How to make modern games work: Top graphics cards

Graphics Card Showdown: Top Picks of 2024 and Beyond

The relentless march of gaming technology continues, pushing visual fidelity to ever-greater heights. This means ever-increasing system requirements, leaving many gamers facing the inevitable PC upgrade. Often, the graphics card is the first component to be replaced. But with so many options available, choosing the right card can be daunting. This review highlights the top performers of 2024 and offers insights for 2025 upgrades. (Check out our companion article on the most visually stunning games of 2024 to see where your upgraded PC's power can truly shine!)

Table of Contents

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
• AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti
• AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
• AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
• Intel Arc B580

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060

A true workhorse and a classic in the making, the RTX 3060 has reigned supreme as the most popular card among casual gamers for years. Offering memory options from 8GB to 12GB, ray tracing support, and solid performance under pressure, it remains a capable performer. While showing its age slightly with newer titles, it still holds its own remarkably well.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080

The RTX 3080, the elder sibling of the 3060, continues to be a powerhouse. Its efficiency and raw power make it a flagship choice for many, outperforming even some newer models like the 3090 and 4060 with a little overclocking. Its price-to-performance ratio remains exceptional in 2025, making it a budget-friendly upgrade option.

AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT

The RX 6700 XT surprisingly maintains its top spot in price-to-performance. It handles modern games with ease and has proven to be a formidable competitor to NVIDIA's RTX 4060 Ti. Its higher memory capacity and wider bus interface deliver smooth gameplay at 2560x1440 resolution, rivaling even the more expensive RTX 4060 Ti (16GB).

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti

Unlike its less successful counterpart, the RTX 4060, the 4060 Ti has proven its worth. While not significantly outperforming AMD's offerings or the RTX 3080, it provides solid performance. It boasts a 4% average performance increase over its predecessor at 2560x1440, further enhanced by the Frame Generation feature.

AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT

The RX 7800 XT delivers a surprising blow to NVIDIA's more expensive RTX 4070, outperforming it by an average of 18% at 2560x1440. Its 16GB of VRAM ensures future-proofing, and it significantly outpaces the RTX 4060 Ti in ray-traced QHD gaming (by 20%).

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super

NVIDIA's response to AMD's aggressive pricing, the 4070 Super offers a 10-15% performance boost over the standard 4070, making it a top contender for 2K gaming. Its power consumption increase is minimal (200W to 220W), and undervolting can further improve performance and reduce temperatures.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080

More than capable for any game, the 4080 is considered by many to be the best option for 4K gaming. Its ample VRAM and improved ray tracing capabilities ensure longevity. Many view it as NVIDIA's flagship, though a more powerful option exists.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

NVIDIA's true flagship, the 4090 offers unparalleled performance and future-proofing. While not drastically better than the 4080, its performance and the anticipated pricing of the 50-series make it a compelling high-end choice.

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

AMD's top-tier contender rivals NVIDIA's flagship in performance but boasts a significant price advantage. It delivers exceptional performance and future-proofing at a more accessible price point.

Intel Arc B580

Intel's late 2024 entry, the Arc B580, surprised the market with its immediate sell-out. It outperforms the RTX 4060 Ti and RX 7600 by 5-10% and offers 12GB of VRAM at a remarkable $250 price point. This signals a potential shift in the market's competitive landscape.

Conclusion

Despite rising prices, gamers have a wide array of options to enjoy modern gaming. Even budget-conscious gamers can find solid performers, while high-end cards offer years of future-proof gaming experiences.