Key findings
- Make sure the GPU is compatible with your case and power supply.
- For some AIB models, the extra cost is worth it due to better cooling, lower noise levels and better aesthetics.
- Especially at higher resolutions it is important to have sufficient VRAM.
- High-end performance doesn't come cheap and each brand has its pros and cons.
Of desire any Graphics card to ask which We've all grown up wondering what graphics card to buy. I fondly remember the struggles I had 20 years ago trying to get games to run on my “gaming” PC without a discrete graphics card. Although integrated graphics have come a long way in the last 15 years, you still need a dedicated graphics card for serious gaming.
In many ways, the desktop GPU market today hasn't changed much compared to 7-8 years ago. Yet in other ways, it couldn't be more different, as there are a few things you need to be aware of that you wouldn't have thought twice about before. So I've put together the 7 most important things to consider when you're looking for a new desktop GPU for gaming.
7 Make sure you buy the right size
Case compatibility can cause problems
Before we get into topics like performance, brands, and models, let's address one of the most basic aspects of a graphics card – its size. If the card you're buying doesn't physically fit in your case, you're out of luck. To avoid getting into a situation where you need a larger case or a replacement graphics card, always match the dimensions of your planned GPU to those of your case.
Graphics cards are huge these days, especially the high-end models, so it's important to make sure you don't buy an incompatible model.
You can easily find out both of these numbers with a little research on Google. Graphics cards are huge these days, especially the high-end models, so it's important to make sure you don't buy an incompatible graphics card. Another problem that comes with a massive GPU is GPU sag, where your graphics card tends to sag at one end due to its weight.
This may not be a problem for small to medium-sized cards, but the real Chonker the GPU world may need support to stay upright. Of course, mounting your graphics card vertically will allow you to avoid GPU sagging entirely.
6 Check the air circulation of your power supply and case
Modern GPUs need more power than ever before
Since the launch of the RTX 3000 series, graphics card power requirements have become one of the biggest topics of conversation. Higher power consumption is generally associated with more performance. Power efficiency can somewhat offset this correlation, but in general, newer and more powerful cards will continue to demand more from your PSU, so make sure your PSU is capable of handling your new GPU.
As a rule of thumb, a Gold-rated 850W PSU is sufficient for all GPUs except the RTX 4090, for which a 1000W PSU is a safer choice.
You can find the recommended PSU for a specific GPU on the manufacturer's website. You can also ask around on Reddit to see if your existing PSU is sufficient for your configuration if you want (just to be extra sure). As a rule of thumb, a Gold-rated 850W PSU is sufficient for all GPUs except the RTX 4090, for which a 1000W PSU is a safer bet.
Also, think about the type of power connectors you need for the GPU you're buying. While you can always use 8-pin to 12-pin or 8-pin to 16-pin adapters to connect the newer Nvidia cards, I prefer a direct cable if possible. Newer power supplies often come with the latest connectors, such as the 12VHPWR cable. Older units have adapters so you can still make it work.
Finally, the more heat your graphics card generates, the better the ventilation and cooling of your case should be. If you have enough mesh panels for air intake and exhaust and a roomy case, you have nothing to worry about. Some of the more cramped cases can struggle with airflow, so you may want to get a lower TGP GPU or buy a GPU with a fan to push most of the heat directly out the back of the case.
5 AIB models are worth the extra cost
Even though reference cards are OK
When buying a new GPU, you often have to choose between a reference card from Nvidia or AMD or one of the AIB models from brands like Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, Zotac, Sapphire and others. While reference or “Founder's Edition” cards are usually fine in terms of performance and even heat and noise, it can be worth spending a little more on an AIB model.
Not only do these models give you a more powerful cooler, they often look better too, especially the white graphics cards.
I'm currently using an RTX 3080 Founder's Edition on my personal rig, but I'd still prefer a Gigabyte AERO or Asus Strix model any day. Not only do you get a more powerful cooler with these models, but they often look better too, especially the white graphics cards. If you're already spending a lot on a GPU, paying a little extra for a cooler, quieter, and better looking graphics card makes sense.
4 Don't compromise on VRAM
It can be just as important as performance
Now more than ever, VRAM is crucial for a decent gaming experience, especially when playing at 1440p or 4K. Higher resolutions in AAA games can quickly fill up your GPU's framebuffer, and when it reaches capacity, you may experience stuttering, glitches, frame drops, incomplete textures, and other artifacts.
Many otherwise excellent GPUs have been held back by lower VRAM, the RTX 3070 being a prime example. For 1080p, the most common desktop resolution, 8GB of VRAM is enough in most cases. However, for a mid-range 1440p card or a high-end 4K card, 12GB or 16GB of VRAM should be the minimum to avoid gaming issues.
3 Pair it with the right CPU
Finding the right balance
While your GPU still does most of the heavy lifting when you're gaming, your CPU is important when you're gaming too. We're seeing more and more high-end titles taking advantage of more powerful CPUs with 8 cores and more. And even at higher resolutions where gaming performance is GPU dependent, you'll still need CPU power when you lower the game settings and enable upscaling features like DLSS and FSR.
Since higher resolutions are exactly the situations where you'll rely on upscaling the most, your CPU becomes just as important, so plan your budget wisely so you don't spend your entire budget on your GPU. A balanced build is far better than one with a high-end GPU and a budget CPU, so make sure you're combining the right CPU and GPU.
2 Be honest about your performance requirements
High-end performance is not cheap
GPUs have almost become luxury items, especially high-end models that are actually equipped to run the latest titles at the highest settings and resolutions. From a $699 GTX 1080 Ti to a $1699 RTX 4090, the market has changed to one that is too expensive for a large portion of gamers. Inflation is real, but it doesn't explain this huge jump – we can thank AI demands for that.
So, unless you really can't live without a 1440p or 4K Ultra gaming setup, you'll need to set aside a small fortune for your graphics card. Triple-digit frame rates at these settings require the most powerful GPUs on the market, so you'll need to spend at least $800 (for an RTX 4070 Ti Super) or more to stand a chance.
On the other hand, if you don't need the latest bells and whistles and are happy with 1080p Ultra or 1440p Medium settings on a 144Hz gaming monitor, you can easily get by with $300-400 (for an RX 6750 XT or RTX 4060 Ti 16GB).
1 Choose wisely between Nvidia, AMD and Intel
Every brand has its advantages and disadvantages
There are three competitors in the GPU market, and while Nvidia is the dominant force and Intel is pretty much nonexistent (in terms of market share), there are pros and cons to each brand. Nvidia stands alone at the top with the undisputed RTX 4090, offering superior ray tracing performance as well as better upscaling and frame generation.
If you have the budget and want the best ray tracing and frame generation performance, go for a high-end GPU from Nvidia.
AMD is known for undercutting Nvidia and offering lower-priced GPUs in terms of raw or raster performance. Additionally, AMD offers plenty of VRAM at almost all price points, while Nvidia is criticized for being particularly stingy in this regard. AMD still lags behind Nvidia in ray tracing performance and upscaling features, but is catching up quickly.
Finally, Intel offers great options in the low-end and budget segment. After several driver updates since the launch of the Arc Alchemist GPUs, it has become a real alternative for entry-level gamers.
If you have the budget and want the best ray tracing and frame generation performance, you should go with a high-end Nvidia GPU. If ray tracing is not a priority and you want the best balance of value and quality, AMD is the way to go.
Make the best of a bad situation
Since raking in billions in revenue in the AI ​​and data center space, Nvidia and AMD have shifted their focus away from gaming GPUs. The gaming GPU market is currently going through a rough patch, reflected in lackluster products, weak generational improvements, and terrible prices. While we have several powerful graphics cards to choose from, the relative performance and prices are far from what they should be.
You could be waiting for Nvidia's Blackwell, AMD's RDNA 4, and Intel's Battlemage series cards, which are due to arrive later this year or early 2025. They're more than a few months away, so if you Really If you need a new GPU now, look for a current-gen deal that fits your budget.