Each year, video games become more visually stunning, making it increasingly difficult to differentiate between graphics and reality. This trend not only fuels countless memes across the internet but also significantly increases the system requirements for these games. When a new major title is released, the list of specs can be daunting. For instance, Civilization VII's requirements are enough to give anyone pause—and that's just for a strategy game, not a hyper-realistic shooter!
Gamers often find themselves upgrading their PCs, with a new graphics card usually being the top priority. Which cards were the best in 2024, and what should you consider for 2025? We'll review the top choices among gamers and highlight the best graphics cards. For inspiration on where to direct the power of your upgraded PC, check out our article on the most beautiful games of 2024.
Table of Contents
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
- AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti
- AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
- Intel Arc B580
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
We'll start with a legendary model that's on its way to becoming a classic. This "workhorse" has been crowned the most popular graphics card among everyday gamers for several years now, as it can handle nearly any task. The RTX 3060 features memory capacities ranging from 8GB to 12GB, supports ray tracing, and performs admirably even under high loads. However, as time marches on, the RTX 3060 is starting to show its age. In some cases, it might struggle with modern projects, yet it still holds its position as a leader.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
While the RTX 3060 may be heading toward the hall of fame, its elder sibling, the RTX 3080, continues to dominate. This card is so powerful and efficient that many gamers still consider it NVIDIA's flagship. With its robust design, the RTX 3080 outperforms even newer models like the RTX 3090 and RTX 4060. A little overclocking goes a long way! In terms of price-to-performance ratio, this remains an excellent choice even in 2025. If you're looking to upgrade your PC without breaking the bank, this is the card for you.
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
Surprisingly, the Radeon RX 6700 XT remains the best option in terms of price-to-performance ratio. It runs all modern games effortlessly and has been a thorn in NVIDIA's side, disrupting stable sales of the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti. The AMD model also offers more memory with a wider bus interface, allowing for smooth gameplay at resolutions like 2560x1440. Even when compared to the much pricier GeForce RTX 4060 Ti with 16GB of video memory, the Radeon RX 6750 XT remains a strong competitor.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti
Since the RTX 4060 Ti came up, let's dive into its details. Unlike the RTX 4060, the Ti version holds its ground and is featured in many PCs worldwide. While its performance doesn't vastly outshine AMD's offerings or the RTX 3080, it still delivers solid results. On average, the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti is 4% faster than its predecessor, even at 2560x1440 resolution. Plus, its performance gets a significant boost thanks to the Frame Generation feature.
AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
The Radeon RX 7800 XT leaves NVIDIA's pricier GeForce RTX 4070 in the dust in most games, outperforming it by an average of 18% at 2560x1440 resolution. This model has put significant pressure on NVIDIA, forcing them to rethink their strategy. Another advantage of the RX 7800 XT is its generous 16GB of video memory, an optimal capacity for a powerful card in 2024, ensuring longevity. In games with ray tracing at QHD resolution, the Radeon RX 7800 XT beats the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti by a remarkable 20%.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super
Competition works wonders, and NVIDIA has corrected its course. If you have a bit of extra cash, consider the GeForce RTX 4070 Super, which offers a 10–15% performance boost compared to the GeForce RTX 4070. For gaming at 2K resolution, this is arguably the best choice. In terms of power consumption, the card has only slightly increased its requirements, going from 200W to 220W. It's an excellent option, especially if you take the time to undervolt it, which can lower temperatures and increase performance by another 10%.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
The performance of this graphics card is sufficient for any game, and some gamers consider it the best choice for 4K resolution. It has ample video memory to last for several years, and its ray tracing capabilities have been further enhanced, making it more adaptive and efficient. Many users consider this model NVIDIA's flagship, although there's an even more advanced option, which we'll discuss next.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
Here's NVIDIA's true flagship for top-tier builds. With this card in your PC, you won't have to worry about performance for years to come. Objectively speaking, it doesn't significantly outperform the RTX 4080, but considering the likely pricing of the upcoming 50-series models, the RTX 4090 and its variations may become the primary choice for high-end setups from NVIDIA.
AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
AMD also has a top-tier model that rivals NVIDIA's flagship in performance. The Radeon RX 7900 XTX competes confidently, with one significant advantage: price. It's significantly more affordable, making it an appealing choice for many gamers. Otherwise, this is also a card that can meet all your gaming needs for several years to come.
Intel Arc B580
Surprise! Intel shook up the market at the end of 2024 with its new release. The Intel Arc B580 turned out to be so impressive that all units sold out in just one day! What makes it so special? First, this graphics card outperforms its competitors—the RTX 4060 Ti and RX 7600—by 5–10%. Second, it offers 12GB of video memory at a phenomenal price of just $250. Intel plans to continue targeting the market with similarly budget-friendly yet powerful models. It seems NVIDIA and AMD might face serious competition in the near future.
Looking at this list, it's clear that despite rising prices, gamers can still enjoy modern games. Even with a relatively modest budget, it's possible to purchase a graphics card with solid performance. As for the high-end models, they'll remain relevant for years to come, ensuring smooth gameplay and a future-proof gaming experience.
