Top Affordable GPUs of 2025: Best Value for Money

Graphics cards have seen a significant price hike over the years, but there's good news for budget-conscious gamers: affordable options are making a strong return. The standout in this category is the Intel Arc B580, launching at a competitive $249 and outperforming any other GPU under $300. This means budget gamers no longer have to settle for outdated technology like the GTX 1070 Ti, which launched at a similar price back in 2014. Even a $450 option like the RTX 5060 Ti offers a substantial saving compared to the $999 RTX 5080, positioning it as a budget-friendly choice in today's market.

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 NeweggEven with these lower price points, you can achieve a fantastic gaming experience by adjusting your expectations slightly. For instance, while the RTX 5060 Ti may not be ideal for 4K gaming, it excels at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, making it a top choice for those using the most popular display resolutions as per the latest Steam Hardware Survey. Therefore, you don't need to spend a fortune to build a great gaming PC in 2025, even if prices have risen from the past.

I've been reviewing graphics cards for years, and having tested each GPU listed here, I can confidently endorse their performance relative to their cost.

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 top-tier Nvidia models reaching up to $2,000, while even budget options cost several hundred dollars. A budget GPU used to be around $200 and deliver reliable 1080p gaming, but that's no longer the case. Today, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, priced at $399, could be considered a budget GPU.

It's all about perspective: with high-end cards around $1,000 and mid-range ones like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 at about $449, a budget GPU falls within the $200 to $300 range. You can find cheaper last-gen GPUs, but you'll need to compromise on some modern features. However, cards like the RTX 3060 or RTX 2060 still perform admirably at 1080p, even without the latest bells and whistles.

Ask yourself if you really need cutting-edge ray tracing effects; chances are you can enjoy gaming 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. It's a game-changer for budget gamers, offering unparalleled value and performance. 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 launchFor years, it felt like budget GPUs were overlooked by manufacturers. Nvidia, for instance, hasn't released a successor to the GTX 1660 Ti, instead suggesting last-gen GPUs for budget buyers. Thankfully, Intel has stepped up with its second-gen graphics cards, providing an excellent entry point for PC gaming. The Intel Arc B580, starting at just $249 and boasting 12GB of VRAM, outperforms comparable options like the RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600, which only offer 8GB. This extra VRAM is crucial at higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K, where frame buffers fill up quickly. My tests showed the Arc B580 delivering superior performance at 1440p, making it the best value for budget-conscious gamers.

Intel Arc B580 – Benchmarks

View 15 ImagesAcross eight benchmarked games, the Intel Arc B580 offered the lowest cost per frame at 1440p, averaging $3.72 per frame compared to $4.39 for the RTX 4060 and $4.89 for the Radeon RX 7600. This makes it the most cost-effective choice for budget gamers. Surprisingly, it also handles ray tracing well, outperforming even Nvidia's hardware in games like Cyberpunk 2077, where it achieves a smooth 60fps at 1440p with the Ray Tracing Ultra preset and XeSS set to Balanced.

However, as it's only the second generation of Intel's GPUs, some bugs remain. For example, during my testing of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the benchmark ran without rendering the player's gun, an issue also seen in other Intel GPUs like the Arc A770 and A750. While annoying, these are fixable issues.

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 resolutionsNvidia's RTX 5060 Ti marks a solid improvement over the RTX 4060 Ti, thanks to a larger chip with 36 compute units and the new Blackwell architecture, which introduces DLSS 4 and Multi-Frame Generation (MFG). MFG uses AI to generate up to three interpolated frames for each rendered frame, significantly boosting frame rates, though it increases latency, making it less suitable for fast-paced games like Marvel Rivals.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti – Benchmarks

View 12 ImagesMy review found the RTX 5060 Ti to be about 23% faster than the RTX 4060 Ti and 43% faster than the RTX 3060 Ti across the test suite, making it capable of handling any game at 1080p or 1440p with max settings. However, it's important to 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, the 8GB version is less advisable.

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 performanceWhen choosing a budget GPU, compromises are necessary. The AMD Radeon RX 7600, while not ideal for ray tracing, excels at 1080p gaming. It delivers over 60fps in many games, including Total War: Warhammer 3, where it achieves up to 83fps. At around $250, it's a solid choice for gamers who prioritize performance over fancy graphics tech. Its 8GB of VRAM is sufficient for most 1080p gaming needs, and it handles popular games smoothly, even if ray tracing has to be dialed back.

4. MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X

Best Budget GPU Under $200

### MSIGeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X

1The RTX 3050 may be last-gen, but it's an excellent choice for budget 1080p gaming. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsBase Clock1507MHzVRAM6GB GDDR6Outputx2 HDMI 2.1, x1 DisplayPort 1.4aShading cores2304Compute units18PROSImpressive dual fan coolingGreat valueCONSOnly 6GB VRAMThe RTX 3050, part of the last-generation 3000-series, remains a strong contender for budget gaming. With no direct successor from Nvidia yet, it continues to offer solid 1080p performance. While you might need to adjust settings for demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, its current price of $179 on Amazon makes it an affordable entry point into PC gaming. Its third-generation Tensor cores support DLSS 2.0, enhancing its value, though it's not recommended for ray tracing due to performance limitations. This GPU is perfect for esports and indie games, focusing on traditional gaming workloads.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 – Photos

View 4 Images5. AMD Radeon RX 9070

Best Mid-Range GPU

### AMD Radeon RX 9070

0While not technically a budget GPU, the Radeon RX 9070 offers excellent value for under $600, making it the best mid-range option currently available. 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 GPUThe AMD Radeon RX 9070, priced just under the RX 9070 XT, provides outstanding 1440p performance with 16GB of VRAM, making it a top choice for mid-range gaming. My review showed it outperforming the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 in several games, including Cyberpunk 2077, where it achieved 93fps at 1440p with the Ray Tracing Ultra preset and FSR set to Balanced. Its larger VRAM capacity is a significant advantage as games grow more demanding, especially at higher resolutions. The only drawback is its close pricing to the 9070 XT, which offers 4K gaming capabilities for just $50 more.

How to Pick the Best GPU on a Budget

Selecting the right budget GPU involves understanding your needs and balancing performance with cost. Consider your gaming resolutions, frame rate preferences, and compatibility with existing hardware. Check game system requirements to ensure your chosen GPU meets those needs. Keep an eye out for sales and discounts, as prices can vary, and older models often become more affordable after new releases. A good deal can significantly enhance the value of your purchase.

FAQs about Cheaper GPUs

How much should I budget for a GPU?

For 1080p gaming, a budget of $200 to $400 can secure a decent GPU. For 1440p or 4K gaming, expect prices to exceed $500.

What is the best budget GPU for content creation?

For content creation on a budget, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is a great choice. It offers ample CUDA cores for tasks in Adobe Premiere or Blender and includes 4th-generation Tensor cores for DLSS, which is increasingly used in content creation software.