Top Affordable GPUs for 2025: Best Value Picks

It's no secret that graphics cards have seen a significant price increase over recent years, but the good news is that budget-friendly options are making a strong comeback. The Intel Arc B580, priced at just $249, stands out as the top choice for budget-conscious gamers, offering unmatched performance in its price range. No longer do budget gamers need to settle for outdated cards that launched at similar prices nearly a decade ago. Even a $450 option like the RTX 5060 Ti provides excellent value, especially when compared 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 NeweggEven at these lower price points, you can still enjoy a stellar gaming experience, as long as you set your expectations realistically. While the RTX 5060 Ti may not be ideal for 4K gaming, it excels at 1080p and even 1440p, making it an excellent choice for users sticking with the most common display resolution, according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey. So, you don't need to break the bank to build a great gaming PC in 2025, despite the overall increase in costs.

I've been hands-on with every GPU listed here, and I can confidently vouch for their performance and value.

Contributions by Kegan Mooney and Georgie Peru

What Do We Consider a "Budget GPU"?

Today's graphics cards are pricier than ever, with top-tier Nvidia models reaching $2,000, while even budget options can cost hundreds of dollars. In the past, a budget GPU could be found for around $200 and still deliver solid 1080p performance in the latest games, but times have changed. For example, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, considered a budget GPU by today's standards, costs $399.

It's all about perspective. If a high-end GPU is around $1,000 and a mid-range option like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 is about $449, then a budget GPU typically falls within the $200 to $300 range. There are cheaper cards available, but you might end up with last-generation models. Yet, even an RTX 3060 or RTX 2060 can deliver impressive 1080p performance, though you may miss out on some newer features.

The key question is: Do you really need the best ray tracing effects? Chances are, you can manage without them.

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 units20PROSExcellent performance at 1440pVery affordableCONSSome driver problems at launchFor years, it felt like budget graphics cards were being overlooked by manufacturers. Nvidia, for instance, hasn't followed up the GTX 1660 Ti, leaving budget gamers to settle for last year's models. Fortunately, Intel has stepped up with its second generation of graphics cards, providing an excellent entry point into PC gaming. The Intel Arc B580 is by far the best budget graphics card we've seen in years.

Priced at just $249 and equipped with 12GB of VRAM, the B580 offers significantly more memory than the 8GB found in comparable RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600 models. While 8GB might suffice at 1080p, 12GB is essential for higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K, where the frame buffer can quickly fill up. In my review, the Intel Arc B580 demonstrated superior 1440p performance compared to any other card in its class, largely thanks to its generous frame buffer.

Intel Arc B580 – Benchmarks

View 15 ImagesIn my benchmarks, the Intel Arc B580 consistently delivered the lowest cost per frame across eight tested games. At 1440p, the Arc B580 averaged just $3.72 per frame, compared to $4.39 for the RTX 4060 and $4.89 for the AMD Radeon RX 7600, based on retail prices. This makes the B580 a clear winner for value-conscious gamers.

Surprisingly, the B580 also handles ray tracing exceptionally well. In games like Cyberpunk 2077, traditionally favoring Nvidia hardware, the B580 outperforms the more expensive RTX 4060, achieving a smooth 60fps average at 1440p with the Ray Tracing Ultra preset and XeSS set to Balanced.

However, being only the second generation of Intel's GPUs, there are some bugs to iron out. During testing, I encountered an issue with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 where the gun in the player's hand wouldn't render during benchmarks. While frustrating, this is likely fixable. This bug was present across all Intel GPUs I tested, including the last-gen Arc A770 and A750, indicating it's not specific 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 resolutionsNvidia has faced challenges in following up its RTX 4000 series, but the RTX 5060 Ti represents a solid step forward from the RTX 4060 Ti. This improvement is largely due to its larger chip size, now featuring 36 compute units instead of 34, along with new features like DLSS 4.

The standout feature of this generation is the advanced Frame Generation, with the RTX 5060 Ti supporting Multi-Frame Generation (MFG) through DLSS 4. This AI-powered technology can generate up to three interpolated frames from each rendered frame, significantly boosting frame rates. However, this comes at the expense of increased latency, so I wouldn't recommend using it in fast-paced games like Marvel Rivals.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti – Benchmarks

View 12 ImagesMy testing showed that the RTX 5060 Ti was about 23% faster than the RTX 4060 Ti and 43% faster than the RTX 3060 Ti across my entire suite of games. While this isn't the most dramatic generational leap, it's sufficient to handle almost any game at 1080p or 1440p with max settings.

It's important to note that there are two versions of the RTX 4060 Ti: one with 16GB of VRAM and another with 8GB. I tested the 16GB model, and given the increasing memory demands of modern games, I advise steering clear of the 8GB version.

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 performancePurchasing a more affordable graphics card often involves compromises. The AMD Radeon RX 7600, for example, may not be the best choice for ray tracing enthusiasts, but it excels in traditional 1080p gaming. Who really needs fancy ray tracing when you're just trying to enjoy games like Phasmophobia with friends?

In my review, I found that the RX 7600 struggled in certain games like Cyberpunk 2077, yet it easily surpassed 60fps at 1080p in others, such as Total War: Warhammer 3, achieving up to 83fps. While not as fast as more expensive cards, at around $250, it's a great value.

Moreover, this AMD graphics card comes with 8GB of VRAM, which is ample for most 1080p gaming scenarios. The RX 7600 shines in powering popular games without any fuss, and it's hard to find a modern game it can't run smoothly, even if you need to dial back ray tracing occasionally. 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 may be a last-generation GPU, but for those seeking a budget-friendly 1080p option, it's hard to beat. 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, is still a fantastic value. Nvidia hasn't released a new budget card in the Ada Lovelace generation, leaving the RTX 3050 as a strong contender. It delivers solid 1080p gaming performance across a wide range of games.

You might need to adjust quality settings in more demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Horizon: Forbidden West, but at $179 on Amazon, the RTX 3050 remains the most affordable way to enter PC gaming without resorting to used cards.

Additionally, thanks to Nvidia's third-generation Tensor cores, the RTX 3050 supports DLSS 2.0, enhancing its value and performance in compatible games. However, I wouldn't recommend enabling ray tracing on this GPU, as it won't provide a satisfactory experience. It's best suited for traditional gaming and esports or indie games.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 – Photos

View 4 Images5. AMD Radeon RX 9070

Best Mid-Range GPU

### AMD Radeon RX 9070

0While priced close to the RX 9070 XT, the Radeon RX 9070 offers excellent 1440p performance for the price. 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, though not strictly a budget GPU, provides the best value under $600 once stock levels normalize. It's an entry point into mid-range performance, offering excellent 1440p capabilities and a generous 16GB of VRAM, which is more than what you'd typically find at this price point.

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-heavy games like Cyberpunk 2077, thanks to AMD's improved ray tracing pipeline. At 1440p with the ray tracing ultra preset and FSR set to balanced, the RX 9070 achieved 93fps, compared to 90fps for the RTX 5070 under similar settings.

The RX 9070 also boasts 16GB of GDDR6, which, while not as fast as the GDDR7 on the RTX 5070, provides more memory capacity than the RTX 5070's 12GB. This is crucial as games become more demanding on memory, especially at higher resolutions. The only drawback is its proximity in price to the RX 9070 XT, which offers 4K gaming capabilities for just $50 more. It's a small price to pay if you're equipped with a 4K display.

How to Pick the Best GPU on a Budget

Choosing the best budget GPU doesn't have to be daunting. It's about understanding your needs and finding a balance between performance and cost. Consider what you'll be using the GPU for and focus on factors like frame rates, resolution capabilities, and compatibility with your current setup. If you have a specific game in mind, check its system requirements to guide your choice.

Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and bundle deals, as prices can vary. If a new GPU is released, older models often see price drops, making them even more attractive. Timing your purchase with a good deal can significantly enhance your value.

FAQs about Cheaper GPUs

How much should I budget for a GPU?

For less demanding games and 1080p gaming, you can find a decent GPU within the $200 to $400 range. For 1440p or 4K gaming, you might need to spend upwards of $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 to handle most creative workloads in applications like Adobe Premiere or Blender, and its 4th-generation Tensor cores support DLSS, which is increasingly integrated into popular content creation software.