When you're building or upgrading your gaming PC, the graphics card is usually the first component that comes to mind. That's because, more than any other part, the GPU directly affects your frame rates and visual fidelity in modern PC games. In short, a better GPU often means smoother gameplay and more immersive visuals—up to a point. With the latest Nvidia RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 now available, here’s a look at the best graphics cards on the market today.
TL;DR: These Are the Best Graphics Cards
Our Top Pick
### Zotac Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super
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### Gigabyte Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090
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### Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
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### Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT
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### MSI Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
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Let’s face it—GPUs have become premium hardware. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 retails for $1,999 and up, which makes it a serious investment. Compared to the GTX 970 back in 2014, even with inflation, prices have skyrocketed. However, if you're okay playing at 1080p or 1440p, you can still get a great experience without breaking the bank.
I've personally tested every generation of graphics cards over the past four years, benchmarking performance and real-world gameplay across dozens of titles. If none of these options seem right for your build, drop a comment below and let me know what kind of gaming experience you're after—I’ll help you find the perfect fit.
What to Look for in a Graphics Card
While it might be tempting to just grab the fastest GPU available, choosing the right graphics card requires more nuance. Everyone has different needs, from resolution preferences to budget constraints, so it’s important to consider several key factors before making a purchase.
Your target gaming resolution should be one of your top considerations. Whether you already own a monitor or are planning a full system upgrade, knowing whether you play at 1080p, 1440p, or 4K will determine which GPU gives you the best value and performance. For example, while the RTX 5090 is an absolute powerhouse at 4K, it may not offer the best efficiency at lower resolutions due to potential CPU bottlenecks. Gamers sticking to 1080p may find the Intel Arc B580 offers excellent performance per dollar, while 1440p players will get the most out of cards like the RTX 4070 Super or RX 7700 XT.
Budget is another major factor. While everyone would love to own an RTX 5090, most gamers are looking for the sweet spot between price and performance. Entry-level GPUs start around $200–$250 and offer solid 1080p performance, while mid-range cards like the RTX 4060 provide access to DLSS and ray tracing at a reasonable cost. For high-end 4K performance, expect to spend closer to $1,000 or more, with the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 being top contenders.
Power consumption is also something to keep in mind, especially with higher-end cards. The RTX 5090 can pull up to 578W under load, so having a sufficient power supply is essential. Lower-tier cards like the Intel Arc B580 can run comfortably on a 450W PSU, but anything above the RTX 4070 will likely require at least a 650W unit to ensure stability and longevity.
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### Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super Unboxing
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1. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super
The Best Graphics Card for Most People
Our Top Pick
### Zotac Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super
This RTX 4070 Super from Zotac is the best option for most users, featuring a dual-fan cooler and powerful performance for its class.
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Product Specifications
- CUDA Cores/Stream Processors: 7168
- Base Clock: 1,980MHz
- Boost Clock: 2,475MHz
- Video Memory: 12GB GDDR6X
- Memory Bandwidth: 504.2GB/s
- Memory Bus: 192-bit