Our Top Picks

• Best Overall Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080

• Best High-End Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090

• Best Mid-Range Graphics Card: AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT

• Best Budget Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super

• Best Graphics Card for 1440p Gaming: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070

• Best Graphics Card for 1080p Gaming: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super

• Best Graphics Card for Video Editing: Nvidia Quadro RTX 5000

• Best Graphics Card for Machine Learning: Nvidia Tesla V100

Buying Guide

• Resolution and screen size: The higher your screen resolution and size, the more powerful graphics card you will need to drive it. Graphics cards for 1080p, 1440p, 4K resolution have different capabilities. Make sure the card supports the resolution of your monitor.

• VRAM: Get a card with at least 2-4GB of dedicated VRAM for most use cases. Higher VRAM means it can handle more demanding tasks like gaming at higher resolutions without running out of memory.

• Graphics processor: The GPU is the most important component of a graphics card. Get a card with a recent generation NVIDIA RTX or GTX, or AMD Radeon RX GPU for the best performance. More cores and higher clock speeds usually equal better performance.

• Performance: Check reviews to determine the real-world performance of a card, not just the specifications. See how it handles gaming at your target resolution and settings. Some cards just have better performance for the money.

• Ports: Make sure the card has the ports you need, like DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, etc. Cables to connect your monitors. Some cards have more ports than others.

• Cooling: A better cooling system will allow the card to maintain high performance without getting too hot and throttling. Check reviews to determine if a card runs quietly and does not overheat.

• Upgradability: Consider future-proof cards that will allow you to easily add another card to upgrade to SLI or CrossFire for higher performance in the future. Other factors include warranty, bundle deals, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a graphics card? 

A graphics card or dedicated graphics processor is an expansion card installed in a computer to generate or intensify visual images on an output device such as a computer monitor. It contains dedicated memory and a graphics processor with its own CPU.

2. Can I run two graphics cards together?

Yes, many graphics cards support a multi-card configuration called SLI (NVIDIA) or CrossFire (AMD) which allows you to run two or more cards together for higher performance. 

However, it requires supported motherboards, compatible cards, and optimized software. The benefits include higher frame rates, running multiple monitors, and future-proofing. But it also uses more power, costs more, and can be more complex to set up.

3. Is integrated graphics enough for casual use?  

Integrated graphics from Intel HD Graphics or AMD A-Series APUs can handle basic tasks like browsing, word processing and casual gaming at low settings but not intensive needs. 

Final Thought

Choosing the best graphics card for your needs can be overwhelming, but with our buying guide, you'll have all the information you need to make an informed decision. From budget-friendly options to high-end models, we've covered everything you need to know to find the perfect graphics card for your setup.