How to make modern games work: Top graphics cards

The visual fidelity of video games continues to improve, blurring the lines between reality and virtual worlds. This trend, while fueling countless internet memes, also significantly increases system requirements. Choosing a graphics card for a new PC can be daunting, especially considering the demanding specs of games like Civilization VII. Let's explore the top graphics cards of 2024 and what to consider for 2025. For a visual treat, check out our article on the most stunning games of 2024!

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 has been a favorite among casual gamers for its versatility. Offering 8GB to 12GB of memory and ray tracing support, it handles most tasks well. While showing its age slightly with newer titles, it remains a strong contender.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080

The RTX 3080, a powerhouse sibling to the 3060, continues to impress. Its performance rivals even newer cards like the 3090 and 4060, making it a top choice for its power and efficiency. A slight overclock further enhances its capabilities. Even in 2025, its price-to-performance ratio is exceptional.

AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT

The RX 6700 XT surprisingly boasts the best price-to-performance ratio. It handles modern games with ease, posing a challenge to NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 4060 Ti. Its larger memory and bus interface ensure smooth gameplay at 2560x1440 resolution, making it a competitive alternative to higher-priced options.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti

Unlike its less successful counterpart, the RTX 4060, the 4060 Ti is a solid performer. While not dramatically surpassing the RTX 3080 or AMD's offerings, it provides reliable results. It's approximately 4% faster than its predecessor at 2560x1440 resolution, with Frame Generation providing a noticeable performance boost.

AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT

The RX 7800 XT outperforms NVIDIA's more expensive GeForce RTX 4070 in many games, achieving an average 18% advantage at 2560x1440. Its 16GB of VRAM ensures future-proofing, and it significantly outperforms the RTX 4060 Ti in ray-traced QHD gaming.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super

NVIDIA responded to competition with the 4070 Super, offering a 10-15% performance increase over the standard 4070. It's a top choice for 2K gaming, and undervolting can further improve performance and reduce temperatures.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080

More than capable for any game, the 4080 is often considered the best option for 4K gaming. Its substantial VRAM and enhanced ray tracing capabilities ensure lasting performance. Many see it as NVIDIA's flagship, though the 4090 exists.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

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

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

AMD's top-tier card rivals NVIDIA's flagship, offering competitive performance at a lower price point, making it attractive to budget-conscious gamers. It's also built for long-term gaming needs.

Intel Arc B580

Intel's late 2024 entry, the Arc B580, was a surprise hit, selling out quickly. It outperforms the RTX 4060 Ti and RX 7600 by 5-10% while offering 12GB of VRAM at a remarkable $250 price point. This signals a potential shift in the market.

Despite rising prices, a variety of options cater to different budgets. Even modest budgets can access solid gaming performance, while high-end cards provide a future-proof gaming experience.