I'm planning my first-ever PC build, and I'm feeling a bit lost when it comes to choosing a graphics card. I've been using a GeForce GTX 1060 for ages, and now that it's time for a complete upgrade, I want to ensure I make the right choice. I'm not a hardcore gamer, but I do enjoy graphics-heavy games, especially since I'm looking to play Clair Obscure, which my current setup can't handle. My budget for the graphics card is up to $700 CAD, though I'm open to a little flexibility if necessary. What recommendations do you have for me?
5 Answers
If you want the best bang for your buck, I'd go for the 5060 Ti, it's the most powerful card you can get for under $700 CAD. If you're willing to stretch your budget just a touch, the 5070 offers a significant performance increase, being about 35% faster than the others listed. Your choice ultimately depends on your gaming needs and whether you prioritize savings for other parts of your build.
You should definitely check out options like the RX 9060XT and the 5060 Ti, which are both under your budget and offer similar performance. Remember, if you want the best performance, the 5070 is worth considering, but it might stretch your budget a bit. Just look for the card that fits your aesthetic preferences, but don't go overboard on looks since it won't impact performance much.
Here are a couple of tips: 1. Avoid GPU models with only 8GB of VRAM. You should go for 12-16GB for better performance at 1080p. 2. If you're leaning towards NVIDIA, consider the 5060Ti, 5070, or 5070Ti. NVIDIA has better support for features like ray tracing and upscaling, which can enhance your gaming experience. However, they tend to be pricier. On the other hand, the 9060XT offers a balanced performance for a lower price but lacks some of NVIDIA's features.
If you're looking for a new card, I'd suggest the 16GB versions of the Radeon 9060XT or the 5060 Ti. Since you've done well with your GTX 1060 for so long, either of those would give you a solid performance boost without breaking the bank. If you're open to used cards, you could snag a RX 7800XT for around $450, which would outperform both those models. Alternatively, the 7900XT is about $600 and will give you even more power. Also consider the RTX 4070 Ti; it goes for around $600 and is an excellent option too.
Come in hot with the 16GB 9060XT! It looks like a solid choice for gaming, especially for Clair Obscure, which is pretty GPU-intensive. Just make sure to check benchmarks for performance details, but it seems like a great introduction to your new build.
Here's a benchmark that could help: [link](https://www.reddit.com/r/nvidia/comments/1kb2dgu/clair_obscur_expedition_33_performance_benchmark/)

Just be careful with those RX7000 GPUs, I'd skip them.