-
- Best Video Converters
- The Best Network Monitoring Tools
- Best Monitor for Mac Mini
- Best Laptops Under $500
- The Best Video Downloaders for Windows
- The Best TVs for Xbox Series X
- Best Laptops
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The newsroom or editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.Level up Your Gaming Experience With the Best Gaming Graphics Cards for Your PC
Building a desktop PC is no easy task. From choosing the best motherboard to picking out the perfect power supply, there’s a ton of thought that goes into it. Even if you’re done deciding on the rest of your PC build, picking out the perfect gaming graphics card is always a daunting task. Graphics cards are available in a plethora of specifications. Each GPU is available with a different fan size, wattage, and VRAM figure, which isn’t easy to interpret if you’re just getting into gaming or building PCs. But with our picks of the highest-performing gaming graphics cards of 2022, you’ll easily be able to choose the optimal card for your build, providing you with the highest frames per second (FPS) in any game you play!Finding Your Next Gaming Graphic Card: A Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to GPUs, there are a ton of specifications to understand and compare. What do these different terms mean and how should you pick out the highest performing card for yourself? Check out our short buying guide to gain some insight into the world of graphics cards!
AMD vs. Nvidia
Both of these companies have produced top-quality graphics cards over the years. But the question still remains, which one should you pick? While both the companies have a slight edge over each other in some aspects, that does not mean that one is better than the other.
In terms of pricing, AMD has always been ahead of Nvidia, producing cheaper GPU variants. On the other hand, Nvidia has matched this with the help of slightly better-performing cards. Both of these aspects are very minimal, though if you are short on money, then AMD is the one to go with, while if you want better performance, then Nvidia is the right choice for you.
If you are a streamer, AMD’s relive feature is a better option for streaming. If you are into video editing, Nvidia’s screen recording options through GeForce Experience will provide you with better screen quality. In the end, it all comes down to your personal preference.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Graphics Card
Confused about the different specifications advertised on the gaming graphics card? Check out what the different features mean and what you should consider before purchasing your first GPU.
VRAM
Each graphic card comes with a different VRAM. The more VRAM your graphic card has, the higher the texture settings you can play your game at. If you are into the aesthetics of a game, it is best suggested you get a card with a VRAM of 8GB or more. But if you are more into competitive games, 4GB or 6GB VRAM works fine on mediocre graphics settings.
Memory
Modern gaming graphic cards come in two generations of memory: GDDR5 or GDDR6. GDDR5 takes more power consumption than GDDR6. And although GDDR6 features the latest technology and better performance, it costs a fair bit more than a GPU with GDDR5 memory. If GDDR5 gets you your target FPS and performance in your preferred or most graphics-intensive game, don’t hesitate to go for it!
CPU
Getting a graphics card that is either too weak for your CPU or too much for it to handle can be a huge disaster. If your CPU and gaming graphics card aren’t compatible with each other, chances are, you’ll face constant stuttering and FPS drops while gaming. To overcome this problem, it is a good idea to research which graphic card would give the most smooth performance with your CPU.
Monitor
Your display screen also plays a vital role when it comes to you getting a gaming graphics card. While lower-end screens like 60Hz are fine with a graphics card hosting even 2GB of VRAM, a higher-end display would be wasted. If you own a 144Hz or 240Hz display screen, it’s essential that you get a GPU with a VRAM of at least 6GB or more to properly experience the quality you paid for.
Reviewing the Top Gaming Graphics Cards in 2022
MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti – Best Overall
1
The first option on our list is the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti from MSI. With a video memory of 4GB GDDR5, this gaming graphics card will give you sufficient FPS in most games you play. It also has a maximum resolution of 7680 x 4320 which enables 4K video quality, giving you an immersive and sublime experience.
This graphics card also features two fans, which ensures that it will operate at optimal temperatures, given your PC has decent ventilation. This pick also only sucks up 75W of power, meaning low electricity bills even if your PC is on 24/7. Considering the benchmark results and smooth performance, this gaming graphics card ranks as the best overall on our list.
Pros
- Less power consumption
- Does not make a lot of noise while running
- Enables 4K video quality
Cons
- 4GB VRAM is not optimal for the latest games
Zotac Gaming GeForce GTX 1650 OC – Most Compact
2
If you’re building a smaller yet still powerful PC, look no further for a GPU than the Zotac Gaming GeForce GTX 1650 OC. It’s boost clocked to 1620 MHz, allowing the gaming graphics card to run most games smoothly with maximum FPS. Combined with a VRAM of 4GB and the latest GDDR6 memory, it’s safe to say that you won’t be having any performance problems now or in the near future.
The graphics card is also super compact, only 5.94 inches in length, so it can fit in almost any PC case. But having a compact size means that this GPU only has a 90mm fan which may not be the ideal option. This is balanced out, though, with a sunflower heatsink which helps to maintain its temperature even in the most humid environments.
Pros
- Super compact for a GPU
- Does not make fan noise
- Supports HDMI, DVI, and Display ports
Cons
- Not recommended for extended gaming sessions
ASUS GeForce GTX 1050 Ti – Best Value
3
The ASUS GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is another optimal choice for gamers who don’t have the big bucks to get a high-end GPU. This gaming graphics card features a VRAM of 4GB with GDDR5 memory, allowing quality animations and gameplay without any stuttering or frame drops. Its auto extreme technology allows processes to be executed at a much faster rate than other graphics cards in this price range.
This option also comes with a dual-ball bearing fan which helps to reduce friction while operating, ensuring a longer life span. It’s also simply plug-and-play which means that you won’t need additional power supplies to connect the card with your system. This also contributes to lower electrical consumption, keeping your electricity bill under control.
Pros
- It is compact
- Makes almost no noise
- Very limited power consumption
Cons
- Can only run one monitor
XFX AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT – Best Performance
4
Next on our list is the AMD Radeon RX 6700XT from XFX which is everything a gamer needs to run all next-gen video games on their system. With an impressive 12GB VRAM and GDDR6 memory, this gaming graphics card is able to run simulations, render videos, and play all the latest video games on the highest graphics settings.
This is supported with the help of the three fans situated inside the card, providing an extensive airflow system and keeping the GPU cooled at optimal temperatures. While the extra fans do increase the gaming graphics card’s size, it still manages to provide an immersive gaming experience with realistic-looking features without any micro stuttering.
Pros
- Well suited for intense tasks other than gaming
- Works well during extended gaming sessions
- Comes with a three-year warranty
Cons
- Size may not fit in every system
PowerColor AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT – Best Cooling
5
Last on our list is the Red Devil AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT which is another impressive gaming graphics card capable of managing a considerable workload with outstanding results. This GPU has a whopping 12GB of VRAM with GDDR6 memory, making it perfect for people who run a number of simulations or video editing software alongside their gaming hobby.
This gaming graphics card also hosts three fans, including two 100mm and one 90mm, which ensure your card has the optimal airflow. Further maintaining its temperature, this option also has maximized thermal padding, making cooling more effective and ensuring stable performance even during long gaming sessions.
Pros
- Fast processing speed with VRAM
- Longer lifespan due to outstanding cooling system
- Fans make less noise
Cons
- Size may not fit in every system
