I'm looking to replace the integrated Intel HD 530 graphics in my Skylake system with an affordable used GPU. I run Linux exclusively, so a card with reliable open-source driver support through Mesa would be ideal, although I'm open to Nvidia if it offers significantly better value.
My system has an Intel Core i5-6500, 16 GB of RAM, and a newer 550W semi-passive power supply from either be quiet! or Seasonic. The case has enough space for longer graphics cards and good airflow, and the PSU should have the necessary PCIe power connectors.
I play at 1080p on one monitor, with a second display sometimes connected for browsing and office work. Medium settings are fine. I'm aiming for roughly 60 FPS, but consistent frame times and 1% lows above 30–35 FPS matter more than maximum performance. The Long Dark currently runs at around 20–30 FPS, XCOM 2 at about 25 FPS, and Classified: France '44 drops to roughly 8 FPS. I also play CPU-heavy games such as PlanetSide 2, Age of Empires IV, and Gates of Hell: Ostfront, but I understand the i5-6500 may bottleneck those in larger late-game situations. A platform upgrade can come later; for now, I need a practical GPU upgrade.
I'm shopping used in Germany, mainly through local classified listings and auction sites, with a budget of about €80–€150. An 8GB card would be preferable for better longevity, and a reasonably quiet cooler would be a nice bonus.
Would an RX 6600 be the best target, or should I consider older options such as the RX 5700, RX 5700 XT, RX 580/590, or similar cards? Is an older GeForce GTX 1080 still worth considering for Linux, or would Radeon be the safer choice?
3 Answers
For a Linux-focused build, Radeon is generally the easiest choice because the kernel and Mesa drivers provide strong support without needing a proprietary driver setup. An RX 6600 would be an excellent target if you can find one near the top of your budget: it is efficient, relatively cool and quiet, has 8GB of VRAM, and should handle 1080p very well. It also avoids putting much extra load on your 550W PSU.
If the RX 6600 is too expensive, an RX 5700 or RX 5700 XT can offer more raw performance for the money. Just check the specific cooler design and power requirements, since some models run noticeably hotter and louder. An RX 6700 XT would also be great if an unusually good deal appears, though it may be difficult to fit within €150. It is still worth confirming the exact PSU model and total system power draw before buying.
A used GTX 1080 can still be a strong 1080p card in this price range, especially if you find a clean example with a good cooler. Ray tracing is irrelevant for this budget, and its performance is still enough for the games listed. The main downside is Linux: Nvidia's driver setup is less straightforward than modern Radeon support, and the card is older and generally less efficient than an RX 6600.
If you want the least hassle and better long-term Linux support, I would prioritize the RX 6600 or RX 5700 series. Choose the GTX 1080 mainly if it is substantially cheaper or in much better condition than the available Radeon cards.
There are several realistic used-market options in that range: RX 6600, RX 5700, RX 5700 XT, Vega 56 or 64, RX 590, and 8GB versions of the RX 470, RX 480, RX 570, and RX 580. The RX 6600 is the best all-around choice if you can find one close to €150. The RX 5700 is another good balance of performance and price.
Older Polaris cards such as the RX 580 and RX 590 can improve things dramatically over HD 530, but they use more power and may have less remaining driver and performance headroom. Vega cards are also fast enough but tend to be hot, power-hungry, and harder to recommend with a quiet system. Be cautious with heavily used mining cards, verify that all display outputs work, and check temperatures and fan noise before completing the purchase.
Ray tracing isn't a concern for me. If I were aiming for those newer features, I would probably be replacing the whole platform rather than just buying a used GPU.