Top Budget GPUs for 2025: Best Value Picks

It's no secret that graphics cards have become significantly more expensive over the years. However, there's good news for budget-conscious gamers: affordable graphics cards are making a comeback. My top recommendation, the Intel Arc B580, has just hit the market at a wallet-friendly $249 and outperforms all other options under $300. This means you don't have to settle for outdated cards that cost as much as the GTX 1070 Ti did back in 2014. Even the $450 RTX 5060 Ti, while more expensive than the B580, remains a budget-friendly choice compared to the $999 RTX 5080, which powers the cream of the crop in gaming PCs today.

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 a lower price tag, you can still achieve an excellent gaming experience by adjusting your expectations slightly. The RTX 5060 Ti, for example, isn't designed for 4K gaming, but it excels at 1080p and even 1440p, making it an ideal choice for gamers sticking with the most popular display resolutions, as per the latest Steam Hardware Survey. So, no need to spend a fortune to enjoy a high-quality gaming PC in 2025, despite the overall increase in prices.

With years of experience reviewing graphics cards, I can confidently vouch for the performance and value of every GPU on this list.

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 more affordable options still cost hundreds of dollars. Traditionally, a budget graphics card would be around $200 and offer solid 1080p gaming performance, but times have changed. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, for instance, is now considered a budget option at $399.

It's all about perspective. If a high-end graphics card costs around $1,000 and a mid-range like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 is about $449, a budget GPU would fall within the $200 to $300 range. While you can find ultra-cheap cards below this price, you'd likely need to opt for last-generation models. Yet, even older GPUs like the RTX 3060 or RTX 2060 can still deliver impressive performance at 1080p, even if they lack some modern features.

Ask yourself if you really need top-tier ray tracing effects. Chances are, you can do without them.

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 budget graphics cards were an afterthought for manufacturers. Nvidia, for example, hasn't followed up the GTX 1660 Ti, leaving budget gamers with last year's models. Thankfully, Intel has stepped up, and its second-generation graphics cards offer an excellent entry point into PC gaming. The Intel Arc B580 is by far the best budget graphics card we've seen in years.

Priced at $249, the B580 comes with 12GB of VRAM, which is much more than the 8GB found in comparable models like the RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600. While 8GB is sufficient for 1080p gaming, 12GB is crucial for higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K. During my review of the Intel Arc B580, I found it delivered superior performance at 1440p compared to any other graphics card in its class, largely due 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. On average, it costs just $3.72 per frame at 1440p, significantly less than the $4.39 for the RTX 4060 and $4.89 for the AMD Radeon RX 7600. For its price, the B580 provides unmatched value for budget-conscious gamers.

Surprisingly, the B580 also handles ray tracing exceptionally well. In games like Cyberpunk 2077, which typically favor Nvidia hardware, the B580 outperforms the more expensive RTX 4060, averaging 60fps at 1440p with the Ray Tracing Ultra preset and XeSS set to Balanced.

However, being only the second generation of Intel's graphics cards, there are still some kinks to work out. For instance, during my testing of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the benchmark ran without rendering the player's gun. While annoying, this is a fixable issue, and it was consistent across all Intel GPUs I tested, including the last-gen Arc A770 and A750.

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 has struggled to follow up its RTX 4000 series, but the RTX 5060 Ti marks a significant improvement over the RTX 4060 Ti. This boost comes from a larger chip with 36 compute units compared to 34, and the introduction of Blackwell's features, including DLSS 4.

The RTX 5060 Ti's biggest draw is its support for Multi-Frame Generation (MFG) through DLSS 4. This AI-driven feature can generate up to three interpolated frames per rendered frame, significantly boosting frame rates. However, this comes at the cost of latency, so it's not recommended 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 my testing suite. While not a massive generational leap, it's capable of handling nearly any game at 1080p or 1440p with maximum settings.

Note that there are two versions of the RTX 4060 Ti: one with 16GB of VRAM and another with 8GB. I tested the 16GB model, but with the increasing memory demands of modern games, the 8GB version might not be the best choice.

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 compromise. The AMD Radeon RX 7600, while not ideal for ray tracing, excels at traditional 1080p gaming. Who really needs fancy ray tracing when you're just looking to enjoy games like Phasmophobia with friends?

In my review, the RX 7600 struggled in some titles, such as Cyberpunk 2077, but it easily achieved over 60fps at 1080p in others, like Total War: Warhammer 3, where it hit up to 83fps. At around $250, it's hard to complain.

With 8GB of VRAM, the RX 7600 is more than enough for most 1080p gaming needs. Its strength lies in smoothly running popular games without fuss. Even if you have to dial back ray tracing occasionally, it's a compromise I can live with.

4. MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X

Best Budget GPU Under $200

### MSIGeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X

1The RTX 3050 may be last-gen, but it's one of the best options for affordable 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 is part of the last-generation 3000-series cards, and Nvidia hasn't released a new budget-friendly model yet. Despite this, the RTX 3050 remains a great value, delivering solid 1080p performance in nearly any game.

You may need to adjust settings for more demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Horizon: Forbidden West. At the time of writing, this EVGA RTX 3050 is available for $179 on Amazon, making it the most budget-friendly option for entering PC gaming.

With Nvidia's third-generation Tensor cores, the RTX 3050 supports DLSS 2.0, enhancing its value and performance in compatible games. However, I wouldn't recommend enabling ray tracing on this card, as it won't provide a satisfying experience. Instead, it's perfect for traditional gaming, esports, and indie games.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 – Photos

View 4 Images5. AMD Radeon RX 9070

Best Mid-Range GPU

### AMD Radeon RX 9070

0Though 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 GPUThe AMD Radeon RX 9070 isn't typically considered a budget graphics card, but it's the best value under $600, especially once stock levels normalize. It's the entry point to mid-range GPUs, offering excellent 1440p performance and more VRAM than expected at this price point.

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 games with heavy ray tracing like Cyberpunk 2077, where it achieved 93fps at 1440p with the ray tracing ultra preset and FSR set to balanced. This performance closes the gap in games traditionally favoring Nvidia.

Unlike the RTX 5070, the RX 9070 comes with 16GB of GDDR6, which, though not as fast as the GDDR7 on the Nvidia card, outstrips the RTX 5070's 12GB VRAM. This is crucial as games become more memory-intensive, particularly at higher resolutions. The only downside is its proximity in price to the RX 9070 XT, which can handle 4K gaming for just $50 more—a small price to pay if you're using a 4K display.

How to Pick the Best GPU on a Budget

Choosing the best budget GPU doesn't have to be overwhelming. It's all about balancing performance and 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 for specific games you want to play to guide your decision.

Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and bundle deals, as prices can fluctuate. If a new GPU is released, older models may drop in price, offering better value. A quality GPU combined with a great deal maximizes 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, expect to spend 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 choice. With ample CUDA cores, it handles most creative workloads in apps like Adobe Premiere or Blender, and its 4th-generation Tensor cores support DLSS, which is increasingly used in popular content creation software.