The Best 4k Gaming Graphics Cards in 2023 – The most significant part to immerse in any title is building a top-notch PC. In light of recent events, it’s easier said than done. Unfortunately, buying a high-end machine seems like a luxury now. Things get worse when one thinks of the best gaming GPU available on the market.
However, a person will never experience what 4K feels like without this detail. This has become a costly affair since the price for one unit may rich $2000. Though, it wasn’t like this not so long ago. Everything changed when people got active with cryptocurrency mining. Then, the epidemic struck came over, which led to logistic chains breakdown.
It’s slowly getting better, but a solid graphics card is still a luxury. Nevertheless, if one has saved enough cash, it’s time to analyze the available options. After all, this critical situation may never calm down making the cost rise up forever.
The presented top list includes only the worthy products. Remember, a 4K graphics card isn’t a thing to skimp on. On top of it, it requires a massive update of the rest hardware. It won’t be able to run a 3840 x 2160 resolution smoothly without it.
Anyway, investing a great sum of money pays off with no problem. A purchase like this will serve for many years with no enforced upgrade. It’s not only about running 4K. It also grants a noticeable FPS boost in any title with this feature toggled off. Paying $1200-1500 or more will save a penny in the future.
10. Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super – Outstanding Price-Performance Value
| GPU Name: | TU104 |
| Memory Size: | 8 GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6 |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1605/1770 MHz |
| TDP: | 215 W |
At first glance, it’s not one of those graphics units that’s suitable for 4K. It’s been always like this indeed. However, it can run this resolution at a bearable FPS rate when overclocked. Though, it requires a decent PC to unlock its full potential.
Featuring a $500 price at launch, this alternative has grown in demand quickly. Luckily, the hype surrounding it calmed down as fast as it rose. It’s now possible to get for the stated cost. Despite being released back in 2019, this is still a solid option. It remains the only outdated RTX video card boasting such performance.
It has everything to show stable FPS at 1080p for many years. Sure, it’s not so great when talking about 4K in particular. However, considering the money asked for the rig, it’s definitely worth it.
Coming to the downsides, one shouldn’t forget it won’t run a 120Hz video when playing. A user can hope for 60Hz if they want to see it shine at 4K. Luckily, it won’t get hot or too loud even at this resolution.
It’s not purely a unit for this purpose, one shouldn’t expect a miracle. Nonetheless, it still can have the best RTX games running at impressive rates. RDR 2 and Far Cry 5 prove it showing 40 and 55 FPS respectively.
9. Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Founders Edition – 4K Gaming Graphics Card
| GPU Name: | TU104 |
| Memory Size: | 8 GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6 |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1515/1800 MHz |
| TDP: | 215 W |
The reviewed guest saw the world in 2018 but still has a lot to show. Compared to the previous contender, it’s a pumped-up version that also costs more. It does bear the fancy “Founders Edition“ tag but usually starts at $800.
It’s one of those GeForce GPUs that seems reliable and powerful for reasonable money. However, not that much has changed judging by the specs presented in the table. At the same time, the rig boasts the same amazing overclocking potential.
The number can reach up to 1800 MHz, which seems compatible even in 2023. Of course, a user won’t be able to enjoy modern releases at maximum settings. Still, the desirable resolution will be available at low or middle options.
Now, it’s not among the greatest Nvidia video cards for 4K in particular. It was capable of running titles supporting this resolution. Though, these games are considered too old at present. If one dreams of playing RDR 2 or anything similar, FPS won’t be that impressive.
A prospective purchaser shouldn’t expect a miracle from this product. It’s in the list of the cheapest 4K graphics cards, but not the most powerful. One should buy if a budget is tight, but a person needs a reliable unit.
8. AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT – Affordability Comes First: Good Graphics Card for 4K Gaming
| GPU Name: | Navi 22 |
| Memory Size: | 12 GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6 |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 2321/2581 MHz |
| TDP: | 230 W |
At first glance, this item seems like a perfect candidate. It combines everything an average user can dream of. To start with, the price is set at around $500. At least it was like this when the RX 6700 XT was released.
It’s still possible to get it at this cost. Though, the overall lack of GPUs makes it problematic. Thankfully, all the AMD graphics cards from 2022 are now more available. The reason for that is that they’re not as popular as Nvidia ones. Unfortunately, they’re not so powerful, but still good for amateurs.
The reviewed contender is a great example of the description above. One shouldn’t expect excellent performance for the sum stated. However, it’s a decent variant if one’s looking forward to saving a penny.
Claiming to be a solid 4K GPU, it demonstrates decent FPS with this feature on. One can hope for 45 frames in titles like RDR 2. It’s an impressive result considering the high settings applied.
By lowering graphics, one can achieve smooth 4K gaming images along with stable FPS. Nonetheless, it will require an enforced update in the future anyway. A prospective purchaser should be ready to pay again.
7. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Founders Edition Graphics Card – Extremely Overpriced
| GPU Name: | GA102 |
| Memory Size: | 24 GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6X |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1395/1695 MHz |
| TDP: | 350 W |
Being released almost two years ago, this model remains one of the most performant. Along with it, it’s overwhelmingly expensive. There aren’t that many average players who are ready to pay for it. At launch, the 3090 graphics card was $1500 increasing this number to $2000 now.
The manufacturer has done a great job of designing such a powerful unit. With such impressive specs, it will serve for five years if not more. On top of it, it’s great not only for gamers. Having 24 GB of VRAM makes it perfect for content creators.
This product can actually compete with any newest graphics card from 2023 with no problem. However, this rig only takes 7th place in the top list. The main reason for this is, of course, the price. Besides, it’s impossible to find it in a retail or online store.
Surely, it’s the finest Nvidia RTX 30 series graphics card, but here’s a hitch. One should also have a top-notch PC to unlock this unit’s potential. So, be ready to pay out more, otherwise, this buy is senseless.
6. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti – Reaching Out For Performance
| GPU Name: | GA104 |
| Memory Size: | 8 GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6X |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1575/1770 MHz |
| TDP: | 290 W |
That’s not the most successful device to achieve decent frames for the money asked. It will only squeeze out around 45-47 FPS in games like RDR 2. One can only picture what level of performance it will have in the future. Therefore, the best RTX 3070 glory days have sunk into the Lethe.
Still, it can be a solid option to choose if one manages to get it at $599. However, this price hasn’t been seen from the product release. The reason for this, as always, is miners and the lack of constant supply.
Nvidia has tried to push the 3070 graphics card for sale, but it remains unpopular. That happens despite an overwhelming memory-type upgrade. It now boasts a GDDR6X unit, but obviously, it’s not enough.
At the same time, it has saved and improved the overclocking ability. The company has always been famous for this feature. Luckily, this edition hasn’t become an exception.
Looking for the best 3070 graphics card deal, wait for sales to cut the costs. Despite supply issues and tremendous demand, some online stores offer such an opportunity.
5. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti – Old But Gold: Video Card for 4K Gaming
| GPU Name: | GA104 |
| Memory Size: | 8 GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6 |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1410/1665 MHz |
| TDP: | 200 W |
The reviewed model represents a modern line of Nvidia beasts. The rig was released at the end of 2021 selling for around $400. It features a stylish gadget of considerable dimensions with two fans. The latter provides effective cooling with temperature jumping to 167°F maximum.
After it appeared on the market, it seemed like a budget variant. Even a processor from the i5 series would be the best CPU for 3060 Ti. Amateur players quickly fell in love with this alternative, as it required no top-notch PC.
Unfortunately, it became almost twice more expensive when the demand rose. This spoiled the overall image. Though, it has remained one of the solid Nvidia video cards to this day.
It has no serious weak sides for the price asked. However, its 4K performance isn’t as great as one may expect. Be ready to see around 45 FPS in titles like RDR 2. This number is far from being impressive, right?
Still, this graphics card is on the list of possible purchases for its specs. Besides, one can still get it for the initial price, which is an amazing deal.
4. AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT – A Mid-Class Option
| GPU Name: | Navi 21 |
| Memory Size: | 16 GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6 |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1825/2250 MHz |
| TDP: | 230 W |
Just like the previous rival, it was released almost two years ago. However, the main difference between them lies in the price. Historically, any game card for PC from this manufacturer has been weaker than Nvidia products.
Luckily, AMD is famous for its amateur-oriented pricing policy. In other words, an average person can buy the RX 6800 XT for around $700. Of course, it’s still quite expensive, but it’s an obligatory investment when talking about 4K.
Despite the suspicious cost, this model is capable to show a smooth 4K computer image. Taking RDR 2 as an example, it boasts around 60 FPS. One can’t but agree that it’s quite an impressive number considering the high settings.
Speaking of the weak points, it’s a power-hungry gadget. Besides, it doesn’t provide the same overclocking result as Nvidia does. On top of it, this model is rarely seen in the stock.
It’s not the most superior variant, but it works for a 4K desktop PC well. At least, it doesn’t make one upgrade their machine for no reason. It will serve for a few years showing solid capability even in the latest titles.
3. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 – Somewhat Better
| GPU Name: | GA102 |
| Memory Size: | 10 GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6X |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1440/1710 MHz |
| TDP: | 320 W |
Slowly but steadily the top list is moving forward to the best-in-class models. The reviewed guest provides a 4K gaming image granting stable frames at high settings. Despite being released almost two years ago, its popularity stays overwhelming.
To start with, it boasts an impressive price of $700, but only in theory. The reality is much sadder, as it always happens with such units.
Judging by the 3080 4K benchmarks, it remains one of the most powerful rigs. A prospective buyer can hope for 60+ FPS in titles like RDR 2. Sure, to achieve these results, one should have a high-end PC overall.
Boasting 10 GB of VRAM makes it a solid choice for content makers as well. This factor also provides a bit of future-proof potential.
With its continuous history, this rival competes with other new Nvidia graphics cards well enough. It’s definitely a worthy purchase if one manages to get it on sale. In all other cases, it’s quite expensive and also remains power-hungry.
2. AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT – A Pricey Investment: Computer Graphics Card
| GPU Name: | Navi 21 |
| Memory Size: | 16 GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6 |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1825/2250 MHz |
| TDP: | 300 W |
Being the latest AMD release, this item remains a costly one. Let’s get deeper to see if it deserves a 4K video card title indeed. Comparing its specs, one can notice they aren’t that different from the RX 6800 XT. At the same time, the sum asked for the product has risen significantly.
Along with that, there’s a noticeable boost in an energy-consuming aspect. This number can become bigger if a user overclocks the unit.
Still, it’s the best GPU for 4K gaming from this particular manufacturer. Despite its dreadful price tag, its performance is impressive. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to get it for $1000. It’s only available for around $1500-1800.
It’s a pricey but worthy investment if one has saved enough money. In this case, a prospective purchaser can forget about enforced updates for good.
On top of it, this is a great graphics card for VR immersion as well. It’s possible thanks to the available 16 GB of VRAM. Just wait for a slight price dropdown and get this powerful beast with no doubts.
1. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Founders Edition – The Best Graphics Card for 4K Gaming in 2023
| GPU Name: | GA102 |
| Memory Size: | 12 GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6X |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1365/1665 MHz |
| TDP: | 350 W |
The Best 4K Gaming Graphics Cards in 2023 – Coming down to the leading position, it’s obviously held by Nvidia. The reviewed model boasts superior results in both gaming and creative spheres. It has no significant complaints connected with performance. At the same time, the price tag is extremely inflated.
This is another 4K graphics card for PC that attracts and pushes away at once. On one hand, it won’t require any updates until the 8K gaming era comes. In fact, it will feature decent capability even then. On the other hand, a few users can afford the cost reaching $1500 and more.
The Top 10 Best Gaming Graphics Cards 2023
Letting this factor slide, it’s a perfect candidate to enjoy 4K at the highest FPS. Having a top-notch machine combined with this unit, there’ll be 80 frames in RDR 2. Games like Far Cry 5 will show even better results reaching 110 points. Isn’t it the best RTX graphics card considering these benchmarks?
Another winning moment is the overclocking potential of this already capable beast. Sure, it’s quite power-consuming yet provided performance is worth it. This will only make it more future-proof to enjoy titles from the upcoming years.
The Winner’s Weak Sides
Unfortunately, it’s not that plain and simple with this model. It’s overwhelmingly powerful but demonstrates a poor price-value parameter. A similar problem is seen with other Nvidia graphics cards from 2022 or thereabouts. They’re created for miners or rich pros but not for average users.
The company tries its best to get over this tendency but the results are unfavorable. For example, the reviewed RTX 3080 Ti is still far above its MSRP. On top of it, one isn’t likely to find it in stock. It means that having the asked sum isn’t enough to purchase the desired item.
One can’t but agree that this is the best Nvidia graphics card judging by performance. It’s a hell of pricey but it does what it’s meant to do. This device provides extremely smooth immersion into the 4K world.
To Sum Everything Up
Building a truly powerful PC requires a ton of funds invested in it. This hobby has become so popular that even amateur players are ready to do this. The most expensive part of any gaming machine is the GPU. It’s especially important if one’s looking for a 3840 x 2160 resolution.
Not every graphics card from 2023 can provide this capability. Besides, a rare purchaser is ready to spend so much cash for poor performance. It’s advisable to save up a penny and buy a high-end unit. This will serve for many years with no upgrades.
Remember that it’s a one-time experience. It’s better to invest a bigger sum reaching $1500 or so and forget about it. Unless one’s a miner stealing 300 Nvidia GPUs on a high-speed boat, it’ll work. This will be the most expensive part of building the dream PC.
The top list represents solid new Nvidia graphics cards judging by specs and prices. It’s up to a prospective buyer what options suits their current build. Anyway, this part of a machine isn’t the one a user should skimp on.
Where to buy 4K gaming graphics cards for PCs
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Comparison of 4K Gaming Graphics Cards by Specs and Price
| 4K GAMING GRAPHICS CARDS | SPECIFICATIONS | BEST PRICE | RATING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super | $899 | 8.3 | |
| Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Founders Edition | $999 | 8.5 | |
| AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT | $666 | 8.6 | |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Founders Edition | $2199 | 8.8 | |
| Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti | $789 | 8.9 | |
| Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti | $750 | 9.1 | |
| AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT | $959 | 9.3 | |
| Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 | $1205 | 9.5 | |
| AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT | $1499 | 9.6 | |
| Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Founders Edition | $1472 | 9.8 |
FAQ About the Best 4K Graphics Cards
Any of the reviewed contenders are good enough for 4K immersion. The main difference is, of course, in specs and prices. Products taking the last three places are the most expensive yet extremely powerful.
It strictly depends on a buyer’s budget and preferences. Someone would be satisfied with a mediocre FPS rate, others wouldn’t be. In the latter case, one should check the RTX 3080 Ti or similar alternatives.
Theoretically, any of the last of them can boast such results. The only exception is the 10th and 9th places on the top list. Still, it depends on the title running and settings chosen. Besides, one shouldn’t forget about overclocking.
Judging by how detailed and vivid the in-game picture looks, 4K takes over. At the same time, not many players can actually afford it. Therefore, 1440p looks quite attractive providing decent image quality and performance level.
While one can do this, it won’t be of the same quality at all. It makes no sense in real practice, as the difference in resolutions is too great. The available maximum for a 1080p monitor is a 1920×1080 resolution. Anything else that goes higher isn’t for this display class.
