Everyone wants maximum power to run modern games at high settings while picking the best graphics card for themselves. Here are GPUs with excellent user reviews and high ratings that will remain relevant for years to come. Check if your processor has integrated graphics: If it does, that may be enough for basic tasks like web browsing, entering your Safe Casino login, document editing, and video playback. If not, you’ll need either a discrete GPU or a different processor with integrated graphics.
Types of Graphics Cards
Before buying, it’s important to understand what types of graphics cards exist and what they’re suitable for.
Integrated Graphics Cards
These are perfect for those who don’t want to overpay for unnecessary power. Integrated GPUs are built directly into the processor and are sufficient for watching movies, browsing the internet, and light gaming. This is a cost-effective and practical solution, even for those who don’t game and only use their computer for office work.
Discrete Graphics Cards
Newer-generation discrete GPUs are needed for high-resolution gaming, complex graphic projects, and intensive computing tasks. A discrete graphics card will take your computer to the next level, allowing it to handle more demanding workloads.
Choosing the Right Graphics Card for Your Needs
Simply deciding on the type of GPU isn’t enough. You need to ensure the card can handle your specific tasks.
- Modern integrated graphics are powerful enough to run some popular games at low settings — playing Fortnite or League of Legends on integrated graphics is quite comfortable. However, for more demanding games, 3D modeling, or video editing, a discrete GPU may be necessary.
- For office work, studying, and web browsing, integrated graphics are usually sufficient. This saves money on buying a separate GPU and a high-wattage power supply. Budget discrete GPUs can be more expensive but don’t always meet modern requirements.
- For graphically intensive gaming or professional video editing, a powerful discrete GPU is essential. For short video edits, integrated graphics may suffice, but for serious workloads like 3D modeling or VR, a high-performance graphics card is a must.
Processors with Integrated Graphics
Models with integrated GPUs are worth considering if you don’t need high performance and want to save money on a discrete graphics card.
Intel Core i5-11400 (LGA1200)
An optimal choice if you need solid performance without overspending. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 730 handles video streaming, document editing, web browsing, and older games like Minecraft and The Sims 3. With six cores and twelve threads, this processor handles resource-heavy applications and multitasking smoothly. A boost clock of up to 4.4 GHz and support for dual-channel DDR4 memory ensure fast and lag-free performance.
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X (AM5)
A great pick for gamers and professionals who need high performance. Its six cores and twelve threads handle multitasking and demanding applications with ease. With a max boost clock of 5.3 GHz, its integrated Radeon Graphics can manage light gaming and intensive software.
Built on a 5nm process, this CPU is both power-efficient and high-performing. It supports DDR5 memory, speeding up software performance. The integrated GPU can even run mid-tier games like Valorant and Rocket League without a discrete graphics card.
Budget Graphics Cards
These are perfect for those looking for an affordable solution. Budget models handle office work, video playback, and light gaming with ease.
MSI GeForce GT 1030 AERO ITX 2GD4
A compact and efficient GPU suitable for small systems. It provides basic graphical performance, enough for 4K video playback and games like CS:GO and Dota 2.
This card is a good choice if your processor lacks integrated graphics and your PC is used for simple tasks. Compared to the integrated graphics in newer CPUs like the Intel Core i5-12400 or AMD Ryzen 5 7600X, this GPU offers similar — and sometimes slightly better — performance. If you need more power, consider a stronger discrete card.
Afox GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER 6G
A balanced mid-range GPU for budget-conscious gamers who don’t need ultra settings or 4K resolution but still want smooth 1080p gaming.
This card significantly outperforms entry-level options like the GT 1030, allowing you to play modern games at medium-to-high settings in Full HD with good frame rates.
While the GTX 1660 SUPER isn’t meant for 4K gaming, it’s great for 1080p gameplay without overspending on a high-end GPU. In games like Cyberpunk 2077, it delivers 30-40 FPS on medium settings.
High-Performance Graphics Cards
For enthusiasts and gamers who need power for modern games at high settings, high-performance GPUs are the way to go. These models offer great price-to-performance ratios and can handle demanding tasks like video editing and 3D modeling.
Palit RTX 4060 DUAL
NVIDIA’s product offers a noticeable performance boost over previous-gen cards like the GTX 1660. It supports ray tracing and DLSS, enabling smooth gameplay with high-quality graphics in modern titles.
The RTX 4060 DUAL handles games like Red Dead Redemption 2 with ease, delivering around 60 FPS in Full HD.
ASRock Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8G
A great pick for gamers looking for an efficient 1080p gaming GPU. This model combines modern tech with improved cooling and quiet operation, making it ideal for mid-range builds.
The RDNA2 architecture ensures high energy efficiency and optimization for DirectX 12. In games using Vulkan and DX12, the RX 6600 delivers stable performance and efficient resource usage.
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER WINDFORCE OC 12G
This GPU handles the most demanding games at high settings and 4K resolution. With 12GB of GDDR6X memory, ray tracing, and DLSS support, it delivers stunning visuals and smooth gameplay.
The RTX 4070 SUPER performs exceptionally well in graphically intense games. For example, in Cyberpunk 2077, it maintains 60+ FPS on Ultra settings at 1440p.
ASRock Intel Arc A770 Phantom Gaming 16GB
A cost-effective option for high-settings gaming. With 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM, it offers strong performance in modern games at a more affordable price than comparable AMD and NVIDIA cards.
The card features a triple-fan cooling system with a copper heatsink base, ensuring stability under heavy loads. ARGB lighting adds a stylish touch to any build.