Top Affordable GPUs for 2025: Best Value Picks
It's no secret that graphics cards have become significantly more expensive in recent years. However, there's good news for budget-conscious gamers: affordable options are making a strong comeback. My top pick, the Intel Arc B580, is a game-changer at just $249, outperforming other cards in its price range. This means you no longer have to settle for outdated models that cost as much as the GTX 1070 Ti did back in 2014. Even the RTX 5060 Ti, priced at $450, is a more affordable option compared to the high-end RTX 5080, which starts at $999. In today's market, the RTX 5060 Ti can still be considered a budget-friendly choice.
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 more modest budget, you can still enjoy an exceptional gaming experience by setting realistic expectations. For instance, while the RTX 5060 Ti isn't designed for 4K gaming, it excels at 1080p and even 1440p resolutions, making it an excellent choice for gamers using the most popular display resolution according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey. So, you don't need to break the bank to build a fantastic gaming PC in 2025, even if prices are a bit higher than before.
Having reviewed numerous graphics cards over the years, I can confidently recommend each GPU on this list based on their performance and value for money.
Contributions by Kegan Mooney and Georgie Peru
What Do We Consider a "Budget GPU"?
In today's market, graphics cards have reached unprecedented price points, with some Nvidia models topping $2,000, while even budget-friendly options hover around the hundreds. Gone are the days when a $200 graphics card could comfortably handle 1080p gaming in the latest titles. For example, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, now considered a budget option, costs $399.
It's all about perspective. With high-end cards hovering around $1,000 and mid-range options like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 at $449, a budget GPU typically falls within the $200 to $300 range. While there are cheaper, older models available, they often require compromises. An RTX 3060 or RTX 2060, for instance, can still deliver impressive 1080p performance, even if you miss out on some of the latest features.
The key question to ask yourself is whether you truly need the best ray tracing effects. Often, you can enjoy gaming without them.
Intel Arc B580 – Photos
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1. 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 budget graphics cards were an afterthought for manufacturers. Nvidia, for instance, hasn't released a successor to the GTX 1660 Ti, leaving budget gamers to settle for last year's models. Thankfully, Intel has stepped up with its second generation of graphics cards, offering a compelling entry point into PC gaming. The Intel Arc B580 is a standout, delivering the best value for budget gamers in years.
Priced at $249, the Arc B580 comes equipped with 12GB of VRAM, significantly more than the 8GB found in competitors like the RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600. This extra VRAM is crucial for higher resolutions, as the frame buffer can quickly fill up at 1440p or 4K. In my review, the Intel Arc B580 consistently outperformed other budget cards at 1440p, largely thanks to its ample VRAM.
Intel Arc B580 – Benchmarks
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Across the eight games I benchmarked with the Intel Arc B580, it offered the lowest cost per frame in the lineup. On average, at 1440p, the Arc B580 costs just $3.72 per frame, compared to $4.39 for the RTX 4060 and $4.89 for the AMD Radeon RX 7600, based on retail prices. For its price, the B580 provides unmatched value for budget-conscious gamers.
What's particularly impressive is its ray tracing performance. Even in games that typically favor Nvidia hardware, like Cyberpunk 2077, the Intel B580 shines. At 1440p with the Ray Tracing Ultra preset and XeSS set to Balanced, it achieves a solid 60fps average, outperforming the more expensive RTX 4060's 49fps.
However, being only the second generation of Intel's graphics cards, there are still some bugs to iron out. During my testing of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the benchmark ran without rendering the gun in the player's hand, an issue that persisted across all Intel GPUs I tested, including the last-gen Arc A770 and A750.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti – Photos
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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's RTX 5060 Ti marks a solid improvement over the RTX 4060 Ti, thanks to a larger chip with 36 compute units instead of 34, and the addition of new features like DLSS 4.
The highlight of this generation is the advanced Frame Generation technology, with the RTX 5060 Ti supporting Multi-Frame Generation (MFG) through DLSS 4. This AI-driven feature can generate up to three interpolated frames for each rendered frame, significantly boosting frame rates. However, this comes at the cost of increased latency, so it's not recommended for games requiring quick reactions, such as Marvel Rivals.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti – Benchmarks
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In my review of the Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti, it showed a 23% performance increase over the RTX 4060 Ti and a 43% boost over the RTX 3060 Ti across my test suite. While this isn't a dramatic generational leap, it's sufficient to handle most games at 1080p and 1440p with settings maxed out.
It's worth noting there are two versions of the RTX 4060 Ti: one with 16GB of VRAM and another with 8GB. I reviewed the 16GB model, but given the increasing memory demands of modern games, I advise avoiding the 8GB variant.
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
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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 performanceOpting for a more affordable graphics card often involves compromise. The AMD Radeon RX 7600 isn't ideal for ray tracing enthusiasts, but it excels in traditional 1080p gaming. After all, who needs fancy ray tracing when you're just trying to enjoy games like Phasmophobia with friends?
During my review of the AMD Radeon RX 7600, it struggled with certain games like Cyberpunk 2077, but delivered over 60fps in others like Total War: Warhammer 3 at 1080p. At around $250, it's a solid choice for gamers on a budget.
With 8GB of VRAM, the RX 7600 meets most 1080p gaming needs and runs popular titles smoothly. While you might need to adjust ray tracing settings occasionally, it's a compromise I'm willing to make.
MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X
Best Budget GPU Under $200
### MSIGeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X
1Though the RTX 3050 is last-gen, it remains a top choice for budget 1080p gaming. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsBase Clock1507MHzVRAM6GB GDDR6Outputx2 HDMI 2.1, x1 DisplayPort 1.4aShading cores2304Compute units18PROSImpressive dual fan coolingGreat valueCONSOnly 6GB VRAMThe RTX 3050 may be from the previous generation, but with Nvidia yet to release a new budget-friendly option, it's still a great value. At just $179 on Amazon, it's the most affordable way to dive into PC gaming without scouring used markets.
You may need to adjust settings in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Horizon: Forbidden West, but the RTX 3050 handles most games at 1080p. It also supports DLSS 2.0, which helps boost performance in compatible games. However, I wouldn't recommend enabling ray tracing on this card, as it can compromise the gaming experience.
This GPU is perfect for esports and indie games, focusing on traditional gaming workloads.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 – Photos
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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 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 strictly a budget option, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 is the best value under $600 once stock stabilizes. It's an entry-level mid-range card that delivers strong 1440p performance with ample VRAM.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks
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In my review of the Radeon RX 9070, it outperformed the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 at the same price point, even in ray tracing-heavy games like Cyberpunk 2077. With the ray tracing ultra preset and FSR set to balanced, it achieved 93fps at 1440p, compared to the RTX 5070's 90fps.
The RX 9070's 16GB of GDDR6 gives it an edge over the RTX 5070's 12GB, especially as games become more memory-intensive at higher resolutions. The only drawback is its proximity in price to the RX 9070 XT, which can handle 4K gaming for just $50 more. While not insignificant, it's a small price to pay for those with 4K displays.
How to Pick the Best GPU on a Budget
Choosing the right budget GPU involves balancing performance and cost. Consider what you'll be using the GPU for and 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 decision.
Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and bundle deals, as prices can fluctuate. If a new GPU has been released, older models may drop in price, offering better value. A quality GPU combined with a good deal can maximize your investment.
FAQs about Cheaper GPUs
How much should I budget for a GPU?
For less demanding games at 1080p, you can find a decent graphics card between $200 and $400. For 1440p or 4K gaming, prices can easily exceed $500.
What is the best budget GPU for content creation?
For content creation without spending over $1,000, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is a strong choice. It offers enough CUDA cores for tasks like Adobe Premiere or Blender and includes 4th-generation Tensor cores for DLSS support, which is increasingly used in popular content creation apps.
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