Graphics cards have become significantly more expensive over recent years, but there's good news for budget gamers: affordable GPUs are making a strong comeback. Leading the charge is the Intel Arc B580, which launched at a competitive $249 and outperforms other cards in its price range below $300. This means budget gamers no longer have to settle for older, less powerful cards like the GTX 1070 Ti, which debuted at a similar price back in 2014. Even a card like the RTX 5060 Ti, priced at $450, is much more affordable than the $999 RTX 5080 and 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

Even with their lower price tags, these budget GPUs can deliver an excellent gaming experience if you adjust your expectations slightly. For instance, while the RTX 5060 Ti isn't suited for 4K gaming, it excels at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, making it an ideal choice for those still using the most popular display resolutions according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey. Thus, you don't need to spend thousands of dollars to build a great gaming PC in 2025, even though prices have risen overall.

Having reviewed numerous graphics cards over the years, I can confidently recommend each GPU on this list for its performance and value.

Contributions by Kegan Mooney and Georgie Peru

What Do We Consider a "Budget GPU"?

In today's market, graphics cards are pricier than ever, with some Nvidia models reaching up to $2,000, while even more affordable options still cost hundreds. Previously, a budget graphics card could be found for around $200 and would deliver a solid 1080p gaming experience in the latest games. However, that's no longer the case. For example, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, considered a budget card by current standards, costs $399.

It's all about perspective. If a high-end card costs around $1,000 and a mid-range card like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 is around $449, then a budget GPU would typically fall within the $200 to $300 range. While there are cheaper options available, these often require compromises, such as opting for last-generation GPUs. However, cards like the RTX 3060 or RTX 2060 still offer excellent 1080p performance, even if they lack some modern features.

When choosing a budget GPU, consider whether you really need advanced features like ray tracing. Often, you can enjoy gaming without these extras.

Intel Arc B580 – Photos

View 5 Images1. Intel Arc B580

The Best Budget Graphics Card

### Intel Arc B580

4The Intel Arc B580 stands out as 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 issues at launchFor years, it seemed like graphics card manufacturers had neglected the budget segment. Nvidia, for example, hasn't released a follow-up to the GTX 1660 Ti, leaving budget buyers to settle for last year's models. Fortunately, Intel has entered the market with its second generation of graphics cards, offering an excellent entry point for PC gaming. The Intel Arc B580 is by far the best budget graphics card we've seen in years.

Priced at just $249, the Arc B580 comes equipped with 12GB of VRAM, far surpassing the 8GB found in comparable cards like the RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600. This extra memory is crucial at higher resolutions, ensuring smoother gameplay at 1440p and 4K. In my review, the Intel Arc B580 consistently delivered superior performance at 1440p compared to its competitors, largely thanks to its robust frame buffer.

Intel Arc B580 – Benchmarks

View 15 ImagesAcross eight benchmarked games, the Intel Arc B580 offered the lowest cost per frame in the lineup. On average, it costs just $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 the best value option for budget-conscious gamers.

Surprisingly, the B580 also handles ray tracing remarkably well. In Cyberpunk 2077, a game that typically favors Nvidia's hardware, the B580 achieved an average of 60fps at 1440p with the Ray Tracing Ultra preset and XeSS set to Balanced, outperforming the more expensive RTX 4060, which managed only 49fps.

However, as this is only the second generation of Intel's graphics cards, some bugs remain. For instance, in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the benchmark ran without rendering the player's gun. This issue, while annoying, is fixable and was observed across all Intel GPUs I tested, not just the B580.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti – Photos

View 5 Images2. 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's RTX 5060 Ti marks a significant improvement over its predecessor, the RTX 4060 Ti. This boost in performance comes from a larger chip with 36 compute units, up from 34, and the introduction of Blackwell's features, including DLSS 4.

A key highlight of this generation is the next iteration of Frame Generation, with the RTX 5060 Ti supporting Multi-Frame Generation (MFG) through DLSS 4. This AI-driven technology can generate up to three interpolated frames for each rendered frame, significantly boosting frame rates. However, it increases latency, so it's not ideal for games requiring quick reactions, like Marvel Rivals.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti – Benchmarks

View 12 ImagesIn my review, the RTX 5060 Ti was about 23% faster than the RTX 4060 Ti and 43% faster than the RTX 3060 Ti across the test suite, enabling it to handle any game at 1080p or 1440p with maximum settings.

It's important to note that the RTX 4060 Ti comes in two versions: one with 16GB of VRAM and one with 8GB. I reviewed the 16GB model, but with games increasingly demanding more memory, it's advisable to steer clear of the 8GB version.

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

View 5 Images3. 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 more affordable graphics card often involves compromises. The AMD Radeon RX 7600 isn't ideal for ray tracing enthusiasts, but it excels at traditional 1080p gaming. For gamers who prioritize gameplay over graphical bells and whistles, the RX 7600 is a fantastic choice.

In my review, I found that while the RX 7600 struggles with some ray-tracing-intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077, it delivers over 60fps at 1080p in many others. For instance, in Total War: Warhammer 3, it achieves up to 83fps at 1080p. At around $250, it offers great value, even if it can't match the performance of more expensive cards.

The RX 7600 comes with 8GB of VRAM, sufficient for most 1080p gaming needs. It shines in running popular games smoothly, requiring minimal adjustments, even if ray tracing needs to be toned down occasionally.

4. MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X

Best Budget GPU Under $200

### MSIGeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X

1The RTX 3050 may be a last-generation card, but it's still one of the best options for budget-conscious gamers seeking solid 1080p performance. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsBase Clock1507MHzVRAM6GB GDDR6Outputx2 HDMI 2.1, x1 DisplayPort 1.4aShading cores2304Compute units18PROSImpressive dual fan coolingGreat valueCONSOnly 6GB VRAMAs a last-gen card, the RTX 3050 remains a solid choice, especially since Nvidia hasn't released a new budget-friendly option yet. Priced at just $179 on Amazon at the time of writing, it's the most affordable way to get into PC gaming without resorting to used cards.

While you might need to adjust quality settings for demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Horizon: Forbidden West, the RTX 3050 delivers robust 1080p performance in most games. It also benefits from Nvidia's third-generation Tensor cores, supporting DLSS 2.0, which enhances its value. However, I wouldn't recommend enabling ray tracing on this card; it's better suited for traditional gaming and esports.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 – Photos

View 4 Images5. 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 GPUAlthough not typically classified as a "budget graphics card," the AMD Radeon RX 9070 provides the best value for under $600. It serves as an entry point to the mid-range, delivering exceptional 1440p performance with ample VRAM.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

View 11 ImagesIn my review, the Radeon RX 9070 outperformed the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 at the same price point, even in ray-tracing-heavy games like Cyberpunk 2077. With FSR set to balanced, it achieved 93fps at 1440p, compared to the RTX 5070's 90fps. The RX 9070's 16GB of GDDR6 is a significant advantage over the RTX 5070's 12GB, especially as games demand more memory at higher resolutions. The only drawback is its proximity in price to the RX 9070 XT, which handles 4K gaming for just $50 more.

How to Pick the Best GPU on a Budget

Selecting the best budget GPU involves understanding your needs and balancing performance with cost. Consider your intended use, whether it's gaming, content creation, or both. Look at factors like frame rates, resolution capabilities, and compatibility with your existing hardware. If you have a specific game in mind, check its system requirements to guide your choice.

Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and bundle deals, as prices can fluctuate. Waiting for a good deal can be beneficial if you're not in a rush. Also, consider older models as prices often drop after new releases, helping you maximize value.

FAQs about Cheaper GPUs

How much should I budget for a GPU?

For less demanding games at 1080p, you can find a good graphics card for $200 to $400. However, for 1440p or 4K gaming, you might need to spend well 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 contender. It has enough CUDA cores for most creative workloads in apps like Adobe Premiere or Blender, and its 4th-generation Tensor cores support DLSS, increasingly used in content creation software.