I'm planning to build a system around a Ryzen 7 5800X and need a reasonably priced graphics card. I'd prefer to stay under $350, although that budget is already a bit tight. I've seen recommendations for the Radeon RX 9060 XT, but I can only consider the 8GB version and I'm unsure whether that amount of VRAM will be enough. I'm also open to upgrading later.
I mainly play Overwatch, Minecraft, Apex Legends, and Valorant, so I'm not targeting extremely demanding games. The computer will also be used for schoolwork, and I'm located in the United States. I've considered buying used or shopping through AliExpress, but I'm not sure how reliable those options are. What GPUs would make the most sense for this budget and these games?
4 Answers
Among the new cards near your price range, the Intel Arc B570 looks like a strong value around $260. The RTX 5050 and RX 7600 are in a similar performance class but may cost more, while the B580 and 8GB RX 9060 XT are worth considering if you find them close to $350. Since you play competitive and relatively light games, the B570 should be plenty for 1080p. Check benchmarks for your specific games before buying.
At this budget, look at the used market as well as new cards. A used RTX 3080 or RX 6800 XT could offer much better performance than most new sub-$350 options, especially if you can find one from a reputable seller. Just check the card’s condition, power requirements, and return policy.
Used RTX 3080, RTX 3080 Ti, or RX 6800 XT cards are worth watching for. They have 10–16GB of VRAM and should handle 1080p or 1440p very well. A used RTX 3070 Ti or RX 7700 XT could also work, although availability and pricing will determine whether they’re actually good deals. Make sure your power supply can support whichever card you choose.
A used RTX 3060 around $300–$350 would be a straightforward choice for these games. It won’t be as fast as a 6800 XT or 3080, but it should handle Overwatch, Apex, Minecraft, and Valorant comfortably at 1080p while leaving room in the budget for the rest of the build.
The B580 would also be worth a look if its price drops near your limit, since the extra VRAM could make it a better long-term option.