There’s no doubt that gaming is one of the most popular pastimes around, enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether it’s a console game, PC game, or mobile game, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. For many people, gaming is an enjoyable way to unwind and relax after a long day. It can also be a great way to socialize with friends, family, or even strangers from all over the world. However, there’s also a lot of debate surrounding the effects of gaming on mental health. Some experts believe that gaming can help to improve problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. Others worry that gaming addiction is a real and growing problem.
Gaming graphics cards are one of the most important components of a gaming PC. They are responsible for rendering the beautiful 3D graphics in today’s modern video games. A good graphics card can increase your FPS (frames per second) in games, and give you a competitive edge over other players. However, graphics cards can be very expensive, with some of the top-end cards costing over $1000. This can be a deterrent for many gamers who don’t want to spend that much money on a single component. Fortunately, there are some great graphics cards available for less than $300. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best graphics cards under $300.
Quick Shopping Tips
Ray-Tracing: This is a feature found in the latest generation of graphics cards that allows for realistic lighting and shadow effects. It is not necessary for most games, but it can be a nice bonus if your budget allows for it.
4K Resolution: This refers to the number of pixels that your monitor can display. A 4K monitor will require a more powerful graphics card than a 1080p monitor.
VR Ready: This term is used to describe graphics cards that are powerful enough to run virtual reality games. VR games require a lot of processing power, so make sure you get a card that is up to the task.
DLSS: This is an Nvidia-specific feature that uses artificial intelligence to improve game performance. It is only available on Nvidia cards, so keep that in mind if you’re looking at AMD cards.
G-Sync: This is another Nvidia-specific feature that helps to reduce screen tearing and stuttering. It is only available on Nvidia cards, so keep that in mind if you’re looking at AMD cards.
The Best Graphics Card Under $300 You Can Buy Today
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580
Best Premium Graphics Card Under $300
| Series | Sapphire 11265-05-20G Radeon PULSE RX 580 8GB |
| Brand | Sapphire Technology |
| Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Radeon RX 580 |
| Video Output Interface | DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI |
| Chipset Brand | AMD |
Pros
✓Excellent value
✓Good performance
✓Dual ball-bearing fans for easy cleaning and maintenance
✓Quick Connect fans for easy installation
✓Compatible with older HDMI standards
✓Frame Rate Target Control for reduced GPU power consumption
Cons
✗Some users may find the fan noise to be too loud
✗Backward compatibility with older HDMI standards
The SAPPHIRE Pulse line of graphics cards is committed to providing PC gamers with a wide range of options for a great value. The Radeon RX 580 is factory overclocked for maximum performance. With its dual ball-bearing fans and quick-connect design, this card is designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. It is one of the top choices of PC gamers who demand maximum performance at an affordable price.
The Sapphire Radeon PULSE RX 580 is built using the highest-quality components, including the Dual-X cooling solution. It features Quick Connect fans and a perforated black plastic shroud for enhanced airflow. It also features a silver and black aluminum backplate with red pulse lines and black diamond chokes to maximize cooling efficiency. Its precision fan control is another highlight, with two fans mounted to each side of the card.
The Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX580 Sapphire PULSE Graphics Card boasts 8GB of GDDR5 video memory and 2304 4th generation Graphics Core Next stream processors. This model is boost-clocked to 1366MHz. The card is also backward-compatible with older HDMI standards. Another notable feature of this graphics card is its Frame Rate Target Control, which allows users to set a maximum frame rate during full-screen gaming. This feature reduces GPU power consumption, heat generation, and fan noise.
Before using Sapphire PULSE Radeon RX 580 graphics card, be sure to read the manual carefully. The manual contains the basic operating instructions and recommended usage. You must follow these instructions carefully to avoid any risks, injuries, or damage to your system. Moreover, it protects your health and recognizes the manufacturer’s liability in case of any problems. It is advisable to follow these instructions for optimal performance and maximum longevity of your Sapphire PULSE Radeon RX 580 graphics card.
MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super
Best 1080p Graphics Card Under $300
| Series | G166SGX |
| Brand | MSI |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX1660 SUPER |
| Video Output Interface | DisplayPort, HDMI |
| Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
Pros
✓Great cooling system
✓Three DisplayPort 1.4a and one HDMI 2.0b outputs
✓G-Sync and FreeSync support
✓Good performance
Cons
✗Backplate blocks one of the rear PCIe slots
✗No USB Type-C support
✗Some games may require a graphics card with more than 3GB of VRAM
The MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super is a dual-slot graphics card that uses a full-sized PCIe expansion slot and fits into a standard tower case. Despite the dual-slot design, the card barely sticks out above the height of the PCIe expansion slot. This makes it suitable for most non-SFF systems.
MSI’s iconic GAMING series returns with a new design, including dual fans. Its RGB lights are a smooth, even glow, providing you with a competitive edge. The MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 is also compatible with DirectX 12 games. The card is designed to run in DirectX 12 and will handle most AAA titles by 2022. You can play AAA games with Ultra graphics settings and expect to get more than sixty frames per second in 1080p. It can also run games at up to 1440p.
The MSI GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER uses a TWIN FROZR 7 cooling system to keep the GPU cooler than similar TWIN FROZR 7-cooled cards. With a kick ass cooler and a slick backplate, the MSI GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER GAMING X is able to run cooler than many other cards with the same cooling system. The card also has a great set of display outputs. It has three DisplayPort 1.4a and one HDMI 2.0b, which is the latest standard.
GTX 1660 SUPER GAMING X also supports G-Sync and FreeSync displays, so you can enjoy tear-free gaming on your monitor. As far as budget graphics cards go, the MSI GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER GAMING X is one of the best options out there. It has great performance, a robust cooling system, and a host of display outputs.
MSI Gaming Radeon RX 5500 XT
Best 1440p Graphics Card Under $300
| Brand | MSI |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Radeon™ RX 5500 XT |
| Video Output Interface | DisplayPort, HDMI |
| Chipset Brand | AMD |
| Graphics RAM Type | GDDR6 |
Pros
✓Excellent 1440p gaming performance
✓Sturdy metal construction
✓Good cooling
✓RGB lighting
✓Competitive price
Cons
✗No DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.0b ports
✗Lacks SLI support
✗No HDMI 2.1 or USB Type-C ports
The MSI Gaming Radeon RX 5500 XT is an excellent gaming graphics card that features 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM. This card supports DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.5. It also features 1408 Stream Processors and is supported by AMD Eyefinity. For more information, read our complete MSI Gaming Radeon RX 5600 XT review.
For gamers who like to play at 2560 x 1440, the MSI Radeon RX 5500 – GAMING X is a great option. It performs well in games such as Far Cry New Dawn, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and GTA V. At the same resolution, the card has a frame rate of up to 45FPS. Middle-earth: Shadow of War will eat up the GPU and VRAM. You can purchase it for about $180.
Gigabyte has become known for producing good graphics cards at affordable prices. The MSI Gaming Radeon RX 5500 XT Graphics Card offers great value for money at a price that is competitive with NVIDIA’s GTX 1660 SUPER. AMD’s new flagship GPU is set to launch in January, and the RX 5500 XT will be available in select online stores by the end of the year.
MSI GPUs typically feature a metal construction. This makes them feel sturdy and durable. The graphics card’s dual TORX 3.0 fans maximize downward airflow. They are aimed at dissipating heat so the GPU doesn’t overheat. The RX 5500 XT’s RGB lighting is compatible with some ASUS motherboards. Lastly, the MSI Gaming Radeon RX 5500 XT Graphics Card features a TORX 3.0 port.
ASUS GeForce RTX 2060 Overclocked
Best Overclocked Graphics Card Under $300
| Series | DUAL-RTX2060-O6G-EVO |
| Brand | ASUS |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 |
| Video Output Interface | DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI |
| Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
Pros
✓Excellent performance
✓Ice-cold cooling
✓Overclocked out of the box
✓6GB GDDR6 memory capacity
Cons
✗Lacks Ray tracing features of more expensive cards
✗Crashes and artifacts when overclocking further
GeForce RTX 2060 OC Graphics Card is based on NVIDIA’s new turing architecture. This new architecture enables users to experience unprecedented gaming speed, realism, and power efficiency. Featuring ice-cold cooling and EVGA Precision X1 overclocking software, EVGA’s GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card delivers next-generation gaming performance.
The ASUS GeForce RTX 2060 OC Edition Graphics Card is equipped with the latest Turing GPU architecture. Its ray-tracing technology enables gamers to experience stunning graphics in real time. Its 6GB GDDR6 memory capacity allows for blazing-fast gameplay. Axial-tech cooling technology improves air pressure while keeping the system cool.
NVIDIA G-SYNC display technology offers an ultra-smooth variable refresh rate experience and eliminates stuttering and screen tearing. To ensure optimum performance, NVIDIA graphics cards undergo stringent testing to meet high performance and reliability standards. These tests include a 144-hour stability test and 3DMark benchmarking runs. The card’s subtle illuminated shroud enhances any build.
Among its many features, the ASUS GeForce RTX 2060 OC boasts an advanced GPU Booster and the ASUS GPU Tweak II utility. The software helps tweak critical parameters to enhance performance and monitors real-time settings. It also supports XSplit Gamecaster and Game Booster. The GPU Tweak II utility makes performance monitoring easy.
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1070 Mini
Best Mini Graphics Card Under $300
| Series | ZT-P10700G-10M |
| Brand | ZOTAC |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Gddr5 |
| Video Output Interface | DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI |
| Chipset Brand | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 |
Pros
✓Excellent cooling performance
✓Small and unobtrusive design
✓Pascal architecture drives great gaming performance
Cons
✗Lacks 0dB technology
✗Not the quietest card in the market
The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1080 Mini Graphics Card is one of the latest and greatest gaming graphics cards in the market. Its Pascal architecture drives incredible gaming performance and immersive VR experiences. If you’re planning on buying this mini graphics card, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to discover more information about this card. Here’s our review of this new model.
The ZOTAC GTX 1070 Mini has excellent cooling performance and consumes power within the GDDR5-capable area of the GTX 1080. Its fan system does not feature 0dB technology, but it is still quite quiet. Overall, this card wins the power, noise, and temperature categories in the LuxMark benchmark. The smallest card in the market will deliver you impressive performance without breaking your budget.
GTX 1070 Mini Video Card has a small form-factor design that looks similar to the larger designs from other companies. It features a GP104 GPU with 1920 stream processors, 120 texture units, and 64 raster operations pipes. The eight GB of GDDR5 memory runs at 8 Gbps and delivers 256 GB/s of bandwidth. It has three DisplayPort 1.4 connectors, HDMI 2.0b, and a dual-link DVI port.
This graphics card also comes with a dual fan cooling solution. The IceStorm cooling solution is one of the most effective cooling solutions in the market, and is great for extending the life of PCB components. Its shroud is made of black plastic, and there are eight mm-long heat pipes near the PCIe connector. Its PCB is black.
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1650 OC
Best High-End Graphics Card Under $300
| Brand | ZOTAC |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
| Video Output Interface | DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI |
| Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
| Graphics RAM Type | GDDR6 |
Pros
✓Excellent performance
✓Competitively priced
✓Good design
✓Fits in over 99% of systems
✓Sunflower-shaped aluminum heatsink prevents excessive heat buildup
✓Comes with a plastic shroud to keep out dust
Cons
✗Card produces a slight noise when gaming.
If you are looking to get a new graphics card for your PC, the Zotac GeForce GTX 1650 OC might be right for you. This card offers excellent performance for its $149 price, and is designed to fit in over 99% of systems. The card is well designed to prevent excessive heat buildup. It features a plastic shroud to keep out dust, and a sunflower-shaped aluminum heatsink that makes direct contact with the GPU’s core.
The Zotac GeForce GTX 1650 OC features a new GPU based on Nvidia’s Turing architecture. This new GPU offers power efficiency, performance, and memory bandwidth improvements. The card uses 4GB of GDDR6 VRAM. This card’s high-end graphics performance is well suited for modern gaming. It is also small and compact enough to fit in an ITX system.
The main packaging box features a graphic card that can power a full-size monitor. The ZOTAC GTX 1650 features a TU117 GPU based on 12nm technology. It features a die size of 200mm2, four 700M transistors, and 56 TMU units. It has a total of nine86 CUDA Cores. It can deliver 54.2 GPixel/s. A GDDR5 memory with a 128-bit bus width is also included.
As for the performance of the card, the Zotac GeForce GTX 1650 OC has a slightly better performance. It’s about $20 more expensive than the Radeon RX 570, which is AMD’s lower-end card. However, it’s worth it if you’re looking to upgrade your graphics card. You’ll be pleased with this card.
MSI AMD Radeon RX 570
Best Armour Graphics Card Under $300
| Series | Radeon RX 570 GAMING X 4G |
| Brand | MSI |
| Graphics Coprocessor | FirePro 2450 |
| Video Output Interface | DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI |
| Chipset Brand | AMD Radeon RX 570 |
Pros
✓Powerful cooling solution.
✓Elegant design.
✓Overclocked.
✓Supports HDR content.
✓Comes with a Twin Frozr VI cooler.
Cons
✗Performance is close to the GTX 1060, but doesn’t quite match up.
✗pricey
The MSI AMD Radeon RX 570 graphics card features an incredibly powerful cooling solution. Its ARMOR design is inspired by advanced armor shielding. And its sleek and elegant finish makes it the ideal choice for gamers and case modders alike. The MSI ARMOR is where gaming meets class. With a clock speed of up to 740 MHz, it’s more than powerful enough to handle the hottest games on the market.
The MSI AMD Radeon RX 570 GAMING X 4G Graphics Card is designed to cater to the needs of gamers. Its overclocked core and unified memory architecture perfectly deliver smooth gameplay at HD resolutions. The card also supports HDR content for more realistic visuals. And, of course, MSI included a Twin Frozr VI cooler with the card.
The MSI AMD Radeon RX 570 graphics card is a dual-slot card. It has a 6-pin power connector, a maximum of 150 W, and comes with 1x DVI, 1x HDMI 2.0b, and 3X DisplayPort 1.4a ports. Its PCI-Express 3.0 x16 interface connects the card to the system. Its dimensions are 246 x 130 x 39 mm, and its weight is 622 grams. During our review, the performance was close to the GTX 1060, but it didn’t quite match up.
The MSI GPU uses the Twin Frozr VI heatsink, which features a massive nickel-plated copper baseplate and two S-shaped copper heat pipes. Premium Thermal Compound X is also used to cool the GPU. The Twin Frozr VI heatsink has dual copper heat pipes, which feed heat to a large array of aluminum fins. In addition to this, it features a series of deflectors that direct airflow towards the GPU.
MSI GeForce GTX 1060 3GB
Best Featured Graphics Card Under $300
| Series | GeForce GTX 1060 3GT OC |
| Brand | MSI |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Gddr5 |
| Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
| Graphics RAM Type | GDDR5 |
Pros
✓30% less theoretical compute power than the RX 570
✓3GB of on-board RAM
✓Supports both VR and G-Sync
✓Competitively priced
Cons
✗Limited number of free updates from MSI
✗May struggle in some games
While looking for a new graphics card, you should definitely check out the MSI GeForce GTX 1060. This card offers a decent performance bump over the RX 570, with about 30% less theoretical compute power. The card also has 3GB of on-board RAM, and supports both VR and G-Sync for improved visuals. In addition to its great performance, the MSI GeForce GTX 1060 3GB GPU is priced competitively with many other graphics cards.
The MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X features an enhanced PCB and TwinFrozr VI cooling solution, and a full back-plate. The card costs $239, or about $40 more than the base GTX 1060 3GB GPU. However, MSI also offers a limited number of free updates to help you keep your card running smoothly. You can download the latest driver and utility CD to get the most out of your new graphics card.
The GTX 1060 3GB was slightly faster than the RX 570 out of the box, and was also 6% faster once overclocked. While this difference is still fairly small, it does apply to both 1080p and 1920×1080 resolutions. Both cards were impressive in GTA V, Warhammer II, and Assassin’s Creed Origins, but struggled in games like Wreckfest and Rainbow Six Siege.
The performance of the GTX 1060 was also quite similar to that of the six-gig model, although the difference was small. The extra SM unit was disabled, but the memory modules still received their own phase supplied through the PCIe slot of the motherboard. Dual N-channel MOSFETs control the high and low-side voltage converters, and eliminate the need for gate drivers.
Our Verdict
The graphics card is a vital component of any gaming PC, so it’s important to choose one that will meet your needs. If you’re looking for the best graphics card under $300, there are several things to consider. Think about the type of games you want to play. If you’re interested in high-resolution gaming or VR, you’ll need a powerful card that can handle those demands. In the market for a budget-friendly graphics card that won’t break the bank? You’re in luck – there are plenty of great options available for under $300.
For the best bang for your buck, the Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 is a great choice. It offers excellent performance and is able to handle even the most demanding games without issue. For a step up in performance, the MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 is a great option. It’s slightly more expensive, but it’s worth it for the significant boost in speed and power. And if you’re willing to spend a bit more, the ASUS GeForce RTX 2060 Overclocked is the best option in this price range. It’s significantly more powerful than the other two cards and can handle even the most challenging games with ease. No matter which card you choose, you’ll be getting excellent value for your money.
