How to make modern games work: Top graphics cards

Graphics Cards: Top Picks of 2024 and Beyond

The relentless march of gaming technology continues, pushing visual fidelity ever closer to photorealism. This, in turn, necessitates ever-increasing PC system requirements. Choosing the right graphics card can feel overwhelming, especially with the sheer number of options available. This review highlights the top-performing graphics cards of 2024 and offers insights for 2025 upgrades. For a visual treat, check out our companion article on the most breathtaking games of 2024!

Table of Contents

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
• AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti
• AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
• AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
• Intel Arc B580

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060

A true workhorse and a classic, the RTX 3060 has been a mainstay for many gamers. Offering memory options from 8GB to 12GB, ray tracing support, and solid performance under pressure, it remains a popular choice. While showing its age slightly with newer titles, it still delivers respectable results.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080

The RTX 3080, the elder sibling of the 3060, continues to impress. Its power and efficiency have solidified its place as a flagship card for many. Outperforming even some newer models, it offers exceptional value, especially considering its price-to-performance ratio. A slight overclock further enhances its capabilities.

AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT

This AMD offering consistently delivers the best price-to-performance ratio. It handles modern games with ease and has proven a formidable competitor to NVIDIA's offerings, particularly the RTX 4060 Ti. Its larger memory and bus interface contribute to smooth gameplay at higher resolutions like 2560x1440.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti

Unlike its less successful counterpart, the RTX 4060, the 4060 Ti has gained significant traction. While not dramatically surpassing the RTX 3080 or AMD's top contenders, it provides solid performance. The Frame Generation feature offers a noticeable performance boost.

AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT

The RX 7800 XT significantly outperforms the more expensive NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, boasting an average 18% lead at 2560x1440 resolution. Its 16GB of VRAM ensures future-proofing, and it excels in ray-traced games at QHD resolution.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super

Responding to AMD's competitive pressure, NVIDIA delivered the 4070 Super. Offering a 10-15% performance improvement over the standard 4070, it's a strong contender for 2K gaming. Undervolting can further boost performance and reduce temperatures.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080

A powerhouse capable of handling any game, the 4080 is often considered the best choice for 4K gaming. Its substantial VRAM and enhanced ray tracing capabilities ensure longevity. Many see it as NVIDIA's flagship, though the 4090 holds the top spot.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

NVIDIA's undisputed flagship for high-end systems. While not vastly superior to the 4080, its performance and future-proofing make it a compelling choice, especially considering the anticipated pricing of the upcoming 50-series.

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

AMD's top-tier offering rivals NVIDIA's flagship in performance but with a significant price advantage. It offers exceptional value while delivering high-end gaming capabilities for years to come.

Intel Arc B580

Intel's late 2024 entry, the Arc B580, made a considerable splash. Outperforming the RTX 4060 Ti and RX 7600 by 5-10%, and offering 12GB of VRAM at an incredibly competitive price point, it signals a potential shift in the market.

Conclusion

Despite price fluctuations, the market offers a diverse range of graphics cards to suit various budgets and needs. Even budget-friendly options deliver impressive performance, while high-end models provide future-proof gaming experiences.