Best Graphics Cards For Gaming in 2023: Comparisons, Reviews and FAQs

A wide range of excellent games that call for cutting-edge graphics systems has emerged due to developments in the computer world. Using the best graphics cards for gaming, there is a new and straightforward approach to optimizing these systems for fantastic gaming experiences. These cards are crucial for optimizing stunning and eye-catching visuals. In addition, you can read more about Best SATA SSDs of 2023, Best Graphics Cards here. 

1. Best Rated: EVGA GeForce RTX 3080  

2. Best Overall: XFX AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT 

3. Best Premium Graphics Cards: XFX AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT 

4. Best Valuable Graphics Cards: AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT   

5. Best Affordable Graphics Cards: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti

1. EVGA GeForce RTX 3080

Specifications: 

• Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080

• Brand: EVGA

• Graphics Ram Size: 10 GB

• GPU Clock Speed: 1755 MHz

• Video Output Interface: DisplayPort

• Chipset Brand: NVIDIA

Our first suggestion is the GeForce RTX 3080 from Nvidia, which has the most recent Nvidia Ampere architecture. This now applies to all RTX 3080 cards, including the RTX 3080 Ti and RTX 3080 12GB, based on current prices. Right now, the 10GB card costs $740, the 12GB model costs $760, and the 3080 Ti costs $800. These are the best prices we can locate.

This is the card to get if you want to push all the visual settings and want to play at 4K or 1440p. Unless you're playing the most recent ray tracing games, DLSS support should also improve performance; it's more than you typically need for 1080p gaming.

Pros: 

• Good performance

• Great bang for the buck

• May do 4K ultra at 60 fps or more

Cons: 

• Prices remain above MSRP

• Requires 320W or more power

• Overkill for 1080p displays

2. XFX AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT

Specifications: 

• Graphics Coprocessor: AMD RX 6800 XT

• Brand: XFX

• Graphics Ram Size: 16 GB

• Video Output Interface: HDMI

• Chipset Brand: AMD

• Graphics RAM Type: GDDR6

The Radeon RX 6800 XT is one of AMD's Navi 21 GPUs, the finest graphics cards for Team Red. Compared to the RX 5700 XT of the previous generation, the RX 6800 XT shows a significant improvement in speed and functionality. The RDNA 2 architecture also supports ray tracing (through DirectX Raytracing or VulkanRT).

The enthusiast community jokingly referred to the Navi 21 GPU as "Big Navi" before its release, and we got precisely what we wanted. It is more than twice as big as the Navi 10 from the previous generation and has twice as much RAM. The RX 6800 XT has a 300W TBP, significantly less than the RTX 3080's 320W TBP. AMD managed all this without noticeably raising power needs. Clock rates also increase into the 2.1-2.4 GHz region (depending on the card type).

Pros: 

• RDNA2 architecture provides excellent performance

• Easily handles 4K and 1440p

• Lots of VRAM for the future

Cons: 

• FSR 2.0 needs wider adoption

• Weaker ray tracing performance

• Overpriced

3. XFX AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT

Specifications: 

• Graphics Coprocessor: AMD RX 6700 XT

• Brand: XFX

• Graphics Ram Size: 12 GB

• GPU Clock Speed: 2622 MHz

• Video Output Interface: HDMI

• Chipset Brand: AMD

AMD's Navi 22 and the RX 6700 XT are the results of starting with the Navi 21 GPU and then reducing the size of the different functional parts to produce a smaller chip that can be sold for less. The RX 6750 XT is essentially the same GPU as the RX 6750, but it costs 12% more and has better clock rates, memory speeds, and power consumption. 

The 6700 XT includes the same GPU cores as the RX 5700 XT from the previous generation. Still, its performance is roughly 25% due to much faster clock rates and additional cache (at higher settings and resolutions, at least). On the reference card, the RX 6700 XT tested at stock reached clock rates of more than 2.5GHz while gaming. Models with factory overclocking can increase that closer to 2.7GHz while keeping the GPU safe.

Pros: 

• Great 1080p and 1440p performance

• Plenty of VRAM

• Excelling price-to-performance ratio

Cons: 

• Weaker RT performance

• FSR can't defeat DLSS

• Incoming RDNA2 refresh

4. AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT

Specifications: 

• Graphics Coprocessor: AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT

• Brand: PowerColor

• Graphics Ram Size: 8 GB

• Chipset Brand: AMD

• Graphics RAM Type: GDDR6

• Included Components: Graphics card

AMD's Navi 23 architecture serves as their response to the RTX 3060. Usually, we'd anticipate a 32 CU Navi 22 model, code-named the RX 6700 non-XT. Still, AMD reduced the number of CUs, the width of the memory interface, and the size of the Infinity Cache to provide a more minor, more affordable chip with outstanding performance.

It performs somewhat better than the RX 5700 XT from the previous generation, which is remarkable given that half has reduced the memory bus to just 128 bits. However, there are legitimate reasons to be concerned about the 8GB of VRAM, and there are certain cases where the RTX 3060 is the superior option.

Pros: 

• Faster than 3060 and RX 5700 XT

• Power efficient design

• Good 1080p performance

• Available below MSRP

Cons:

• Only 8GB VRAM on a 128-bit bus

• Poor ray tracing performance

• Expensive for 1080p

5. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti

Specifications: 

• Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti

• Brand: Geforce

• Graphics Ram Size: 8 GB

• GPU Clock Speed: 1665 MHz

• Video Output Interface: HDMI

The 3060 Ti outperformed the 2080 Super from the previous generation in our tests, winning each game we played. Even though it was 20% less expensive, it was only around 9% slower than the RTX 3070. The 3060 Ti is twice as fast as an older GTX 1070 or RX Vega 56, in some cases, even faster in the latest games.

The only serious problem is that it lacks VRAM. Currently, 8GB is more than enough. However, some games are starting to go above that amount. Although you might not notice the differences if you slightly reduce the texture quality, you will regret it deep inside. 

The RX 6650 XT and RX 6600 XT from AMD are strong rivals for the 3060 Ti. Even though Nvidia's component is still quicker, especially in ray tracing games, the RX 6650 XT is now $150 less expensive than the 3060 Ti.

Pros: 

• It beats the 2080 Super for $300 less

• Good overall value (fps/$)

• Great for RT at 1440p with DLSS

Cons: 

• Overpriced

• 8GB might not be enough VRAM long-term

• 4K is a stretch even with DLSS

Before buying a graphics card for gaming, you should consider the following factors:

• Resolution: Performance requirements increase as you push more pixels. To game at 1080p, you don't require a top-tier GPU.

• PSU: Verify that your power source has sufficient juice and the appropriate 6- or 8-pin connection (s). For the RTX 3060, for instance, Nvidia advises a 550-watt PSU. You also want at least an 8-pin connector and maybe a 6-pin PEG connector.

• Video Memory: A 4GB card is the very least; 6GB cards are preferable, and 8GB or more cards are highly advised. Even though they are the exception rather than the rule, certain games can now use 12GB of VRAM.

The performance of these great gaming graphics cards is excellent. Additionally, they are packed with various unique features that enhance your gaming PC's ability to play big game titles smoothly and enjoy a superb gaming experience. You won't regret buying one of them today.