Best GPU 2025: Pick the Best Graphics Card for Your Gaming PC

Building or upgrading a gaming PC? The graphics card is usually the first component you consider, and for good reason: it dramatically impacts frame rates. A better GPU generally means better performance, though there are limits. With Nvidia's RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 leading the charge, let's explore the best graphics cards available.

TL;DR: Top Graphics Cards:

Our Top Pick: Zotac Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super
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Gigabyte Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090
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Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
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Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT
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MSI Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
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High-end GPUs like the RTX 5090 (over $1999) are now luxury items, significantly more expensive than previous generations. However, excellent gaming experiences are achievable at lower price points, especially at 1440p or 1080p.

My experience reviewing GPUs across four generations informs this list. If you have specific needs, please comment below, and I'll help you find the perfect card.

Choosing the Right Graphics Card

While the most powerful card seems ideal, GPU selection requires careful consideration. Factors like resolution and budget are crucial.

Your target resolution (1080p, 1440p, 4K) is paramount. A 4K powerhouse might underperform at 1080p due to CPU bottlenecking. For 1080p, consider the Intel Arc B580; for 1440p, the AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT or Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super are strong contenders. The Nvidia RTX 5090 excels at 4K.

Budget is another key factor. Prices start around $200-$250 for solid 1080p performance. Around $1000 gets you top-tier 4K gaming with the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX or Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 (ray tracing preferences may influence your choice).

High-end cards demand powerful power supplies. Check your PSU's wattage against the card's requirements. A 450W PSU might suffice for an Intel Arc B580, but a much higher wattage is needed for a Radeon RX 7800 XT.

What's your graphics card priority?

Budget-friendly (under PS5 price)Exceptional 4K+ performanceBalance of performance and priceRay tracing capabilities

Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super Unboxing:

1. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super: The Best for Most

Zotac Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super
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At around $599, this offers excellent 1440p performance and can handle some 4K gaming. Its 7168 CUDA cores significantly outperform the original RTX 4070.

Benchmarks:

2. Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090: Nvidia's Top Performer

Gigabyte Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090
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The most powerful consumer GPU, boasting 21,760 CUDA cores and 32GB GDDR7 memory. DLSS 4 multi-frame generation further boosts frame rates. Its 578W power draw necessitates a robust power supply.

Photos:

Benchmarks:

3. AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX: AMD's Top Contender

Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
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A strong 4K performer, competitive with the RTX 4080 Super, especially in games with lighter ray tracing loads. Its triple-fan cooler ensures efficient cooling.

Photos:

Benchmarks:

4. AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT: Excellent 1440p Performance

Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT
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A strong 1440p performer, offering great value for its price. It outperforms the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti in many games.

5. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060: Solid 1080p Choice

MSI Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
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A budget-friendly option delivering solid 1080p performance, even with ray tracing enabled. DLSS 3.0 enhances performance in supported games.

Photos:

Benchmarks:

Upcoming GPUs

2025 promises exciting new releases from Nvidia (RTX 5070, RTX 5070 Ti) and AMD (Radeon RX 9070, RX 9070 XT).

Best Graphics Cards FAQ

AMD, Nvidia, or Intel? The best brand depends on your needs and budget. Intel offers affordability, Nvidia boasts top performance, and AMD provides a balance.

Power Supply Considerations: High-end GPUs demand powerful PSUs (1000W for the RTX 5090 is recommended).

GTX vs. RTX: RTX cards (with Tensor and RT cores) are superior to GTX cards in performance and features.

UK Purchasing Options:

Asus TUF Gaming RTX 4070 Ti OC Edition (Currys PC World)

MSI Geforce RTX 3050 Gaming X (Amazon)

XFX Speedster MERC310 RX 7900XT (Amazon)

Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 (Nvidia)