The Best Computer Graphics Cards
When it comes to PC gaming, one of the most important components is the graphics card. As games get more and more realistic, they require an increasing amount of power to process sharper details. As such, new graphics cards are always coming out. We've culled the best of the best for your consideration, so read on as we discuss the top computer graphics cards and why they made the cut.
What to Look For
Now that they’re widely available again, we did a little digging to sort through all the computer graphics cards on the market. We looked at their processing power, video memory, and power draw, and compared them all to their price. If you want to splurge and get one of the most powerful cards, the GeForce RTX 3090 from Zotac gaming is your best bet. It has insane specs and will future-proof your system for years to come. With that said, it’s on the pricier side and uses a ton of power. For something a bit more budget-friendly, check out the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050. It still handles ray-tracing like a champ and easily is the best bang for your buck when it comes to 1080p gaming. For more hot gaming graphics cards, read on below.
XFX Speedster AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
Superior power
The first choice you’ll have to make for a gaming graphics card is choosing between AMD or Nvidia. In this case, the Radeon RX 6800 XT from AMD is our top pick. It rivals the RTX 3080 in terms of power, but at a better price. With high clock speeds and a whopping 16GB of memory, this card can easily handle the most intensive games on the market.
Pros:
- Great software for tuning the fans and clock speeds
- Able to be overclocked if you know what you’re doing
- Will run triple-A games years from now
Cons:
- A bit expensive, though cheaper than comparable Nvidia options
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 Gaming
Now that the GPU shortage has finally come to an end, you can finally get your hands on an affordable RTX card like this 3060 from Gigabyte. This bad boy handles ray tracing, ultra graphics settings, and huge games with ease. It might not be the top RTX card on the market, but it definitely remains a solid choice for a gaming PC — especially if you have a lower wattage power supply.
Pros:
- Works great for game streaming with programs like GeForce Now, Moonlight, and Steam Link
- Easy installation, essentially plug-and-play
- Great cooling, keeping the GPU at low temps and prolonging its life
Cons:
- With 4K gaming, you’ll have to choose between higher frame rates or top graphics
XFX Speedster MERC319 AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT
The ultimate gameplay experience
Want the smoothest, most gorgeous gaming experience on the market? Then you’ll need a graphics card like this one. The Radeon RX 6900 XT is an absolute beast, busting out high framerates even when outputting to 4K displays. This is for gamers that want the absolute best experience with realistic graphics and smooth framerates.
Pros:
- Great for Twitch streamers that want the best performance possible
- Fans run quietly, even at maximum load they’re not too loud
- Pairs well with AMD CPUs
Cons:
- Doesn’t work with GeForce or Moonlight streaming apps, but the program Sunshine was made to remedy this
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3050 8G Graphics Card
Epic visuals
So you want high-class performance but don’t quite have the budget for it. We’ve all been there, which is why we’re recommending the GeForce RTX 3050 from Gigabyte. This model is overclocked, meaning Gigabyte has squeezed some extra performance out of this card. If you’ve only got a 1080p monitor, this is the perfect choice for your gaming rig since it handles this resolution like a champ.
Pros:
- Overclocked performance means you’re getting great value for the processing power
- More affordable than other 3000 series RTX cards, but still has plenty of processing power
- Works with Intel and AMD CPUs
Cons:
- You’ll need a decently-sized case to house this
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3090 24GB
Unleash the beast
If you want a gaming PC that also handles video editing well, check out this graphics card. The RTX 3090 has a whopping 24 gigabytes of VRAM memory — perfect for visual creative programs such as Adobe Premiere or Blendr. This is the best of the 3000 series Nvidia cards and will remain relevant for many years to come.
Pros:
- Future proof for a long while, meaning games years from now will still run well on this
- No stuttering, higher framerate gameplay
- Great for competitive shooters and fighters
Cons:
- Takes a lot of power, so you’ll need a good power supply
Frequently Asked Questions
What is video memory on a graphics card?
Video memory, also known as VRAM, is essentially RAM for the graphics processor to store images and textures. Basically, any data that pertains to rendering graphics gets stored in the VRAM for quick access. The more VRAM you have and the faster it is, the smoother it will render graphics.
Are gaming graphics cards good for creative applications?
While they definitely don’t hinder anything, a graphics card won’t make a difference in music applications like Ableton. You’ll need to focus on high-capacity, fast RAM, a super-fast CPU, and a motherboard that can handle such components. For video editing and 3D art or animation, though, a good graphics card makes a world of difference.
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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.