Best Graphics Cards for Gaming in 2025

Jonathan Kao

Asus Tuf Gaming RTX 5090

In 2025, the graphics card landscape has shifted dramatically. With the launch of NVIDIA’s Blackwell RTX 50 series, AMD’s RDNA 4-powered RX 9000 series, and Intel’s expanding Arc Battlemage lineup, GPU shoppers are finally seeing innovation that matches the hype — and in some cases, the price tag. Whether you’re gaming at 1080p, pushing 4K ultra settings, or leveraging AI workloads and ray tracing, there’s now a GPU for nearly every budget and use case.

Prices are still volatile, especially for the latest-gen GPUs, but smart buyers can find value in both new and prior-gen models — if they know what to look for. Below is our expert-curated list of the best graphics cards in 2025 for performance, value, and features.

See all the prices for 5090 GPUs on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3HE4yug


Editor’s Top Picks (June 2025)

GPUBest ForPrice (Est.)VRAMNotable Features
RTX 50904K Ultra + AI$3,999+32GB GDDR7DLSS 4, Multi-Frame Gen, 512-bit bus
RTX 5070Best Overall$59912GB GDDR7MFG, Efficient Blackwell GB205
RX 9070 XTAMD Flagship$84916GB GDDR6RDNA 4, FSR 4, solid RT uplift
Arc B580Budget 1440p$35012GB GDDR6XeSS 2, good raster perf
RX 7600Budget 1080p$2598GB GDDR6FSR 3, DP 2.1, AV1 encode

Best Overall: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070

RTX 5070 FE
RTX 5070 FE

See all the latest RTX 5070 GPUs on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4l7C5vJ

The RTX 5070 is the sweet spot in Nvidia’s new Blackwell lineup. For under $600, you get a card that outpaces the RTX 4070 Super by 20–25% in most raster and ray tracing workloads, while sipping significantly less power.

Why it’s great:

  • Offers DLSS 4 with Multi-Frame Generation (MFG)
  • Excellent 1440p and strong 4K performance
  • Most available 50-series card near MSRP

Trade-offs: Just 12GB of VRAM may limit its long-term 4K performance.


Best High-End Performance: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090

Nvidia’s monster flagship is built for no-compromise gaming and AI. It delivers the highest raster and RT frame rates in every game tested and is currently the top performer for 8K and creator workflows.

Why it’s great:

  • 32GB GDDR7 with 1.8 TB/s bandwidth
  • DLSS 4 + MFG = best upscaling experience
  • Blazing-fast ray tracing, ideal for heavy modded titles

Drawbacks: Availability is scarce, and prices are well above the $1,999 MSRP.


Best AMD Value: Radeon RX 9070 XT

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT
AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT

Find AMD RX 9070 XT GPUs on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4kFk8UW

AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture finally delivers a strong answer to Nvidia. The RX 9070 XT pushes ahead of the RTX 4070 Ti Super in many raster workloads and even shows improved ray tracing capabilities, thanks to updated RT accelerators and AI cores.

Why it’s great:

  • 16GB VRAM at GDDR6 20Gbps speeds
  • Excellent rasterization performance
  • Supports FSR 4 and frame gen

Drawbacks: Over MSRP in many regions; still trails Nvidia in DLSS-supported titles.


Best Budget Performer: Intel Arc B580

Shop Intel B580 GPUs on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4jynurY

Intel is back in the fight with the Arc B580, a surprisingly competitive card for sub-$400 builds. It handles modern 1080p and 1440p games well and includes 12GB VRAM, giving it a leg up over similarly priced rivals.

Why it’s great:

  • Great performance at 1080p ultra
  • 12GB VRAM for future-proofing
  • Strong AV1 support, XeSS 2 adoption growing

Drawbacks: Drivers continue to improve, but occasional game compatibility issues linger.


Best Entry-Level: Nvidia RTX 4060

Despite its age, the RTX 4060 remains a strong option in the budget segment — particularly if you prioritize Nvidia’s software ecosystem. DLSS and frame generation help it stretch beyond its raw specs.

Why it’s great:

  • Efficient and cool-running
  • Great 1080p gaming performance
  • Access to DLSS and Reflex tech

Drawbacks: Limited to 8GB VRAM and 128-bit memory bus.


Performance Rankings (Ultra Settings)

GPU1080p Avg FPS1440p Avg FPS4K Avg FPS
RTX 509016813898
RTX 508015010565
RTX 5070 Ti1409456
RX 9070 XT1369155
RX 90701258047
RTX 50701197543
Arc B580664123
RTX 4060663716
Arc B570573414
RX 7600532511

Ray Tracing, AI & Upscaling

2025 is the year where upscaling and frame generation are no longer “optional extras” — they’re core features:

  • DLSS 4 w/ MFG (RTX 50 Series): Delivers smoother frames without major input latency, best image quality.
  • FSR 4 (RX 9000 Series): Massive improvement over FSR 3, requires newer AMD GPUs.
  • XeSS 2 (Arc Battlemage): Promising, but still lacks broad adoption.

Final Buying Advice

Avoid overpaying for last-gen GPUs. Supply for RTX 40 and RX 7000 cards has mostly dried up or inflated beyond reason. The latest-gen cards deliver better performance per watt and support new AI-driven features — and that’s where the market is headed.

Need to wait? The rumored RTX 5060, RX 9060 XT, and a possible Arc B750 could shake up the sub-$400 segment in late 2025. But for now, the above picks represent the best blend of performance, value, and future-proofing.

Key Takeaways

  • There are currently substantial discounts on graphics cards across all performance tiers.
  • Both newer models like the RTX 50 and RX 8000 series and budget options like the RTX 3050 are being discounted as inventory stabilizes.
  • Shopping smart—tracking prices and comparing across retailers—can help you secure the best GPU deals.

Choosing the Right Graphics Card in 2025

Upgrading your PC with a new graphics card requires a good grasp of specifications, platform compatibility, and what games or workloads you want to target. Right now, market conditions are favorable for buyers who do their research.

Understanding Graphics Card Specifications

Today’s games demand serious hardware. VRAM is one of the most critical specs—8GB is the minimum for modern 1080p gaming, while 12GB or more is recommended for 1440p or 4K resolutions.

The latest generation matters too. Nvidia’s RTX 50 series and AMD’s RX 8000 series use next-gen architectures (Blackwell and RDNA 4, respectively) with enhanced performance, ray tracing, and AI upscaling capabilities.

Power and size also matter. Make sure your PSU can handle newer GPUs—some RTX 40 and 50 series cards require 750W+—and double-check your case for clearance space.

Look for support for DLSS 3/4 (Nvidia), FSR 3.1 (AMD), or XeSS (Intel), which use AI to improve frame rates without sacrificing visual fidelity.

AMD vs. Nvidia vs. Intel Offerings

Nvidia continues to dominate high-end performance and AI-enhanced gaming. The RTX 4070 Super and 4080 Super remain favorites for high-refresh 1440p and 4K gaming.

AMD is the go-to for performance-per-dollar. The RX 7900 XTX and RX 7800 XT offer strong competition to Nvidia at lower prices, especially in rasterized games.

Intel’s Arc series has grown more stable and competitive. The Arc A770 is a great option for budget 1080p/1440p builds. Their upcoming Arc Battlemage GPUs may further disrupt the mid-range space later this year.

Price to Performance Considerations

Don’t just chase discounts—chase value. A slightly cheaper card might underperform compared to a better-balanced one for just a little more money. Look at performance benchmarks and cost-per-frame comparisons.

The mid-range tier—including cards like the RTX 4070 Super and RX 7800 XT—is still the best spot for most gamers. These handle 1440p and even some 4K with ease while remaining reasonably priced.

Don’t forget potential system bottlenecks. An ultra-powerful GPU won’t perform well with an aging CPU or insufficient power supply. Plan your upgrades holistically.

Track availability for new releases like the RTX 5080 and AMD’s RX 8900 XTX, which may cause older models to drop in price further as stock clears out.

Best Graphics Card Deals Right Now

Premium Graphics Cards

The RTX 4080 Super is now available for around $899 at retailers like Newegg and Micro Center. It excels at 4K gaming and handles path-traced titles well with DLSS 4.

The RX 7900 XTX is priced around $819 and offers excellent performance in non-RT workloads, especially in open-world or RPG titles at high settings.

Mid-Range Graphics Cards

The RTX 4070 Super currently retails around $580, with performance that’s ideal for high-refresh 1440p setups and entry-level 4K gaming.

The RX 6750 XT and RX 6800 are excellent AMD options, some as low as $300–$350. These cards are well-suited for high-end 1080p and 1440p performance.

RTX 4060 Ti (16GB) sits around $329.99 and is a good pick for esports and 1080p gaming with ray tracing, though its memory bus limits 1440p in some titles.

Budget Graphics Cards

The RTX 3060 continues to hold its place as a solid budget GPU, now often found for under $250. It delivers smooth performance in most modern games at 1080p.

Intel Arc A770 16GB is available around $229 and performs admirably in DirectX 12 and Vulkan titles. Its price-to-performance is one of the best in its range.

Watch for bundles or promotions that include free games, especially with AMD and Intel cards. These often provide more value than price drops alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are GPU prices dropping in 2025?

Yes. Increased supply, competition from Intel and AMD, and the arrival of the RTX 50 series are putting downward pressure on prices across the board.

What’s the best GPU for 1440p gaming?

The RTX 4070 Super and RX 7800 XT currently offer the best value for 1440p, balancing performance, features, and future readiness with AI upscaling tech.

Is now a good time to buy or should I wait?

If you need a GPU now, it’s a great time to buy—many top cards are available near historical lows. If you’re waiting for the RTX 5070 or AMD’s next mid-range launch, tracking prices closely is key as older models go on clearance.