The Best Graphics Cards
If you’re looking to build your own computer or increase your current computer’s performance, a new graphics card is a crucial piece of the puzzle. High-end cards help render 3D and sometimes even ray-tracing images in real-time, giving you more realistic images and videos at a faster speed. However, shopping can get overwhelming with all the options out there. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best graphics cards out there so you can spend less time shopping and more time enjoying your PC.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best graphics cards, we considered RAM size, number of ventilation fans, overall performance, and price. For example, if you want massive RAM storage and a fast GPU clock speed for maximum performance, the Zotac RTX 3060 AMD Ryzen 5 graphics card is our top choice. If you want something more affordable that acts as a minimalist third-party graphics upgrade, the MSI Low Profile GT 710 graphics card makes a great addition for any casual PC user. Read on to see all our top picks and find the right graphics card for your computer setup.
ZOTAC RTX 3060 AMD Ryzen 5 Graphics Card
The hardiest of hardware
If you want gaming-level specs at a mid-range price, that can be a tall order. But this graphics card from Zotac is up to the task and has the features to back it up. With 12 gigs of RAM, a GPU clock speed of 1807 MHz, and two powerful fans, this card finds itself in some pretty impressive company. As long as you’re not maxing out settings in your games or expecting a million frames per second, this card will do the job for less than half of what most other suppliers are charging. The memory storage alone makes this card a killer bargain.
Pros:
- Has 12GB of RAM for multitasking
- Capable of 8K resolution
- Reasonable price for the quality
Cons:
- The fans can get noisy without the occasional dust removal
ASUS GeForce RTX 2060 Graphics Card
Less is more
This mid-to-low range one should do the trick for builders who want an upgraded graphics card but aren’t ready to pull the trigger on a thousand-dollar gaming card. It’s priced very modestly and has a surprising amount of features for the price. It still has 6GB of RAM and two fans to keep it cool, plenty for moderate gaming or 4K streaming. Given the price point, this graphics card is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Supports up to four monitors
- Compatible with DisplayPort 1. 4, HDMI 2. 0, and DVI ports
- Wing-blade fans are dust-resistant
- Max resolution of 7680 x 4320
Cons:
- Not as much RAM as higher-end models
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce 3070 Graphics Card
If you’re a gamer looking for top-notch cooling, incredible resolution, and lighting-fast GPU clock speeds, look no further. This gaming graphics card boasts 8GB of RAM and a GPU clock speed of 1830 MHz for optimal performance. Whether playing online with friends or gearing up for a night of VR, this graphics card can handle it easily. If you’re considering an upgrade, this one might have your name written all over it.
Pros:
- Great raytracing performance
- Works with 4K resolution
- Three fans work to keep the unit cool
Cons:
- Priced high given its MSRP
MSI Low Profile GT 710 Graphics Card
Don't break the bank
This card may not turn heads with its performance or specs, but it may just get your attention for the price. This affordable graphics card comes with 1GB of RAM: just a fraction of what gaming graphics cards use, but more than enough for most household uses. Its design is minimalistic, and there’s no fan to add noise during use, so it’s incredibly compact. Best of all, it costs less than a quarter of what most other graphics cards are going for. If you need something a little more heavy-duty, browse the whole line of products. They have plenty more options and are all reasonably priced for their performance.
Pros:
- Offers low noise because there’s no fan
- Plenty of model options in the product line to choose from
- Can pick from one or two gigs of RAM
Cons:
- Only has 1GB of RAM
MSI GeForce RTX 3060 Graphics Card
Time to chill
When it comes to graphics cards, more fans equals more power. If you want maximum processing performance from your card, you’re going to need some serious cooling power to keep it at a decent temperature. That’s why this card from MSI is such a great find. It has three fans to keep your graphics card cool, ensuring it won’t overheat or crash. On top of that, it has excellent specs and plenty of power to go around. With this many fans, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better graphics card at this price.
Pros:
- Has a reinforced backplate to prevent bending
- Heatsink design reduces noise
- Each fan has 50 percent more power than an average fan
- Fans automatically turn off when the temperature is low to save energy
Cons:
- May be too large for some towers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much RAM should a graphics card have?
Top-of-the-line graphics cards have at least 12GB of RAM. However, it’s not uncommon for most mid-range cards to have 6GB to 8GB of RAM. The lower-end models may have 1-2. For gaming, we recommend at least 8GB.
Why do some graphics cards have fans?
Graphics cards typically need their own fans because they generate more heat than other parts of the computer, especially during gaming or intense visual programs. The graphics cards render intricate images in real time, which takes a lot of processing power. Massive power requires massive cooling, and fans help them stay cool so they can keep doing their job.
About the Author
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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.