## Best Budget Graphics Cards for 2023: Top Picks Under $300
The world of graphics cards can feel like a constant rollercoaster of rising prices. But fear not, budget-minded gamers! While high-end GPUs like the RTX 4090 may be reaching for the stars, there are still some fantastic options available for those looking to build a powerful PC without breaking the bank. For this guide, we’re focusing on graphics cards priced under $300, which should land you a well-rounded PC build in the $600-$700 range.
Let’s dive into the top contenders and see which one is the perfect fit for your budget gaming needs.
### Nvidia RTX 4060
The RTX 4060 has emerged as a strong contender in the budget GPU market. While initially overshadowed by the more affordable AMD RX 7600, it has become increasingly attractive thanks to recent price drops. You can often find it around its $300 list price, and sometimes even lower. When on sale, the RTX 4060 is an absolute steal, offering powerful performance alongside Nvidia’s coveted DLSS 3.5 technology.
DLSS 3.5 is where the RTX 4060 truly shines. Imagine playing Cyberpunk 2077 with ray tracing enabled on Ultra settings. The RTX 4060 might struggle to maintain a smooth 30fps, but activate DLSS 3, and suddenly you’re soaring past 90fps with ray tracing cranked to the max! That’s unheard of for a $300 card, and it’s a testament to Nvidia’s next-generation features.
While its raw performance might not outshine all competitors in the same price range, especially those not prioritizing ray tracing and DLSS 3, the RTX 4060 still holds its own. It sits just below last-gen’s RTX 3060 Ti in performance, but surpasses the Arc A770. And when considering ray tracing, it even outpaces the AMD RX 7600.
### AMD RX 7600
The AMD RX 7600 had a rocky start, but a strategic price adjustment before release transformed it into the go-to budget card of 2023. You can find it priced between $250 and $280, making it a truly affordable option. And compared to last-gen cards, the RX 7600 packs a serious punch. It shines at 1080p resolution, delivering buttery smooth gameplay at over 60fps in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 with maxed-out settings. It can even reach 100fps in many titles, like Horizon Zero Dawn and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, without compromising on graphics quality.
The RX 7600 goes head-to-head with Intel’s Arc A770 in overall performance, even though the Arc A770 typically costs $300-$350. It also boasts a significant 13% performance advantage over last-gen’s RX 6600 XT and RTX 3060, both priced around the same mark. The RX 7600 even outperforms Nvidia’s RTX 4060 outside of ray tracing, making it a formidable contender in the budget arena.
### Intel Arc A750
Intel’s Arc GPUs initially faced some hurdles, but they’ve become surprisingly valuable a year after their launch. The Arc A750, despite its somewhat rough start, has blossomed into a compelling budget pick, thanks to a significant price cut. Now, you can grab one for between $220 and $240 – a price range that neither AMD nor Nvidia currently offers a current-gen option in.
The A750 delivers performance comparable to an RTX 3060, but for a slightly lower price. It’s a solid 1080p card that can achieve 60fps in demanding titles with all settings cranked up, but you’ll likely see a dip in performance in games with ray tracing. While cards like the RTX 4060 and RX 7600 can effortlessly push past 60fps at 1080p Ultra, the A750 sits closer to that threshold. Despite that, it remains a fantastic value, especially if you can score one around $220.
However, you’ll want to be aware of a few quirks associated with Intel GPUs. Drivers are constantly improving with each release, but some games still experience occasional hiccups. Intel typically reacts quickly with patches, but it’s something to keep in mind.
### AMD RX 6750 XT
While not technically a budget card in the strict sense, AMD’s last-gen RX 6750 XT deserves a mention. It’s priced like a budget option, hovering around $310-$330, but it delivers performance that punches far above its weight. This formerly midrange card is now a serious contender, offering performance on par with the $400 RTX 4060 Ti, and sometimes even surpassing it.
In titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Forza Horizon 5, the RX 6750 XT shines, reaching 120fps and 150fps at 1080p, respectively. However, as with all AMD cards, ray tracing performance is a trade-off. The RX 6750 XT often lags behind even the Arc A750 when ray tracing is enabled, and it lacks Nvidia’s features like DLSS 3.5. But for those seeking the most bang for their buck, the RX 6750 XT is a compelling deal.
### Intel Arc A580
For gamers on a truly tight budget, options can be limited in 2023. The main contenders are Nvidia’s RTX 3050 and AMD’s last-gen RX 6500 XT, both of which have some significant drawbacks. Fortunately, Intel steps in with the Arc A580, priced at $180. It might not be a powerhouse, but it outperforms both the RTX 3050 and RX 6500 XT, even nearing the performance of AMD’s RX 6600.
While most of the GPUs on this list excel at 1080p Ultra settings, the A580 is more suited for 1080p High. You’ll get smooth gameplay above 60fps in games like Forza Horizon 5, but you’ll need to adjust settings in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart to maintain a consistent framerate. This is a reasonable trade-off considering its low price.
As with other Intel Arc cards, driver support is something to keep in mind. Some games, such as Starfield, may not play nicely with Arc GPUs at launch. The A580 is no exception. It’s a solid card at a fantastic price, but be prepared for occasional performance hiccups until drivers are fully optimized.
### Other Budget GPUs
While these cards stand out as top picks, it’s important to note that there are other budget-friendly options available, like the RTX 3050 and RX 6500 XT. However, these cards have known issues that might make them less appealing.
Ultimately, the best budget GPU for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider the games you want to play, your preferred resolution and settings, and your budget. Do your research, compare prices, and choose the card that best aligns with your gaming aspirations!
