Spending the big bucks on a Battlestations is something that only a handful of gamers can afford and one of the most expensive parts of these builds are usually the graphics card.
Graphics cards come in many shapes and sizes but if you’re working on a tight budget then you will have to stick with the one that offers the best bang for the bucks.
Luckily, there are still many cheap graphics cards in the market that offers exceptional performance for a very reasonable price. Choosing a budget-friendly graphics card can be a bit confusing especially if you’re a newbie.
But to make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of 9 Best Cheap Graphics Card in 2021 that will cost you between $100 to $300 but all of them will serve you well.
Best Cheap Graphics Card List
1. AMD Radeon RX570 4GB
Best Budget Graphics Card
AMD’s RX series has surely made some heads turn but the AMD Radeon RX570 was the best selling graphics card in the RX series.
AMD Radeon RX570 comes in three different variants (2GB, 4GB & 8GB) but the 4GB variant is the most famous one and it received praises from all over the world for its above-the-par performance.
AMD Radeon RX570 features 4GB GDDR5 video memory along with a memory interface of 256-bit. A higher memory interface indicates the data transfer will be quite fast and you won’t be seeing any fps drops.
RX570 also features a base clock of 1168MHz and can be boosted to 1250MHz. Using MSI Afterburner, you might be able to overclock it to get the maximum performance.
Some people often wonder if it is alright to overclock these mid-range graphics cards and usually it’s not the best option but with RX570, you can easily overclock this one without facing any repercussions.
If you’re willing to spend around $140 on a graphics card then RX570 is the best option out there. If you can spare a few extra bucks then go for the 8GB variant but if you’re tight on budget then the RX570 4GB variant is the way to go.
Tech Specs
- Video Memory (VRAM) – 4GB GDDR5
- Base Core Clock – 1,168MHz
- Memory Interface – 256-bit
- Cuda Cores – 2048
- DirectX – 12
- ROPS – 32
Pros
- Can handle 1440p 60Hz Gaming
- Don’t make too much noise
- No frame drops
- Easy to install
Cons
- Requires a 450w PSU
2. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
Best Economical Option for Low Voltage PSU
The single-fan GeForce GTX 1050Ti is the next best thing if you’re looking to get 60fps at 1080p display. Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1050Ti features 4 gigs of GDDR5 video memory and a memory interface of 128-bits.
One could easily tell that RX570 is way better than GTX 1050Ti just by looking at the memory interface that these budget-friendly GPUs have to offer. Never the less, GTX 1050Ti also shows some promising results, and even when coupled with an old processor like i5-3570, this bad boy can show some excellent frame rates.
GTX GeForce 1050Ti is based on the Nvidia Pascal Architect and has a base clock of 1392MHz which can be boosted to 1752MHz. One of the best things about this graphics card is that it does not heat up so quickly.
You can play for long hours on this one without ever needing to worry about the temps. Moreover, the latest AAA titles like Warzone and Fortnite can easily run smoothly on this one at high settings.
The single-fan variant of GTX 1050Ti costs around $150 and also, I’d really recommend it if you’re also into graphics designing and 3D rendering.
Tech Specs
- Video Memory (VRAM) – 4GB GDDR5
- Base Core Clock – 1392MHz
- Memory Interface – 128-bit
- Cuda Cores – 768
- DirectX – 12
- ROPS – 32
Pros
- Can run latest games with 60fps on Medium Settings
- No overheating issues
- Max Resolution – 7680×4320
- Power Consumption – 75w only
Cons
- Not ideal for 1440p gaming
- Not Future proof
3. GeForce GTX 1650 Super Overclocked
Best OverClocked Cheap Graphics Card
If you’ve set your minds on getting those extra few fps by overclocking your GPU then GTX 1650 Super OC will serve you really well. GTX 1650 Super OC features 4 gigs of GDDR6 memory along with a memory interface of 128-bit.
The GTX 1650 Super OC also features a base clock of 1530MHz and can be boosted to 1800MHz. Furthermore, having GDDR6 memory type means that this one is way better than RX570. On the contrary, GTX 1650 Super OC is far superior to RX570 when it comes to high-res games.
The biggest perks of GTX 1650 Super OC is that this card is compatible with G-Sync and also performs quite well at 144Hz display. GTX 1650 Super OC is also RTX compatibility but this is something that we’re not sure of because even the RTX 2060 something struggles to keep it together during the most intense scenes.
If you’re willing to go as high as $170 then 1650 Super OC is a reasonable graphics card that is very durable and will last for quite a while.
Tech Specs
- Video Memory (VRAM) – 4GB GDDR6
- Base Core Clock – 1530MHz
- Memory Interface – 128-bit
- Cuda Cores – 1280
- DirectX – 12
- ROPS – 32
Pros
- Premium build quality
- RTX and G-Sync compatibility
- One-click Overclocking
Cons
- Not the cheapest
- No VGA port
4. AMD Radeon RX580
Best Bang for the Buck
AMD Radeon RX580 offers the best bang for the buck. It features 8GB of GDDR5 memory, 256-bit memory interface, and a base clock of whooping 1257MHz which is completely overclockable. Radeon RX580 came out a couple of years ago but still, it is considered as one of the best budget-friendly graphics cards for 4K gaming.
Most of the people who are looking to play games on 4K with an economical graphics card believe that they’ll see more of a slideshow than an actual smooth 4K gameplay but this is really not the case with RX 580. This bad boy will definitely exceed your expectations in some of the most demanding games.
The RX580 is a decent option out there but it cannot offer the same performance and smooth gameplay as 1650 Super and 1660Ti. There are also some limitations with this one but when you only have 200 bucks burning a hole inside your pocket and you’re wanting to buy a cheap graphics card, then RX580 wouldn’t be the worst decision you will ever make.
Tech Specs
- Video Memory (VRAM) – 8GB GDDR5
- Base Core Clock – 1257MHz
- Memory Interface – 256-bit
- Cuda Cores – 2304
- DirectX – 12
- ROPS – 32
Pros
- 80+ Fps on 1080p (High Settings)
- Hardly any technical flaw
- Compatible with VR
- Quite Fast
Cons
- Outdated
- Power consumption of 225W
5. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660Ti
Best Graphics Card for AAA Games
Nvidia’s 1600 series graphics card really blew us away with their exceptional performance at a very fair price point. For people who are keen on building a rig for 1440p gaming then GTX 1660Ti with its 6GB GDDR6 video memory and a 192-bit memory interface would be an excellent choice.
In case if you’re wondering, there is a significant difference between the performance of 1650 Super OC and GTX 1660Ti, and the 1660Ti rules the battle in every round.
This graphics card is also compatible with VR and offers a very smooth experience that even the most renowned GTX 1070 lacks in. Temps are also quite good, you won’t be seeing anything above 75c-77c.
However, GTX 1660Ti isn’t the cheapest option out there, it is most suitable for those who are putting together a $500 or $600 PC build. Considering that GTX 1660Ti is only 12% slower than RTX 2060, I’d say that you’re getting yourself a pretty sweet deal for just around $300.
Aside from RX580, I’d say that 1660Ti is the next best thing when it comes to delivering solid fps in the most intense scenes.
Tech Specs
- Video Memory (VRAM) – 6GB GDDR6
- Base Core Clock – 1770MHz
- Memory Interface – 192-bit
- Cuda Cores – 1536
- DirectX – 12
- ROPS – 48
Pros
- Future proof
- No FPS drops while gaming
- Can handle gaming on 4K
- Solid Build Quality
Cons
- High power consumption
6. AMD Radeon RX560 4GB
Best Cheap Graphics Card for Warzone
AMD RX series introduced some of the best budget-friendly graphics cards in the market and Radeon RX560 is surely one of the best. There’s not much of a difference between the RX570 and RX560 because they offer very similar fps.
However, RX560 struggles a bit at 1080p 144Hz gaming but this is the only downside of this graphics card. Radeon RX560 also features 4GB GDDR5 video memory backed with a 128-bit memory interface.
This graphics card shows some exceptional performance in the latest games, however, don’t expect 60fps on high settings at 1080p display.
For around $130, you could easily get your hands on this one and enjoy the latest AAA titles. The price is very fair and it is literally worth every penny. In this price, you cannot find a better option in the market because most of the powerful GPUs are priced at $150 or above.
If you’re going for a PC build under $300 that can handle Warzone then I’d definitely recommend choosing Radeon RX560 for your battle station.
Tech Specs
- Video Memory (VRAM) – 4GB GDDR5
- Base Core Clock – 1295MHz
- Memory Interface – 128-bit
- Cuda Cores – 896
- DirectX – 12
- ROPS – 16
Pros
- Very Cheap
- Ideal for 1080p Mid-Settings
- Low-Power Consumption
Cons
- Inferior build quality
- Not very powerful
7. AMD RX 550
Best 720p Cheap Graphics Card
If you own a 720p display then having RX550 would definitely make you feel like a king. This $80 graphics card from AMD is surely an excellent choice if you really don’t want to spend much on your gaming needs.
AMD RX550 features only 2GB GDDR5 video memory which is insufficient to run the latest games even in low settings. If you’re interested in witnessing the smoothest slideshow of the latest games, then RX550 wouldn’t disappoint.
However, if you want some actual gameplay of these latest games then you’ll need to find another option. RX560 or RX570 would be a good choice but RX550 is just not that powerful.
Furthermore, AMD RX550 would be a suitable option if you want to play games that were released before 2019 because anything after the last year wouldn’t really run smoothly with this one.
But, Valorant seems to show some exceptional performance with RX550, and if you’re into games like CS: GO and Valorant then I’d really recommend AMD RX550.
Tech Specs
- Video Memory (VRAM) – 2GB GDDR5
- Base Core Clock – 1300MHz
- Memory Interface – 64-bit
- Cuda Cores – 384
- DirectX – 12
- ROPS – 16
Pros
- Fast at graphics and 2d/3d renderings
- Don’t make much noise
- Temps remain between 65c-77c
- Long-lasting life
Cons
- Cannot perform very well
- Various Limitations
8. Nvidia GT 1030 OC
Best value for Money
It seems like an impossible feat but Nvidia’s GT1030 can actually play the latest 2020/2021 games on 1080p with decent fps.
Although GT1030 only features 2GB GDDR5 memory, it can run games like Fortnite on 1080p with more than 60fps which is ideal for a low-budget gamer.
One of the most hardware demanding game of recent times, Star Wars and The Return of the Jedi also seem to run perfectly on this one. There are a few fps drops here and there but nothing major that will make you regret this purchase.
For just $90, you could take this best price to performance GPU home and enjoy the small-scale gaming.
Keep this in mind that this entry-level is actually a good option for games because the general idea around the town is that entry-level graphics cards are actually not that good but GT1030 OC is surely an exception.
I don’t know about anyone else but I’d really recommend it as one of the best cheap graphics cards in 2021.
Tech Specs
- Video Memory (VRAM) – 2GB GDDR5
- Base Core Clock – 1228MHz
- Memory Interface – 64-bit
- Cuda Cores – 384
- DirectX – 12
- ROPS – 16
Pros
- Very Durable
- Easy to install
- Features GDDR5 memory type
- Can run 2019/20 games
Cons
- Darkish colors
- Cheap build quality
9. GeForce GT 710 2GB
Entry Level Cheapest Graphics Card
The only thing that GeForce GT710 is good at is running GTA V on low-setting. You literally cannot expect anything better from this graphics card because it is very out-dated and people are only using this one just for the sake of having a GPU in their PC.
I don’t recommend touching this graphics card with a 10-foot pool if you’re planning to play games from 2013 and onwards. However, if you’re planning to plays games from early 2010 and backward then it is a different story.
GeForce GT 710 is featured with 2GB DDR3 VRAM and 1600Mhz base clock which was considered a big thing back in the days but now, it seems way too out-dated. If you’re very eager on playing games like GTA V and Witcher then for just $55, you can get your hands on this one.
Tech Specs
- Video Memory (VRAM) – 2GB GDDR3
- Base Core Clock – 1600MHz
- Memory Interface – 64-bit
- Cuda Cores – 192
- DirectX – 12
- ROPS – 8
Pros
- Can run games from 2014/15
- Amazing build quality
- Suitable for Adobe apps
Cons
- 300w Power consumption
- Outdated
Conclusion
It is not an easy task to find yourself a cheap graphics card in 2021 that will last a while. We’ve done extensive research on many graphics cards from all over the place and find these to be the best cheap graphics cards in the market in 2021. The higher you go, the more performance you’ll get from graphics cards but when you’re on a quest for the best cheap graphics card under $300 or $200 then cheap GPUs like RX570 and 1050Ti seem to be the most suitable for our low-end PC gamers.
That’s all folks!
