16 Best Graphics Cards for Beginners ⚠️ (July 2024)

Guide to choosing the best graphics cards that are suitable for beginners in both gaming and creative fields.

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Building a gaming PC can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially for beginners. Choosing the right graphics card is crucial, as it determines the visual quality and performance of your games. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start.

This article will guide you through the best graphics cards for beginners, focusing on those that offer a balance of performance and value. We’ll consider both AMD and NVIDIA cards, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

We’ll also discuss factors to consider when choosing a graphics card, such as budget, resolution, and desired framerate. Whether you’re a casual gamer looking for a smooth experience or a more serious enthusiast seeking higher settings, there’s a graphics card on this list that’s perfect for you.

So, let’s dive in and explore the world of GPUs!

QUICKLIST
Item	Image	Where to buy	Rating	Read More
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
AMD Radeon RX 7600		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060		$285.00 at Amazon	4.7 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT		$230.56 at Amazon	4.6 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER		$189.99 at Amazon	4.6 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
AMD Radeon RX 6600		$189.99 at Amazon	4.5 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER		$144.99 at Amazon	4.5 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
AMD Radeon RX 570		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
AMD Radeon RX 550		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
AMD Radeon RX 560		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
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NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060

N/A at Amazon

A powerful and efficient graphics card for 1080p gaming with ray tracing.

Specifications :

• GPU: NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture
• Memory: 8GB GDDR6
• Boost Clock: Up to 2.46 GHz

Reasons to buy :

• Excellent performance at 1080p resolution
• Supports ray tracing and DLSS 3 for enhanced visuals
• Relatively low power consumption

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be expensive compared to older models
• Might struggle with demanding games at higher resolutions

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You want a powerful card for 1080p gaming.
• You're interested in ray tracing and DLSS 3 features.
• You want a good balance of performance and efficiency.

Don't buy it if:

• You're on a tight budget.
• You're aiming for 4K gaming.
• You need a card that can handle demanding games at high settings.

Bottom Line:

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 is a great choice for gamers who want to enjoy the latest games at 1080p resolution with ray tracing and DLSS 3 enabled. While it's more expensive than older models, it offers excellent performance and efficiency. If you're on a budget, you might consider the previous generation RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT, which offer similar performance at lower price points. However, if you want the best possible 1080p gaming experience with the latest features, the RTX 4060 is a strong contender.

AMD Radeon RX 7600

N/A at Amazon

A budget-friendly graphics card that delivers solid 1080p gaming performance.

Specifications :

• GPU: AMD RDNA 3 architecture
• Memory: 8GB GDDR6
• Boost Clock: Up to 2.625 GHz

Reasons to buy :

• Great performance at 1080p resolution
• Affordable price point
• Supports FSR 3 for smoother gameplay

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited ray tracing capabilities
• Might struggle with demanding games at higher resolutions

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You're looking for a budget-friendly graphics card.
• You want smooth gameplay at 1080p resolution.
• You value performance over ray tracing capabilities.

Don't buy it if:

• You're aiming for 4K gaming.
• You need a card that can handle demanding games at high settings.
• You're interested in ray tracing and DLSS 3 features.

Bottom Line:

The AMD Radeon RX 7600 is a great value for gamers on a budget who are looking for solid 1080p gaming performance. While it might not be the most powerful card out there, it delivers smooth gameplay at 1080p resolution and offers a great balance between price and performance. If you're on a tight budget and are not interested in ray tracing, the RX 7600 is an excellent choice. However, if you want more power or need a card for higher resolutions, consider other options like the RTX 4060 or RX 6650 XT.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060

$285.00 at Amazon

A powerful and affordable graphics card that delivers solid 1080p and 1440p gaming performance.

Specifications :

• GPU: NVIDIA Ampere architecture
• Memory: 12GB GDDR6
• Boost Clock: Up to 1.78 GHz

Reasons to buy :

• Excellent performance at 1080p and 1440p resolution
• Supports ray tracing and DLSS for enhanced visuals
• Affordable price point

Reasons to avoid :

• Can struggle with demanding games at higher settings
• Might not offer the latest features like DLSS 3

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You're looking for a balanced card that delivers good performance at both 1080p and 1440p resolution.
• You want to experience ray tracing and DLSS in your games.
• You're on a budget and want a powerful card.

Don't buy it if:

• You're aiming for 4K gaming.
• You need a card that can handle the most demanding games at ultra settings.
• You want the latest features like DLSS 3.

Bottom Line:

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is a great option for gamers who want a balance of performance and affordability. It offers excellent 1080p and 1440p gaming performance with ray tracing and DLSS support. While it may not be the latest model, it still delivers great visuals and performance at a reasonable price. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT is a good alternative. However, if you want a powerful card that can handle demanding games at 1440p resolution with ray tracing and DLSS, the RTX 3060 is a fantastic choice.

AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT

$230.56 at Amazon

A powerful graphics card that delivers solid 1440p gaming performance.

Specifications :

• GPU: AMD RDNA 2 architecture
• Memory: 8GB GDDR6
• Boost Clock: Up to 2.600 GHz

Reasons to buy :

• Excellent performance at 1440p resolution
• Affordable price point
• Supports FSR 2 for smoother gameplay

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited ray tracing capabilities
• Can struggle with demanding games at higher settings

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You're looking for a card that can handle demanding games at 1440p resolution.
• You want a powerful card at a reasonable price point.
• You value performance over ray tracing capabilities.

Don't buy it if:

• You're aiming for 4K gaming.
• You need a card that can handle the most demanding games at ultra settings.
• You're interested in ray tracing and DLSS features.

Bottom Line:

The AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT is a great option for gamers who want to experience smooth 1440p gaming at a reasonable price point. While it might not be as powerful as the RTX 4060 or the RTX 3060, it delivers excellent performance for 1440p gaming and is a solid choice for those who value performance over ray tracing. If you're on a tight budget and are not interested in ray tracing, the RX 6650 XT is a good alternative to the RTX 3060. However, if you want more power or need a card for higher resolutions, consider other options like the RTX 4060.

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NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super

A budget-friendly graphics card that delivers solid 1080p gaming performance.

Specifications :

• GPU: NVIDIA Turing architecture
• Memory: 6GB GDDR6
• Boost Clock: Up to 1.83 GHz

Reasons to buy :

• Excellent performance at 1080p resolution
• Affordable price point
• Relatively low power consumption

Reasons to avoid :

• Does not support ray tracing
• Might struggle with demanding games at higher resolutions

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You're looking for a budget-friendly graphics card.
• You want smooth gameplay at 1080p resolution.
• You value performance over ray tracing capabilities.

Don't buy it if:

• You're aiming for 1440p gaming.
• You need a card that can handle demanding games at high settings.
• You're interested in ray tracing and DLSS features.

Bottom Line:

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious gamers who are looking for solid 1080p gaming performance. While it doesn't support ray tracing and might not be as powerful as the newer RTX 3060, it delivers smooth gameplay at 1080p resolution and is an excellent option for those who value performance over advanced features. If you're on a tight budget and are not interested in ray tracing, the GTX 1660 Super is a great choice. However, if you want more power or need a card for higher resolutions, consider other options like the RTX 3060 or the RX 6650 XT.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050

N/A at Amazon

A budget-friendly graphics card that delivers solid 1080p gaming performance.

Specifications :

• GPU: NVIDIA Ampere architecture
• Memory: 8GB GDDR6
• Boost Clock: Up to 1.78 GHz

Reasons to buy :

• Affordable price point
• Supports ray tracing and DLSS for enhanced visuals
• Relatively low power consumption

Reasons to avoid :

• Can struggle with demanding games at higher resolutions
• Might not offer the latest features like DLSS 3

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You're looking for a budget-friendly graphics card with ray tracing and DLSS support.
• You want smooth gameplay at 1080p resolution.
• You value performance over the latest features like DLSS 3.

Don't buy it if:

• You're aiming for 1440p gaming.
• You need a card that can handle demanding games at high settings.
• You want the best possible performance for demanding games.

Bottom Line:

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 is a great option for gamers who want to experience ray tracing and DLSS on a budget. While it might not be as powerful as the RTX 3060 or the GTX 1660 Super, it delivers solid 1080p gaming performance and is a good choice for those who value affordability and the latest features. If you're on a tight budget and want a card with ray tracing support, the RTX 3050 is a great option. However, if you want more power or need a card for higher resolutions, consider other options like the RTX 3060 or the RX 6650 XT.

AMD Radeon RX 6600

$189.99 at Amazon

A budget-friendly graphics card that delivers solid 1080p gaming performance.

Specifications :

• GPU: AMD RDNA 2 architecture
• Memory: 8GB GDDR6
• Boost Clock: Up to 2.448 GHz

Reasons to buy :

• Excellent performance at 1080p resolution
• Affordable price point
• Supports FSR 2 for smoother gameplay

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited ray tracing capabilities
• Can struggle with demanding games at higher resolutions

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You're looking for a budget-friendly graphics card.
• You want smooth gameplay at 1080p resolution.
• You value performance over ray tracing capabilities.

Don't buy it if:

• You're aiming for 1440p gaming.
• You need a card that can handle demanding games at high settings.
• You're interested in ray tracing and DLSS features.

Bottom Line:

The AMD Radeon RX 6600 is a great value for gamers on a budget who are looking for solid 1080p gaming performance. While it might not be the most powerful card out there, it delivers smooth gameplay at 1080p resolution and offers a great balance between price and performance. If you're on a tight budget and are not interested in ray tracing, the RX 6600 is an excellent choice. However, if you want more power or need a card for higher resolutions, consider other options like the RTX 3060 or the RX 6650 XT.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super

A budget-friendly graphics card that delivers solid 1080p gaming performance at low settings.

Specifications :

• GPU: NVIDIA Turing architecture
• Memory: 4GB GDDR6
• Boost Clock: Up to 1.785 GHz

Reasons to buy :

• Affordable price point
• Relatively low power consumption

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited VRAM (4GB) might cause performance issues in demanding games
• Does not support ray tracing
• Might struggle with demanding games at higher resolutions

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You're on a very tight budget.
• You're only interested in playing older games or less demanding titles.
• You're not interested in ray tracing or other advanced features.

Don't buy it if:

• You're aiming for 1440p gaming.
• You need a card that can handle demanding games at high settings.
• You want a card with a larger amount of VRAM.

Bottom Line:

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super is a great entry-level graphics card for gamers who are on a very tight budget. While it doesn't offer the same level of performance as other cards on this list, it still delivers smooth gameplay at 1080p resolution with lower settings. It's a good choice for those who want to experience PC gaming without spending a lot of money. However, if you want more power or need a card for higher resolutions, consider other options like the RTX 3050 or the RX 6600.

AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT

N/A at Amazon

A budget-friendly graphics card that delivers solid 1080p gaming performance at low settings.

Specifications :

• GPU: AMD RDNA 2 architecture
• Memory: 4GB GDDR6
• Boost Clock: Up to 2.625 GHz

Reasons to buy :

• Affordable price point
• Supports FSR 2 for smoother gameplay

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited VRAM (4GB) might cause performance issues in demanding games
• Can struggle with demanding games at higher resolutions
• Limited ray tracing capabilities

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You're on a very tight budget.
• You're only interested in playing older games or less demanding titles.
• You're not interested in ray tracing or other advanced features.

Don't buy it if:

• You're aiming for 1440p gaming.
• You need a card that can handle demanding games at high settings.
• You want a card with a larger amount of VRAM.

Bottom Line:

The AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT is a budget-friendly graphics card that offers solid 1080p gaming performance at lower settings. While it doesn't offer the same level of performance as other cards on this list, it's a great option for those who are on a very tight budget and are only interested in playing older games or less demanding titles. However, if you want more power or need a card for higher resolutions, consider other options like the GTX 1650 Super or the RX 6600.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB

N/A at Amazon

A solid budget-friendly graphics card that delivers good 1080p gaming performance.

Specifications :

• GPU: NVIDIA Pascal architecture
• Memory: 6GB GDDR5
• Boost Clock: Up to 1.708 GHz

Reasons to buy :

• Excellent performance at 1080p resolution
• Affordable price point
• Relatively low power consumption

Reasons to avoid :

• Does not support ray tracing
• Might struggle with demanding games at higher resolutions
• Limited VRAM (6GB) might cause performance issues in demanding games

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You're on a very tight budget.
• You want a reliable card that can handle most games at 1080p resolution.
• You're not interested in ray tracing or other advanced features.

Don't buy it if:

• You're aiming for 1440p gaming.
• You need a card that can handle demanding games at high settings.
• You want a card with a larger amount of VRAM.

Bottom Line:

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB is a solid entry-level graphics card that delivers good 1080p gaming performance at a very affordable price point. While it's an older model that doesn't support ray tracing or other advanced features, it's still a reliable choice for those who are on a tight budget and want a card that can handle most games at 1080p resolution. If you're looking for a more modern card with more features, consider other options like the GTX 1650 Super or the RTX 3050. However, if you're on a very tight budget and want a reliable card that can handle most games at 1080p resolution, the GTX 1060 6GB is still a good option.

AMD Radeon RX 570

N/A at Amazon

A solid mid-range graphics card offering great performance for 1080p gaming at high settings.

Specifications :

• Memory: 4 GB GDDR5
• Core Clock: 1168 MHz
• Memory Clock: 7000 MHz

Reasons to buy :

• Excellent value for money
• Strong performance at 1080p resolution
• Relatively low power consumption

Reasons to avoid :

• Can struggle with demanding games at higher resolutions
• May not be ideal for the latest AAA titles

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You're looking for a budget-friendly GPU that can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution.
• You prioritize value and performance over cutting-edge features.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a card that can handle 1440p or 4K gaming smoothly.
• You're planning on playing the most demanding games at the highest settings.

Bottom Line:

The AMD Radeon RX 570 is a great option for budget-conscious gamers who are looking for a card that can deliver smooth gameplay at 1080p resolution. It's not the most powerful card on the market, but it offers impressive performance for the price. If you're looking for a card that can handle the most demanding games or higher resolutions, you might want to consider a more powerful option.

NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030

N/A at Amazon

A budget-friendly graphics card that's perfect for entry-level gaming or light workloads.

Specifications :

• Memory: 2 GB GDDR5
• Core Clock: 1265 MHz
• Memory Clock: 6008 MHz

Reasons to buy :

• Affordable price point
• Low power consumption
• Supports DirectX 12 and Vulkan APIs

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited gaming performance
• Not suitable for demanding games or high resolutions
• Not recommended for gaming at 1080p

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You're on a tight budget and need a graphics card for basic gaming or light workloads.
• You want a card that's energy-efficient and runs quietly.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a card that can handle modern games at high settings.
• You plan on gaming at higher resolutions.

Bottom Line:

The NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 is a good choice for budget-minded gamers who want a card that can handle basic gaming or light workloads. It's not going to be able to run the latest AAA games at high settings, but it's a solid option for casual gamers or those who are looking for a budget-friendly upgrade.

AMD Radeon RX 550

N/A at Amazon

A budget-friendly graphics card that offers good value for money.

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Specifications :

• Memory: 2 GB GDDR5 or 4 GB GDDR5
• Core Clock: 1183 MHz
• Memory Clock: 7000 MHz

Reasons to buy :

• Affordable price
• Supports DirectX 12 and Vulkan APIs
• Low power consumption

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited gaming performance
• Not suitable for demanding games or high resolutions
• May struggle to run modern games smoothly

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You're looking for an affordable graphics card for basic gaming.
• You're on a tight budget and need a card that can handle older or less demanding games.

Don't buy it if:

• You want a card that can handle the latest AAA games at high settings.
• You plan on gaming at higher resolutions.

Bottom Line:

The AMD Radeon RX 550 is a good option for budget-conscious gamers who want a card that can handle basic gaming or older titles. It's not going to be able to run the latest AAA games at high settings, but it's a solid choice for those who are looking for an entry-level upgrade or a card that can handle less demanding games smoothly.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti

N/A at Amazon

A solid entry-level graphics card that offers good performance for 1080p gaming at medium settings.

Specifications :

• Memory: 4 GB GDDR5
• Core Clock: 1290 MHz
• Memory Clock: 7008 MHz

Reasons to buy :

• Good value for money
• Strong performance at 1080p resolution
• Supports DirectX 12 and Vulkan APIs

Reasons to avoid :

• Not as powerful as higher-end cards
• May struggle with demanding games at higher settings
• Not recommended for 1440p or 4K gaming

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You're looking for a budget-friendly graphics card that can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution.
• You prioritize value and performance over cutting-edge features.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a card that can handle 1440p or 4K gaming smoothly.
• You're planning on playing the most demanding games at the highest settings.

Bottom Line:

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is a great option for gamers who want a card that can deliver smooth gameplay at 1080p resolution without breaking the bank. It's not the most powerful card on the market, but it offers impressive performance for the price. If you're looking for a card that can handle the most demanding games or higher resolutions, you might want to consider a more powerful option.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050

N/A at Amazon

A budget-friendly graphics card that offers good performance for 1080p gaming at low to medium settings.

Specifications :

• Memory: 2 GB GDDR5
• Core Clock: 1046 MHz
• Memory Clock: 6008 MHz

Reasons to buy :

• Affordable price
• Supports DirectX 12 and Vulkan APIs
• Low power consumption

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited gaming performance
• Not suitable for demanding games or high resolutions
• May struggle to run modern games smoothly

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You're on a tight budget and need a graphics card for basic gaming or older titles.
• You're looking for a card that's energy-efficient and runs quietly.

Don't buy it if:

• You want a card that can handle the latest AAA games at high settings.
• You plan on gaming at higher resolutions.

Bottom Line:

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 is a good choice for budget-minded gamers who want a card that can handle basic gaming or older titles. It's not going to be able to run the latest AAA games at high settings, but it's a solid option for those who are looking for an entry-level upgrade or a card that can handle less demanding games smoothly.

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AMD Radeon RX 560

N/A at Amazon

A mid-range graphics card that offers good performance for 1080p gaming at medium settings.

Specifications :

• Memory: 2 GB GDDR5 or 4 GB GDDR5
• Core Clock: 1175 MHz
• Memory Clock: 7000 MHz

Reasons to buy :

• Good value for money
• Supports DirectX 12 and Vulkan APIs
• Relatively low power consumption

Reasons to avoid :

• Not as powerful as higher-end cards
• May struggle with demanding games at higher settings
• Not recommended for 1440p or 4K gaming

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You're looking for a budget-friendly graphics card that can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution.
• You prioritize value and performance over cutting-edge features.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a card that can handle 1440p or 4K gaming smoothly.
• You're planning on playing the most demanding games at the highest settings.

Bottom Line:

The AMD Radeon RX 560 is a great option for gamers who want a card that can deliver smooth gameplay at 1080p resolution without breaking the bank. It's not the most powerful card on the market, but it offers impressive performance for the price. If you're looking for a card that can handle the most demanding games or higher resolutions, you might want to consider a more powerful option.

Choosing the right graphics card can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. But with this guide, you're equipped with the knowledge to find the perfect card for your needs and budget. Remember, the best card is the one that fits your specific gaming and computing requirements. Don't overspend on a high-end card if you only play casual games, and don't settle for a low-end card if you want to experience the latest games at their highest settings.

As technology advances, new graphics cards are constantly being released, so it's always a good idea to do some research before making a purchase. You can check online reviews, compare prices, and see what other gamers are recommending. With the right information and this guide, you'll be well on your way to building a gaming PC that can handle anything you throw at it.

Finally, building a PC is a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to customize your machine to your exact specifications and preferences. Don't be afraid to experiment and learn. You can always upgrade your graphics card later on as your needs evolve.

Ultimately, the journey to finding the right graphics card is about discovering what works best for you. Now, with your new knowledge and the recommendations in this guide, you have all the tools necessary to confidently choose the perfect graphics card for your first PC build.