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.
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Editor’s Top Picks (June 2025)
GPU | Best For | Price (Est.) | VRAM | Notable Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
RTX 5090 | 4K Ultra + AI | $3,999+ | 32GB GDDR7 | DLSS 4, Multi-Frame Gen, 512-bit bus |
RTX 5070 | Best Overall | $599 | 12GB GDDR7 | MFG, Efficient Blackwell GB205 |
RX 9070 XT | AMD Flagship | $849 | 16GB GDDR6 | RDNA 4, FSR 4, solid RT uplift |
Arc B580 | Budget 1440p | $350 | 12GB GDDR6 | XeSS 2, good raster perf |
RX 7600 | Budget 1080p | $259 | 8GB GDDR6 | FSR 3, DP 2.1, AV1 encode |
Best Overall: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070
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
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)
GPU | 1080p Avg FPS | 1440p Avg FPS | 4K Avg FPS |
---|---|---|---|
RTX 5090 | 168 | 138 | 98 |
RTX 5080 | 150 | 105 | 65 |
RTX 5070 Ti | 140 | 94 | 56 |
RX 9070 XT | 136 | 91 | 55 |
RX 9070 | 125 | 80 | 47 |
RTX 5070 | 119 | 75 | 43 |
Arc B580 | 66 | 41 | 23 |
RTX 4060 | 66 | 37 | 16 |
Arc B570 | 57 | 34 | 14 |
RX 7600 | 53 | 25 | 11 |
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.