What’s the best budget GPU for a gaming build?
Looking for a budget GPU to build your gaming PC but not sure where to start? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best graphics card that won’t break the bank. In this guide, we’ll explore the top budget GPUs that are perfect for gamers on a budget.
Before we dive into the best graphics cards, it’s important to understand what makes a GPU a good fit for gaming. A GPU, or graphics processing unit, is responsible for rendering and displaying images, videos, and animations on your screen. Having a powerful GPU is crucial for gaming because it directly affects the quality and smoothness of the graphics you see.
When it comes to budget GPUs, you might not find the same level of performance as high-end models that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. However, you can still find a good GPU that can handle most games at decent graphics settings without breaking the bank. So, what’s the best budget GPU for a gaming build? Let’s find out.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 is an excellent entry-level graphics card that’s perfect for casual gaming. It’s the successor to the popular GTX 1050 and offers a significant improvement in performance. The GTX 1650 is based on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture and features 896 CUDA cores, 4GB of GDDR5 memory, and a 128-bit memory interface.
In terms of gaming performance, the GTX 1650 can handle most games at 1080p resolution and medium to high graphics settings. It can also handle some games at 1440p resolution, although you might need to lower the graphics settings. The GTX 1650 is also efficient and doesn’t require a lot of power, making it an ideal choice for budget builds.
One downside of the GTX 1650 is that it doesn’t offer ray tracing, a cutting-edge technology that simulates the behavior of light in real-time. Ray tracing can significantly improve the visual quality of games that support it, but it also requires a more powerful GPU. If you’re not interested in ray tracing, the GTX 1650 is an excellent choice for budget gamers.
AMD Radeon RX 570
The AMD Radeon RX 570 is another budget graphics card that offers excellent value for money. It’s based on AMD’s Polaris architecture and features 2048 stream processors, 4GB or 8GB of GDDR5 memory, and a 256-bit memory interface. The RX 570 also supports DirectX 12 and Vulkan, two popular APIs that games use to interact with GPUs.
When it comes to gaming performance, the RX 570 can handle most games at 1080p resolution and high graphics settings. It also supports AMD’s FreeSync technology, which synchronizes the refresh rate of your GPU with your monitor’s refresh rate, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering.
Like the GTX 1650, the RX 570 doesn’t offer ray tracing. However, it does support AMD’s FidelityFX, a collection of post-processing effects that can enhance the visual quality of games without compromising performance. FidelityFX is compatible with most games and doesn’t require developers to integrate it into their games, making it a convenient feature for budget gamers.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super is a step up from the GTX 1650 and offers better performance at a slightly higher price point. It’s based on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture and features 1408 CUDA cores, 6GB of GDDR6 memory, and a 192-bit memory interface. The GTX 1660 Super also supports ray tracing and NVIDIA’s adaptive shading technology, which can improve the performance of games that support it.
When it comes to gaming performance, the GTX 1660 Super can handle most games at 1080p resolution and high graphics settings. It can also handle some games at 1440p resolution, although you might need to lower the graphics settings. The GTX 1660 Super offers a significant boost in performance compared to the GTX 1650, making it a great choice for budget gamers who want a bit more power.
One downside of the GTX 1660 Super is that it’s slightly more expensive than the GTX 1650 and RX 570. However, it’s still an affordable graphics card that offers excellent value for money. If you’re looking for a budget GPU that can handle most games at high graphics settings, the GTX 1660 Super is a great option.
AMD Radeon RX 580
The AMD Radeon RX 580 is an older graphics card that still offers decent performance at an affordable price point. It’s based on AMD’s Polaris architecture and features 2304 stream processors, 8GB of GDDR5 memory, and a 256-bit memory interface. The RX 580 also supports DirectX 12 and Vulkan, two popular APIs that games use to interact with GPUs.
When it comes to gaming performance, the RX 580 can handle most games at 1080p resolution and high graphics settings. It can also handle some games at 1440p resolution, although you might need to lower the graphics settings. The RX 580 offers similar performance to the GTX 1660 Super but at a lower price point, making it a great choice for budget gamers.
Like the RX 570, the RX 580 supports AMD’s FreeSync technology and FidelityFX post-processing effects. It also supports Radeon Image Sharpening, a technology that can make games look sharper and more detailed without impacting performance. If you’re looking for a budget GPU with excellent value for money, the RX 580 is worth considering.
Conclusion
When it comes to budget GPUs, you can find a range of options that offer excellent value for money. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 and AMD Radeon RX 570 are excellent entry-level graphics cards that offer decent gaming performance at an affordable price point. If you’re looking for a bit more power, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super and AMD Radeon RX 580 offer significant performance boosts for a slightly higher price.
Ultimately, the best budget GPU for a gaming build depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t need the latest features, the GTX 1650 and RX 570 are great options. If you want ray tracing and adaptive shading, the GTX 1660 Super is the way to go. And if you’re looking for a balance between performance and price, the RX 580 is an excellent choice.
No matter which budget GPU you choose, make sure to check its compatibility with your other PC components, such as your CPU and power supply. You’ll also want to consider factors such as warranty, customer support, and brand reputation when making your decision. With the right GPU, you can enjoy smooth and immersive gaming without breaking the bank.
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