Top Budget GPUs of 2025: Affordable and Worth It

It's no secret that graphics cards have become significantly more expensive in recent years. However, there's good news for budget-conscious gamers: affordable graphics cards are making a comeback. Leading the pack is the Intel Arc B580, which launched at $249 and offers unparalleled performance for its price point. This card provides a fantastic alternative to the older, yet similarly priced GTX 1070 Ti from 2014. Meanwhile, even a card like the RTX 5060 Ti, priced at $450, feels like a budget option compared to the $999 RTX 5080, which powers the top-tier gaming PCs of 2025.

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

With these budget-friendly options, you can still enjoy an impressive gaming experience, though you might need to adjust your expectations slightly. For example, the RTX 5060 Ti may not be suited for 4K gaming, but it excels at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, making it an excellent choice for gamers using the most popular display resolutions, according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey. Therefore, you don't need to break the bank to build a great gaming PC in 2025, despite the overall increase in prices.

As a seasoned reviewer of graphics cards, I can confidently vouch for the performance of each GPU listed here, especially given their price points.

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 $2,000, while even the more affordable options cost several hundred dollars. Historically, a budget graphics card around $200 could deliver solid 1080p gaming performance, but that standard has shifted. Today, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, priced at $399, is considered a budget option.

It's all about perspective. With high-end cards hovering around $1,000 and mid-range options like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 at $449, a true budget GPU falls within the $200 to $300 range. While you can find cheaper, last-generation cards, they might require some compromises. Yet, cards like the RTX 3060 or RTX 2060 still offer robust 1080p performance, even without the latest features.

The key question is whether you truly need the best ray tracing effects. For many, the answer is no, allowing for significant savings without sacrificing much gameplay quality.

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 units20PROSExceptional performance at 1440pHighly affordableCONSSome initial driver issuesFor years, it felt like graphics card manufacturers had neglected the budget segment. Nvidia, for instance, hasn't released a successor to the GTX 1660 Ti, leaving budget gamers to settle for last year's models. Fortunately, Intel has entered the arena with its second-generation graphics cards, offering an excellent entry point into PC gaming. The Intel Arc B580 is the standout budget card we've had in years.

Priced at $249, it boasts 12GB of VRAM, far surpassing the 8GB found in the RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600. While 8GB is sufficient for 1080p, higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K benefit greatly from the additional memory. In my review, the Intel Arc B580 delivered superior performance at 1440p compared to other cards in its class, largely thanks to its ample frame buffer.

Intel Arc B580 – Benchmarks

View 15 ImagesIn my testing, the Intel Arc B580 offered the lowest cost per frame across eight benchmarked games. On average, it delivered frames at a cost of just $3.72 per frame at 1440p, compared to $4.39 for the RTX 4060 and $4.89 for the AMD Radeon RX 7600. For its price, the B580 provides unmatched value for budget-conscious gamers.

Surprisingly, the B580 also handles ray tracing exceptionally well. In Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p with the Ray Tracing Ultra preset and XeSS set to Balanced, it achieves a smooth 60fps average, outperforming the more expensive RTX 4060, which manages only 49fps.

However, as this is only Intel's second generation of graphics cards, there are still some bugs to iron out. For instance, in my testing with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the benchmark ran without rendering the player's gun. While this is a fixable issue, it's a common problem across Intel's GPU lineup, including 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 compatibleOutstanding 1080p performanceCONSChallenges at higher resolutionsNvidia's RTX 5060 Ti represents a significant improvement over the RTX 4060 Ti, primarily through its larger chip size with 36 compute units and the introduction of Blackwell architecture features like DLSS 4.

The standout feature of this generation is the Multi-Frame Generation (MFG) capability through DLSS 4, which uses AI to generate up to three interpolated frames per rendered frame, boosting frame rates. However, this comes with increased latency, making it less suitable for fast-paced games like Marvel Rivals.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti – Benchmarks

View 12 ImagesIn my review, the RTX 5060 Ti was about 23% faster than the RTX 4060 Ti and 43% faster than the RTX 3060 Ti across the test suite, ensuring it can handle most games at 1080p and 1440p with max settings.

Note that there are two versions of the RTX 4060 Ti: one with 16GB VRAM and another with 8GB. I reviewed the 16GB model, and given the increasing memory demands of modern games, the 8GB version should be avoided.

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 units32PROSStrong 1080p performanceCompetitive pricingCONSLimited ray tracing capabilitiesPurchasing a budget graphics card often involves compromises. The AMD Radeon RX 7600, while not ideal for ray tracing, excels at traditional 1080p gaming. Not everyone needs ray tracing to enjoy games like Phasmophobia with friends.

In my review, the RX 7600 delivered over 60fps at 1080p in several games, including Total War: Warhammer 3, where it reached up to 83fps. At around $250, it's a solid choice for those prioritizing performance over ray tracing. The card's 8GB of VRAM is more than enough for most 1080p gaming needs, making it a reliable choice for a variety of modern games.

4. MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X

Best Budget GPU Under $200

### MSIGeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X

1Although the RTX 3050 is a last-generation card, 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 units18PROSEfficient dual fan coolingExcellent valueCONSOnly 6GB VRAMThe RTX 3050 is an older card from Nvidia's 3000-series, but with no direct successor yet in the Ada Lovelace generation, it remains a fantastic value. It delivers reliable 1080p gaming performance in most titles, though you may need to adjust settings in more demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Horizon: Forbidden West.

Currently priced at $179 on Amazon, the RTX 3050 is one of the most cost-effective ways to enter PC gaming. It also supports DLSS 2.0, enhancing performance in supported games. However, I wouldn't recommend enabling ray tracing on this card, as it won't provide a satisfactory experience. Instead, it's ideal for traditional gaming, particularly esports and indie titles.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 – Photos

View 4 Images5. AMD Radeon RX 9070

Best Mid-Range GPU

### AMD Radeon RX 9070

0Though not strictly a budget GPU, the Radeon RX 9070 offers excellent value for those looking to spend less than $600. See it at NeweggProduct SpecificationsShading Units3584Base Clock1330 MHzBoost Clock2520 MHzVideo Memory16GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth644.6 GB/sMemory Bus256-bitPower Connectors2 x 8-pinPROSOutstanding 1440p performance16GB of VRAMCONSNot strictly a budget GPUThe AMD Radeon RX 9070, while not fitting the traditional definition of a "budget graphics card," provides the best value under $600, especially once stock stabilizes. It's the entry point to the mid-range, offering superb 1440p performance and ample VRAM.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

View 11 ImagesIn my review, the Radeon RX 9070 outperformed the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 at the same price point, even in ray tracing-intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077. At 1440p with ray tracing ultra preset and FSR set to balanced, it achieved 93fps, compared to the RTX 5070's 90fps. With 16GB of GDDR6, it's well-equipped for future gaming demands, though its price proximity to the 9070 XT, which handles 4K gaming for just $50 more, is noteworthy.

How to Pick the Best GPU on a Budget

Choosing the right budget GPU involves understanding your needs and balancing performance with cost. Consider what you'll be using the GPU for and pay attention to frame rates, resolution capabilities, and hardware compatibility. Check the system requirements for specific games to guide your choice.

Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and bundle deals, as prices can fluctuate. If a new GPU is released, older models often see price drops, offering a chance to snag a deal. 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, a budget of $200 to $400 can secure a decent graphics card. However, for 1440p or 4K gaming, you might 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 an excellent choice. It has sufficient CUDA cores for tasks in Adobe Premiere or Blender and supports DLSS, which is increasingly integrated into popular content creation applications.