Gaming on a budget can be challenging, but with the right graphics card, you can still have a great experience without breaking the bank. As a budget-focused PC builder and gamer, I’ve tested and reviewed dozens of affordable graphics cards over the years. Here are my top recommendations for budget graphics cards under $200 in 2023.
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
The GeForce GTX 1650 is my top value pick for budget gaming. It starts around $150 and offers solid 1080p gaming performance in modern titles when paired with a decent CPU. Here’s why the GTX 1650 is a great budget choice:
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Strong 1080p performance – With 4GB of GDDR5 memory and 896 CUDA cores, the GTX 1650 handles 1080p gaming smoothly in most eSports and AAA titles. You’ll have to lower settings in demanding games, but 60+ fps is achievable.
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Low power consumption – With a TDP of just 75 watts, the GTX 1650 doesn’t require external power connectors. It’s easy to slot into any PC build.
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Compact size – Single fan models like the Zotac GTX 1650 are under 7 inches long and fit in small form factor cases. This makes the 1650 a great budget card for ITX builds.
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Modern NVENC encoder – The GTX 1650 features the Turing NVENC encoder for efficient streaming and recording using Nvidia Shadowplay or OBS.
The only downside is the 4GB VRAM buffer, which causes issues in some modern AAA titles at high settings. Overall though, the GTX 1650 is my go-to recommendation for 1080p gaming around $150.
AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT
If you’re looking for performance closer to the $200 mark, the Radeon RX 6500 XT is a decent option. Based on AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, it offers:
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Great 1080p esports performance – The RX 6500 XT delivers high frame rates in competitive multiplayer titles like Valorant, CS:GO, and Rainbow Six Siege. You can expect 100+ fps at high settings.
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PCIe 4.0 interface – With a x4 PCIe 4.0 connection, the RX 6500 XT won’t be bandwidth limited on newer platforms. Just make sure your motherboard has PCIe 4.0 to maximize performance.
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RDNA 2 feature set – Includes Radeon software features like Radeon Anti-Lag, Radeon Boost, and support for FidelityFX Super Resolution upscaling.
The major caveats are the paltry 4GB of VRAM and lack of encoder for streaming. You’ll have to use the CPU for encoding, which isn’t ideal. Still, around $180, the RX 6500 XT is one of the fastest budget cards available.
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660
For those willing to spend near the $200 mark, the GTX 1660 is a worthwhile step up over the GTX 1650. Key advantages include:
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Faster 6GB GDDR5 VRAM – The extra 2GB of VRAM alleviates bottlenecks in modern games with high texture sizes. Performance scales better at high settings.
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15-20% faster gaming perfomance – With 1408 CUDA cores and boost clocks around 1785-1830 MHz, the GTX 1660 is significantly quicker than the 1650. You can target 60+ fps in most titles at high settings.
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Turing NVENC encoding – Like the 1650, the GTX 1660 supports efficient H.264 encoding through the Turing NVENC block. Great for streamers.
The only downside is power draw rises to 120W, so you’ll need a 6-pin connector. But for $180-200, the GTX 1660 remains one of the best 1080p gaming values just under $200.
Used Older Generation Cards
If buying used, previous generation cards like the GTX 970, R9 390, and GTX 1060 can also be great budget options. For example:
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A used GTX 970 can be found under $120 and still handles 1080p gaming reasonably well in most titles. Just watch for models with less than 4GB VRAM.
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An R9 390 can be bought used for under $150. Performance is similar to the GTX 970 despite being based on older GCN architecture. Just be mindful of power draw.
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A used GTX 1060 6GB can still manage 60+ fps in most games at medium-high settings. These tend to go for $150 and up.
When buying used, be sure to test performance and temperatures before purchasing. But ultimately, going with an older generation card can save you a fair bit of money if you’re on a tight budget.
Bottom Line
Gaming at 1080p doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Cards like the GTX 1650 and RX 6500 XT deliver playable framerates in most titles for under $200. Or if you’re willing to go used, last generation midrange cards remain decent options. Just be realistic with your settings, avoid overly demanding games, and any of these budget cards will serve you well. When in doubt, focus on cards with at least 4GB of VRAM. This will provide more headroom as games continue advancing.
