Best GPU 2025: Pick the Best Graphics Card for Your Gaming PC

When building or upgrading your gaming PC, selecting the best graphics cards is crucial due to their significant impact on frame rates and overall performance. Graphics cards, or GPUs, are the powerhouse behind your gaming experience, directly influencing how smoothly your games run. With the latest Nvidia RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 available, the market is brimming with top-tier options that cater to various needs and budgets.

TL;DR: These Are the Best Graphics Cards:

Our Top Pick### Zotac Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super

2See it at Amazon### Gigabyte Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090

2See it at Newegg### Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

1See it at Amazon### Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT

0See it at Amazon### MSI Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060

0See it at Amazon

In today's market, GPUs are considered a luxury good, with high-end cards like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 reaching prices around $1,999. However, you can still achieve a solid gaming experience at a lower cost, particularly if you're comfortable with gaming at 1440p or 1080p resolutions. Having reviewed graphics cards over the past four generations, I've benchmarked and used each GPU on this list in real gaming scenarios. If these options don't meet your needs, feel free to comment with your specific gaming requirements, and I'll help you find the perfect card for your setup.

What to Look for in a Graphics Card

Choosing the right graphics card involves more than just picking the most powerful one. Consider the resolution at which you'll be playing games. A card optimized for 4K might not be the best choice for 1080p due to potential CPU bottlenecks. For example, the Nvidia RTX 5090 excels at 4K but can be slower than less expensive cards at 1080p. If you're gaming at 1080p, the Intel Arc B580 offers great performance at a lower price. For 1440p, consider the AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT or the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super.

Budget is another critical factor, as graphics cards are becoming increasingly expensive. A solid 1080p card can be found around $200-$250, while spending a bit more on the Nvidia RTX 4060 will unlock Nvidia's exclusive features. For a top-tier experience at 4K, cards like the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 are excellent choices, depending on your preference for ray tracing.

Power consumption is also important, especially with high-end GPUs. Ensure your power supply can handle the card's requirements. For example, while the Intel Arc B580 works with a 450W PSU, the Radeon RX 7800 XT requires a more robust power supply.

What do you look for in a graphics card? ----------------------------------------

Has to be cheaper than buying a PS5Excellent performance at 4K and beyondA nice balance of performance and priceRay tracing

AnswerSee Results### Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super Unboxing

5 Images1. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super

The Best Graphics Card for Most People

Our Top Pick### Zotac Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super

2This RTX 4070 Super from Zotac is the best graphics card for most people, boasting a robust dual-fan cooler and delivering the performance needed for a premium gaming experience. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCUDA Cores/Stream Processors7168Base Clock1,980MHzBoost Clock2,475MHzVideo Memory12GB GDDR6XMemory Bandwidth504.2GB/sMemory Bus192-bitPower Connectors1 x 16-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4 Size10.5 x 4.4 x 1.7 inches (L x W x H)PROSOffers excellent value for the moneyCapable of handling 4K in select gamesCONS12GB of VRAM might be limiting for future titlesAlthough the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super isn't the cheapest option at $599, it provides exceptional value for gamers looking for a mid-range solution. It's well-suited for 1440p gaming and can even handle 4K in certain titles, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a balance between performance and cost.

During my review of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, I found it to be a standout among the mid-generation refresh cards Nvidia unveiled at CES 2024. Despite sticking with 12GB of VRAM, the RTX 4070 Super boasts 7,168 CUDA cores, a significant 21% increase over the original RTX 4070. This enhancement is evident in its superior gaming performance.

Nvidia RTX 4070 Super Benchmarks

3 ImagesIn Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 4070 Super demonstrates a 12% performance boost at 1440p compared to the RTX 4070. At 4K, it's 13% faster, showcasing its prowess in demanding titles like CD Projekt Red's RPG. In Forza Horizon 5 at 4K, the RTX 4070 Super achieves an impressive 123 fps, a 30% increase over the original RTX 4070.

With 1440p gaming on the rise, the RTX 4070 Super is perfectly timed for those looking to upgrade to a card that excels at this resolution.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Photos

5 Images2. Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090

The Best Nvidia Graphics Card

### Gigabyte Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090

2The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 stands as the most powerful graphics card currently available, even if its generational leap isn't as dramatic as its predecessors. See it at NeweggProduct SpecificationsCUDA Cores/Stream Processors21,760Base Clock2.01GHzBoost Clock2.41GHzVideo Memory32GB GDDR7Memory Bandwidth1,792 GB/sMemory Bus512-bitPower Connectors1 x 16-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1b, 3 x DisplayPort 2.1bSize (Founders Edition)11.9 x 5.39 x 1.9 inches (L x W x H) (Dual Slot)PROSDelivers unparalleled performance for consumersDLSS 4 multi-frame generation enhances frame ratesCONSModest generational performance improvementThe Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 is undeniably the market leader in terms of raw power. While its performance gains over the RTX 4090 may not be groundbreaking, it still offers the best gaming experience available, especially when leveraging DLSS multi-frame generation.

The RTX 5090 features 21,760 CUDA cores and 32GB of GDDR7 memory, significantly increasing its power requirements to a peak of 578W. Nvidia introduced a new dual-slot cooler for the Founders Edition to manage this increased power, a design not seen in flagship cards since the RTX 2080 Ti.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Benchmarks

14 ImagesThis new cooling design effectively manages the heat, with temperatures reaching up to 87°C during my tests, which is manageable for sustained high-performance gaming.

On average, the RTX 5090 is about 26% faster than the RTX 4090 at 4K, although this advantage diminishes at lower resolutions. Its true strength shines in 4K gaming without the need for extensive upscaling, making it the ultimate choice for those who want the best possible performance at this resolution.

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT – Photos

6 Images3. AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

The Best AMD Graphics Card

### Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

1This Radeon RX 7900 XTX from Gigabyte offers a competitive price point while maintaining excellent performance, thanks to its efficient triple-fan cooling system. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCUDA Cores/Stream Processors6,144Base Clock1,929MHzBoost Clock2,365MHzVideo Memory24GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth960 GB/sMemory Bus384-bitPower Connectors2 x 8-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1a, 2 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x USB-CSize11.3 x 4.3 x 2 inches (L x W x H) (Dual Slot)PROSExceptional 4K gaming performanceCompetitive pricing against RTX 4080CONSMay underperform in ray tracing-intensive gamesWhile AMD's Radeon RX 7900 XTX doesn't match the RTX 4090's power, it's a formidable competitor to the RTX 4080 Super. My hands-on testing confirmed its prowess at 4K, often matching or even surpassing Nvidia's offerings in certain games.

In Cyberpunk 2077 with ray tracing enabled, the RX 7900 XTX achieves an average of 58 fps at 4K with FSR, while in Forza Horizon 5, it reaches an impressive 158 fps, closely matching the RTX 4080 Super. Its performance in Far Cry 6 at 4K is also remarkable, averaging 154 fps.

The Radeon RX 7900 XTX is an excellent choice for gamers focusing on titles with minimal ray tracing, and its support for DisplayPort 2.1 makes it ideal for high-resolution ultrawide monitors.

AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT – Benchmarks

4 Images4. AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT

The Best GPU for 1440p

### Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT

0This Gigabyte Radeon RX 7700 XT features a triple-fan cooler that ensures your GPU remains cool while delivering high frame rates at 1440p. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCUDA Cores/Stream Processors3,456Base Clock1,435MHzBoost Clock2,171MHzVideo Memory12GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth432 GB/sMemory Bus192-bitPower Connectors2 x 8-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1a, 2 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x USB-CSize10.5 x 5.3 x 2 inches (L x W x H) (Dual Slot)PROSExcellent value for 1440p gamingSolid performance at the price pointCONSUnderperforms in ray tracing-heavy gamesFor gamers targeting the 1440p sweet spot, the AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT is an outstanding choice. It's priced competitively, often found for around $399 on Amazon, making it a direct competitor to the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti.

In Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p, the RX 7700 XT achieves 49 fps with ray tracing enabled, while in Forza Horizon 5, it reaches 118 fps. In Total War: Warhammer 3, it outperforms the RTX 4060 Ti by 20%, delivering 85 fps compared to Nvidia's 68 fps.

However, the RX 7700 XT consumes more power, peaking at 312W, which necessitates a robust power supply. If you're willing to manage the higher power draw, it offers superior performance at a similar price point.

Nvidia RTX 4060

5 Images5. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060

The Best GPU for 1080p

### MSI Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060

0This RTX 4060 from MSI offers a compact design and a solid cooling solution, all while keeping the price below $300, making it ideal for smaller gaming setups. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCUDA Cores/Stream Processors3,072Base Clock1,830MHzBoost Clock2,460MHzVideo Memory8GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth272 GB/sMemory Bus128-bitPower Connectors1 x 12-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4 Size9.4 x 4.4 x 1.6 inches (L x W x H) (Dual Slot)PROSCost-effectiveExcellent performance at 1080p with ray tracingCONSLimited to 8GB of VRAMFor those sticking with 1080p gaming, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 is a standout choice. It delivers smooth gameplay even with demanding ray tracing settings, and thanks to DLSS, it can handle higher resolutions in some titles.

In my review, the RTX 4060 consistently achieved over 60 fps at 1080p in most games, hitting 62 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 with ray tracing enabled. Although it may not be ideal for high-refresh gaming, it's a solid option for budget-conscious gamers looking for current-generation performance.

RTX 4060 benchmarks

7 ImagesDespite its strengths, the RTX 4060 faces competition from the RTX 3060 Ti, which offers slightly better performance at a similar price. However, the RTX 4060's inclusion of DLSS 3.0 enhances its value, making it an excellent choice for gamers looking for a budget-friendly yet feature-rich GPU.

Upcoming GPUs

With the launch of the Nvidia RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for graphics cards. Nvidia plans to release the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti in February, offering high-end performance under $1,000. Meanwhile, AMD's Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are set to launch in March 2025, with preliminary benchmarks suggesting they'll challenge the Radeon RX 7900 XT and RTX 4080.

Best Graphics Cards FAQ

AMD or Nvidia? Or Intel?

Choosing between AMD, Nvidia, or Intel depends on your preferences and needs. Intel offers the most budget-friendly options, though they lag in performance. Nvidia provides the most powerful GPUs but at a higher cost. AMD strikes a balance, offering competitive performance at a more reasonable price, though it lacks some of Nvidia's exclusive features like DLSS. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on AMD vs. Nvidia GPUs.

What power supply should I get?

High-end graphics cards demand more power, so consider upgrading to a robust power supply. Some GPUs can consume over 450W alone, so a 1,000W power supply may be necessary, especially for cards like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090.

GTX vs. RTX

Nvidia's RTX series, featuring Ray Tracing Texel eXtreme technology, offers superior performance and advanced features like Tensor and RT cores for AI, upscaling, and realistic lighting. The GTX series, while still suitable for budget builds, lacks these advanced features and will soon become obsolete.