The Future of Graphics Cards: Unveiling the Hottest Picks for 2023

PC Gaming has become more intricate and satisfying in recent years, thanks to a wide array of choices as we transition from one generation of GPUs to the next. This has made the decision of whether to upgrade or wait for the next-gen graphics card even more challenging for budget-conscious individuals compared to those who are willing to splurge on the latest technology.

The hardware survey conducted by Steam reflects a similar trend, as more users opt for the still easily accessible RTX 3060 GPUs in order to experience the performance upgrades of the current generation. Meanwhile, both Nvidia's RTX 4000 series and AMD's RX 7000 series do not offer any alternatives priced at $500 or below for end users. Additionally, data from popular retailers like Amazon.com and Newegg indicates that budget options from the previous generation continue to dominate sales volumes, with higher-end options of the current generation gaining popularity in the range of $700 to $1000.

While the newer iterations of the RTX series, such as the RTX 4070TI and RTX 4090, frequently appear on best-selling lists, Nvidia's RTX 4080 seems to have a comparatively lesser presence. On the other hand, AMD's RX 7900XTX takes the lead for Team Red in the realm of the RX 7000 series of AMD GPUs.

MSI GeForce RTX™ 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC

The Most Popular Nvidia Desktop GPU Upgrade $290 at Amazon

XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX 6600 CORE

The Most Popular AMD GPU Upgrade $201 at Amazon

ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 4070 Ti OC Edition

The Best-Selling New Nvidia GPU Upgrade $818 at Amazon

XFX Speedster MERC310 AMD Radeon RX 7900XTX Black 24G

The Best-Selling New AMD GPU Upgrade $960 at Amazon

ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 OC Edition

The Best-Selling Premium GPU Upgrade $1968 at Amazon

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AISURIX Radeon RX 580 GPU

The Best-Selling Budget GPU Upgrade $109 at Amazon

MSI GeForce RTX™ 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC

The Most Popular Nvidia Desktop GPU UpgradeA Blast From A Generation Past

$290 $460 - Save $170 on the MSI GeForce RTX™ 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC! This midrange GPU is currently the top-selling one on both Amazon and Newegg for April 2023. It offers a multitude of CUDA Cores, impressive gaming benchmarks and performance, and generous GDDR6 memory. Perfect for mainstream consumers who prefer gaming at Full HD and 2K resolutions, providing excellent frame rates.

Brand: MSI

Cooling Method: Dual Fan Air Cooling

GPU Speed: 1710 MHz

Interface: PCI Express 4.0

Memory: 12GB GDDR6

Power: 170 Watts

Boost Speed: 1807MHz

CUDA Cores: 3584

Pros:

- Excellent memory capacity, featuring 12GB of GDDR6 memory. This high memory capacity makes it a reliable investment for gamers who prioritize meeting system requirements in the long run, rather than chasing the highest framerates.

Capable of delivering smooth performance, this graphics card effortlessly handles all modern games at 1080p resolution and most current games at higher resolutions with a commendable frame rate. Additionally, it stands out for its reasonable price. With both AMD and Nvidia consistently prioritizing their flagship GPUs, the RTX 3060 has become the preferred choice for budget-conscious gamers seeking an upgrade, priced below $400.

- Offers DLSS 3.0 and Ray Tracing support by default, aiming to maximize frame rates and enhance visual quality

- Drawbacks include its relatively high price, which aligns closely with the RTX 3060TI and 6700XT models, both of which deliver significantly superior rasterization performance within the same price range.

The Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU is a high-quality graphics card capable of effortlessly handling modern games at FHD and 2K resolution. The MSI GeForce RTX 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC is a dual-fan overclocked version of this card that currently leads in sales on Amazon and Newegg. Its appeal lies in its standout features, such as 12GB of VRAM, impressive RT performance, the ability to utilize Nvidia's superior DLSS technology, and favorable thermals, all at an affordable price for mainstream gamers.

The RTX 3060 stands out among its counterparts due to its 12GB of VRAM, making it more future-proof. It has gained popularity in the market as there is no real competition from other Nvidia GPUs in the next generation. Despite the introduction of the RTX 4000 series, the closest alternative to the 3060 is its sibling, the RTX 3060TI.

Equipped with DLSS 3.0 support and Nvidia's latest technological advancements like RTX Video Super Resolution, the RTX 3060 is a powerful performer. It benefits from reliable tech and software support, ensuring its longevity until Nvidia decides to introduce a better alternative.

Update: Despite a relatively weak RTX 4060 launch by Nvidia in terms of raw power, the GPU remains steadfast in its position with increased efficiency. Additionally, the RTX 3060 TI (also in the Ventus trim), which is pricier than the GPU, is currently available as part of the Amazon Early Prime Day Sales that we are covering.

Introducing the XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX 6600 CORE.

Save $79 when you choose the XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX 6600 CORE. This AMD GPU upgrade offers impressive performance and great value. It is a more affordable option compared to the RTX 3050, yet delivers up to 15% faster results. For Team Red users seeking an upgrade, this is an obvious choice for this year.

Brand: XFX

Cooling Method: Air-cooled dual-fan

GPU Speed: 2044 Mhz

Interface: PCI-E 4.0 x8

Memory: 8GB GDDR6

Power: 160W

Boost Speed: 2491 Mhz

Pros: Offers excellent value for money, clocking in under $250. Outperforms competing GPUs in rasterization tests.

Ideal for 1080P gaming, with a cost lower than comparable GPUs from competitors.

Runs at a comparatively cooler temperature than high-end GPUs, making it suitable for PCs with limited airflow or temperature control.

Drawbacks include weaker ray tracing performance when compared to Nvidia's equivalent implementations.

The RX 6600, AMD's top-selling GPU for mainstream gamers, offers exceptional value and falls between Nvidia's RTX 3050 and 3060 GPUs in terms of performance. The XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX 6600 CORE 8GB is a popular aftermarket version of this GPU, widely available in different marketplaces. It stands out for its competitive pricing, excellent thermals, and low power requirements, making it a top choice for consumers looking for a reliable 1080P card in 2023.

Content: Despite lagging behind in Ray Tracing capabilities compared to its competitors, the GPU's budget-friendly nature and target market somewhat diminish the importance of this resource-intensive feature in assessing the value of an entry-level GPU. AMD has now returned to a unified GPU driver release schedule, resolving the previous issues experienced by RX 6000 series GPU owners as the limited driver team focused on improving the experience for RX 7000 series GPU owners. With a single driver update from AMD, its previous generation GPUs have caught up in terms of performance.

Update: In our latest update, the XFX RX 6600 GPU has maintained its position at both major retailers we monitor. However, it has experienced a slight price drop of 5% on Amazon, making it cheaper than its Newegg offering and a more attractive deal considering the relatively lackluster offerings from both Nvidia and AMD with the launches of RX 7600, RTX 4060, and RTX 4060 TI.

ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 4070 Ti OC Edition

The Best-Selling New Nvidia GPU UpgradeA TUF Bargain Meets Willing Buyers

$818 $830 Save $12 The Asus TUF RTX 4070TI offers exceptional performance, building upon the strengths of the TUF lineup while being only slightly more expensive than Nvidia's stock Founders Edition. It features no-nonsense overclocking and a highly efficient vapor chamber cooling system that ensures optimal thermal control and impressive performance.

Brand: ASUS

Cooling Method: Vapor Chamber

GPU Speed: 2310 Mhz

Interface: PCI-E 4.0

Memory: 12GB GDDR6

Power: 285W

Boost Speed: 2760 MHz (OC) / 2730 MHz (Default)

UserBenchmark Ranking: 4th

CUDA Cores: 7680

Pros: The card comes with a superb, silent yet powerful cooler.

Looks and feels premium despite the limited RGB in play making it a more nuanced look

Has a dual bios offering that allows you to switch from performance to quiet mode

The ASUS-exclusive Dual HDMI 2.1 ports provide increased flexibility for connecting devices. However, it is important to note that compared to its competitors, the board power limits are quite conservative, possibly hindering the ability to achieve custom overclocking requirements.

The lack of RGB lighting for a GPU this expensive might be considered a con by some gamers

$818 at Amazon $850 at Newegg

The ASUS TUF RTX 4070 TI OC offers a sleek and powerful design that appeals to users who prefer ASUS GPUs. It has become a popular choice among consumers, especially as the high-end Strix model becomes more expensive. This GPU replaces the MSI RTX 4070 TI on our list and can be found at a slightly discounted price on Amazon, although the discount is less than 5% off its normal retail price of $850.

As the most affordable Ada Lovelace GPU in Nvidia's current lineup, the RTX 4070 TI delivers impressive next-generation performance, rivaling the top-tier offerings from the previous generation. It also boasts significant DLSS 3 improvements. Considering the significant price jump of the RTX 4080 and the potential lack of upgrade value for those already using an RTX 3080 or higher, many people are opting for the RTX 4070 TI, with the ASUS TUF model being particularly popular at the moment.

XFX Speedster MERC310 AMD Radeon RX 7900XTX Black 24G

The Best-Selling New AMD GPU UpgradeTeam Red Goes Black

XFX Speedster MERC310 AMD Radeon RX 7900XTX Black 24G is a powerhouse, rivaling Nvidia's RTX 4080 and sometimes even the RTX 4090. Equipped with 24GB of GDDR6X memory and top-notch connectivity capabilities including Displayport 2.1 support, this GPU boasts excellent cooling design. It builds upon the strengths of the 7900XTX, delivering even better and faster performance compared to the stock unit.

Brand: XFX

Base Clock Speed: 2300 MHz

Boost Clock Speed: 2615 MHz

Memory Capacity: 24GB GDDR6X

Power Draw: Up to 355W

Cooling: Tri-Fan Air-Cooled Vapor Chamber Design

Pros: Remarkably superior rasterization performance compared to competitors.

Features one of the most superior coolers available in the market, effectively resolving the thermal problems associated with the stock 7900XTX GPU design. This enhanced design enables the GPU to effectively handle the immense capabilities of AMD's latest and most advanced chip.

Boasts impressive overclocking capabilities, effortlessly surpassing 3GHz under ideal conditions.

Comes with a Free copy of Resident Evil 4 Bundled by AMD

Cons Has relatively poor Ray Tracing performance, a common theme amongst AMD GPUs that even the flagship GPU shares

The AMD RX 7000 series had a difficult start, but it has gained some stability by targeting affordable price points. Although the AMD RX 7900XTX is not a budget-friendly GPU, with a recommended price of $1000, aftermarket versions like the XFX Speedster MERC310 AMD Radeon RX 7900XTX Black 24G are even more expensive.

XFX's offering includes all the features of AMD's stock unit, such as 24GB of GDDR6X memory and the latest DisplayPort support. Its rasterization performance is impressive and puts it in close competition with Nvidia's more expensive RTX 4080 and 4090 GPUs. Additionally, it boasts a superior vapor-chamber-centric cooling system and a PCB that can easily push the GPU beyond 3GHz when properly adjusted. The Speedster Merc310 has a premium build quality and is supported by a comprehensive 2-year warranty.

Although AMD's offerings have a slight advantage over Nvidia in terms of pricing, they still have some catching up to do in terms of offering better value for money. This is particularly important in a market flooded with used last-generation GPUs from the now-defunct crypto mining industry.

Update: Coming in hot, we have the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 OC Edition,

. Available at a noteworthy price reduction of about 7% on both of our monitored major retailers, this powerful graphics card also comes bundled with a complimentary copy of Resident Evil 4 through AMD's Game Bundle offerings. With the top-tier GPUs experiencing a slight downward shift in price, there's no doubt that the slightly discounted XFX Speedster MERC310 AMD Radeon RX 7900XTX Black 24G is the perfect choice for those seeking the best from AMD this summer.

Introducing the Top-Selling High-End GPU Upgrade: ROG Master Race

The ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 OC Edition is not only impressively large, it also boasts a patented design that offers unmatched overclocking capabilities compared to other similar GPUs. Featuring a vapor chamber and available in sleek black and white options, the ROG Strix delivers both stunning aesthetics and incredible performance. In fact, it stands out as the most dominant 4090 GPU, consistently achieving a stable clock speed of 3120 MHz in our comprehensive tests.

Brand: Asus

Cooling Method: Air-Cooled with Vapor Chamber

GPU Speed: 2640 MHz

Memory: 24 GB GDDR6X

Power: 600W

Boost Speed: 2640 MHz

CUDA Cores: 16384

Pros:

- The Fastest RTX 4090 available at stock/boost clocks.

- Features an outstanding 24-phase VRM, ensuring stable performance during overclocking.

The product provides dual HDMI ports to cater to users requiring multiple ports, unlike Nvidia's default configuration which only has one HDMI port. However, it still maintains a higher price because of the scarce availability of this specific SKU of the RTX 4090.

The ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 OC Edition, priced at $1968 on Amazon and $2000 on Newegg, remains highly sought after despite limited availability. This RTX 4090 SKU stands out for its exceptional raw performance, consistently reaching over 3GHz in Hogwarts: Legacy and maintaining a cool temperature of under 70 degrees. This impressive performance has left us thoroughly impressed.

In terms of the best-selling premium GPU, there is a clear standout: the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 OC Edition. This GPU stands out with its impressive design, exceptional cooling capabilities, and the potential for overclocking and boosting right out of the box. It is an obvious choice for anyone who is still undecided.

Update: Thanks to a slightly lower price and improved availability, the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 OC Edition is consistently available in stock from the retailers we monitor for GPUs. It remains a popular choice due to high demand, and is likely the most premium RTX 4090 SKU available for purchase. While there are no other GPUs that can match its performance, it is the ideal option for those who prioritize performance and are not limited by budget this summer for gaming.

AISURIX Radeon RX 580 GPU

The Best-Selling Budget GPU UpgradeCut Down Polaris At A Bargain

Get the AISURIX Radeon RX 580 graphics card for only $109, saving you $51. With eight gigabytes of GDDR5 memory and a clock speed of 1750 MHz, this card delivers impressive performance. It is based on the 14 nm process and supports DirectX 12. The card also offers three monitor support with two DisplayPort 1.4a and one HDMI 2.0b connectors. You can enjoy a maximum resolution of 8K. The card features composite heat pipes that efficiently dissipate heat from the cores, along with a semi-automatic intelligent fan system. AISURIX has created a great product with this GPU, outperforming its competitors at an unbeatable price.

Has 8GB of GDDR5 memory, an excellent amount for an entry-level GPU

Cons The Polaris architecture is somewhat dated and does not receive as much attention and optimization as newer AMD GPUs

at just $109 on Amazon. With its 8GB of GDDR5 VRAM and 2304 stream processors, this graphics card delivers impressive performance and smooth gameplay. Whether you're a casual gamer or a demanding content creator, the AMD RX 580 guarantees a reliable experience. Don't miss out on its exceptional value and get yours today.

Update: The AISURIX Radeon RX 580 GPU has remained relatively unchanged in recent months, as it continues to outperform other competitors in its price range, particularly those priced under $100. It has seen a slight decrease in price, making it an even more attractive option for budget-conscious gamers this summer. Additionally, for those seeking an even better deal, Amazon's upcoming Prime Day Sales will include a variety of discounted CPUs and GPUs, providing an opportunity to find an even better bargain.

FAQ:

Q: What is the most popular Next-Generation GPU Upgrade Currently?

Q: What is the best AMD GPU available?

In terms of both affordability and performance, the Nvidia RTX 4070 TI has gained immense popularity among gamers. Considering the current market options, unless there are price reductions in the upper range, this next-generation upgrade will continue to dominate as the go-to choice for budget-conscious gamers in the foreseeable future.

A: AMD's RX 7900XT and 7900XTX are AMD's latest GPUs available for sale.

Q: What is the bestselling GPU currently?

A: MSI's GeForce RTX™ 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC is an AIB RTX 3060 that currently tops the charts for the bestselling GPU on both Amazon and Newegg.