to the three top graphics cards for both first-time and veteran PC builders. What’s more, this trio of GPUs is complemented by one honorable mention that – while it didn’ t make the cut as a main entry – we felt deserves your consideration.
Best high-end GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
Titan X performance without the Titan X cost
Stream Processors: 3,584 | Core Clock: 1,480MHz | Memory: 11GB GDDR5X | Memory Clock: 11GHz | Power Connectors: 1 x 6-pin; 1 x 8-pin | Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI
Titan X-like gaming performance
Improved cooling
A pricey investment for most
If we’ re being honest, the GTX 1080 Ti is exactly what the Titan X Pascal should have been. Thanks to its 11GB of GDDR5X VRAM, the 1080 Ti is wildly more capable than the GTX 1080 proper without costing an arm and a leg. Performance-wise, the GTX 1080 Ti can’ t compete with dual-wielding 1080s, but it is cheaper and it does support a larger pool of games than two lesser cards with SLI. Aside from the mysterious absence of a DVI port, the GTX 1080 Ti is indistinguishable looks-wise from any of the other Pascal-series GPUs. Take a gander inside, however, and you’ ll notice a sophisticated cooling system needed to keep all of your games running smoothly in resolutions up to 4K.
Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
Honorable mention: AMD Radeon RX Vega 64
The flagship AMD Vega card may not have beaten out Nvidia for the title of best high-end graphics card on our list, but it is a return to form for the Red Team. After all, the AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 has proved itself every bit as capable as the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 and for a lower price. Donning 4,096 stream processors, 256 texture units and 8GB of HBM2 memory, this is – if nothing else – the AMD card to rule them all.
Read the full review: AMD Radeon RX Vega 64
Best mid-range GPU: AMD Radeon RX 580
AMD just overclocked your RX 480 for you
Stream Processors: 2,304 | Core Clock: 1,340MHz | Memory: 8GB GDDR5 | Memory Clock: 8GHz | Power Connectors: 1 x 8-pin | Outputs: 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DV-I
Solid 1080p performance
Impressive price point
3GB GTX 1060, still better value
Not Vega
More of a souped-up version of last year’s Radeon RX 480 than a brand-new graphics card, the Radeon RX 580 takes the Polaris architecture and amps it up to new levels of performance at the same affordable price point. Although it clings to the same 8GB of GDDR5 memory as the RX 480, there are still clear cut performance upgrades in tow. The boost clock, for instance, is now up to 1,441MHz, which you can compare to the 1,266MHz boost of the 480. It still struggles to maintain a consistent 30+ frames per second (fps) running most triple-A titles in 4K, but for 1080p and 1440p gaming, the AMD Radeon RX 580 rules even harder than its predecessor.
Read the full review: AMD Radeon RX 580
Best entry-level GPU: AMD Radeon RX 460
A modest entry point for esports and the like
Stream Processors: 896 | Core Clock: 1,210; 1,250MHz | Memory: 2GB; 4GB GDDR5 | Memory Clock: 7,000MHz | Power Connectors: None | Outputs: 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DVI
Beats integrated graphics at light 1080p gaming
HDR support
4GB version less affordable
Like the GTX 1050 and 1050 Ti from Nvidia, the RX 460 runs cheap. Versions of it can be had from XFX, Powercolor, Sapphire and other aftermarket card makers who have all sought out to accomplish the same task of producing a value GPU that can effortlessly run just about every game in your Steam library, so long as you don’ t mind parting with the prospect of running The Witcher 3 at 60 fps on Ultra graphics settings. Capable and energy efficient and drawing all of its power straight from the motherboard without any 6- or 8-pin connectors required, the RX 460 is worth the money if you plan on spending a lot of time playing MOBA and RTS games. Otherwise, you’ re better off saving for one of the other best graphics cards above.
Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article
