Top Budget GPUs of 2025: Cost-Effective Picks

It's no secret that graphics cards have become significantly more expensive over recent years. However, there's good news for budget-conscious gamers: affordable graphics cards are making a strong comeback. My top pick, the Intel Arc B580, launched at an impressive $249 and outperforms any other GPU in its price range below $300. This means that instead of settling for older, less capable cards that originally cost as much as the GTX 1070 Ti did back in 2014, budget gamers now have access to high-quality options. Even a $450 card like the RTX 5060 Ti is a steal compared to the $999 starting price of the RTX 5080, which powers the top-end gaming PCs today, and it's still considered a budget option.

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 their lower price tags, these GPUs can deliver an outstanding gaming experience, provided you set realistic expectations. For example, while the RTX 5060 Ti may not be ideal for 4K gaming, it excels at 1080p and even 1440p, making it the perfect choice for those using the most common display resolution according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey. So, you don't need to break the bank to enjoy a fantastic gaming PC in 2025, even though prices are higher than they used to be.

Having reviewed numerous graphics cards over the years, I can confidently vouch for the performance and value of every GPU listed here.

Contributions by Kegan Mooney and Georgie Peru

What Do We Consider a "Budget GPU"?

In today's market, graphics cards are more expensive than ever, with some Nvidia models reaching up to $2,000, while even the more affordable options still cost hundreds of dollars. Gone are the days when a budget GPU could be had for around $200 and still offer a robust 1080p gaming experience in the latest titles. For instance, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, considered a budget option by current standards, will set you back $399.

It's all about perspective. If a high-end GPU is around $1,000 and a mid-range card like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 costs around $449, then a budget GPU would typically fall within the $200 to $300 range. There are certainly cheaper options available, but they often require you to settle for last-generation technology. That said, an RTX 3060 or RTX 2060 can still provide excellent 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. Chances are, you can enjoy gaming just fine without them.

Intel Arc B580 – Photos

View 5 Images1. 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, 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 problems at launchFor years, it felt like graphics card manufacturers had forgotten about the budget segment. Nvidia, for example, hasn't released a successor to the GTX 1660 Ti, instead suggesting budget buyers settle for last year's models. Fortunately, Intel has entered the market, and their second-generation graphics cards provide an excellent entry point for PC gaming. The Intel Arc B580 is by far the best budget graphics card we've seen in years.

Priced at $249, it comes equipped with 12GB of VRAM, significantly more than the 8GB found in comparable cards like the RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600. While 8GB might be sufficient for 1080p, it's crucial for higher resolutions where the frame buffer fills up quickly. My tests showed that the Intel Arc B580 delivers superior performance at 1440p, largely thanks to its generous frame buffer.

Intel Arc B580 – Benchmarks

View 15 ImagesAcross the eight games I benchmarked with the Intel Arc B580, it consistently offered the lowest cost per frame. On average, the B580 costs just $3.72 per frame in a 1440p game, compared to $4.39 for the RTX 4060 and $4.89 for the AMD Radeon RX 7600. This makes the B580 a clear winner for value-conscious gamers.

Surprisingly, the B580 also handles ray tracing exceptionally well. In games like Cyberpunk 2077, which traditionally favor Nvidia's hardware, the B580 outperforms the more expensive RTX 4060. At 1440p with the Ray Tracing Ultra preset and XeSS set to Balanced, the B580 achieves a solid 60fps average, compared to the RTX 4060's 49fps.

However, as this is only Intel's second generation of graphics cards, there are still some issues to iron out. During testing with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the benchmark ran without rendering the gun in the player's hand, a problem also seen in other Intel GPUs like 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 faced challenges in improving upon their RTX 4000 series, but the RTX 5060 Ti offers a solid step up from the RTX 4060 Ti. This improvement largely comes from a larger chip with 36 compute units, up from 34, and the introduction of new features like DLSS 4.

The key feature of this generation is the next iteration of Frame Generation, with the RTX 5060 Ti supporting Multi-Frame Generation (MFG) through DLSS 4. This AI-driven technology can generate up to three interpolated frames for each rendered frame, significantly boosting frame rates. However, this comes at the expense of increased latency, so it's not recommended for games requiring quick reactions, such as Marvel Rivals.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti – Benchmarks

View 12 ImagesMy tests showed the RTX 5060 Ti to be about 23% faster than the RTX 4060 Ti and 43% faster than the RTX 3060 Ti across the board. While this isn't a massive generational leap, it's enough to handle most games at 1080p or 1440p with settings maxed out.

It's worth noting there are two versions of the RTX 4060 Ti: one with 16GB of VRAM, which I reviewed, and another with 8GB. Given the increasing memory demands of modern games, it's best to steer clear of the lower-memory 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

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. While the AMD Radeon RX 7600 isn't ideal for ray tracing enthusiasts, it excels at traditional 1080p gaming. If you're more interested in playing games like Phasmophobia with friends than in fancy ray tracing tech, the RX 7600 is a great choice.

In my review, the RX 7600 struggled in certain games like Cyberpunk 2077, but it easily delivered over 60fps at 1080p in many others. For example, in Total War: Warhammer 3, it achieved up to 83fps at this resolution. Priced around $250, it's a solid option for those looking for performance without breaking the bank.

With 8GB of VRAM, the RX 7600 is more than adequate for most 1080p gaming scenarios. Its strength lies in running popular games smoothly, even if you occasionally need to dial back the ray tracing settings.

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 still one of the best options 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, though part of the last-generation 3000-series, remains a strong value proposition. With Nvidia yet to launch a successor in the Ada Lovelace generation, the RTX 3050 continues to be a reliable choice for budget-conscious gamers, delivering solid 1080p performance across most titles.

You may need to adjust quality settings for more demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Horizon: Forbidden West. At the time of writing, the EVGA RTX 3050 was available for just $179 on Amazon, making it the most affordable entry into PC gaming without resorting to used cards.

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 satisfactory experience. It's best suited for traditional gaming and esports titles.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 – Photos

View 4 Images5. AMD Radeon RX 9070

Best Mid-Range GPU

### AMD Radeon RX 9070

0While 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 GPUAlthough the AMD Radeon RX 9070 isn't typically categorized as a budget graphics card, it offers the best value for under $600. It's the entry-level option in the mid-range category, providing superior 1440p performance and more VRAM than you'd expect at this price point.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

View 11 ImagesMy review of the Radeon RX 9070 showed it outperforming the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 at the same price point, even in games with heavy ray tracing like Cyberpunk 2077. The RX 9070 achieved 93fps at 1440p with the ray tracing ultra preset and FSR set to balanced, compared to the RTX 5070's 90fps.

The RX 9070's 16GB of GDDR6 memory outpaces the 12GB of VRAM on the RTX 5070, which is crucial 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. However, for those with a 1440p setup, the RX 9070 is a fantastic choice.

How to Pick the Best GPU on a Budget

Choosing the right budget GPU can seem daunting, but it's all about finding the right balance between performance and price. Consider what you'll be using the GPU for, and focus on 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 you're not in a hurry, waiting for a good deal can significantly enhance your value. Additionally, older models often become more affordable after new releases, so they're worth considering.

FAQs about Cheaper GPUs

How much should I budget for a GPU?

For less demanding games at 1080p, you can find a decent GPU for between $200 to $400. For 1440p or 4K gaming, you'll need to budget well over $500.

What is the best budget GPU for content creation?

For content creators on a budget, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is a strong choice. With ample CUDA cores and 4th-generation Tensor cores supporting DLSS, it's well-suited for creative workloads in applications like Adobe Premiere and Blender.