In recent years, graphics cards have become significantly more expensive, but the tide is turning with the resurgence of budget-friendly options. The standout choice is the Intel Arc B580, which launched at $249 and outperforms other cards in its price range. This means budget gamers no longer need to settle for outdated or overpriced options. Even a $450 graphics card like the RTX 5060 Ti remains a more affordable choice compared to the $999 RTX 5080, which powers top-tier gaming PCs.
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 NeweggEven with a lower price tag, you can still achieve an excellent gaming experience by setting realistic expectations. For instance, the RTX 5060 Ti may not be ideal for 4K gaming, but it excels at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, making it perfect for those sticking to the most popular display resolutions according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey. You don't need to spend thousands to build a great gaming PC in 2025, even if costs have risen compared to the past.
As a seasoned reviewer of graphics cards, I've personally tested every GPU on this list and can confidently endorse their performance, especially considering their price points.
Contributions by Kegan Mooney and Georgie Peru
What Do We Consider a "Budget GPU"?
With graphics cards now more expensive than ever, some Nvidia models reach up to $2,000, while more affordable options still cost hundreds. In the past, a budget graphics card around $200 could deliver a solid 1080p gaming experience. Today, a card like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, priced at $399, might be considered a budget option.
The definition of a budget GPU is relative. If high-end cards cost around $1,000 and mid-range options like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 are around $449, then a budget GPU falls within the $200 to $300 range. While there are cheaper, last-generation GPUs available, they require some compromises. However, cards like the RTX 3060 or RTX 2060 still offer strong 1080p performance, even if they lack some modern features.
The key is to decide whether you truly need the latest ray tracing effects; often, you can enjoy gaming without them.
Intel Arc B580 – Photos
View 5 Images
1. Intel Arc B580
The Best Budget Graphics Card
### Intel Arc B580
4The Intel Arc B580 is the best budget graphics card we've seen in years. Full stop. 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 problems at launchFor years, it seemed like graphics card manufacturers had overlooked the budget segment. Nvidia, for example, hasn't followed up the GTX 1660 Ti, instead suggesting budget-conscious gamers use last year's models. Thankfully, Intel has stepped in with its second generation of graphics cards, offering a fantastic entry point to PC gaming. The Intel Arc B580 stands out as the best budget graphics card we've seen in years.
Priced at $249, the B580 comes equipped with 12GB of VRAM, far exceeding the 8GB found in comparable models like the RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600. This extra VRAM is beneficial at higher resolutions, where the frame buffer can quickly become saturated. In my review, the Intel Arc B580 delivered superior 1440p performance compared to other budget cards, largely thanks to its generous VRAM.
Intel Arc B580 – Benchmarks
View 15 Images
Across eight benchmarked games, the Intel Arc B580 provided the lowest cost per frame at 1440p, averaging $3.72 per frame, compared to $4.39 for the RTX 4060 and $4.89 for the AMD Radeon RX 7600. This makes the B580 an unbeatable value for budget-conscious gamers.
Surprisingly, the B580 also excels in handling ray tracing, even in games like Cyberpunk 2077, which typically favor Nvidia's hardware. At 1440p with the Ray Tracing Ultra preset and XeSS set to Balanced, it achieves a smooth 60fps average, outperforming the more expensive RTX 4060.
However, as Intel's graphics cards are still in their second generation, some bugs remain. For instance, during my testing of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the benchmark ran without rendering the gun in the player's hand. While this issue is likely fixable, it's a common problem across Intel's GPU lineup, including the last-gen Arc A770 and A750.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti – Photos
View 5 Images
2. 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 has struggled to follow up its RTX 4000 series, but the RTX 5060 Ti marks a significant improvement over the RTX 4060 Ti. Its performance boost comes from a larger chip with 36 compute units, and it introduces new features like DLSS 4.
The RTX 5060 Ti's highlight is its support for Multi-Frame Generation (MFG) through DLSS 4, using AI to generate up to three interpolated frames per rendered frame, significantly boosting frame rates. However, this increases latency, so it's not recommended for games requiring quick reactions, like Marvel Rivals.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti – Benchmarks
View 12 Images
In my review, the RTX 5060 Ti was 23% faster than the RTX 4060 Ti and 43% faster than the RTX 3060 Ti across my testing suite. While not a huge leap, it's capable of running most games at 1080p or 1440p with max settings.
Note that there are two versions of the RTX 4060 Ti: one with 16GB of VRAM, which I reviewed, and another with 8GB. Given the increasing RAM demands of modern games, it's advisable to steer clear of the 8GB model.
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 Images
3. 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 compromise. While the AMD Radeon RX 7600 isn't ideal for ray tracing, it excels at traditional 1080p gaming. It's perfect for games like Phasmophobia, where fancy ray tracing isn't necessary.
During my review, the RX 7600 delivered over 60fps at 1080p in many games, achieving up to 83fps in Total War: Warhammer 3. Although it doesn't match the performance of cards costing twice as much, its $250 price point is hard to beat.
The RX 7600 comes with 8GB of VRAM, sufficient for most 1080p gaming. It shines in running popular games smoothly, even if ray tracing needs to be dialed back occasionally. That's a compromise I can live with.
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X
Best Budget GPU Under $200
### MSIGeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X
1The RTX 3050 might be last-gen, but it's one of the best options for 1080p gaming on a tight budget. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsBase Clock1507MHzVRAM6GB GDDR6Outputx2 HDMI 2.1, x1 DisplayPort 1.4aShading cores2304Compute units18PROSImpressive dual fan coolingGreat valueCONSOnly 6GB VRAMThe RTX 3050 is an older model from Nvidia's 3000-series, and with no direct successor yet, it remains a great value. It delivers solid 1080p performance for most games.
You might need to adjust quality settings for demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Horizon: Forbidden West. Currently available for $179 on Amazon, the RTX 3050 is the most affordable way to enter PC gaming, aside from buying used.
The RTX 3050 benefits from Nvidia's third-generation Tensor cores, supporting DLSS 2.0, which enhances performance in compatible games. However, I wouldn't recommend enabling ray tracing on this card due to its performance limitations.
It's best suited for traditional gaming, especially esports and indie titles.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 – Photos
View 4 Images
5. AMD Radeon RX 9070
Best Mid-Range GPU
### AMD Radeon RX 9070
0While priced close to the RX 9070 XT, the Radeon RX 9070 offers excellent value for a 1440p graphics card. 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 GPUThe AMD Radeon RX 9070 isn't a budget GPU in the traditional sense, but it's the best value under $600, especially once stock levels stabilize. It's the entry-level choice for mid-range gaming, delivering excellent 1440p performance with ample VRAM.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks
View 11 Images
In 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. At 1440p with the ray tracing ultra preset and FSR set to balanced, it achieved 93fps, compared to the RTX 5070's 90fps.
The RX 9070's 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM is a significant advantage over the RTX 5070's 12GB of GDDR7, especially as games become more demanding. The only drawback is its proximity in price to the RX 9070 XT, which can handle 4K gaming for just $50 more—a small price to pay for 4K enthusiasts.
How to Pick the Best GPU on a Budget
Choosing the best budget GPU involves understanding your needs and balancing performance with cost. Consider what you'll use the GPU for, focusing on frame rates, resolution capabilities, and compatibility with your existing hardware. Check the system requirements of games you want to play to guide your decision.
Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and bundle deals, as prices can fluctuate. If you're not in a rush, waiting for a good deal can be beneficial. Older models often drop in price after new releases, offering great value.
FAQs about Cheaper GPUs
How much should I budget for a GPU?
For 1080p gaming, a decent graphics card can be found between $200 to $400. For 1440p or 4K gaming, prices can exceed $500.
What is the best budget GPU for content creation?
For content creation without breaking the bank, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is a solid choice. With enough CUDA cores for most creative workloads in apps like Adobe Premiere or Blender, and the 4th-generation Tensor cores for DLSS support, it's increasingly popular among content creators.
