I've been using a GTX 1050 Ti since 2020 and am finally ready to upgrade my PC. I'm aiming for 120 FPS or more in games like Apex Legends and around 60 FPS in demanding titles such as Forza and Red Dead Redemption 2. My GPU budget is roughly $350. Should I buy a new card, or would a used model offer better performance?
3 Answers
For this budget, a used RTX 3080 is probably one of the strongest options. It should handle high-refresh-rate esports games and deliver around 60 FPS in demanding titles, depending on your resolution and settings. Just remember that it uses quite a lot of power, so check that your power supply and CPU are up to the task.
If you prefer buying new, the choices near this price are more limited. Cards such as the RTX 5060, RX 9060, or Intel Arc B580 could fit the budget, although a used high-end card will generally provide more raw performance. The Arc B580 has 12GB of VRAM, while spending roughly $100 more on an RX 9060 XT could get you 16GB and better longevity.
A used RX 6800 XT is another excellent choice, especially because its 16GB of VRAM can help in newer games. A used RX 6700 XT is worth considering too if you want to spend less. With any of these cards, verify the card’s condition and make sure your power supply has enough capacity and the proper connectors.

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