Best Gaming Graphics Cards

Searching for a GPU that can perform great under heavy loads can be a bit problematic. With a lot of different manufacturers and models to choose from, even comparing the specifications can be quite daunting. Fortunately, the RTX 2080 from ASUS proves to be one of the most reliable models out there, especially when it comes to handling resource-heavy software. So what makes it so appealing aside from the RTX capabilities?

To start off, when it comes to the number of interfaces, this RTX 2080 model from ASUS has plenty: one HDMI cable for newer monitors and three DisplayPort connections for auxiliary and additional screens in case you have a multi-monitor setup. As for the bus interface, the backwards-compatible PCI Express 3.0 makes this GPU suitable for both newer and older motherboards. That being said, to utilize the RTX 2080 to its full potential a more modern motherboard is strongly recommended.

Connections out of the way, let’s take a closer look at what’s under the “hood” of the card. First of all, the thing that sets this particular model apart from other Ray Tracing-capable devices is the 46 RT cores which can handle pretty much any modern gaming title without breaking a sweat. Likewise, unlike the regular 2080, the Super Overclocked model boasts an aluminum backplate that firmly protects both the Tensor and RT cores from overheating. Capacity-wise, the card features 6 GB of GDDR6 RAM, which should be more than enough to satisfy the needs of both modern gamers and professionals that require all the processing power they can get.

If you are looking for something more affordable than the top GPU cards, the RTX 2070 8GB from MSI might be right up your alley. While retaining all the good features of its bulkier sister-model, the RTX 2080, it features a smaller size as well as highly competitive performance.

To start off, the card features 8 GB of GDDR6 memory inside, which makes it a good option for resource-demanding tasks like running modern games, as well as for video rendering. The only thing that makes it a bit slower is its modest clock rate which is capped at 1620 MHz in boost mode and 1510 MHz on the base level. Similar to other RTX devices, this GPU features 1 HDMI connection and 3 Display Port connections, letting it drive multiple monitor setups.

Aside from the obvious compatibility with both HDMI and DisplayPort capable monitors, the RTX 2070 would be a good investment for people that want to get into VR gaming and everything that requires a VR headset. In order to help deal with processing, the 2070 Ventus GP features 8GB of GDDR6 RAM onboard, which easily puts it among the best options in the mid-range GPU segment. The only thing you should worry about, though is getting a newer motherboard model, in case you are looking to upgrade your current rig. With a modern motherboard, the RTX 2070 will run at its full potential, given that it is coupled with a decent CPU, of course.

One of the best counterparts to the newer RTX GPUs from Nvidia, the RX 5700 XT is still one of the top-selling graphics processors even after a year since its release. So what makes it objectively better than an RTX 2080, all Ray Tracing fuzz aside?

Firstly, it’s the combination of a good base clock rate and an enormous performance bump that boost mode offers to the user. While the base clock rate sits at a comfortable level of 1670 MHz, in boost mode the GPU jumps straight to 1925 MHz in mere seconds, which blows the RTX 2080 out of the water without too much of a problem. Surely, it has Ray Tracing, but does it matter when only a handful of games support the technology?

Secondly, it's the versatility of the card that really sets it apart from the Nvidia competition. While featuring pretty much every aspect of more expensive products such as 8GB of GDDR6 RAM, great heat management capabilities, DisplayPort and HDMI support, when it comes to heat management, the RX 5700 XT features not one, not two, but three cooling fans that help to cool the GPU in a quick and effective manner. The only drawback is when the processor gets hot, the fans can get quite loud, which is especially noticeable if you are using your computer without headphones on. Although this doesn’t affect the games that are not particularly resource-demanding, the card definitely can get noisy during video rendering or under heavy loads.

Contrary to the GTX 1650, the upgraded 1660 version features a better boost clock mode that enables expanding the base clock rate of 1530 MHz all the way up to 1830 MHz. And just like most of the budget-friendly GPU models, the GTX 1660 doesn’t need a huge voltage uptick in order to boost the clock rate, which easily makes it one of the most energy-efficient graphics cards for the money.

With that in mind, in order to utilize this card from MSI to its full potential, you will only need a 450-Watt rated PSU, which is great in case you want to complete a build using a smaller PC case. To be more precise, the card easily fits in both mini ATX and micro ATX cases without too much of an effort. Although the MSI GTX 1660 has 6 GB of GDDR6 RAM that can cover most tasks, this amount is not ideal for multi-tasking. So in case you want to stream, play, and render video files simultaneously, this card won’t be ideal for that.

What this card does better, though, is managing the heavy loads without using too much power. By utilizing the standard PCI Express 3.0 bus interface with 8 pins, you won’t need a big motherboard that some of the expensive RTX GPUs require for effective heat dissipation. Likewise, the card supports both HDMI and DisplayPort connections, which enables using the GPU with all kinds of monitors.

Being one of the best selling cards of the previous generation to date, the RX 580 remains one the best GPUs that you can find, especially if you want to build a budget-friendly or a mid-tier PC from the ground up. But what actually makes the Radeon RX 580 still relevant today? Let’s take a quick glance over what the card offers and find out.

First things first, it’s the ergonomics of the plate board itself. By looking at the card you won’t find a part that is unnecessary - every element of the build serves its purpose. Be it a cooling fan, a cutaway for it underneath or a copper Unibody VRM heatsink - everything works like a clock without taking up precious space within the PC case.

Secondly, it’s the ambidextrous capabilities of the card. Contrary to the majority of models on our list, the XFX Radeon RX 580 supports HDMI, DisplayPort, as well as DVI-D-capable monitors and TVs. Coupled with 8 GB of GDDR5 memory this card will be great not only for gaming but for other resource-demanding tasks like 3D modeling and video rendering. To elaborate on that, the connections include a single HDMI port, three Display Ports, and one DVI-D connection.