I'm currently using an old GTX 950 since my main GPU stopped working, and I've got around $250 to spend on a replacement. I'm looking for a graphics card that can handle 1080p at 120Hz. I've been out of the loop for the past 5-6 years regarding GPU options. I've heard a lot about needing more VRAM—how crucial is that really? From what I gather, AMD seems to be the way to go, but I'm wondering if that's necessary for 1080p gaming. What are the best used cards I can find for my budget?
4 Answers
For around $250, you might consider trying a used Radeon 6600 XT or 6750 XT. Those cards should handle 1080p gaming smoothly. If you're leaning towards NVIDIA, keep an eye out for used RTX 3060 or 3060 Ti, which could also fit your needs well.
You might get a decent RX 580 with 8GB of VRAM or even the RX 570 for your budget. But the RX 6600 is a better option if you can find it. I recently had good experiences with an Arc B508, which can perform well if you stretch your budget by a little. I’ve played games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts Legacy on some of these cards with settings tweaked to find a good balance.
The RX 580 is still a decent option if you can get one at a good price. It ran CP2077 smoothly for my buddy. Just check out second-hand marketplaces to see what's available; sometimes you can snag a deal!
If you're looking for something new, the RTX 5050 could be a viable option on a tight budget, but if you want used, keep an eye on the RTX 3070, as it's powerful enough for your gaming requirements at 1080p.

Yeah, the 3070 has been solid for a lot of gamers. Just make sure to check the prices regularly since they can fluctuate!