Top Affordable GPUs of 2025: Best Value for Money

It's clear to see that graphics cards are more expensive now than they've been in the past. However, there's good news for budget-conscious gamers—affordable graphics cards are making a comeback. My top choice, the Intel Arc B580, just hit the market at $249 and outperforms every other option under $300. This means you no longer have to settle for cards priced like the GTX 1070 Ti from 2014; budget gamers can now get high-quality performance. Even a $450 card like the RTX 5060 Ti is a steal compared to the starting price of $999 for the RTX 5080, which powers the top-tier gaming PCs today. Yet, 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 NeweggEven with these more affordable price tags, you can still enjoy a fantastic gaming experience, as long as you set your expectations realistically. The RTX 5060 Ti, for example, isn't meant for 4K gaming, but it excels at 1080p and can handle 1440p, making it ideal for the most popular display resolution according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey. So, no, you don't need to spend thousands to build a great gaming PC in 2025, even if it costs a bit more than before.

With years of experience reviewing graphics cards, I can confidently vouch for the performance and value of each 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 even the more affordable options still cost hundreds of dollars. A budget graphics card that once could be had for around $200, delivering a solid 1080p gaming experience, is now harder to come by. For instance, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, considered a budget card by today's standards, will set you back $399.

It's all about perspective. With high-end graphics cards hovering around $1,000 and mid-range options like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 at about $449, a budget card falls in the $200 to $300 range. While there are ultra-cheap graphics cards below this price, you'll likely have to opt for last-generation GPUs. Yet, models like the RTX 3060 or RTX 2060 still perform excellently at 1080p, even if they lack some of the latest features.

Ask yourself if you really need the best ray tracing effects. Chances are you can enjoy your games 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 felt like graphics card manufacturers had forgotten about the budget segment. Nvidia, for example, hasn't released a follow-up to the GTX 1660 Ti, instead pushing budget buyers toward last year's models. Fortunately, Intel has entered the arena, and its second generation of graphics cards provides an excellent entry point for PC gaming. The Intel Arc B580 is hands down the best budget graphics card in recent years.

Priced at $249 and equipped with 12GB of VRAM, it significantly outstrips the 8GB found in the comparable RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600. While extra VRAM is a luxury at 1080p, it's crucial at higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K. In my review of the Intel Arc B580, I found its performance at 1440p far superior to other cards in its class, largely due to its robust frame buffer.

Intel Arc B580 – Benchmarks

View 15 ImagesIn fact, across the eight games I benchmarked with the Intel Arc B580, it offered the lowest cost per frame. Averaged across the test suite, the Arc B580 delivered frames at $3.72 each in 1440p games, 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 cost-conscious gamers.

What's surprising is how well the B580 handles ray tracing. Even in games like Cyberpunk 2077, which typically favor Nvidia hardware, the Intel B580 shines. At 1440p with the Ray Tracing Ultra preset and XeSS set to Balanced, you can expect an average of 60fps, compared to the more expensive RTX 4060's 49fps.

However, as this is only Intel's second generation of graphics cards, there are still some kinks to work out. During my testing of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the benchmark ran without rendering the gun in the player's hand. While annoying, this issue is fixable. It's worth noting that this bug was consistent across all Intel GPUs I tested, including the last-gen Arc A770 and A750, so it's not isolated to the B580.

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 improvement is primarily due to its larger chip, now boasting 36 compute units instead of 34, along with new features like DLSS 4.

The highlight 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-powered feature can generate up to three interpolated frames per rendered frame, significantly boosting frame rates. However, this comes at the cost of increased latency, so I wouldn't recommend using it in games requiring quick reactions, such as Marvel Rivals.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti – Benchmarks

View 12 ImagesIn my review of the Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti, I found it to be about 23% faster than the RTX 4060 Ti across my testing suite and 43% faster than the RTX 3060 Ti. While not a dramatic generational leap, it's capable of handling nearly any game at 1080p or 1440p with maximum settings.

It's important to 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 given the increasing memory demands of modern games, I advise steering clear of the 8GB version.

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 performancePurchasing a budget graphics card often involves compromises. While the AMD Radeon RX 7600 isn't ideal for ray tracing, it excels at traditional 1080p gaming. Who needs fancy ray tracing when you're just looking to enjoy games like Phasmophobia with friends?

In my review of the AMD Radeon RX 7600, I noted that while it struggles with some games like Cyberpunk 2077, it can deliver over 60fps at 1080p in others. For instance, in Total War: Warhammer 3, it achieves up to 83fps at this resolution. At around $250, it's hard to complain about its performance.

Furthermore, this AMD graphics card comes with 8GB of VRAM, sufficient for most 1080p gaming needs. It shines in running popular games smoothly, and you'll rarely find a modern game that can't run well on this GPU, even if you occasionally need to dial back the ray tracing.

4. MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X

Best Budget GPU Under $200

### MSIGeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X

1Although the RTX 3050 is from the last generation, it remains 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 may be an older model, but with Nvidia's slow rollout of new budget cards in the Ada Lovelace generation, it remains a great value. It delivers solid 1080p gaming performance across a wide range of titles.

You might need to adjust quality settings for more demanding games 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 affordable entry into PC gaming without resorting to used options.

Thanks to Nvidia's third-generation Tensor cores, the RTX 3050 supports DLSS 2.0, enhancing its value and performance in supported games. However, I wouldn't recommend enabling ray tracing on this card, as it won't provide a satisfactory experience.

This GPU is best suited for traditional gaming and esports or indie titles.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 – Photos

View 4 Images5. AMD Radeon RX 9070

Best Mid-Range GPU

### AMD Radeon RX 9070

0Although not strictly a budget graphics card, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 offers excellent value under $600, once stock normalizes in a few months. 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, while not a typical "budget graphics card," provides the best value under $600. It's the entry point to the mid-range, offering superb 1440p performance and more VRAM than you'd typically find in this class.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

View 11 ImagesIn my review of the Radeon RX 9070, it outperformed the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 at the same price point, even in games with heavy ray tracing effects, thanks to improvements in AMD's ray tracing pipeline. For example, in Cyberpunk 2077, the Radeon RX 9070 achieves 93fps at 1440p with the ray tracing ultra preset and FSR set to balanced, compared to the RTX 5070's 90fps.

Unlike the RTX 5070, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 comes with 16GB of GDDR6, which, while not as fast as the GDDR7 on the Nvidia card, is more than the 12GB on the RTX 5070. This extra VRAM will be crucial as games become more memory-intensive at higher resolutions. The only drawback is its price proximity to the 9070 XT, which can handle 4K gaming for just $50 more—a small price difference if you own a 4K display.

How to Pick the Best GPU on a Budget

Choosing the best budget GPU doesn't have to be daunting. It's about understanding what you need and balancing performance with cost. Consider what you'll be using the GPU for, paying attention to frame rates, resolution capabilities, and compatibility with your existing setup. 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 vary. If you're not in a hurry, waiting for a good deal can be beneficial. Also, consider older models when new GPUs are released, as their prices often drop. Combining a quality GPU with a good 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 for $200 to $400. However, for 1440p or 4K gaming, you might need to budget over $500.

What is the best budget GPU for content creation?

If you're into content creation but can't afford a high-end GPU like the RTX 5080, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is a solid choice. It has enough CUDA cores for creative tasks in Adobe Premiere or Blender and supports DLSS, which is increasingly used in content creation applications.