GPU Buying Guide: Best Graphics Cards at Every Price Point

Choosing the right graphics card for your needs and budget can be daunting. New GPUs launch constantly, shifting the landscape of options and value.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the best GPUs to buy right now at every key price point. Whether you have $200 or $2000 to spend, you’ll know exactly which card delivers the ideal blend of performance, features, and future-proofing potential.

Let’s dive in!

Wait for AMD’s RDNA 3 GPU Reveal First

Before buying any new GPU, it’s smart to wait just over a week. AMD will likely reveal its next-generation RDNA 3 graphics cards at Gamescom on August 23rd.

The rumored RX 7800 XT and RX 7700 XT aim to shake up the mid-range market. We could also get details on FSR 3 – their response to NVIDIA’s DLSS 3.

If AMD surprises on performance or pricing, it could change recommended buys. Or force price cuts from NVIDIA. So if possible, hold off until after announcements.

GPU Bundle Deals Can Increase Value

Another factor is bundled game deals. AMD offers Starfield with Radeon GPUs, while NVIDIA bundles Overwatch 2 with GeForce RTX cards.

The Starfield deal may have wider appeal. But for avid Overwatch fans, that bundle could sway the decision.

Factor bundle value into the comparison when choosing between AMD and NVIDIA. Free games add tangible savings that boost effective bang-for-buck.

Sell Your Old GPU to Fund Upgrades

Instead of letting old graphics cards collect dust, sell them to offset the cost of an upgrade. Our sponsor Jawa makes seamless:

• List your GPU yourself and keep 100% of sale earnings
• Or sell to Jawa directly for convenience and instant cash

Check your GPU’s resale value at Jawa to maximize your upgrade budget. Their free price estimation tool gives exact buyback amounts.

Now, let’s get into specific recommendations at each price tier, ordered from low to high.

Best Graphics Cards Under $200

For budget GPU shoppers, a fierce battle rages between AMD and Intel:

• AMD Radeon RX 6600 – $205, performs better in most games but lacks new AV1 encoder
• Intel Arc A750 – $200, trails 6600 but has updated media encoder and lower power draw

With the Starfield bundle, the RX 6600 generally delivers better value and consistency. But Intel’s Arc A750 merits consideration for high efficiency or streaming.

For NVIDIA, only the DLSS-less GTX 1650 remains below $200. Avoid it and go AMD/Intel instead.

Best Graphics Cards $300 – $400

Jumping up in price, the $330 Radeon RX 6700 XT stands out for delivering:

• Great 1440p gaming performance
• 12GB VRAM for future-proofing
• Lower cost per frame than competitors

NVIDIA’s newer RTX 4060 costs less at $300 but only has 8GB VRAM. With AAA games already approaching 8GB at 1440p, the 6700 XT’s extra 4GB provides critical headroom.

Around this pricing, Intel’s Arc A770 falls short on performance-per-dollar compared to AMD.

Best Graphics Cards $400 – $500

This range features lots of competition, but two GPUs lead the pack:

• Radeon RX 6800 – $430, offers 16GB VRAM and excellent value
• GeForce RTX 4060 Ti – $380, has great ray tracing but only 8GB memory

The 6800 wins on raw power and vRAM. NVIDIA counters with better ray tracing, DLSS, and efficiency.

For pure performance, the 6800 is unbeatable at this price. But if ray tracing matters or you need lower wattage, the RTX 4060 Ti has some merits despite its VRAM handicap.

Best Graphics Cards $500 – $600

Here, the choice becomes crystal clear. AMD’s Radeon RX 6800 XT crushes NVIDIA’s RTX 4060 Ti 16GB for the same $510 price.

The 6800 XT provides:

• Significantly better rasterization and resolution scaling
• 16GB vRAM versus just 12GB on the 4060 Ti
• Great 1440p and entry-level 4K gaming

All around, AMD’s 6800 XT offers far better value and longevity. It’s the obvious pick for under $600.

Best Graphics Cards $600 – $700

At $600, two GPUs with distinct strengths vie for dominance:

• Radeon RX 6950 XT – $590, rapid rasterization and ample 16GB vRAM
• GeForce RTX 4070 – $590, moderate ray tracing competence and new AV1 encoder

The 6950 XT wins on raw performance. But the RTX 4070 counters with better ray tracing, DLSS upscaling, and a modern media encoder.

For pure speed, choose the 6950 XT. If you value NVIDIA’s feature set, the stingy 12GB RTX 4070 delivers. At this price, both make sense for different buyers.

Best Graphics Cards $700 – $900

Entering high-end territory, the field narrows to two favorites:

• Radeon RX 7900 XT – $760, faster traditional rendering and expansive 20GB memory
• GeForce RTX 4070 Ti – $790, superior ray tracing and DLSS capabilities

At 4K, the 7900 XT’s extra vRAM and grunt helps minimize quality compromising upscaling. At 1440p, the 4070 Ti puts its strengths to good use.

If resolution is above 1440p, we give the edge to AMD. Otherwise, NVIDIA subjects win on features and advanced rendering techniques optimized for their architecture.

Best Graphics Cards $900+

Here, picking the right GPU depends on budget:

• $920 Radeon RX 7900 XTX – The undisputed champ of prosumer cards. Great for high-refresh 1440p or 60fps 4K.
• $1100 GeForce RTX 4080 – Around 30% faster than the 7900 XTX with better ray tracing for high-end enthusiasts.
• $1600 GeForce RTX 4090 – Overkill for most. But delivers maxed out 4K and immaculate ray-traced visuals if money is no concern.

As the budget increases, so does gaming performance. The 4090 stands tall as the no-compromise 4K king. The 4080 hits the sweet spot for many high-end gamers. While the 7900 XTX gives superb value just below NVIDIA’s elite tier.

Closing Recommendations

We hope this guide helps you narrow down the perfect graphics card for your needs and budget. Remember to wait for AMD’s upcoming Gamescom announcements before pulling the trigger.

Having a clear sense of performance, pricing, and features across the spectrum of GPUs takes the guesswork out of deciding where to spend your hard-earned cash.

Let us know which GPU you end up buying! We’re always happy to provide individualized advice too. Enjoy your high frame rates!