I'm putting together a gaming PC with a total budget of about $950, and I can spend roughly $300–$480 on the graphics card. I'm considering the RTX 5060 Ti, but I'd like to know whether there are better options for the money. I'll mainly be playing Battlefield 6, Fortnite, indie games on Steam, and especially VR titles. My power supply will be 650W.
5 Answers
The RTX 5060 Ti can be a good card, but make sure you’re looking at the 16GB version. The 8GB model is less appealing for newer games and VR. If the 16GB card is priced well above your $480 limit, the RX 9060 XT 16GB is probably the better buy. Nvidia’s features may still matter if you specifically want DLSS or certain VR software support.
For raw performance per dollar, a used RTX 4070 or RX 6800 XT could be worth considering. A used RTX 4070 would be especially attractive if you want Nvidia features and better efficiency, but check the seller’s return policy and the card’s condition before buying. I’d avoid the 8GB RTX 5060 Ti unless it’s heavily discounted.
A used RTX 3080 or 3080 Ti can deliver strong performance, but I’d be cautious with a 650W power supply. Those cards draw considerably more power and can have demanding transient spikes, so the exact PSU model matters. For a new build, the RX 9060 XT 16GB or a reasonably priced RTX 5060 Ti 16GB would be simpler and safer choices.
The Radeon RX 9060 XT with 16GB of VRAM looks like one of the strongest choices in this price range, assuming you can find it near your budget. The extra VRAM is useful for newer games and VR, and it generally offers good performance for the money.
The Intel Arc B580 is another option to check if it’s available at a good price. It has 12GB of VRAM and can be competitive in many games, though AMD or Nvidia may provide a more predictable experience for VR and certain older titles.
The 16GB 5060 Ti has been priced unusually high lately, so it may not be worth buying unless you find a sale. Prices have jumped a lot compared with earlier in the year.