In this article, we’ll discuss the best GPUs under $300. The GPU is an essential pillar for gaming, graphic design, and general content creation, but it shouldn’t cost the world.
With new GPUs hitting the market seemingly every other month, it is important to pick the right one, but also not break the bank completely. We have searched across Nvidia, AMD, and Intel to find the most appropriate choices which cater to a range of needs; such as mid-range, value, and overall. So what are the best graphics cards under $300? Let’s dive right in.
Products at a glance
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Best GPU under $300
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4060 OC
- GPU: AD107 die
- CUDA cores: 3,072
- VRAM: 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
- Bandwidth: 272 GB/s
- Memory bus width: 128-bit memory bus
- Base clock speed: 1830 MHz
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Best AMD GPU under $300PowerColor Fighter AMD Radeon RX 7600
- GPU: Navi 33
- Stream processors: 2,048
- VRAM: 8 GB GDDR6
- Bus width: 128 bit
- Base clock speed: 1720 MHz
- Boost clock speed: 2655 MHz
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Best Intel GPU under $300Intel Arc A750 Limited Edition 8GB
- GPU: DG2-512 die
- Cores: 3,584
- VRAM: 8GB GDDR6
- Bus width: 256-bit
- Base clock speed: 2050 MHz
- Boost clock speed: 2400 MHz
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Best last-gen GPU under $300
ASUS Dual Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 OC
- GPU: GA106
- VRAM: 8 GB
- Base Clock Speed: 1552 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 1777 MHz
- Bus Width: 128 bit
- CUDA Cores: 2560
How we picked the best GPUs under $300
We reviewed the best GPUs under $300 on the market and classified them according to their performance in measured benchmarks. Once we have determined their abilities, we contrasted those numbers with the price and availability of the graphics card to see where best they can be added to the list.
These suggestions are handpicked from our in-house experts, who are well-versed in understanding and reviewing GPUs. In fact, we have tested some of these GPUs to get a better idea of their performance. We have also listed a useful pros and cons list to paint a more accurate picture of each individual card.
Interested in more GPU buying guides? We also have the best graphics cards in 2024 and the best budget graphics cards available now. Be sure to check them out.
- Impressive specs and performance
- Excellent value for money overall
- Reliable and extensively reviewed product
- Only slightly under $300
- Does not perform too well at 1440p
- Some AIBs are overpriced
Our recommendation as the best overall graphics card available for under $300 is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060. Built with Ada Lovelace Architecture, the RTX 4060 is designed to give the best performance and gameplay experience to its users.
With dedicated ray tracing cores, DLSS 3, and a reflex low-latency platform proving smooth gameplay, the choice becomes obvious. The RTX 4060 is also equipped with 4th gen 242 AI tops tensor cores and 8 GB and GDDR6 of VRAM. This model boasts the maximum high-end graphics you will get for any GPU within this budget.
Enter the RTX 4060 which packs in just enough of the Ada architecture prowess to power today’s games in 1080p and even 1440p within reason.
PCWer
Based on performance metrics, the model demonstrated high benchmark scores on games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, and Forza Horizon 5 – creating an immersive experience with AI-accelerated gaming.
The only downside to this impressive model is that its price is currently around the higher end of the price range. For full coverage of this product, be sure to check out our RTX 4060 review.
What users say
Coming as no surprise from our top pick, the ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4060 has gotten strong reviews and praise in its reviews on Amazon, getting an overall average of 4.7 stars. On the whole, it’s been rated for its value, as well as its entry-level gaming performance. If you’re looking for a card that “works well without being crazy expensive”, you can trust the RTX 4060 for an “easy install, easy lighting control, quiet fans”, and of course a “great gaming experience”.
- GPU: Navi 33
- Stream processors: 2,048
- VRAM: 8 GB GDDR6
- Bus width: 128 bit
- Base clock speed: 1720 MHz
- Boost clock speed: 2655 MHz
- Solid specifications and performance metrics
- Impressive performance in the top 10 eSports titles and smooth gaming capabilities in the newest AAA games
- Mainstream RDNA 3
- Other GPUs have slight increases in performance and gameplay capabilities
Our second option is the AMD Radeon RX 7600. Originally designed for next-generation gaming and streaming at 1080p, the model delivers impressive performance in the top 10 eSports titles and smooth gaming capabilities in the newest AAA games. For example, the Radeon RX 7600 will help you reach 178 FPS in Apex Legends and 215 FPS in Overwatch 2.
In terms of specs, this AMD GPU has 8 GB of memory, 32 compute units, and ray accelerators, with a boost frequency of up to 2655 MHz. The only downside here is that the specs and performance are not quite up to par with the Nvidia RTX 4060, though, as we know, this option is more expensive. Which will you pick?
What users say
Both the specs and the performance of the Powercolor AMD RX 7600 have been praised on Amazon; one user described it as a “great compact card that won’t restrict airflow and heat up nearby nvme ssds”, and further added that it’s got “solid performance as far as 8gb cards go”. However, it has been picked up that there’s not too much going for it in terms of overclocking potential, so this is something to keep in mind if you value maxed-out performance.
- GPU: DG2-512 die
- Cores: 3,584
- VRAM: 8GB GDDR6
- Bus width: 256-bit
- Base clock speed: 2050 MHz
- Boost clock speed: 2400 MHz
- Good value for money
- Solid performance level in relation to price
- 1080p capabilities
- Driver issues have been noted
- Will likely require upgrading in near future
- Potential driver pitfalls
If you’re like us and love a good deal, then the Intel Arc A750 is one to look out for. Priced at around $249 MSRP, the Intel Arc A750 is a solid option for consumers on a budget and looking for the best value for money. Unfortunately, with lower costs comes lower performance specs, but this does not make the Intel Arc A750 completely worthless.
The Intel Arc A750 has a graphics clock speed of 2050 MHz and total board power (TBP) of 225 W, a max HDMI resolution of 4096×2160 at 60 Hz, supported by an 8 GB memory overall. The model also supports the following features: ray tracing, adaptive sync, one API, and DirectX, to name a few.
However, the model has been noted to have issues regarding the driver. Particularly when compared to faster and newer models like the AMD Radeon RX 7600 and Nvidia RTX 4060.
What users say
As you’d expect from one of our budget lineup, users on Amazon have commented on not only the value offered by the Intel Arc A750, but its good looks too. While one review says that “the card’s appearance is very pretty, and the quality is also brilliant”, another states that it’s a “very sleek looking card”. Performance-wise, you’ve got people saying that the “performance was way better than expected”, and that you should get a similar gaming experience to the RTX 3060 overall.
- GPU: GA106
- VRAM: 8 GB
- Base Clock Speed: 1552 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 1777 MHz
- Bus Width: 128 bit
- CUDA Cores: 2560
- Solid option for consumers on a budget
- Despite an older gen GPU, still has impressive architecture, ray tracing, and DLSS
- Older models require more updates
- Performance not as strong as newer generations
Our final option is the Nvidia RTX 3050. Priced moderately, the Nvidia RTX 3050 is an older generation model compared to the previous three options, but it still packs a punch when it comes to performance – certainly enough to make it onto this guide.
A staple of the Nvidia Ampere Architecture, the RTX 3050 (8 GB) has ray tracing, DLSS, 2560 CUDA cores, a 1.78 GHz boost clock, and GDDR6 memory support. All this, and it still provides enough bang for your buck.
In our RTX 3050 review, we found out that the card is a solid option for getting excellent framerates at 1080p resolution with good settings.
PCWer
In our RTX 3050 review, we found out that the card is a solid option for getting excellent framerates at 1080p resolution with good settings. In fact, we played Far Cry 6 at high settings and got 73 FPS. However, if you are looking to play at higher resolutions, then this GPU won’t be enough.
In terms of cons, while the Nvidia RTX 3050 is still a good option for a GPU, it is considerably older and the performance is noticeably worse than some of the GPUs mentioned above. It won’t perform as well with modern games and users may upgrade sooner by choosing this model. It is important to bear this in mind when picking an older gen model.
What users say
On Amazon, the Asus RTX 3050 has a rating of 4.6 stars, and more than 700 people have rated the product. As per the reviews, customers liked the performance and quality of the GPU. Some customers mentioned that it was easy to install, too. “This product was a very cheap way to significantly upgrade my PC’s graphics capabilities. It performs as well as I hoped, it hasn’t increased the noise my PC produces, and it’s great for running Overwatch,” a customer wrote in a review.
Considerations when choosing the best GPUs under $300
Here are a few things to consider before you buy a GPU for your build.
Price
It goes without saying here that our main consideration when selecting these graphics cards was the budget and cost. All the GPUs had to be below the $300 limit, meaning each recommendation should be suited to anyone shopping for a graphics card under the price. The best way to make sure you get the best price/deal for your purchase is to:
- Purchase cards during sale periods. The best sale periods are during Black Friday and during Spring Sales, though many websites like Amazon will put on other sale periods throughout the year.
- Make sure to strike while the price is low. In order to check the price history of a product, we recommend using an application called Camelcamelcamel. This should help you see when a price is dropping and identify patterns of sales.
VRAM
These graphics cards offer the best price for casual to intermediate gamers. However, it’s important to discern between a good and a bad unit. One of the main features one must look out for in a GPU is its VRAM capacity; the greater this is, the better and easier it’ll be for the unit to perform.
- Nvidia RTX 4060 – 8GB
- PowerColor AMD Radeon RX 7600 – 16GB
- Intel Arc A750 – 8GB
- Nvidia RTX 3050 – 8GB
Manufacturer
Furthermore, there is a dichotomy you’ll have to solve: AMD, Intel, or Nvidia. These are the kings of the GPU market. Generally speaking, Nvidia has offered more power and AMD wins the crown when it comes to pricing and performance-per-watt. Each brand has its own strengths and weaknesses. This list will have a curation of the best AMD and Nvidia GPUs for you, whether you are a gamer looking for the best 4K experience or a content creator looking for the best performance your budget can buy.
New-gen vs old-gen
It’s certainly not easy finding the best graphics cards under $300 that suit your needs. Even as the chip shortage dwindles and crypto price gouging has waned, the GPU market still remains in a spiral of confusion as consumers grow more accustomed to this new climate. Newer products, like the RTX 4090 and the upcoming 4080 will ensure competition in the space, which will come in the form of AMD’s RDNA 3 architecture. While Intel has delivered with a new ARC GPU line, pundits aren’t too impressed by the results, even when stacked alongside one of the firm’s own (rather renowned) CPUs.
What is the best graphics card for under $300?
Currently priced around $299, the Nvidia RTX 4060 is the best graphics card available for under $300. Boasting impressive specs, performance, and value, the Nvidia model is leading the pack when it comes to budget GPUs. Other notable mentions include the AMD Radeon RX 7600 and Intel Arc A750.
