Best Graphics Card – Top 6 GPUs for Your Gaming Rig
Best Graphics Cards
There are a number of different scenario's in which a person might need to upgrade their GPU...maybe your card isn't producing the performance levels you desire in the latest games, or you just bought a new monitor and your old GPU doesn't support 4k output... Whatever the reason, purchasing the right GPU for your needs can be quite stressful. Here at WEPC we like to take that stress away by performing hours of tireless research to ensure our selections are both informed and up-to-date meaning you don't have to!Read more
Below, we've given you a sneak peak of our star GPU's so far this 2019. We've taken a lot of criteria into consideration when choosing these cards, giving each one their own niche, meaning there is something for everyone. If you want to learn more about them and how/why we chose them, keep going!
TOP PERFORMANCE PICK
EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti FTW3 Ultra Gaming
Most Powerful Graphics Card
EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti FTW3 Ultra Gaming
TECH SPECS
Clock Speed
1755 MHz
VRAM
11GB GDDR6
Memory Bus Width
352 bits
PROS
The fastest gaming GPU on the market
4k Gaming at ultra settings
Real-time ray tracing
CONS
Very Expensive
Not many games currently make use of ray tracing
Many of you will not be shocked to see the 2080ti at the top of our list for best gaming GPU of 2019. It’s the most powerful gaming GPU available in today’s market and has a tonne of new tech and features which make the 2080 future proof for years to come.
It’s based upon Nvidia’s enhanced Turing architecture and real-time ray tracing which is considered the future of gaming visuals. The Turing TU102 is 60% larger than the pascal GP102 of the 1080ti with 55% more transistors. The extra transistors have been put towards more CUDA cores and Tensor cores which help accelerate DLSS, a deep learning algorithm. Lets not forget the RT cores which help accelerate their ray tracing either.
So in short, a very powerful GPU with 11GB GDDR6 memory which will smash 4k and VR out the window when game developers have caught up. However, as you probably expect, this all comes at a price and that price isn’t cheap. Many people will only be able to sit and look at this card online in envy as it currently retails at over $1000.
4K AND VR KILLER
ASUS GeForce RTX 2080 8GB OC Edition
2nd Most Powerful Graphics Card
ASUS GeForce RTX 2080 8GB OC Edition
TECH SPECS
Clock Speeds
1890 MHz
VRAM
8GB GDDR6
Memory Bus Width
256-bit
PROS
4k gaming at ultra settings
Real time ray tracing and deep learning algorithm
Fantastic performance
CONS
Expensive
Limited ray tracing games available
Nvidia’s second most powerful card comes in the shape of the RTX 2080 and literally replaces the 1080ti in our list of top GPU’s. It comes to shelves with all the same tech as the 2080ti but with slightly less power, as you’d imagine. Real time ray tracing and AI enhanced graphics are just a couple of the features that this card has been developed with. However, to fully make use of the new tech we’ll have to wait for game developers to catch up as currently, there isn’t a great deal of product compatibility right now.
The 2080 can be found with a much cheaper price tag than that of the 2080ti, but is still considered fairly expensive on a consumer level. Most AAA game titles don’t require a card of this power, but with games becoming more technologically advanced, the next wave of games are going to be much more taxing on your GPU. If you’re planning for the future, the RTX 20 series is definitely the way to go.
HIGH PERFORMANCE PICK
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 2070 Super
RTX at an affordable price
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 2070 Super
TECH SPECS
Clock Speed
1815 MHz
VRAM
GDDR6 8GB
Memory Bus Width
256-Bit
PROS
Great in-game performance
Very high build quality
Ray tracing technology
Very efficient cooling
CONS
Few RTX-enabled games to enjoy
Nvidia launched its super cards around the same time we saw the release of the 5700 XTs back in summer. These cards were released to counter the highly impressive AMD cards which ended up outperforming the non-super version of the RTX 2070. The super version of the GPU is based on the 13.6 billion transistors "TU104", like the RTRX 2080 and RTX 2080 Super. This means aftermarket partners could reuse existing RTX 2080 board designs that are capable of handling much higher temps.
The RTX 2070 is currently priced appropriately when you consider it is around 10% better than the 5700 XT, the extra $50-$100 difference is justified. While the 2070 Super is capable of 4K gaming, you would still want to grab a 2080 Super or Ti to gain the best results possible for that resolution. This Gigabyte version offers virtually silent operation and icy cool temps under load. For the 1440p gamers out there this is the perfect card for you, as you will reach 100+ FPS across your favourite AAA titles.
This card is going to leave no one disappointed, it has all the power a gamer could need and is priced well so that you can build a great all-round gaming PC for less. There is no over the top RGB lighting or flamboyant designs with the Gigabyte Gaming OC but it still gets some style points, while being a high-end performer.
TOP AMD PICK
XFX Radeon Rx 5700 XT 8GB
Best AMD gaming GPU
XFX Radeon Rx 5700 XT 8GB
TECH SPECS
Clock Speeds
1870 MHz - 1980 MHz
VRAM
8GB GDDR6
Memory Bus Width
256 Bit
PROS
Fantastic value for money
Outperforms the 2070
Very efficient triple fan cooling solution
CONS
One of the largest 5700XT's
No real-time Ray Tracing
Not the best for overclocking
AMD launched its answer to high-end GPUs earlier this year, the Radeon RX 5700 XT. The card is built on the 7nm process and is based on the Navi architecture. The card supports DirectX 12.0 and features 8GB of GDDR6 memory, which is connected using a 256-bit memory interface. This graphics card is dual slot and powered with a 6+8-pin connector.
The Sapphire Radeon Pulse version of the card shows vast improvements on temps when we compare it to the older reference card, making this a better choice for you and your system. What is great about these aftermarket 5700 XTs is that there is little to separate them performance-wise, but the low noise of the Pulse version and its ability to handle heat, make it our top AMD pick.
This is a highly capable card and will easily run games in high settings at 1440p. That being said, you don't want to be grabbing this GPU if you are considering 4K gaming as it's not going to produce the results you will need. This graphics card's biggest selling point is its incredible value, the GPU sits near the 2070 in terms of performance but with a smaller price tag.
If you don't mind spending a little more then the RTX 2070 Super is a worthy next step. You could also hang around for the highly anticipated Nitro+ version of this card, which will most likely feature a bigger overclock. All in all, this GPU is fantastic and with it landing punches on Nvidia's RTX cards, its a card worthy of your new build.
MID-RANGE PICK
Gigabyte Gaming GeForce RTX 2060 Super 8GB
RTX Entry-Level
Gigabyte Gaming GeForce RTX 2060 Super 8GB
TECH SPECS
Clock Speed
1680 MHz
VRAM
GDDR6 8GB
Memory Bus Width
256-Bit
PROS
Excellent gaming performance
Turing architecture
Overclocked
CONS
Overshadowed by the RX 5700XT
Few RTX-enabled games to enjoy
When Nvidia released the 2060 it was regarded as thier entry-level GPU into ray-tracing. Despite its power, it still struggled with 1440p gaming greatness but with the Super version, those days are over. The RTX 2060 Super brings performance to the masses with significant results at a low cost. While this serves as an entry-level card in some ways, it is actually a high performing mid-range GPU.
The 2060 destroys games in 1080p but the 2060 Super extra performance brings 1440p into shot. While many would consider the 5700 XT the smarter purchase at this price point, this card offers ray tracing at an entry-level price. Now, the 2060 Super may not offer the best price to performance but it sits nicely in between the RX 5700 and RTX 2070.
In short if you want to future proof your graphics option, then going for the RTX Super brings you ray tracing support which the RX 5700 XT doesn't have. We are still unsure whether an entry-level card like this will be able to deliver a decent ray-tracing experience but according to Nvidia, even these weaker RTX cards will produce a good experience.
SMALL FORM FACTOR PICK
EVGA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti XC Gaming
Best 1080p Graphics Card
EVGA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti XC Gaming
TECH SPECS
Clock Speed
1770 MHz
VRAM
6GB GDDR6
Memory Bus Width
128 bits
PROS
Excellent performance at 1080p
Very efficient design
CONS
Only 6GB VRAM
Limited on features
For us, the 1660 Ti has been one of the most exciting cards we’ve got our hands on in a good while. You’re probably wondering why an entry-level card is so exciting to us when we have access to the best cards on the market. Well, we like to give consumer advice and a product which houses excellent value for money is always very exciting to us!
The 1660 Ti slots nicely into the space vacated by that of the GTX 1060, providing roughly 15% better performance at a lower price. Nvidia made sure the 1660 took full advantage of their Turing architecture which has been implemented in the RTX range whilst only housing GDRR5 memory.
However this is not a bad thing as it comes to shelves much cheaper than anything on this list whilst still boasting excellent 1080p and 1440p performance. Ultimately this card is considered our top budget pick for 2019 so far and would be a great purchase for a mid-range build.
BUDGET PICK
PowerColor Red Dragon RX 590 8GB
Best Budget GPU
PowerColor Red Dragon RX 590 8GB
TECH SPECS
Clock Speed
1545 MHz
VRAM
GDDR5 8GB
Memory Bus Width
256-bit
PROS
Outperforms the RX 580 and GTX 1060
Great for the budget builder
Strong 1080p performance
CONS
Old architecture
Relatively hot and noisy
The RX 590 is a worthy upgrade to its older brother the 580 and is considered an excellent choice for the budget builder. This is an excellent card for gamers that operate with 1080p resolutions and gives builders the chance to create a special gaming rig at very low prices. This GPU surpasses the likes of Nvidia's GTX 1050 Ti and 1060 and even has a small amount of 1440p potential.
Of course, the price is the most attractive feature to the card with it offering some great value for an 8GB GPU. The card has filled the gap between AMD's 580 and VEGA 56 cards, with its 8GB of memory. This is an older card now though with the next lot of entry-level cards getting GDDR6 memory and higher base clock speeds.
Despite this cards drawbacks, it serves a purpose, especially for those price conscious gamers out there. Not long ago we would have suggested the RX 580 as the better value in the budget category but with how much the 590 now costs, it's a great option
What should I be looking for in a GPU?
Truly? It depends on your needs.If you’re on a budget and can’t buy tech often, you’ll likely be looking for either the best value pick or the cheapest card you can find. In this situation, we recommend going for value, even if it’s a bit more expensive than entry-level, that way you can make the most of your purchase and enjoy it for the longest time.
If budget isn’t a concern, you should still probably be smart and do your research. You wouldn’t want to drop $1K on a last-gen or overpriced GPU, for instance. You also wouldn’t want to buy super high-end when there’s a new generation of GPU around the corner… unless there’s a significant discount or trade-up program, of course.
If you’re somewhere in between… just make sure your needs are being met. If you only game at 1080p, for instance, you’re best with going for a mid-range card that will satisfy your needs. If you need to push a high refresh rate or high resolutions, you may want to consider a higher-end option… you get the idea.
Table Key
Clock Speed - Measured in MHz, clock speed represents the “speed” of the GPU core within the graphics card. These alone don’t determine relative performance, but boosting your core clock speed via overclocking can give you some free performance bonuses.
VRAM - Stands for Video - Random access memory and acts as a buffer between your CPU and GPU. The more VRAM your GPU has the more efficiently it can process graphics.
GDDR6 - The latest VRAM available, it has more capacity and increased bandwidth making it the most powerful VRAM on the market.
GDDR5 - The most common modern VRAM standard. Decently fast, shouldn’t bottleneck in most situations.
GDDR5X - An amped-up version of GDDR5 used by Nvidia for their high-end cards.
HBM2 - AMD's go to VRAM standard, as quick as anything on the market however much more expensive thanks to production methods.
Memory Bus - In massively-simplified terms, the wider the memory bus, the faster the core and VRAM are able to communicate with one another. The HBM2 cards use this to their advantage to greatly increase speed across the board.
How We Choose Our Products
How We Choose
This is actually a lot simpler than you might think. With other products, like monitors, there’s a lot more to take into account when making lists like these. When it comes to graphics cards, though, selection will pretty much always boil down to the following two questions:
How well does it perform?
How good is the value for that level of performance?
We also took into mind popular searches around the Internet, including:
What is the best AMD/Nvidia graphics card?
What is the best 1080p/1440p graphics card?
Our goal is to answer these questions to the best of our ability while still providing you with a selection of high-quality GPUs that you won’t regret purchasing. We like to think we succeeded in this goal.
Now, how should you pick from this list, since we’ve done most of the work already?
How You Should
Also pretty simple! Ask yourself the following questions:
What is my target resolution: 1080p, 1440p, or 4K?
Do I need to push frame rates higher than 60?
How much can I afford to spend on a graphics card?
As long as you know the answer to those three questions and read our detailed descriptions of each of the graphics cards listed, you shouldn’t have any problems picking the right card for your needs. You can also choose to leave a comment below if you need our direct assistance.
Parting Words
And that’s it!
We hope our guide helped you pick out the best GPU for your needs.
Feel free to comment below and let us know if you need any assistance: we’re always ready and willing to help
