Top GPUs for 2025: Choose the Best for Your Gaming PC

When embarking on the journey to build or upgrade your gaming PC, the first component that often springs to mind is the graphics card. This is because GPUs are the cornerstone of your system's frame rates in PC gaming. Upgrading to a better graphics card generally translates to improved performance, particularly when considering the latest offerings from Nvidia, such as the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, which represent the pinnacle of current graphics technology.

TL;DR: These Are the Best Graphics Cards:

Our Top Pick### Zotac Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super

2See it at Amazon### Gigabyte Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090

2See it at Newegg### Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

1See it at Amazon### Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT

0See it at Amazon### MSI Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060

0See it at AmazonIn today's market, GPUs have transcended into luxury goods. With high-end models like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 priced at around $1,999, the cost of top performance is steep. Even accounting for inflation, prices have soared since the days of the GTX 970. However, by adjusting expectations, gamers can still achieve a satisfying experience at 1440p or 1080p resolutions without breaking the bank.

With over four generations of graphics card reviews under my belt, I've personally benchmarked and played games with every GPU listed here. If these options don't meet your needs, feel free to leave a comment below detailing your desired gaming experience, and I'll be glad to help you find the perfect card for your setup.

What to Look for in a Graphics Card

Selecting a graphics card isn't as simple as choosing the most powerful option available. Each GPU is tailored to different needs, and your choice should be informed by several factors.

Firstly, consider the resolution at which you game. Whether you're sticking with your current monitor or planning a comprehensive upgrade, your resolution choice is crucial. For example, while the Nvidia RTX 5090 excels at 4K, it may underperform at 1080p due to CPU bottlenecks. For 1080p gaming, a card like the Intel Arc B580 offers excellent performance at a more affordable price, allowing you to allocate your budget towards more games. For 1440p enthusiasts, the AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT or Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super are strong contenders.

Budget is another critical factor, especially as graphics cards continue to climb in price. While it's tempting to aim for a powerhouse like the RTX 5090, realistic budgets often lead to more modest but still capable choices. Entry-level GPUs start around $200-$250, offering solid 1080p performance. Stepping up to the Nvidia RTX 4060 brings access to Nvidia's exclusive features, albeit with less impact at lower-end performance levels.

For those with a larger budget, around $1,000 can secure a top-tier GPU like the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX or Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080, both of which deliver stellar 4K gaming experiences. The choice between these depends on your priorities, particularly regarding ray tracing capabilities. For raw gaming performance, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a compelling choice, but keep an eye out for AMD's next generation, such as the Radeon RX 9070 XT, which promises to be a formidable 4K gaming solution, especially with the upcoming FSR 4.

Power consumption is a significant consideration for high-end cards. Ensure your power supply meets the requirements of your chosen GPU. While the Intel Arc B580 can operate with a 450W PSU, more powerful cards like the Radeon RX 7800 XT demand a more robust power solution.

5 Images1. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super

The Best Graphics Card for Most People

Our Top Pick### Zotac Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super

2The Zotac Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super stands out as the best graphics card for most users, offering a robust dual-fan cooler and impressive performance that's ideal for 1440p gaming and can even handle 4K in select titles. At $599, it's a mid-range option that delivers exceptional value for its price.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCUDA Cores/Stream Processors7168Base Clock1,980MHzBoost Clock2,475MHzVideo Memory12GB GDDR6XMemory Bandwidth504.2GB/sMemory Bus192-bitPower Connectors1 x 16-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4 Size10.5 x 4.4 x 1.7 inches (L x W x H)PROSExcellent value for moneyCan handle 4K gaming in certain titlesCONS12GB of VRAM might be limiting in the futureIn my review of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, I found it to be a standout choice in the mid-generation refresh lineup from Nvidia. Despite retaining the 12GB VRAM of its predecessor, the RTX 4070 Super boasts 7,168 CUDA cores, a 21% increase over the original RTX 4070. This upgrade translates to a significant boost in gaming performance, making it a solid pick for gamers looking for a balance between performance and price.

Nvidia RTX 4070 Super Benchmarks

3 ImagesIn games like Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 4070 Super shows a 12% performance increase over the RTX 4070 at 1440p and a 13% boost at 4K. In Forza Horizon 5 at 4K, the RTX 4070 Super achieves 123 fps, a 30% improvement over the original RTX 4070's 94 fps. This card excels at 1440p gaming and often delivers impressive 4K results, making it a timely upgrade as 1440p gaming gains popularity.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Photos

5 Images2. Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090

The Best Nvidia Graphics Card

### Gigabyte Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090

2The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 stands as the most powerful graphics card available today, although its generational leap may not be as dramatic as its predecessors. It's the go-to choice for those seeking unparalleled 4K gaming performance.

See it at NeweggProduct SpecificationsCUDA Cores/Stream Processors21,760Base Clock2.01GHzBoost Clock2.41GHzVideo Memory32GB GDDR7Memory Bandwidth1,792 GB/sMemory Bus512-bitPower Connectors1 x 16-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1b, 3 x DisplayPort 2.1bSize (Founders Edition)11.9 x 5.39 x 1.9 inches (L x W x H) (Dual Slot)PROSUnmatched performance for 4K gamingEnhanced by DLSS multi-frame generationCONSModest generational performance gainThe RTX 5090 is a powerhouse, boasting 21,760 CUDA cores and 32GB of GDDR7 memory. My review found that its peak power consumption reaches 578W, a significant jump from the RTX 4090's 448W. Nvidia's new dual-slot cooler design is a testament to their engineering prowess, managing to keep the GPU's temperature at a manageable 87°C during intense gaming sessions.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Benchmarks

14 ImagesBenchmark results show the RTX 5090 averaging about 26% faster than the RTX 4090 in 4K games and 3DMark tests. However, at lower resolutions, the performance gains are less pronounced, and the card's high price tag makes it less suitable for resolutions below 4K. With minimal need for upscaling technologies like DLSS in 'Performance' mode at 4K, the RTX 5090 truly shines when everything is set to maximum.

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT – Photos

6 Images3. AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

The Best AMD Graphics Card

### Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

1The Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX offers competitive 4K performance at a slightly lower price point, enhanced by a robust triple-fan cooling system.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCUDA Cores/Stream Processors6,144Base Clock1,929MHzBoost Clock2,365MHzVideo Memory24GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth960 GB/sMemory Bus384-bitPower Connectors2 x 8-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1a, 2 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x USB-CSize11.3 x 4.3 x 2 inches (L x W x H) (Dual Slot)PROSCompetitive 4K gaming performanceCost-effective compared to RTX 4080CONSLags in ray tracing-intensive gamesWhile AMD's Radeon RX 7900 XTX may not directly compete with the RTX 4090, it holds its own against the RTX 4080 Super. Our testing showed that the RX 7900 XTX delivers strong 4K performance, sometimes even surpassing Nvidia's offering. In Cyberpunk 2077 with ray tracing enabled, it achieves 58 fps at 4K using FSR, and in games with less demanding ray tracing, such as Forza Horizon 5, it matches the RTX 4080 Super with 158 fps at 4K. Its performance in Far Cry 6 is equally impressive, hitting an average of 154 fps.

AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT – Benchmarks

4 Images4. AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT

The Best GPU for 1440p

### Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT

0The Gigabyte AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT is equipped with a triple-fan cooler, ensuring optimal performance at 1440p resolutions.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCUDA Cores/Stream Processors3,456Base Clock1,435MHzBoost Clock2,171MHzVideo Memory12GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth432 GB/sMemory Bus192-bitPower Connectors2 x 8-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1a, 2 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x USB-CSize10.5 x 5.3 x 2 inches (L x W x H) (Dual Slot)PROSExceptional value for 1440p gamingStrong performance at a competitive priceCONSMay struggle with ray tracing-intensive gamesFor those targeting the sweet spot of 1440p gaming, the Radeon RX 7700 XT is a standout choice. With its price dropping to around $399, it offers a compelling alternative to the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti. In our tests, it showed competitive performance in games like Forza Horizon 5 and Total War: Warhammer 3, though it may lag in ray tracing-heavy titles like Cyberpunk 2077. Despite its higher power consumption, the RX 7700 XT remains a powerful option for gamers on a budget.

Nvidia RTX 4060

5 Images5. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060

The Best GPU for 1080p

### MSI Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060

0The MSI Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 is a compact and affordable solution for 1080p gaming, offering solid performance with ray tracing capabilities.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCUDA Cores/Stream Processors3,072Base Clock1,830MHzBoost Clock2,460MHzVideo Memory8GB GDDR6Memory Bandwidth272 GB/sMemory Bus128-bitPower Connectors1 x 12-pinOutputs1 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4 Size9.4 x 4.4 x 1.6 inches (L x W x H) (Dual Slot)PROSExcellent value for 1080p gaming with ray tracingCompact design fits smaller rigsCONSLimited to 8GB of memoryWith 1080p remaining the most popular resolution among gamers, the RTX 4060 is an ideal choice for those looking to play demanding titles without breaking the bank. In my review, it consistently delivered over 60 fps in most games at 1080p, even with ray tracing enabled. While it may not excel in high-refresh rate gaming, it offers a cost-effective entry into current-generation graphics technology.

RTX 4060 benchmarks

7 ImagesCompared to the RTX 3060 Ti, the RTX 4060 may not offer a significant performance increase, but it does include advanced features like DLSS 3.0, which can enhance performance in supported games. For gamers looking for a budget-friendly option under $300 that can handle modern games at 1080p, the RTX 4060 is a strong contender.

Upcoming GPUs

As we look ahead to 2025, the graphics card landscape is set to evolve with Nvidia's RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti, slated for release in February. These cards will offer high-end performance at a more accessible price point below $1,000. AMD is not far behind, with the Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT expected to launch in March 2025. Preliminary benchmarks of the RX 9070 suggest it could challenge the Radeon RX 7900 XT and RTX 4080, making it an exciting prospect for 4K gaming enthusiasts.

Best Graphics Cards FAQ

AMD or Nvidia? Or Intel?

Choosing between AMD, Nvidia, or Intel depends on your specific needs. Intel offers the most budget-friendly options, though they may not match the performance of their competitors. Nvidia's GPUs are the most powerful but come at a premium price. AMD strikes a balance, offering competitive performance at a lower cost, though they may lack some of Nvidia's exclusive features like DLSS. For a detailed comparison, check out our guide on AMD vs. Nvidia GPUs.

What power supply should I get?

With graphics cards consuming more power each year, selecting an appropriate power supply is crucial. High-end GPUs can draw over 450W, so consider a 1,000W power supply, especially if you're eyeing a card like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090.

GTX vs. RTX

Nvidia's RTX series offers advanced features like ray tracing and DLSS, thanks to Tensor and RT cores, making them more powerful and expensive than the GTX series. While GTX cards are suitable for budget builds, they lack the advanced features of RTX models and may soon become outdated.

Where to Get the Best Graphics Cards in the UK

In the UK, the selection of graphics cards is similar, but the key is knowing where to buy them. Below are updated links to UK retailers for the graphics cards mentioned:

### Best Graphics Card Asus TUF Gaming RTX 4070 Ti OC Edition

0See it at Currys PC World### Best Budget Graphics Card MSI Geforce RTX 3050 Gaming X

0See it at Amazon### Best AMD Graphics Card XFX Speedster MERC310 RX 7900XT

0See it at Amazon### Best 4K Graphics Card Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080

1See it at Nvidia