Top Affordable GPUs of 2025: Best Value for Money

It's no secret that graphics cards have become pricier over time, but there's good news for budget gamers: affordable options are making a comeback. The Intel Arc B580, launched at just $249, is a standout performer in the sub-$300 category. This means budget-conscious gamers no longer have to settle for outdated technology priced like the GTX 1070 Ti was back in 2014. Even a $450 card like the RTX 5060 Ti offers a more budget-friendly alternative to the high-end RTX 5080, which starts at a hefty $999.

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

Despite their lower cost, these budget GPUs can deliver an excellent gaming experience if you manage your expectations. For example, while the RTX 5060 Ti may not be ideal for 4K gaming, it excels at 1080p and 1440p, making it a top choice for users with the most common display resolutions. In 2025, building a great gaming PC doesn't require spending thousands, even if prices are higher than before.

Having reviewed graphics cards extensively, I can confidently recommend each GPU on this list for its performance and value. These selections are based on hands-on experience and offer the best bang for your buck.

Contributions by Kegan Mooney and Georgie Peru

What Do We Consider a "Budget GPU"?

Today's graphics cards are pricier than ever, with some Nvidia models reaching $2,000, while even budget options cost several hundred dollars. Previously, a budget GPU could be found for around $200 and still provide solid 1080p gaming performance, but that's less common now. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, priced at $399, is considered a budget option by current standards.

It's all about perspective. If high-end cards hover around $1,000 and mid-range options like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 cost about $449, a budget GPU typically falls between $200 and $300. While there are cheaper cards available, they often require compromises, such as opting for last-generation models. Still, an RTX 3060 or RTX 2060 can offer impressive 1080p performance, even if you forgo some newer features.

Ultimately, consider whether you truly need advanced ray tracing effects. Most gamers can enjoy great gameplay without them.

Intel Arc B580 – Photos

View 5 Images1. Intel Arc B580

The Best Budget Graphics Card

### Intel Arc B580

4The Intel Arc B580 is the best budget graphics card we've seen in years. Full stop.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 launch

For years, it seemed like budget GPUs were an afterthought, with manufacturers like Nvidia pushing older models without releasing new budget-friendly options. Thankfully, Intel's second-generation graphics cards are changing that, offering a strong entry point for budget-conscious gamers. The Intel Arc B580 is a game-changer, starting at $249 and packing 12GB of VRAM, significantly more than the 8GB found in the RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600. This extra VRAM is crucial for higher resolutions, where frame buffers can quickly fill up. My testing showed that the Arc B580 delivers superior 1440p performance compared to other cards in its class, largely due to its ample VRAM.

Intel Arc B580 – Benchmarks

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Across eight games, the Intel Arc B580 offered the lowest cost per frame at 1440p. At an average of $3.72 per frame, it outshines the RTX 4060 ($4.39) and the AMD Radeon RX 7600 ($4.89). The B580's value is unmatched for budget gamers. What's more, it handles ray tracing exceptionally well, even outperforming more expensive Nvidia cards in games like Cyberpunk 2077, achieving a smooth 60fps at 1440p with the Ray Tracing Ultra preset and XeSS set to Balanced.

However, being Intel's second-generation GPU, it's not without its quirks. During my testing, I encountered a bug in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 where the gun wasn't rendered. While frustrating, this is something that can be fixed in future updates. This issue was consistent across other Intel GPUs I tested, so it's not unique 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 resolutions

Nvidia's RTX 5060 Ti marks a significant improvement over the RTX 4060 Ti, thanks to its larger chip with 36 compute units and new Blackwell features like DLSS 4. The standout feature of this generation is Multi-Frame Generation (MFG), which uses AI to generate up to three interpolated frames per rendered frame, boosting frame rates but increasing latency. It's best not to use MFG in fast-paced games like Marvel Rivals, where reaction time is critical.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti – Benchmarks

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In my testing, the RTX 5060 Ti was 23% faster than the RTX 4060 Ti and 43% faster than the RTX 3060 Ti, making it capable of running any game at 1080p or 1440p with max settings. 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, it's advisable to steer clear of the 8GB model.

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 performance

Choosing a budget GPU often involves compromise. While the AMD Radeon RX 7600 isn't ideal for ray tracing, it excels at traditional 1080p gaming. It's perfect for games like Phasmophobia where ray tracing isn't necessary. My review showed that, despite some struggles in games like Cyberpunk 2077, the RX 7600 delivers over 60fps in many titles at 1080p. For example, in Total War: Warhammer 3, it achieves up to 83fps. With a price tag around $250, it's hard to complain about its performance.

The 8GB of VRAM is generally sufficient for 1080p gaming, and the RX 7600 excels at running popular games smoothly, even if you occasionally need to lower ray tracing settings. That's a trade-off I'm willing to make.

4. MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X

Best Budget GPU Under $200

### MSIGeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X

1The RTX 3050 might be last-gen, but if you want a 1080p graphics card on the cheap, there aren't many better options.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsBase Clock1507MHzVRAM6GB GDDR6Outputx2 HDMI 2.1, x1 DisplayPort 1.4aShading cores2304Compute units18PROSImpressive dual fan coolingGreat valueCONSOnly 6GB VRAM

The RTX 3050 is a last-generation GPU, yet it remains a great value for budget gamers. Nvidia hasn't released a new budget card in the Ada Lovelace series, leaving the RTX 3050 as a solid choice for affordable 1080p gaming. At $179 on Amazon, it's one of the most cost-effective ways to dive into PC gaming without resorting to second-hand options.

While you may need to tweak quality settings in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Horizon: Forbidden West, the RTX 3050 still benefits from DLSS 2.0, enhancing its value in supported titles. However, I wouldn't recommend enabling ray tracing on this card due to performance limitations. It's best suited for traditional gaming, especially esports and indie games.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 – Photos

View 4 Images5. AMD Radeon RX 9070

Best Mid-Range GPU

### AMD Radeon RX 9070

0While its priced uncomfortably close to the RX 9070 XT, the Radeon RX 9070 is an excellent 1440p graphics card for the money. 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 GPU

While the AMD Radeon RX 9070 isn't strictly a budget GPU, it's the best value you can find for under $600, once stock stabilizes. It serves as an entry point to mid-range gaming, delivering excellent 1440p performance with 16GB of VRAM, more than what's typical at this price point.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT & 9070 – Benchmarks

View 11 Images

In my review, the Radeon RX 9070 outperformed the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 in some games with heavy ray tracing, like Cyberpunk 2077, achieving 93fps at 1440p with the ray tracing ultra preset and FSR set to balanced. AMD has made significant strides in closing the ray tracing gap with Nvidia. Additionally, the RX 9070's 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM gives it an edge over the RTX 5070's 12GB, especially as games demand more memory at higher resolutions. The only drawback is its proximity in price to the RX 9070 XT, which can handle 4K gaming for just $50 more, making it a tempting upgrade if you have a 4K display.

How to Pick the Best GPU on a Budget

Selecting the best budget GPU involves understanding your needs and balancing performance with cost. Consider what you'll use the GPU for—gaming, content creation, or both—and look at factors like frame rates, resolution support, and compatibility with your existing setup. If you're focused on a specific game, check its system requirements to guide your choice.

Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and bundle deals, as GPU prices can vary. If a new GPU model is released, older models often become more affordable, offering great value. Waiting for the right deal can significantly enhance your purchase's value.

FAQs about Cheaper GPUs

How much should I budget for a GPU?

For less demanding games at 1080p, a decent graphics card can be found between $200 and $400. 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 creation on a budget, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is a strong choice. It has enough CUDA cores for tasks like Adobe Premiere or Blender and features 4th-generation Tensor cores for DLSS, which is increasingly supported in popular creative applications.