How to make modern games work: Top graphics cards

Stunning visuals in modern games are pushing PC hardware to its limits. Upgrading your graphics card is often the first step, but choosing the right one can be daunting. This review highlights top-performing graphics cards from 2024 and considers their viability in 2025. Check out our companion piece on the most beautiful games of 2024 to see where your upgraded PC's power can 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 classic workhorse, the RTX 3060 remains a popular choice for everyday gamers. Its 8GB to 12GB memory options, ray tracing support, and decent performance under pressure have solidified its legacy. While showing its age with some modern titles, it still holds its own.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080

The RTX 3080, the RTX 3060's elder sibling, continues to impress. Its power and efficiency often make it a gamer's flagship choice, surpassing even newer models in some cases. A slight overclock significantly boosts performance, making it a fantastic value even in 2025.

AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT

The RX 6700 XT delivers exceptional price-to-performance. It handles modern games with ease and has challenged NVIDIA's market dominance, particularly against the RTX 4060 Ti. Its larger memory and bus interface provide smooth gameplay at 2560x1440 resolution, rivaling even higher-priced competitors.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti

Unlike its less successful counterpart, the RTX 4060, the 4060 Ti is a solid performer. While not dramatically better than AMD options or the RTX 3080, it offers consistent results. A 4% performance increase over its predecessor, plus the benefit of Frame Generation, makes it a worthwhile upgrade.

AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT

The RX 7800 XT significantly outperforms the pricier NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, boasting an 18% advantage at 2560x1440 resolution. Its 16GB of VRAM ensures future-proofing, and it beats the RTX 4060 Ti by 20% in ray-traced QHD gaming.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super

NVIDIA's response to increased competition, the RTX 4070 Super offers a 10-15% performance boost over the RTX 4070. Ideal for 2K gaming, it's a strong contender, especially with undervolting, which can improve performance and lower temperatures.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080

More than capable for any game, the RTX 4080 is often considered the best choice for 4K resolution. Its substantial VRAM and improved ray tracing capabilities ensure longevity. Many consider it NVIDIA's flagship, though the 4090 offers even higher performance.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

NVIDIA's true top-tier flagship, the RTX 4090 provides unparalleled performance and future-proofing. While not a massive leap over the 4080, its performance and the anticipated pricing of the 50-series make it a compelling choice for high-end builds.

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

AMD's high-end contender rivals NVIDIA's flagship in performance, but with a significant price advantage. It offers excellent value while delivering the power to handle demanding games for years to come.

Intel Arc B580

Intel's surprise entry, the Arc B580, quickly sold out due to its impressive performance. Outperforming the RTX 4060 Ti and RX 7600 by 5-10%, and offering 12GB of VRAM at $250, it signals a potential shift in the market.

Even with increasing prices, there are excellent graphics cards available for various budgets. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly option or a high-end flagship, you can enjoy smooth, modern gaming for years to come.