How to make modern games work: Top graphics cards

Modern games are breathtakingly realistic, blurring the lines between pixels and reality. This visual fidelity, while amazing, significantly increases system requirements, making even strategy games like *Civilization VII* demand powerful hardware. Upgrading your PC, especially the graphics card, becomes a frequent necessity for gamers. But with so many options, choosing the right card can be daunting. This guide reviews the top graphics cards of 2024 and what to expect in 2025, helping you decide where to invest your upgrade budget. (Check out our article on the most beautiful games of 2024 to see where your new power can shine!)

Table of Contents

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
• AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti
• AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
• AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
• Intel Arc B580

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060

A true workhorse and a classic, the RTX 3060 has been a favorite among gamers for years. Offering memory capacities from 8GB to 12GB, ray tracing support, and solid performance under pressure, it remains a capable card. While showing its age with some newer titles, it still holds its own.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080

The RTX 3080, the elder sibling of the 3060, continues to impress. Its power and efficiency often outshine newer models like the RTX 3090 and even the RTX 4060, making it a strong contender. A little overclocking further enhances its performance, offering excellent value for its price, even in 2025.

AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT

The Radeon RX 6700 XT surprisingly remains a top choice for its price-to-performance ratio. It handles modern games with ease and has challenged NVIDIA's market dominance, particularly against the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti. Its higher memory and wider bus interface provide smooth gameplay at 2560x1440 resolution, rivaling even the more expensive GeForce RTX 4060 Ti (16GB).

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti

Unlike its less successful sibling, the RTX 4060, the 4060 Ti is a solid performer, a popular choice in many PCs. While not drastically outperforming AMD's offerings or the RTX 3080, it delivers reliable results. It's approximately 4% faster than its predecessor at 2560x1440 resolution, further boosted by Frame Generation.

AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT

The Radeon RX 7800 XT significantly outperforms the pricier NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 in many games, boasting an average 18% lead at 2560x1440 resolution. Its 16GB of video memory ensures longevity, and it surpasses the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti by a remarkable 20% in ray-traced QHD gaming.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super

Responding to AMD's pressure, NVIDIA's RTX 4070 Super delivers a 10-15% performance boost over the standard 4070, making it a top choice for 2K gaming. Its power consumption is only slightly higher (220W vs 200W), and undervolting can further enhance performance and reduce temperatures.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080

This card provides ample performance for any game, considered by many as the best option for 4K resolution. Its substantial video memory and enhanced ray tracing capabilities ensure a future-proof gaming experience. It's often seen as NVIDIA's flagship, though the 4090 remains at the top.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

NVIDIA's undisputed flagship, the RTX 4090, delivers unparalleled performance. While not dramatically better than the 4080, its longevity and the anticipated pricing of the 50-series make it a strong investment for high-end builds.

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

AMD's top-tier contender rivals NVIDIA's flagship in performance but with a significant price advantage. It offers comparable power and future-proofing at a more accessible cost.

Intel Arc B580

Intel's surprise entry, the Arc B580, sold out instantly upon release. It outperforms the RTX 4060 Ti and RX 7600 by 5-10%, offering 12GB of memory at a remarkable $250 price point. This signals a potential shift in the market, with Intel poised to become a serious competitor.

Despite rising prices, the market offers excellent graphics cards for various budgets. Even mid-range options deliver solid performance, while high-end models guarantee a future-proof gaming experience for years to come.