5 Best Graphics Card (GPU) Under $300 in 2023

Gaming is one of the most popular pastimes for people of all ages. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a casual player, having a good graphics card is essential for an immersive gaming experience. However, not everyone can afford to buy the latest and most expensive video card on the market. If you’re on a budget, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be reviewing the 5 best graphics cards under $300 for gamers.

Contents

What to Consider Before Buying a GPU

Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about what factors you should consider when buying a graphics card.

Budget

As mentioned earlier, we’re specifically looking for graphics cards under $300, so budget is obviously an important consideration. You’ll need to find a balance between the price and performance of the graphics card.

Compatibility

The graphics card you choose must be compatible with your computer’s motherboard. Make sure you check the specifications before making a purchase.

Power Supply

A graphics card requires a lot of power to function properly, so make sure your power supply can handle it. If you’re unsure, you can use an online power supply calculator to determine how much power your system needs.

Performance

The performance of a graphics card is measured in frames per second (FPS). The higher the FPS, the smoother the gameplay. You should look for a graphics card that can handle the games you want to play at a consistent FPS.

Cooling

Graphics cards generate a lot of heat, so it’s essential to have proper cooling. Make sure the graphics card you choose has adequate cooling options, such as fans or heat sinks.

How we picked the best GPUs under $300

We evaluated the top graphics cards available and sorted them into groups based on how well they performed in benchmark tests. After determining their capacities, we compared those figures to the cost and accessibility of the graphics card to determine where they should be placed to the list.

Features and considerations

For casual to intermediate gamers, these graphics cards are the most affordable option. However, it’s important to discern between a good and a bad unit. The VRAM capacity of a GPU is one of the key characteristics to consider; the more this is, the better and simpler the GPU will operate.

Additionally, you’ll need to decide between AMD and Nvidia. These are the leaders in the GPU industry. In general, AMD has the best cost and performance-per-watt, whereas Nvidia has provided more power. Each brand has particular advantages and disadvantages. Whether you’re a gamer seeking for the greatest 4K experience or a video maker looking for the best performance your budget will allow, this list will include the top AMD and Nvidia GPUs for you.

Buy Now or Wait?

The most economical approach to resurrect your old gaming PC is almost usually to upgrade your graphics card. But even early adopters rarely upgrade more often than once every 1-2 generations, or once every 2-4 years (excluding annual “refresh” cycles, which are typically just small improvements to existing architectures). Frequently when the newest AAA games begin to feel slow.

Under normal circumstances, the most common reason to postpone a GPU purchase is to time one of the major generational releases.

In 2023, the situation is different – most graphics cards are in stock and prices are down substantially. Regarding generational leaps, the RTX 4090/4080 and RX 7900 series high-end GPUs from Nvidia and AMD were both released in late 2022. Sadly, the pricing of next-generation standard cards like the RTX 4060 and RX 7600 XT will likely arrive later in 2023, and unfortunately at higher prices than their predecessors.

Top 5 Graphics Cards Under $300

Now, let’s get to the good stuff – our list of the top 5 video cards under $300.

1. AMD Radeon RX 580

The AMD Radeon RX 580 is one of the best budget-friendly graphics cards on the market. It has a base clock speed of 1257 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1340 MHz, and it comes with 8 GB of GDDR5 memory. The RX 580 can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution and a consistent 60 FPS.

Review:

The AMD Radeon RX 580 is a mid-range graphics card that offers good performance for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks. It is based on the Polaris architecture and features 8GB of GDDR5 memory. The base clock speed of the RX 580 is 1257 MHz, with a boost clock speed of up to 1340 MHz. It has a memory clock speed of 8000 MHz and a power draw of 185 watts.

In terms of performance, the RX 580 performs well for its price range. It can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with high settings and good frame rates. It also performs well for tasks such as video editing and rendering.

One of the strengths is its price. It offers good performance for its price range, making it a great choice for budget-conscious gamers. It also has a good amount of memory and clock speeds, which allows it to handle demanding games and tasks.

However, there are some downsides to the RX 580. It has a higher power draw compared to some other mid-range gpu, which can lead to higher electricity bills and may require a more powerful power supply. It also runs hotter and louder than some other video cards, which may be a concern for some users.

About this item:

Powered by the AMD Radeon RX 580 graphics processing unit (GPU) With a 1405MHz clock speed and 1425MHz boost clock speed to help meet the needs of demanding games.

8GB GDDR5 (256-bit) on-board memory Provides the memory needed to recreate game visuals with striking realism.

PCI Express 3.0 interface Offers compatibility with a range of systems.

AMD Eyefinity technology Lets you connect up to 6 displays (not included), enlivening your gaming experience with panoramic visuals.

DVI, HDMI and 3 DisplayPort outputs Enable flexible connectivity.

Pros:

Good performance for its price range

Can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with high settings and good frame rates

Good amount of memory and clock speeds

Great choice for budget-conscious gamers

Cons:

Higher power draw compared to some other mid-range graphics cards

Runs hotter and louder than some other graphics cards

Overall, good choice for budget-conscious gamers who want a graphics card that can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with good performance. It has some downsides, such as a higher power draw and louder operation, but its strengths make it a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option.

2. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660

The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 is another excellent graphics card that won’t break the bank. It has a base clock speed of 1530 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1785 MHz, and it comes with 6 GB of GDDR5 memory. The GTX 1660 can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution and a consistent 60 FPS.

Review:

The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 is a mid-range graphics card that offers good performance for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks. It is based on the Turing architecture and features 6GB of GDDR5 memory. The base clock speed of the GTX 1660 is 1530 MHz, with a boost clock speed of up to 1785 MHz. It has a memory clock speed of 8000 MHz and a power draw of 120 watts.

In terms of performance, it performs well for its price category. It can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with high settings and good frame rates. It also performs well for tasks such as video editing and rendering.

One of its strengths is its energy efficiency. It has a lower power draw compared to some other mid-range gpu, which can lead to lower electricity bills and may not require a more powerful power supply. It also runs cooler and quieter than some other graphics cards, which may be a concern for some users.

However, there are some downsides to the GTX 1660. It has less memory compared to some other mid-range video cards, which may limit its ability to handle some demanding games and tasks. It also has fewer CUDA cores compared to some other graphics cards, which may impact its performance for certain tasks.

About this item:

Memory Speed: 14 Gbps.

Digital Max Resolution: 7680×4320.

Chipset: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660.

Boost clock: 1815 MHz.

Memory Interface: 192-Bit.

Video Memory: 6GB GDDR6.

Output: DisplayPort x 3 (V1. 4)/ HDMI 2. 0B x 1.

Pros:

Good performance for its price range

Can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with high settings and good frame rates

Power efficient with lower power draw

Runs cooler and quieter than some other graphics cards

Cons:

Less memory compared to some other mid-range graphics cards

Fewer CUDA cores compared to some other graphics cards

Overall, good choice for budget-conscious gamers who want a graphics card that can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with good performance. It has some downsides, such as less memory and fewer CUDA cores, but its strengths, such as its power efficiency and cooler operation, make it a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option.

3. AMD Radeon RX 570

The AMD Radeon RX 570 is a slightly cheaper alternative to the RX 580. It has a base clock speed of 1168 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1244 MHz, and it comes with 8 GB of GDDR5 memory. The RX 570 can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution and a consistent 60 FPS.

Review:

The AMD Radeon RX 570 is a mid-range graphics card that offers good performance for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks. It is based on the Polaris architecture and features 4GB of GDDR5 memory. The base clock speed of the RX 570 is 1168 MHz, with a boost clock speed of up to 1244 MHz. It has a memory clock speed of 7000 MHz and a power draw of 150 watts.

In terms of performance, it performs well for its price range. It can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with high settings and good frame rates. It also performs well for tasks such as video editing and rendering.

One of the strengths is its value. It offers good performance for its price range and can often be found at a lower price compared to some other mid-range gpu. It also has a good amount of memory, which can help with handling demanding games and tasks.

However, there are some downsides to the RX 570. It has a higher power draw compared to some other mid-range video cards, which may lead to higher electricity bills and require a more powerful power supply. It also runs hotter and louder than some other graphics cards, which may be a concern for some users.

About this item:

1244 MHz boost clock for 7% performance improvement over the reference

144-Hour Test Passed and Top Games Tested for best compatibility. Recommended PSU: 450W

DirectCU II with patented wing-blade fans on 0db fan technology delivers 30% cooler and 3X quieter performance contact with direct-GPU contact heat pipes

Auto-extreme Manufacturing Technology delivers premium quality and reliability with aerospace-grade Super Alloy Power II components

GPU Tweak II makes monitoring performance easier than ever, featuring FanConnect II for GPU temperature sensing

Pros:

Good performance for its price range

Can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with high settings and good frame rates

Good value for its price range

Has a good amount of memory

Cons:

Higher power draw compared to some other mid-range graphics cards

Runs hotter and louder than some other graphics cards

Overall, good choice for budget-conscious gamers who want a graphics card that can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with good performance. It has some downsides, such as a higher power draw and running hotter and louder than some other graphics cards, but its strengths, such as its value and good amount of memory, make it a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option.

4. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super

The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super is a great budget option for gamers. It has a base clock speed of 1530 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1725 MHz, and it comes with 4 GB of GDDR6 memory. The GTX 1650 Super can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution and a consistent 60 FPS.

Review:

The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super is based on the Turing architecture and features 4GB of GDDR6 memory. It has a base clock speed of 1530 MHz and a boost clock speed of up to 1725 MHz. It has a memory clock speed of 12000 MHz and a power draw of 100 watts.

One of the strengths is its power efficiency. It has a lower power draw compared to some other mid-range gpu, which can lead to lower electricity bills and a more efficient power supply. It also runs cooler and quieter than some other graphics cards, which can be a benefit for those who prioritize noise levels.

However, there are some downsides to the GTX 1650 Super. It has a lower memory bandwidth compared to some other mid-range video cards, which may limit its performance in some situations. It also has a lower amount of memory compared to some other graphics cards, which may limit its ability to handle demanding games and tasks.

About this item:

Real Boost Clock: 1755 MHz; Memory Detail: 4096 MB GDDR6

All-new NVIDIA Turing architecture to give you incredible new levels of gaming realism, speed, power efficiency and immersion

Dual fans offer higher performance cooling and low acoustic noise

Built for EVGA Precision x1 All-metal backplate, pre-installed.Avoid using unofficial software

3 year & EVGA top notch technical support

Pros:

Good performance for its price range

Can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with high settings and good frame rates

Lower power draw and more power efficient than some other mid-range graphics cards

Runs cooler and quieter than some other graphics cards

Cons:

Lower memory bandwidth compared to some other mid-range graphics cards

Lower amount of memory compared to some other graphics cards

Overall, good choice for budget-conscious gamers who want a graphics card that can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with good performance. It has some downsides, such as a lower memory bandwidth and amount of memory compared to some other graphics cards, but its strengths, such as its power efficiency and cooler, quieter operation, make it a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option.

5. AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT

The AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT is another great budget option for gamers. It has a base clock speed of 1717 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1845 MHz, and it comes with 8 GB of GDDR6 memory. The RX 5500 XT can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution and a consistent 60 FPS.

Review:

The AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT is based on the RDNA architecture and features 8GB of GDDR6 memory. It has a base clock speed of 1607 MHz and a boost clock speed of up to 1845 MHz. It has a memory clock speed of 14000 MHz and a power draw of 130 watts.

One of the strengths is its high amount of memory, which allows it to handle demanding games and tasks with ease. It also has a high memory bandwidth, which can lead to better performance in some situations.

However, there are some downsides to the RX 5500 XT. It has a higher power draw compared to some other mid-range gpu, which may lead to higher electricity bills and require a more powerful power supply. It also runs hotter and louder compared to some other video cards, which may be a concern for those who prioritize noise levels and temperature.

About this item:

Powered by 7nm Radeon RDNA Architecture

Accelerated Game Fidelity with Radeon Image Sharpening & FidelityFX

Immersive Gaming Experience with FreeSync & FreeSync 2 HDR technology

WINDFORCE 2X with Alternate Spinning Fans & Direct Touch Copper Heatpipes

Intuitive Controls with AORUS Engine

Base Clock: 1647 Mhz

Boost Clock: 1845 Mhz

Pros:

Good performance for its price range

Can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with high settings and good frame rates

High amount of memory, which allows it to handle demanding games and tasks with ease

High memory bandwidth, which can lead to better performance in some situations

Cons:

Higher power draw compared to some other mid-range graphics cards

Runs hotter and louder compared to some other graphics cards

Overall, good choice for budget-conscious gamers who want a graphics card that can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with good performance and high amount of memory. It has some downsides, such as a higher power draw and running hotter and louder compared to some other graphics cards, but its strengths, such as its high amount of memory and memory bandwidth, make it a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option.

Comparison Table of Video Cards Under $300

Comparison table of the five best graphics cards under $300:

Graphics Card	Base Clock Speed	Boost Clock Speed	Memory	Memory Clock Speed	Power Connector	Recommended Resolution
AMD Radeon RX 580	1257 MHz	1340 MHz	8 GB GDDR5	8000 MHz	1x 8-pin	1080p to 1440p
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660	1530 MHz	1785 MHz	6 GB GDDR5	8000 MHz	1x 8-pin	1080p to 1440p
AMD Radeon RX 570	1168 MHz	1244 MHz	8 GB GDDR5	7000 MHz	1x 8-pin	1080p to 1440p
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super	1530 MHz	1725 MHz	4 GB GDDR6	12000 MHz	None	1080p
AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT	1717 MHz	1845 MHz	8 GB GDDR6	14000 MHz	1x 8-pin	1080p to 1440p

As we can see, all of these graphics cards offer good performance for their price range, with each one having its own strengths and weaknesses. The RX 580 and GTX 1660 offer more memory and higher clock speeds, making them better suited for higher resolutions and more demanding games. The RX 570 and GTX 1650 Super offer slightly less performance but still perform well at 1080p resolution. The RX 5500 XT offers the highest clock speed and memory clock speed among the five options, making it the most powerful option for its price range.

Best graphics card for under $300 will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a graphics card that can handle higher resolutions and more demanding games, the RX 580 or GTX 1660 may be the best options for you. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that can still handle most modern games at 1080p resolution, the RX 570 or GTX 1650 Super may be more suitable. And if you want the most powerful option for under $300, the RX 5500 XT is a great choice.

FAQs

Let’s answer some commonly asked questions about graphics cards under $300.

Q: Can these graphics cards handle games at higher resolutions?

A: Most of these video card are designed to handle games at 1080p resolution. While some of them may be able to handle higher resolutions, it’s best to stick with 1080p to ensure a smooth gaming experience.

Q: What is the best GPU for $300?

A: The best GPU for $300 would depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, some great options for under $300 include the AMD Radeon RX 580, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660, and AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT. These graphics cards offer good performance for their price range and can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution.

Q: Do these graphics cards require additional power connectors?

A: Some of these graphics cards may require additional power connectors, depending on their power requirements. Make sure your power supply has the necessary connectors before making a purchase.

Q: What is the best 250$ GPU?

A: The best $250 GPU would depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, some great options for around $250 include the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super, AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT, and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660. These graphics cards offer good performance for their price range and can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution.

Q: Are these graphics cards compatible with Mac computers?

A: Most of these graphics cards are designed to work with Windows-based computers. If you have a Mac computer, make sure the graphics card you choose is compatible before making a purchase.

Q: What is the best graphics card for gaming under 300 dollars?

A: The best graphics card for gaming under $300 would depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, some great options for under $300 include the AMD Radeon RX 580, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660, and AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT. These graphics cards offer good performance for their price range and can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution.

Q: What GPU for $600 USD?

A: For a budget of $600 USD, you have a lot of great options for a powerful GPU. Some of the best options include the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060. These graphics cards offer excellent performance for their price range and can handle most modern games at higher resolutions and higher frame rates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re on a budget and looking for a graphics card that can handle most modern games, the five options listed above are some of the best choices available. Just make sure to consider the factors we mentioned earlier, such as compatibility and performance, before making a purchase. With the right graphics card, you can enhance your gaming experience without breaking the bank.