As any gamer who plays a lot of video games on their PC knows, one of if not the most essential components in their machine is the graphics card. The graphics card, which is simply a circuit board that produces the visual display on the computer’s monitor, is responsible for the clarity of the screen and the resolution necessary to accommodate game play. Having a graphics card that is designed specifically for high-end gaming is key to enhancing the user experience and for getting the most out of a desired game.
Not all graphics cards are the same. According to PC Gamer.com weekly newsletter, here are the five top graphics cards every high-end gamer should consider upgrading to for their machine. These cards are ideal for those who are not only budget conscious but are looking to maximize both video memory and the processing value of the card’s graphics processing unit or GPU.
Top Birth Control Options:
- Radeon R9 380
- GeForce GTX 1060
- Radeon RX 480
- GeForce GTX 1070
- GeForce GTX 1080
Radeon R9 380
The Radeon R9 380 is one of the best graphics cards for high-end gaming that you can buy for under $200. This card is designed to meet the pixel display demands of modern gaming easily, which is set between 720p and 1080p. AMD, known as one of Intel’s biggest rivals in the world of microprocessors (the brains of the computer), is the maker of the Radeon R9 380, so you know that you are purchasing a product with the backing of one of the best tech companies in the business. The tech specs for this card are on par with other offerings produced by AMD and give you the speed, vectoring, pixel fill-in rate, and power you need at a price you can afford.
Highlights:
- Radeon R9 380 is produced by AMD
- Offers graphic rendering for high-end gaming for less than $200
- Meets pixel demand for gamers between 720p and 1080p
GeForce GTX 1060
The demands of high performance gaming require a graphics card that is built to withstand the rigors. The GeForce GTX 1060 is a graphics card designed specifically for the task. This graphics card is produced by EVGA Corporation, a maker of Intel chipset based computer motherboards and GPU video cards. This offering from EVGA is priced at around $370, making it more than affordable for you in order to meet your high-end gaming needs. One of the features of the GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card is its use of EVGA’s proprietary ACX cooling technology. The card’s fan curve has also been optimized in order to provide you with lower heat production but also a quieter gaming experience.
Highlights:
- GeForce GTX 1060 is an high performance graphics card offering from EVGA Corporation
- The GeForce GTX Is priced around $370
- The GTX 1060 graphic card features ACX cooling technology
Radeon RX 480
AMD’s Radeon RX 480 is an affordable offering that is a step up from the Radeon R9 380 graphics card. The RX 480 is seen as a gold standard for mid range cards, providing 1440p performance. The RX 480 offers everything the R9 380 graphics card has to offer only twice as much. The price for AMD’s Radeon RX 480 is comfortably set between $250 and $300 so it will not break the bank but provide you with a good card to meet the demands of your type of gaming. The RX 480 was recently redesigned by AMD to reduce heat transfer and power consumption, dropping the total power output to 150w.
Highlights:
- The Radeon RX 480 is a mid-level graphics card
- The card is produced by microprocessor firm AMD
- The Radeon RX 480 is currently retailing from $250 to $300
GeForce GTX 1070
The GeForce GTX 1070 is another of EVGA Corporation’s offerings that provides higher performance and better graphics handling for the high-end gamer in need of greater resolution and clarity. This graphics card, a step above the GeForce GTX 1060, is priced at just over $400 but provides you with advantages over moderately priced graphics cards. These advantages include superior performance, the capability to easily handle graphics displays of 1440p, and a cooling system that keeps your machine cool but runs quietly.
Highlights:
- GeForce GTX 1070 is a superior performing offering from EVGA Corporation
- The graphics card handles demands of modern gaming up to 1440p
- The GeForce is priced at just over $400
GeForce GTX 1080
EVGA’s GeForce GTX 1080 is at the high end of graphics cards available for your gaming experience. This card, at $600, offers everything and more in what you need for the highest clarity, definition, resolution, and display. It is faster than its siblings the 1060 and 1070, has greater power efficiency, and also takes advantage of EVGA’s ACX cooling technology for reduced heat output yet quiet gaming. It is pricier than the offerings but if your desire is to own the most powerful graphics card on the market, the GeForce GTX 1080 is what you need.
Highlights:
- Most powerful graphics card available
- Design by EVGA Corporation
- Provides superior graphics handling at a price tag just over $600
Conclusion
A great video card can up the performance of your gaming rig and take your entertainment to the next level. Be aware that older computer processors can hamstring the improved performance from a new video card; if your processor is older, you might be better off replacing your processor first. But if you’re ready for a new graphics card, our list above can get you started.