When embarking on building or upgrading your gaming PC, selecting the best graphics cards is crucial, as they significantly impact your system's frame rates. Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) are pivotal in delivering the performance needed for smooth gameplay. With the latest Nvidia RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 now on the market, here's a rundown of the top graphics cards available today.
Our Top Pick### Zotac Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super
2See it at Amazon
### Gigabyte Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090
2See it at Newegg
### Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
1See it at Amazon
### Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT
0See it at Amazon
### MSI Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
0See it at AmazonIn today's market, GPUs have become luxury items, with high-end models like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 priced at around $1,999. Despite these steep prices, which are significantly higher than those of the GTX 970 back in 2014 (even after adjusting for inflation), you can still achieve a robust gaming experience at 1440p or 1080p resolutions without breaking the bank.
With over four generations of graphics card reviews under my belt, I've benchmarked, built with, and gamed using each GPU listed here. If none of these options catch your eye, feel free to share your desired gaming experience in the comments below, and I'll help you find the ideal card for your setup.
Choosing the right GPU isn't just about grabbing the most powerful one available. It requires careful consideration to match your specific needs. The resolution at which you game is paramount; decide on this before anything else. A card that excels at 4K might not be as efficient at 1080p due to CPU bottlenecking. For instance, while the Nvidia RTX 5090 dominates at 4K, it might be outpaced by more affordable options at 1080p. If you're gaming at 1080p, the Intel Arc B580 could be a better fit, offering solid performance at a lower cost. Similarly, for 1440p gaming, the AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT or the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super are excellent choices.
Budget is another critical factor, as GPU prices continue to rise. While it's tempting to aim for the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090, more budget-friendly options like the Nvidia RTX 4060 can still deliver impressive performance, especially with Nvidia's exclusive features. For those willing to invest around $1,000, both the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 offer top-tier 4K gaming experiences. The choice between them often hinges on your preference for ray tracing. For raw performance, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a strong contender, but keep an eye on AMD's next-generation Radeon RX 9070 XT, which promises even better 4K performance with FSR 4.
When considering higher-end cards, ensure your power supply can handle the increased demand. While the Intel Arc B580 can operate with a 450W PSU, cards like the Radeon RX 7800 XT will require a more robust power supply. It's essential to match your PSU to the GPU's power requirements without overspending on unnecessary wattage.
AnswerSee Results### Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super Unboxing
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1. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 SuperOur Top Pick### Zotac Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super
2This RTX 4070 Super from Zotac is the best graphics card for most people, packed with an awesome dual-fan cooler and all the performance you'll need. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCUDA Cores/Stream Processors7168Base Clock1,980MHzBoost Clock2,475MHzVideo Memory12GB GDDR6XMemory Bandwidth504.2GB/sMemory Bus192-bitPower Connectors1 x 16-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4Size10.5 x 4.4 x 1.7 inches (L x W x H)PROSGood power for the moneyCan break into 4K in some gamesCONSShould have had 16GB of VRAMWhile it might seem counterintuitive to call a $599 GPU 'affordable,' the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super offers excellent value for a mid-range price. It delivers strong 1440p performance and can handle 4K gaming in select titles, making it a versatile choice for many gamers.
During my review of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, I found it to be a standout performer among mid-generation refresh cards introduced at CES 2024. Despite retaining the 12GB VRAM of its predecessor, the RTX 4070 Super boasts 7,168 CUDA cores—a 21% increase over the original RTX 4070. This upgrade translates into a noticeable boost in gaming performance.
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In games like Cyberpunk 2077, which leverages CUDA heavily, the RTX 4070 Super achieves a 12% performance increase over the RTX 4070 at 1440p. At 4K, it's 13% faster than its predecessor, offering a smooth experience in CD Projekt Red's demanding RPG. In Forza Horizon 5 at 4K, the RTX 4070 Super delivers an impressive 123 fps, a 30% improvement over the original RTX 4070.
Whether playing at 1440p or venturing into 4K, the RTX 4070 Super provides exceptional performance, making it an ideal choice as 1440p gaming gains popularity.
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2. Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090### Gigabyte Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090
2The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 stands as the most powerful graphics card available, though its generational improvements are more modest than its predecessors. See it at NeweggProduct SpecificationsCUDA Cores/Stream Processors21,760Base Clock2.01GHzBoost Clock2.41GHzVideo Memory32GB GDDR7Memory Bandwidth1,792 GB/sMemory Bus512-bitPower Connectors1 x 16-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1b, 3 x DisplayPort 2.1bSize (Founders Edition)11.9 x 5.39 x 1.9 inches (L x W x H) (Dual Slot)PROSThe most powerful consumer GPU out there, period. DLSS 4 multi frame gen will help further boost frame rates.CONSGeneration-on-Generation improvement not very excitingThe Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 is undeniably the most powerful consumer GPU on the market today. Despite its incremental generational progress, it delivers unparalleled gaming performance, particularly when enhanced by DLSS multi-frame generation.
This flagship GPU comes equipped with 21,760 CUDA cores and 32GB of GDDR7 memory, significantly increasing its power budget to a peak of 578W. Nvidia's new cooler design, a dual-slot configuration reminiscent of the RTX 2080 Ti, efficiently manages the heat, maintaining temperatures below 87°C during intense gaming sessions.
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My benchmarks show the RTX 5090 to be about 26% faster than the RTX 4090 at 4K, though this advantage diminishes at lower resolutions. This GPU is best suited for 4K gaming with minimal upscaling, making it a top choice for enthusiasts who demand the best.
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3. AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX ### Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
1This Radeon RX 7900 XTX from Gigabyte offers excellent value with its triple-fan cooler and competitive performance. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCUDA Cores/Stream Processors6,144Base Clock1,929MHzBoost Clock2,365MHzVideo Memory24GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth960 GB/sMemory Bus384-bitPower Connectors2 x 8-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1a, 2 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x USB-CSize11.3 x 4.3 x 2 inches (L x W x H) (Dual Slot)PROSExcellent 4K performanceCompetitive pricing with RTX 4080CONSCan lag behind in some games with ray tracingThe AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a formidable competitor to the Nvidia RTX 4080 Super, offering robust 4K performance at a more accessible price point. Our testing revealed its prowess in various games, often matching or surpassing Nvidia's offerings where ray tracing demands are lighter.
For instance, in Forza Horizon 5 with all settings maximized, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX achieves 158 fps at 4K, closely matching the RTX 4080 Super. In Far Cry 6, it delivers an impressive 154 fps, outperforming the RTX 4080 Super's 151 fps. This GPU is particularly appealing for gamers focused on titles with minimal ray tracing requirements, and its support for DisplayPort 2.1 enhances its suitability for high-resolution ultrawide displays.
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4. AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT### Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT
0This massive RX 7700 XT from Gigabyte features a triple-fan cooler, ensuring your GPU stays cool while delivering impressive frame rates. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCUDA Cores/Stream Processors3,456Base Clock1,435MHzBoost Clock2,171MHzVideo Memory12GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth432 GB/sMemory Bus192-bitPower Connectors2 x 8-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1a, 2 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x USB-CSize10.5 x 5.3 x 2 inches (L x W x H) (Dual Slot)PROSExcellent performance for the moneyGreat at 1440pCONSLags behind in ray tracing gamesFor gamers aiming for the sweet spot of 1440p, the AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT offers unbeatable value. Priced competitively at around $399 on Amazon, it goes head-to-head with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, often outperforming it in games without heavy ray tracing.
In Forza Horizon 5 at 1440p with maxed-out settings, the RX 7700 XT delivers 118 fps, surpassing the RTX 4060 Ti's 107 fps. In Total War: Warhammer 3, which lacks ray tracing, the RX 7700 XT achieves 85 fps, a 20% lead over the RTX 4060 Ti. However, its higher power consumption, up to 312W, should be considered, especially if your power supply is on the lower end.
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5. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060### MSI Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
0This RTX 4060 from MSI offers a budget-friendly option under $300, equipped with a solid cooler and designed to fit in compact gaming rigs. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCUDA Cores/Stream Processors3,072Base Clock1,830MHzBoost Clock2,460MHzVideo Memory8GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth272 GB/sMemory Bus128-bitPower Connectors1 x 12-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4Size9.4 x 4.4 x 1.6 inches (L x W x H) (Dual Slot)PROSAffordableSolid 1080p performance with ray tracingCONSOnly 8GB of memoryFor gamers content with 1080p resolutions, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 provides a compelling option. It handles modern games smoothly, even with ray tracing enabled, and can reach over 60 fps in most titles. In Cyberpunk 2077 on the ray tracing ultra preset, it achieves 62 fps at 1080p, hitting the desired frame rate.
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While the RTX 4060 may not match the performance of the RTX 3060 Ti in some scenarios, it offers current-generation features like DLSS 3.0, enhancing its value proposition for budget-conscious gamers.
With the launch of Nvidia's RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for GPU enthusiasts. Nvidia plans to release the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti in February, offering high-end performance at a more accessible price point. Meanwhile, AMD's Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are slated for March 2025, promising competitive performance against current top-tier cards.
Choosing between AMD, Nvidia, or Intel depends on your preferences and budget. Intel offers the most affordable options, though they may not be the fastest. Nvidia's GPUs are the most powerful but come at a premium. AMD strikes a balance, offering strong performance at competitive prices, though they may lack some of Nvidia's exclusive features.
High-end GPUs can consume significant power, with some models requiring over 450W. For new builds or upgrades, consider a 1,000W power supply, especially if you're eyeing the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090.
Nvidia's RTX series, with its Tensor and RT cores, offers superior performance and features like ray tracing and DLSS, making them more advanced and expensive than the GTX series, which lacks these capabilities.
In the UK, you can find these GPUs at various retailers. Below are updated links to UK vendors for your convenience.
### Best Graphics Card Asus TUF Gaming RTX 4070 Ti OC Edition
0See it at Currys PC World
### Best Budget Graphics Card MSI Geforce RTX 3050 Gaming X
0See it at Amazon### Best AMD Graphics Card XFX Speedster MERC310 RX 7900XT
0See it at Amazon
### Best 4K Graphics Card Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080
1See it at Nvidia
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