Building or upgrading a gaming PC? The graphics card is usually the first component you consider, and for good reason: it massively impacts frame rates. A better GPU generally means better performance, at least to a certain point. With options like Nvidia's RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, let's explore the best graphics cards currently available.
TL;DR: Top Graphics Cards:
Our Top Pick: Zotac Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super
See it at Amazon
Gigabyte Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090
See it at Newegg
Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
See it at Amazon
Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT
See it at Amazon
MSI Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
See it at Amazon
GPUs have become a luxury item. Cards like the RTX 5090 cost upwards of $1999. Prices are significantly higher than previous generations, but solid gaming experiences are still achievable at lower price points, especially at 1440p or 1080p.
I've reviewed GPUs for four generations, personally testing every card listed. If you have specific gaming needs, leave a comment and I'll help you find the perfect card.
Choosing a Graphics Card:
Don't just buy the most powerful card. Consider these factors:
Resolution: A 4K powerhouse might underperform at 1080p due to CPU bottlenecking. Choose a card suited to your resolution (e.g., Intel Arc B580 for 1080p, AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT or RTX 4070 Super for 1440p).
Budget: Prices start around $200-$250 for solid 1080p performance. Higher budgets (around $1000) unlock cards like the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX or Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 for excellent 4K gaming. Consider ray tracing needs when choosing between these.
Power Supply: High-end cards require substantial power. Check your PSU against the card's requirements. A 450W PSU might suffice for a budget card, but a much more powerful one is needed for higher-end models.
Answer
See Results
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super Unboxing:
1. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super: The Best for Most
Our Top Pick: Zotac Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super
This card offers excellent performance at a mid-range price, delivering strong 1440p gaming and capable 4K performance in many titles. While not the most powerful, it's a great balance of performance and price. See it at Amazon
(Product specifications, benchmarks, pros, and cons follow, similar format for other cards)
2. Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090: Nvidia's Top Performer
(Product specifications, benchmarks, pros, and cons follow)
3. AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX: AMD's Top Contender
(Product specifications, benchmarks, pros, and cons follow)
4. AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT: Excellent 1440p Performance
(Product specifications, benchmarks, pros, and cons follow)
5. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060: Best for 1080p Gaming
(Product specifications, benchmarks, pros, and cons follow)
Upcoming GPUs: (Information on upcoming Nvidia RTX 5070/5070 Ti and AMD Radeon RX 9070/9070 XT)
Best Graphics Cards FAQ: (AMD vs. Nvidia vs. Intel, power supply recommendations, GTX vs. RTX)
Where to Buy in the UK: (Links to UK retailers for featured cards)
Asus TUF Gaming RTX 4070 Ti OC Edition
See it at Currys PC World
MSI Geforce RTX 3050 Gaming X
See it at Amazon
XFX Speedster MERC310 RX 7900XT
See it at Amazon
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080
See it at Nvidia
