Best Cheap Graphics Card – it’s no longer possible to imagine one’s life without a capable PC. At the same time, the present situation on the market looks dramatic. An average user can’t find anything but used graphics cards and hope for the best. The main reasons for that are the excessive demand and thousands of miners worldwide.
There’s only one way out – get a more affordable option. Of course, a rig like this won’t run a 4K resolution: Best 4K Gaming Graphics Cards. In fact, it will barely handle 1440p but not many amateurs wish that.
Today, one can see hundreds of GPUs for sale but they aren’t really available. The major part of them start at $1000-1500 or even more. Luckily, the presented below top list offers a bunch of inexpensive decisions. One can find some of them at $200-500, which is a big win now.
It’s necessary to mention that these contenders don’t lay claim to being for high-end units. However, one can’t complain about their performance and specs for the asked sum. They demonstrate solid frames in the latest releases at acceptable settings.
If one’s looking for the latest Nvidia graphics card with maximum capability, it’s a miss. Any of such gadgets are too expensive and a true rarity to find. In fact, the world-leading manufacturers don’t even hide this fact. They can’t produce enough units to satisfy the current demand.
So, sit back and scroll through the selection of the finest affordable options. One can be sure there will be the right variant for them. All the reviewed editions guarantee stable and smooth immersion in most titles.
10. Nvidia GeForce GT 1030: GDDR5 2GB, HDMI Output PC Computer – A Good Cheap Graphics Card Under $150 For Gaming
| GPU Name: | GP108 |
| Memory Size: | 2GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR5 |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1228/1502 MHz |
| TDP: | 30W |
Nvidia GeForce GT 1030 – this model will impress customers with the tightest budget. Despite the constantly growing demand, one can find it at $120 on Amazon. At the same time, it’s not a knick-knack from an unknown brand. That must be the best graphics card under 200 compared to other rivals.
Let’s look at it in detail and find out what titles it runs efficiently. The most significant upside is, of course, the price. Other positive moments include low energy consumption and small dimensions.
It fits almost any PC build and can be considered the best low-profile gaming graphics card. However, it also affects negatively in terms of performance. Many users will struggle to run the most modern titles. On top of it, one will have to forget about maxing out the settings.
Surely, it can’t compete with the latest models but its price covers everything. It’s just a reliable option if one’s goal is to save a penny.
It does excellent and it’s the best bang for your buck graphics card now. Though, don’t expect it to be too powerful. The only thing that attracts a consumer is the sum asked for this tiny beast.
9. AMD Radeon RX 550: 4GB Red Dragon Graphics Card – Seems Serviceable
| GPU Name: | Lexa |
| Memory Size: | 4GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR5 |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1100/1200 MHz |
| TDP: | 75W |
XFX AMD Radeon RX 550 – this is a worthy opponent for the previous contender on the list. Sure, it costs more but is still quite affordable. It was released back in 2017 but demonstrates eye-catching capability up to nowadays. Its initial price was around $100 but it increased together with the growing demand. Now, it’s the best graphics card under 300 since one can get it for $235 on Amazon.
Just like the previous rival, it boasts small dimensions. It fits any PC setup but doesn’t provide much performance. Still, it’s more power-hungry consuming up to 75W. The number also gets bigger if one overclocks the rig.
It copes well with 1080p and runs all online titles like Dota 2 or LoL. Though, it won’t be enough to enjoy releases like The Witcher 3. It’s not the newest graphics card by all means but still shows solid frames.
This model has similar minuses just like the previous unit. It serves as a short-term option until one has more money to upgrade it. Just make sure to get it on sale, otherwise, it may seem quite expensive.
8. NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti: OC 4G Gigabyte VGA Video Card – Somewhat Better
| GPU Name: | GP107 |
| Memory Size: | 4GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR5 |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1291/1392 MHz |
| TDP: | 75W |
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti – released 6 years ago, this model still demonstrates a perfect performance-price value. It was around $140 at launch but it became more expensive together with the demand. Today, one can get it for $230 making it a budget GPU in all aspects. It’s not impressively powerful but a buyer can’t complain about it for this money.
Just like the two previous contenders, it features a small size. It’s only a single-fan device that will fit in any chassis. However, make sure not to overload it or it will grow hot quickly.
In general, it runs the major part of modern releases at smooth frames. Though, it won’t run some of the titles at maximum settings. Still, it shows solid capability being a good cheap graphics card at this point.
One can try to overclock to unlock its full potential but be careful. This model comes from the previous generation where this feature wasn’t that accessible.
It doesn’t seem like a video card for a gaming PC by today’s standards. The overall performance also depends on the rest of the installed hardware. If one has a solid setup, this unit will shine.
7. AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT: 4G Graphics Card, PCIe 4.0, 128-Bit GDDR6 – Barely Affordable
| GPU Name: | Navi 10 |
| Memory Size: | 8GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6 |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1647/1845 MHz |
| TDP: | 150W |
AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT – compared to the candidates presented above, this model has 8GB under its belt. Don’t be scared, the manufacturer tries to keep the cost at a reasonable level. This brand is less popular than Nvidia is but it’s more affordable as well. Releasing the best value graphics card from time to time is quite common for AMD. The reviewed guest is an amazing example of that.
Thanks to a larger VRAM capacity and excellent overclocking potential, this model handles 1080p easily. In fact, it can even cope with 1440p but at lower settings.
Created in 2019, this unit bore the title of the best budget graphics card 2022. Now, it doesn’t seem that fantastic since the price has grown even more. Back then, its cost was around $200. Though, it has increased up to $300 on Amazon just like the demand has done.
Speaking of the weak sides, it struggles with the latest releases. Despite having solid specifications, this rig remains undervalued. On top of it, it may seem too power-hungry for particular clients.
6. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050: 8GB GDRR6, 128-Bit HDMI 2.1 port, Twin Fans – Affordable Graphics Card For Gaming
| GPU Name: | GP106 |
| Memory Size: | 8GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6 |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1552/1777 MHz |
| TDP: | 130W |
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 – one can be surprised to see this model on this top list. The RTX series doesn’t seem to be budget at all. However, it wasn’t always like this. At launch, it was the best gaming graphics card 2023 in all aspects. The price tag was only $250, which was more than affordable.
Nonetheless, everything has changed with the constantly growing demand. Today, it will be a gift to get it for $370 on Amazon or around so.
Having ray tracing is the major upside of this contender. Sure, it’s not of the highest quality but still does fine. Looking at its cost and specs, it supersedes any 6GB graphics card with no problem. The only issue is to find it on sale.
With the specified configuration, one can hope to enjoy not only 1080p. This unit can run 1440p quite smoothly as well. Though, be ready to lower the settings if the titles are too demanding.
It could be the best budget graphics card 2023 if not for the risen cost. Besides, it requires a solid setup concerning all inner details. In any other case, it won’t unlock its full potential and capability.
5. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super: Overclocked 4GB Phoenix Fan Edition, HDMI DP, DVI Graphics Card – Extreme Value
| GPU Name: | TU116 |
| Memory Size: | 4GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6 |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1530/1725 MHz |
| TDP: | 100W |
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super – not many models manage to keep the price tag at a reasonable level. The reviewed guest does that perfectly. At first sight, this unremarkable 4GB graphics card demonstrates unseen capability. Combined with an attractive cost – $300 on Amazon, it’s a great buy for a budget setup.
That would be a lie to tell that this unit copes with the latest releases. Its main goal is to provide smooth FPS in older editions. As a rule, they don’t have too high system requirements.
It was definitely the best budget GPU 2022 and remains so today. Other upsides include a diminutive size fitting any case. On top of it, one can overclock it with no problem. This is especially important seeing that only a few 4GB models are capable of it.
The most obvious negative points include the unavailability to stream smoothly. Additionally, it may seem quite power-hungry when overclocked at maximum. Though, one can’t complain much about its capability for the money asked.
4. AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT: Gaming OC 6G Graphics Card, PCIe 4.0, 6GB 192-Bit GDDR6 – Could Be Cheaper
| GPU Name: | Navi 10 |
| Memory Size: | 6GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6 |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1375/1560 MHz |
| TDP: | 150W |
AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT – evaluated at $279 at launch, this model could be the best affordable graphics card. However, the overall growing demand has led to the constant price increase. It’s still a decent option showing a great price-performance value. Let’s look at it in detail to see what it offers to a budget-minded user.
To start with, this manufacturer is less popular than its Nvidia rival. So, don’t be hard on this unit, as it’s built differently in some aspects. The main advantage it offers is the $270 cost on Amazon.
Other positive moments include overwhelming performance. Considering the fact it’s a budget graphics card, it demonstrates solid results. One can also overclock it with no problem making it even more capable.
Speaking of the weak points, it has no ray-tracing system for the stated money. For those who are looking for this particular feature, consider buying an Nvidia analog. Besides, it has a limited port number, which is a big deal for this model.
Despite impressive specs, it’s not the best cheap GPU today. Though, it does well for this price. If a person acquires it at its lowest, it’s definitely a steal.
3. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660: 128-Bit 6GB GDRR5, Dual Fan Graphics Card – Barely Fits the Category
| GPU Name: | TU116 |
| Memory Size: | 6GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR5 |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1530/1785 MHz |
| TDP: | 120W |
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 – unlike its previous rivals, this model can hardly be called truly budget. Its launch cost was around $220. As one could guess, it kept growing, as the demand stayed high. This factor hasn’t crossed this contender out of solid graphic cards for a gaming PC. It still does great in most lately released titles.
The manufacturer has tried to make this rig performant to the limit. At the same time, the reviewed device has become bigger. It now features two fans, which makes it too large for small cases.
Other positive sides include its moderate power consumption. Though, the number can increase if one decides to overclock the unit. It’s not always necessary, as the GTX 1660 provides stable FPS at 1080p. Still, it’s a great addition for a GPU for gaming like this one.
Speaking of the weak points, it’s particularly difficult to get it at a reasonable cost. Its launch price has nothing to do with the current reality. Now, getting it for $400 on Amazon is considered huge luck already. If one’s ready to spend a bit more money, this is the alternative.
2. AMD Radeon RX 5700: 8GB GDDR6 HDMI/Triple DP Graphics Card – Best Budget Gaming Graphics Card
| GPU Name: | Navi 10 |
| Memory Size: | 8GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6 |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1465/1725 MHz |
| TDP: | 180W |
AMD Radeon RX 5700 – another AMD rig that seems to be a budget-aimed model impresses with its specs. It boasted even a lower cost at launch being only $350. That’s nothing if compared to what power it holds. It’s a cheap GPU for gaming that does great when running 1440p.
Having 8GB is quite enough for current titles to enjoy them at maximum settings. Besides, it seems like a decent gadget for the upcoming years. Combined with an overwhelming overclocking capacity, this unit is a true beast.
However, the biggest minus is the current price for this pretty. It may go up to $900 or around this number.
Of course, this barely fits the “budget” category. Still, it may the best GPU for gaming for people who prefer AMD.
Featuring no ray-tracing is another downside of this model. Users hunting for this option should opt for a newer generation of cards. Anyway, buying this gadget on sale is definitely one of the most reliable solutions.
1. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super: Best Cheap Graphics Card for Gaming in 2023 – The Indisputable Champion
| GPU Name: | TU116 |
| Memory Size: | 6GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6 |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock: | 1530/1785 MHz |
| TDP: | 125W |
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super – Designed and released back in 2019, the described guest still does extremely well. Besides, it’s one of the few models that hasn’t increased in price that much. Being $230 at launch, it was a true steal for 1080p players.
Despite the constantly growing demand, it’s only $380 on Amazon now. Isn’t it the best video card for gaming considering its specs-cost value?
Boasting 6GB of VRAM, it’s more than usable up to today. On top of it, this unit features a high overclocking potential. All that comes together with reasonable power consumption.
Other positive aspects include its middle dimensions. Unlike its previous siblings from an older generation, it has two fans installed. Though, it doesn’t mean it gets too large. On the contrary, it fits the major part of the most popular case sizes.
Of course, one shouldn’t expect a miracle from this device. It won’t be able to run the latest titles. Nonetheless, it feels more than fine with all slightly outdated releases. A user can change the settings to the maximum without a single frame dropped.
For this price, a customer shouldn’t hope for ray-tracing support or anything. Despite all the cons, it’s the best GeForce graphics card available for reasonable money. Try to find it at the lowest cost possible to save an extra penny.
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super review
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super - This is an interesting product with an entry-level configuration. Firstly, it is an upgraded version of the GTX 1660. In addition, its performance is as good as the GTX 1660 Ti’s. So the latter one becomes almost irrelevant when it comes to comparing. Advantages: Budget price No overheating Proper performance Disadvantages: RT cores unavailable Small choice of ports We’ve been observing Nvidia Turing being...
Read moreGaming graphics card Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super
PROS
- Budget price
- No overheating
- Proper performance
CONS
- RT cores unavailable
- Small choice of ports
Best buy
Amazon
Walmart
The Winner’s Weak Sides
Even the incontestable champion should have something negative under its belt. It’s been already mentioned that this is a strictly 1080p unit. So, people hunting for 1440p should consider other alternatives. The same goes for ray-tracing, as it’s a rare thing for models of this category. This option is perfect for a mid-price PC setup.
Trying to create the best cheap graphics card, the manufacturer has to skimp on something. That’s why a prospective customer sees a limited number of ports available. Another minus is that it’s hard to find in stock. It’s better to wait for it in the marketplace.
Read more:
Best Gaming Graphics Cards
Best 4K Gaming Graphics Cards
To Sum Everything Up
Building a budget PC is particularly difficult today. The reason for that is not only the overwhelming demand. Though, one can’t doubt that this is the most expensive part of any setup. Everyone is looking for the most solid piece of cake in this category.
When hunting for the best gaming GPU, one should consider if it’s the desired investment. A user will be more than satisfied with a device for $350-400 or less. The final choice also depends on the overall PC build.
There’s no sense to buy a high-end rig if one’s machine can’t unlock its potential. It’s better to go for one of the alternatives presented on this top list.
If looking carefully, the best budget video card won’t make one borrow a fortune. In fact, the manufacturers often give them out in a sale. It’s advisable to surf marketplaces a few times a day.
Unfortunately, there’s no cheap graphics card for gaming that satisfies all needs. It won’t be able to meet all the requirements. In the end, the company has to skimp on this or that feature. A prospective buyer should just decide what variant suits them most.
Where to buy Cheap Graphics Cards for PCs and Laptops
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Comparison of budget gaming graphics cards by specs and price
| BUDGET GRAPHICS CARDS | SPECIFICATIONS | BEST PRICE | RATING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nvidia GeForce GT 1030 | |
$120 | 8.6 |
| AMD Radeon RX 550 | |
$235 | 8.8 |
| NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti | |
$230 | 8.9 |
| AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT | |
$300 | 9.0 |
| Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 | |
$370 | 9.1 |
| Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super | |
$300 | 9.3 |
| AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT | |
$270 | 9.4 |
| Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 | |
$400 | 9.6 |
| AMD Radeon RX 5700 | |
$900 | 9.7 |
| Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super | |
$380 | 9.8 |
FAQ About Best Cheap Graphics Cards
The final choice doesn’t always come down to the graphics unit itself. Other important factors include the overall PC setup. If one has a weak-performant machine, go for the GT 1030. In case of a better build, choose the GTX 1660 Super.
This title goes to the GTX 1660 Super, as it’s nearly perfect in many aspects. Of course, it doesn’t provide smooth 1440p gaming. However, who expects that from a budget-oriented device. In all other factors, it performs extremely well.
Again, it depends on what titles one prefers. This amount of VRAM would be fine for games like Overwatch, Fortnite, and similar shooters. At the same time, consider buying a better alternative for the latest titles.
The RTX series is the newer generation of Nvidia cards. Therefore, it can’t be worse than its GTX predecessor. However, RTX is much more expensive, as it features ray-tracing support. If one doesn’t need it, there’s no sense to overpay for it.
