I'm planning to build a new PC and want a graphics card that can deliver high-end 1080p performance around 144Hz without spending extra on hardware that would be overkill. I don't have a strict budget, but value and performance-per-dollar are more important to me than simply buying the fastest card. What GPUs should I consider?
5 Answers
A used RTX 3060 Ti can still be a good choice if you find one at a reasonable price. It handles 1080p very well, but its main drawback is the 8GB of VRAM. I wouldn’t pay anywhere near the price of a newer card for it.
Older cards like the GTX 1080 Ti can still run 1080p surprisingly well, especially if you find one cheaply. However, a newer RX 9060 XT 16GB or similar card would give you better efficiency, features, and long-term support.
A 1080 Ti is still perfectly usable for 1080p, but I’d only choose it if the used price is very low and the card is in good condition.
The RX 9070 and 9070 XT offer excellent value, but they’re more than you need for standard 1080p gaming at 144Hz. They make more sense if you plan to move to 1440p later or want demanding ray-tracing settings.
The Intel Arc B580, RX 9060, RX 9060 XT, and used RX 6900 XT are worth comparing. On the Nvidia side, a used RTX 3070 Ti or better could also work, though the 8GB VRAM on some of those cards may become a limitation in newer games.
The RX 9060 XT 16GB looks like one of the strongest new value options for 1080p. It has enough VRAM for modern games and supports current upscaling features. If you’re shopping used, an RX 6700 XT is about the lowest I’d consider for a comfortable 1080p setup.
I’m mainly trying to avoid paying for performance I won’t use at 1080p, so I’ll compare the used prices carefully.