Best Graphics Card for Gigabyte Z390 Motherboards: Your Ultimate Guide

Building a powerful gaming PC requires a combination of the best components, including the motherboard, CPU, and graphics card. The Gigabyte Z390 motherboard is a popular choice among PC enthusiasts, thanks to its excellent performance and compatibility with the latest CPUs. However, to get the best gaming experience, you need the right graphics card. In this article, we’ll review the best graphics cards for Gigabyte Z390 motherboards, so you can make an informed decision.

Overview Gigabyte z390 Motherboard

The Gigabyte Z390 motherboard is a high-performance motherboard that supports Intel’s 9th and 8th generation processors. It features the Intel Z390 chipset and supports DDR4 memory. Here’s a short review of the Gigabyte Z390 motherboard.

Comes in several variants, including the Aorus Master, Aorus Pro Wi-Fi, and the Ultra Durable series. It features a robust VRM design, which provides stable power delivery to the processor. It also features several expansion slots, including PCIe x16 slots for graphics cards and M.2 slots for high-speed SSDs.

In terms of connectivity, features multiple USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, and USB 2.0 ports. It also supports Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi, depending on the specific model.

One of the standout features of the Gigabyte Z390 motherboard is its support for RGB lighting. It features multiple RGB headers, which allow users to customize the lighting of their system.

Overall, high-performance motherboard that offers excellent features and connectivity options. Its robust VRM design and support for high-speed SSDs make it an excellent choice for users who want to build a high-performance system. Its support for RGB lighting is also a plus for users who want to customize the look of their system.

What to Consider When Choosing a Graphics Card

Before we dive into the best graphics cards for Gigabyte Z390 motherboards, let’s look at the factors you need to consider when choosing a graphics card.

1. Compatibility: Not all graphics cards are compatible with the Gigabyte Z390 motherboard. You need to ensure that the graphics card you choose is compatible with your motherboard.
2. Power Supply: The graphics card you choose will also affect your power supply. You need to ensure that your power supply can handle the wattage required by the graphics card.
3. Cooling: Video cards can generate a lot of heat, which can affect performance and lifespan. You need to ensure that your graphics card has adequate cooling, either through fans or liquid cooling.
4. Budget: Can range from affordable to high-end, depending on the features and performance. You need to consider your budget and choose a graphics card that offers the best value for money.

Best Graphics Cards for Gigabyte Z390 Motherboards

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 is one of the best graphics cards for Gigabyte Z390 motherboards. It offers excellent performance and features, including Ray Tracing and DLSS technology. It’s also compatible with the latest CPUs and offers 8GB of GDDR6 memory. The RTX 3070 is an excellent choice for gamers who want to play the latest games in 4K.

Review:

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 features the Ampere architecture, which provides faster and more efficient performance compared to the previous Turing architecture. The card comes with 8GB of GDDR6 memory and has a base clock speed of 1500 MHz, which can be boosted up to 1725 MHz.

One of the key features of the RTX 3070 is its ray tracing capabilities, which allow for realistic lighting effects in games. It also supports DLSS technology, which uses AI to enhance the performance of games while maintaining high-quality graphics.

In terms of performance, the RTX 3070 is capable of running the latest games at high frame rates and high resolutions, including 4K gaming. It also has good power efficiency, requiring only 220 watts of power.

About this item:

• Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070.
• Brand: Gigabyte.
• Graphics Ram Size: 8 GB.
• GPU Clock Speed: 1815 MHz.
• Video Output Interface: DisplayPort, HDMI.
• NVIDIA Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors.
• 2nd Generation RT Cores.
• 3rd Generation Tensor Cores.
• Powered by GeForce RTX 3070.
• Integrated with 8GB GDDR6 256-bit memory interface.

Pros:

1. High performance: Excellent gaming performance, making it ideal for gamers who want to play the latest games at high resolutions and high frame rates.
2. Ray tracing: The card’s ray tracing capabilities allow for realistic lighting effects in games, which enhances the overall gaming experience.
3. DLSS technology: The card supports DLSS technology, which uses AI to enhance the performance of games while maintaining high-quality graphics.
4. Power efficiency: Requires only 220 watts of power, making it a more power-efficient option compared to other high-end graphics cards.
5. Affordable price point: Priced at $499, making it a more affordable option compared to other high-end graphics cards.

Cons:

1. Limited memory: Comes with 8GB of GDDR6 memory, which may not be sufficient for some users who require more memory for tasks such as video editing.
2. Availability: Has been in high demand since its release, and it may be difficult to find in stock at its retail price.
3. Compatibility: Requires a PCIe 4.0 slot, which may not be available on older Z390 motherboards.

Overall, excellent graphics card for Z390 motherboards. It offers high-performance gaming capabilities, ray tracing, DLSS technology, and good power efficiency at an affordable price point. However, its limited memory and availability issues may be a concern for some users. If you’re in the market for a high-end graphics card for your Z390 motherboard, the RTX 3070 is definitely worth considering.

AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT

The AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT is another excellent graphics card for Gigabyte Z390 motherboards. It offers similar performance to the RTX 3070, with 16GB of GDDR6 memory and compatibility with the latest CPUs. The RX 6800 XT also supports Ray Tracing and is an excellent choice for gamers who prefer AMD over Nvidia.

Review:

The AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT features 16GB of GDDR6 memory and has a base clock speed of 2015 MHz, which can be boosted up to 2250 MHz. It offers ray tracing capabilities and supports FidelityFX, which enhances the visual quality of games.

In terms of performance, excellent gaming capabilities and is capable of running the latest games at high frame rates and high resolutions, including 4K gaming. It also features Smart Access Memory, which allows for better performance when paired with a compatible CPU.

About this item:

• Memory Speed: 16 GBPS
• The Speedster series exemplifies a modern aerodynamic style though clean and elegant design. It is a thoughtful design with the sole purpose of maximizing airflow to improve cooling and performance.
• A revolutionary new memory architecture that redefines how to deliver higher levels of performance and efficiency for 4K gaming. AMD RDNA 2 architecture elevates and unifies the gaming
• AMD RDNA 2 architecture elevates and unifies the gaming experience from performance to visuals across consoles and PC.
• New Ray Accelerators, handling the intersection of rays, deliver high performance hardware accelerated raytracing

Pros:

1. High performance: Excellent gaming performance, making it ideal for gamers who want to play the latest games at high resolutions and high frame rates.
2. Ray tracing: The card’s ray tracing capabilities allow for realistic lighting effects in games, which enhances the overall gaming experience.
3. FidelityFX: The card supports FidelityFX, which enhances the visual quality of games.
4. Smart Access Memory: Features Smart Access Memory, which allows for better performance when paired with a compatible CPU.
5. High memory: Comes with 16GB of GDDR6 memory, which is ideal for users who require more memory for tasks such as video editing.

Cons:

1. Power consumption: Requires a significant amount of power, with a TDP of 300 watts, making it less power-efficient than some other high-end graphics cards.
2. Availability: Has been in high demand since its release, and it may be difficult to find in stock at its retail price.
3. Compatibility: Requires a PCIe 4.0 slot, which may not be available on older Z390 motherboards.

Overall, powerful graphics card for Z390 motherboards, offering high-end gaming capabilities, ray tracing, FidelityFX, Smart Access Memory, and high memory capacity. However, its power consumption and availability issues may be a concern for some users. If you’re in the market for a high-end graphics card for your Z390 motherboard and require high memory capacity, the RX 6800 XT is definitely worth considering.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 is a high-end graphics card that offers exceptional performance and features. It has 10GB of GDDR6X memory and supports Ray Tracing and DLSS technology. The RTX 3080 is an excellent choice for gamers who want to play the latest games in 4K at high frame rates.

Review:

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 features 10GB of GDDR6X memory and has a base clock speed of 1440 MHz, which can be boosted up to 1710 MHz. It supports ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), which enhances the visual quality of games.

In terms of performance, excellent gaming capabilities and is capable of running the latest games at high resolutions and high frame rates, including 4K gaming. It also features Nvidia Reflex, which reduces input lag, and Nvidia Broadcast, which enhances audio and video quality during live streaming.

About this item:

• NVIDIA Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors: The building blocks for the world’s fastest, most efficient GPU, the all-new Ampere SM brings 2X the FP32 throughput and improved power efficiency.
• 2nd Generation RT Cores: Experience 2X the throughput of 1st Gen RT Cores, plus concurrent RT and shading for a whole new level of ray tracing performance.
• 3rd Generation Tensor Cores: Get up to 2X the throughput with structural sparsity and advanced AI algorithms such as DLSS. Now with support for up to 8K resolution, these cores deliver a massive boost in game performance and all-new AI capabilities.
• Axial-Tech Fan Design has been newly tuned with a reversed central fan direction for less turbulence.
• Military-grade Capacitors and other TUF components enhance durability and performance.
• Dual Ball Fan Bearings can last up to twice as long as sleeve bearing designs.
• GPU Tweak II provides intuitive performance tweaking, thermal controls, and system monitoring.

Pros:

1. High performance: Excellent gaming performance, making it ideal for gamers who want to play the latest games at high resolutions and high frame rates.
2. Ray tracing: The card’s ray tracing capabilities allow for realistic lighting effects in games, which enhances the overall gaming experience.
3. DLSS: The card supports DLSS, which enhances the visual quality of games.
4. Nvidia Reflex: Features Nvidia Reflex, which reduces input lag, making it ideal for competitive gaming.
5. Nvidia Broadcast: Features Nvidia Broadcast, which enhances audio and video quality during live streaming.

Cons:

1. Power consumption: Requires a significant amount of power, with a TDP of 320 watts, making it less power-efficient than some other high-end graphics cards.
2. Availability: Has been in high demand since its release, and it may be difficult to find in stock at its retail price.
3. Price: High-end graphics card and comes with a high price tag, which may not be affordable for all users.

Overall, powerful graphics card for Z390 motherboards, offering high-end gaming capabilities, ray tracing, DLSS, Nvidia Reflex, and Nvidia Broadcast. However, its power consumption, availability, and price may be a concern for some users. If you’re in the market for a high-end graphics card for your Z390 motherboard and require features such as DLSS and Nvidia Broadcast, the RTX 3080 is definitely worth considering.

AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT

The AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT is a high-end graphics card that offers exceptional performance and features. It has 16GB of GDDR6 memory and supports Ray Tracing. The RX 6900 XT is an excellent choice for gamers who prefer AMD over Nvidia and want the best performance possible.

Review:

The AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT features 16GB of GDDR6 memory and has a base clock speed of 1825 MHz, which can be boosted up to 2250 MHz. It supports ray tracing and AMD’s FidelityFX technology, which enhances the visual quality of games.

In terms of performance, excellent gaming capabilities and is capable of running the latest games at high resolutions and high frame rates, including 4K gaming. It also features AMD’s Smart Access Memory technology, which allows the CPU to access the entire graphics card memory, resulting in improved performance.

About this item:

• Memory Speed: 16 Gbps
• Chipset: AMD RX 6900 XT
• Memory: 16GB GDDR6 AMD RDNA 2 architecture elevates and unifies the gaming
• Boost Clock: Up To 2365MHz.Avoid using unofficial software
• Cooling: XFX Speedster MERC319 Triple Fan Cooling

Pros:

1. High performance: Excellent gaming performance, making it ideal for gamers who want to play the latest games at high resolutions and high frame rates.
2. Ray tracing: The card’s ray tracing capabilities allow for realistic lighting effects in games, which enhances the overall gaming experience.
3. FidelityFX: The card supports AMD’s FidelityFX technology, which enhances the visual quality of games.
4. Smart Access Memory: Features AMD’s Smart Access Memory technology, which improves performance by allowing the CPU to access the entire graphics card memory.
5. Lower power consumption: Has a lower power consumption than some other high-end graphics cards, with a TDP of 300 watts.

Cons:

1. Availability: Has been in high demand since its release, and it may be difficult to find in stock at its retail price.
2. Price: High-end graphics card and comes with a high price tag, which may not be affordable for all users.

Overall, powerful graphics card for Z390 motherboards, offering high-end gaming capabilities, ray tracing, FidelityFX, and Smart Access Memory. Its lower power consumption is also a plus compared to some other high-end graphics cards. However, its availability and price may be a concern for some users. If you’re in the market for a high-end graphics card for your Z390 motherboard and require features such as FidelityFX and Smart Access Memory, the RX 6900 XT is definitely worth considering.

Comparison Table of Video Cards for Gigabyte Z390 Motherboards

Comparison table of the four graphics cards we reviewed for Gigabyte Z390 motherboards:

Graphics Card	Memory	Ray Tracing	DLSS Technology	Compatibility	Price
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070	8GB GDDR6	Yes	Yes	Latest CPUs	$499
AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT	16GB GDDR6	Yes	No	Latest CPUs	$649
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080	10GB GDDR6X	Yes	Yes	Latest CPUs	$699
AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT	16GB GDDR6	Yes	No	Latest CPUs	$999

As we can see from the comparison table, all four graphics cards offer exceptional performance and features. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 and AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT are similar in performance and compatibility, with the Nvidia card having the advantage of DLSS technology. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 and AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT are both high-end graphics cards that offer exceptional performance, with the Nvidia card having the advantage of DLSS technology.

When it comes to price, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 is the most affordable, followed by the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 and AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT are both expensive, with the AMD card being the most expensive.

In conclusion, the best graphics card for your Gigabyte Z390 motherboard will depend on your budget and personal preference. If you’re looking for an affordable option, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 is a great choice. If you prefer AMD over Nvidia, the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT is an excellent option. If you’re looking for a high-end graphics card, both the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 and AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT offer exceptional performance, with the Nvidia card having the advantage of DLSS technology.

FAQs

Q: Can I use any graphics card with Gigabyte Z390 motherboards?

• A: No, not all graphics cards are compatible with Gigabyte Z390 motherboards. You need to check the compatibility of the graphics card before purchasing it.

Q: What GPU is compatible with a Z390 motherboard?

• A: Z390 motherboards are compatible with a wide range of GPUs, including Nvidia and AMD graphics cards. The choice of GPU will depend on your personal preference, budget, and the specific features you’re looking for.

Q: Do I need to upgrade my power supply for a high-end graphics card?

• A: Yes, high-end graphics cards require a lot of power, and you may need to upgrade your power supply to ensure that it can handle the wattage required by the graphics card.

Q: Do I need liquid cooling for my graphics card?

• A: It depends on the graphics card and your personal preference. High-end graphics cards can generate a lot of heat, so liquid cooling may be a good option to ensure optimal performance and lifespan.

Q: Is the Z390 motherboard compatible with a Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card?

• A: Yes, the Z390 motherboard is compatible with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card. The RTX 3060 requires a PCIe 4.0 slot, which is available on most Z390 motherboards.

Q: Is the Z390 motherboard compatible with a Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card?

• A: Yes, the Z390 motherboard is compatible with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card. The RTX 3070 requires a PCIe 4.0 slot, which is available on most Z390 motherboards.

Q: Is the Z390 motherboard compatible with a Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card?

• A: The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card is a new and extremely high-end card that has not yet been released. As of now, it is not clear whether the Z390 motherboard will be compatible with this card. However, it is likely that it will require a PCIe 4.0 slot, which is available on most Z390 motherboards. It’s best to check the motherboard manufacturer’s website for compatibility information once the card is released.

Conclusion

Choosing the best graphics card for your Gigabyte Z390 motherboard is crucial for a great gaming experience. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 and AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT are both excellent choices for gamers who want to play the latest games in 4K. If you’re looking for a high-end graphics card, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 and AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT are excellent options that offer exceptional performance and features.

Remember to consider compatibility, power supply, cooling, and budget when choosing a graphics card for your Gigabyte Z390 motherboard. With the right graphics card, you can take your gaming experience to the next level.