The 5 Best Gaming GPUs
For gamers looking to build their own PC from scratch or to simply upgrade their current one, finding the right graphics card is one of the most important steps. Sometimes referred to as GPUs, these devices are perhaps more crucial to your gaming rig's overall performance than anything else, since they determine the quality of its video graphics. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the right one. That's why we've put together this ranking of the best GPUs on the market, featuring models suitable for whatever level of gaming you're at or whatever your purpose.
1. Asus GeForce GTX 1660 Super Overclocked 6GB
Asus GeForce GTX 1660 Super Overclocked 6GB
Whether you’re teaming up with friends in Overwatch, working through a mission in Call of Duty, or battling the enemy in any other AAA game, the Asus GeForce GTX 1660 Super will ensure uninterrupted game play for hours on end. An update on Nvidia’s GTX 1660 Ti, it offers users the same stellar value thanks to its speedy performance and affordable price tag, but it also does it one better, being both faster and cheaper than its predecessor. That makes it ideal for all kinds of full HD gaming, and also accessible to a host of users on a range of budgets.
Pros:
- Dual-fan cooling
- Very easy to install
- Great overall value
Cons:
- Software could be improved
2. XFX Rx 5700 8GB GDDR6 Dd Ultra
XFX Rx 5700 8GB GDDR6 Dd Ultra
If you’re a novice gamer looking to get serious about your sport, you’re going to need to upgrade from your stock or even entry-level GPU. And while there are plenty of mid-range models that will enhance your PCs graphics and overall performance, the XFX Rx 5700 Ultra is one of the best. A basically brand new entry to the field, the 8GB model is powered by cutting-edge RDNA architecture that is capable of achieving 1440p gaming at Ultra or Max settings, ensuring solid performance no matter what you’re playing.
Pros:
- Large heatsink
- Boost clock up to 1750 MHz
Cons:
- Somewhat bulky design
3. MSI Gaming Radeon RX 570 8GB DirectX
MSI Gaming Radeon RX 570 8GB DirectX
For entry-level gamers or anyone on a tight budget, the MSI Radeon RX 570 is an affordable GPU that will hold up to casual use. It’s extremely easy to install, so you don’t need to know much about PC-building to get going, and it’s capable of powering up to five monitors, though that might be a stretch. It’s also particularly popular among Apple users thanks to its seamless compatibility with MacOS. Best of all, though, is its price, which is well below that of GPUs with similar performance.
Pros:
- Great for video editing and other creative tasks
- Very easy to set up
Cons:
- Mostly limited to FHD
4. EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Super
EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Super
As virtual reality tech continues to develop, it’s important to have a GPU that can keep up with the latest advances in video quality. Indeed, graphic cards themselves are constantly evolving to meet the demands of this new gaming frontier. Nvidia’s new Turning architecture, for example, brings together real-time ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics to improve video quality above and beyond that of previous generations, making it a must-have for intensive VR gaming. The GeForce RTX 2080 Super incorporates both of those technologies, but also comes in at a price that is considerably less than other high-end GPUs out there.
Pros:
- New overclocking scanner
- Customizable fan speeds
Cons:
- Fans may run loud
5. EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Ftw3 Ultra
EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Ftw3 Ultra
Assuming money is no hurdle, the best consumer-level GPU on the market right now is likely the GeForce RTX 2080 Ti. Not counting truly professional-tier GPUs, it boasts some of the most powerful components available, from Nvidia’s Turning architecture to ray-tracing to triple HDB fans, which will keep the unit cool even during the most heated gaming sessions. That makes it an excellent choice for serious gaming enthusiasts who refuse to settle for budget or mid-tier graphics solutions.
Pros:
- Adjustable RGB LED
- Very powerful
Cons:
- Extremely expensive
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gaming GPU?
A gaming GPU, also commonly referred to as a graphics card (though technically they are distinct components), is a piece of hardware that is responsible for producing output from your PC to your monitor, essentially determining the quality of your video feed. Because video gaming requires more power than other computing tasks, a GPU is one of the most important parts of a gaming PC.
What should I look for in a gaming GPU?
Gaming GPUs come in various sizes and at performance levels, so which one is right for you will depend largely on your need. Entry-level and budget gamers, naturally, will be able to get away with GPUs older or less advanced components, including slower stream processors, core clocks or memory. Serious gamers will need the latest in graphics tech, such as ray-tracing and better heatsinks.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.