My old GPU, a 1660 Super, has stopped working and can't be fixed. I'm considering buying either an RTX 3050 or an RX 6600, but I'm a bit out of touch with GPU prices these days. Are the prices low right now? Should I go ahead and buy one, or wait a couple of weeks? My budget is around 350-380 Canadian dollars. Also, I have an R5 3600 processor and my motherboard only supports PCIe Gen 3 slots. I found an RTX 3050 for $320 and an RX 6600 XT for $350. What do you think?
7 Answers
Before I can provide advice, what's your budget?
Prices for GPUs are higher now than they’ve been in the last five years, and they’re not likely to come down any time soon. I can’t really give a recommendation without knowing your budget, monitor resolution, or the games you're planning to play. Definitely don’t get a 3050 unless it’s practically free!
I mostly play 1080p games occasionally, story-driven stuff, and some Valorant. My CPU is the Ryzen 5 3600.
You can find a 3080 under 400 CAD, which would be a significant upgrade. The 3050 feels like more of a side step at best.
Just make sure to consider the limitations of your PCIe Gen 3 slot. I'm worried about potential bottlenecking with my R5 3600 if I get something too powerful.
If you’re considering new options, the closest card in your price range would be the RTX 4050, around $380 CAD. It will be good for older games; however, you may have to tweak settings for newer titles. Plus, with a new card, you’ll at least have a warranty. If you prefer used, it might be worth checking to see if you can test it before buying, just to ensure it works properly.
I felt like you not too long ago. Honestly, life’s too short to wait around—prices are just going to keep going up!
If you're located near a big city and have a bit of luck, you might snag a used 3080 for about 375 CAD. But if you don’t want to wait, I've seen lots of 3070s going for around 350, and they outperform both the 3050 and 6600.
Buying a card that's been used for mining can be risky. You might think you're getting a deal, but often you're just setting yourself up for future issues. Prices might seem good, but you need to be careful.
I’m looking to spend around 350 Canadian dollars.