I've been using a GTX 970 for about a decade now and I'm ready to upgrade my setup. My budget is roughly $300, but I'm unsure about the best options available. I've spotted some used cards and the GTX 3050, but I've heard mixed reviews about it being not the best choice. What graphics card should I consider that offers good performance without breaking the bank?
5 Answers
If you're okay with scouring local markets, buying a used card might be your best bet. I can't really suggest a specific model since prices vary by location, but checking the hardware in person can help.
For new options, I recommend the RX 9060XT 8GB as a solid pick, but be aware of the limitations in graphics settings due to the VRAM. The RX 6600 is the cheapest good option and outperforms the RTX 3050. If you find the RX 7600XT for less than 9060XT, that could also be a winner.
If you're searching for something solid, consider the RX 7600XT or hunting for a used RTX 3070 or RX 6700XT. They can provide a decent performance boost without going too high on price.
Check sites like eBay for the RTX 3070; you might find one under $300. It’s a bit faster than the 2080 ti and should perform well for QHD. Just remember, it should ideally be priced below $250 to be a better deal compared to newer options.
You might want to keep an eye out for a 9060 XT 16GB if you can stretch your budget slightly to around $350. It's a powerful option. Otherwise, used cards could be the way to go, just skip the 8GB version if you can.
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