Top Affordable GPUs of 2025: Best Value for Money

In recent years, the cost of graphics cards has soared, but there's good news for budget-conscious gamers: affordable options are making a comeback. Leading the charge is the Intel Arc B580, launched at a competitive $249, which outperforms other GPUs in its price range below $300. This means budget gamers no longer have to settle for outdated technology; they can now enjoy high-quality performance without breaking the bank. Even the RTX 5060 Ti, priced at $450, offers significant value compared to the $999 starting price of the RTX 5080, making it a budget-friendly choice in today's market.

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 lower price tag, these GPUs deliver a fantastic gaming experience, especially at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. The RTX 5060 Ti, for example, excels at these resolutions, making it an excellent choice for gamers using the most popular display settings according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey. So, while building a gaming PC might be more expensive than before, it's still possible to achieve great performance without spending a fortune.

Having personally tested every GPU on this list, I can confidently vouch for their performance and value.

Contributions by Kegan Mooney and Georgie Peru

What Do We Consider a "Budget GPU"?

In today's market, even budget graphics cards come with a heftier price tag than in the past. While a budget GPU used to cost around $200 and deliver solid 1080p gaming, the landscape has shifted. Now, a GPU like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, priced at $399, is considered budget-friendly by current standards.

The definition of a budget GPU varies, but generally, it falls between $200 and $300. While you can find cheaper options, these often require compromises, such as opting for last-generation GPUs. However, models like the RTX 3060 or RTX 2060 still offer impressive 1080p performance, even if they lack some modern features.

Consider whether you truly need advanced features like ray tracing, as many gamers find they can enjoy their favorite titles 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. Launched at $249, it offers unparalleled value for money. 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, budget graphics cards seemed to be an afterthought, but Intel's second-generation GPUs have changed the game. The Intel Arc B580, starting at $249, is a game-changer with its 12GB of VRAM, significantly more than the 8GB found in competitors like the RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600. This extra memory is crucial for higher resolutions, making the B580 a standout choice for 1440p gaming.

During my testing, the Intel Arc B580 consistently delivered superior performance at 1440p, thanks to its robust frame buffer. Across eight benchmarked games, it provided the lowest cost per frame, averaging just $3.72 per frame at 1440p, compared to $4.39 for the RTX 4060 and $4.89 for the Radeon RX 7600. Additionally, its ray tracing capabilities are impressive, outpacing even more expensive GPUs in titles like Cyberpunk 2077.

However, as with any new technology, there are some teething issues. For instance, I encountered a bug in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 where the gun model failed to render, a problem that persisted across other Intel GPUs I tested. These issues should be resolved with future updates.

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

5The RTX 5060 Ti represents a solid leap forward from the RTX 4060 Ti, offering improved performance and new features. See 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 significant improvement over its predecessor, the RTX 4060 Ti. With 36 compute units and support for DLSS 4's Multi-Frame Generation, it offers enhanced frame rates, though at the cost of some latency. This feature is perfect for gamers looking to maximize performance at 1080p and 1440p, though it's less ideal for games requiring quick reaction times.

In my benchmarks, the RTX 5060 Ti was about 23% faster than the RTX 4060 Ti and 43% faster than the RTX 3060 Ti. It's important to note that there are two versions of the RTX 4060 Ti: one with 16GB of VRAM and another with 8GB. Given the increasing memory demands of modern games, the 16GB version is the better 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

2The AMD Radeon RX 7600 OC delivers strong 1080p performance at a competitive price. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsBase clock2655MHz VRAM8GB GDDR6Outputx2 HDMI 2.1, x2 DisplayPort 1.4aShading cores2,048Compute units32PROSSolid 1080p performanceCompetitively pricedCONSUnderwhelming ray tracing performanceChoosing a budget graphics card often means making compromises, but the AMD Radeon RX 7600 OC offers excellent value for 1080p gaming. While its ray tracing capabilities may not impress, it handles traditional gaming tasks with ease. In my tests, it achieved over 60fps in popular titles like Total War: Warhammer 3 at 1080p, making it a solid choice for gamers on a budget.

With 8GB of VRAM, the RX 7600 is well-suited for most 1080p gaming needs, providing smooth gameplay without the need for ray tracing.

4. MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X

Best Budget GPU Under $200

### MSIGeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X

1The RTX 3050 remains a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers looking for reliable 1080p performance. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsBase Clock1507MHzVRAM6GB GDDR6Outputx2 HDMI 2.1, x1 DisplayPort 1.4aShading cores2304Compute units18PROSImpressive dual fan coolingGreat valueCONSOnly 6GB VRAMAs a last-generation GPU, the RTX 3050 offers excellent value for those seeking affordable 1080p gaming. While it may require some compromises on settings for demanding titles, its current price of $179 on Amazon makes it an attractive option for budget gamers.

The RTX 3050 benefits from Nvidia's third-generation Tensor cores, enabling DLSS 2.0 support, which helps boost performance in compatible games. However, its 6GB of VRAM and limited ray tracing capabilities mean it's best suited for traditional gaming workloads, especially in esports and indie titles.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 – Photos

View 4 Images5. AMD Radeon RX 9070

Best Mid-Range GPU

### AMD Radeon RX 9070

0The AMD Radeon RX 9070 offers excellent value for 1440p gaming, despite being priced close to higher-end models. 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 strictly a budget GPU, represents the best value under $600 for 1440p gaming. Its 16GB of VRAM sets it apart from competitors, ensuring it can handle the memory demands of modern games at higher resolutions.

In my benchmarks, the RX 9070 outperformed the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 in several games, including those with heavy ray tracing like Cyberpunk 2077. Its performance, combined with a slightly lower price than the RX 9070 XT, makes it an attractive choice for gamers looking to upgrade without spending on top-tier GPUs.

How to Pick the Best GPU on a Budget

Selecting the right budget GPU involves understanding your gaming needs and balancing performance with cost. Consider factors such as desired 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 choice.

Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and bundle deals, as prices can vary. Older GPU models often become more affordable after new releases, providing a cost-effective way to upgrade. By combining a quality GPU with a good deal, you can maximize your gaming experience without overspending.

FAQs about Cheaper GPUs

How much should I budget for a GPU?

For 1080p gaming, you can find a decent graphics card between $200 and $400. However, if you're targeting 1440p or 4K gaming, be prepared to spend upwards of $500.

What is the best budget GPU for content creation?

For content creators on a budget, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is an excellent choice. With ample CUDA cores and fourth-generation Tensor cores, it supports DLSS, enhancing performance in creative applications like Adobe Premiere and Blender.