
GPUs under $300 now offer smooth 1080p and even entry-level 1440p gaming.
NVIDIA and AMD lead the mid-range GPU segment with strong competition.
Focus on VRAM size, cooling efficiency, and power consumption when making a purchase.
NVIDIA and AMD have long been the only producers of GPUs. However, with Intel's recent entry into the market, increased competition has led to high-quality graphics cards becoming available at more affordable prices.
Now, you can purchase graphics cards that deliver exceptional performance and can handle demanding tasks, such as large-scale design or 4K gaming, for under $300. This article highlights some of the best budget GPUs that provide a smooth 1080p gaming experience.
Casual gamers, streamers, or beginners can rely on these five best graphics cards under $300:
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 is one of the most powerful entry-level GPUs, offering solid 1080p performance and support for ray tracing. The GPU features 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM and a 128-bit memory interface, providing stable frame rates across most modern titles. With DLSS, this device can even run the most demanding games. RTX 3050 is one of the best mid-range GPUs.
Price: Rs. 17,399
AMD’s Radeon RX 6600 is a budget-friendly graphics card under $300 that integrates a built-in cooling system. The device is equipped with 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, a 128-bit bus, and RDNA 2 architecture, offering a smooth 1080p and an average 1440p gaming experience. AMD FSR helps increase performance while playing very demanding games.
Price: Rs. 34,692
Also read: AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT vs. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti.
Intel’s entry into the GPU market has been a blessing for budget-conscious gamers. Arc A580 boasts 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM and a 256-bit memory interface. It delivers competitive frame rates for DirectX 12 and Vulkan titles. The Intel GPU supports XeSS, which enhances frame rates in select demanding games.
Price: Rs. 39,759
Before the RTX 3050, the GTX 1660 Super was the most valued graphics card from NVIDIA, and it remains valued for its affordable price and significant memory bandwidth improvement. The device is equipped with 6 GB of GDDR6 VRAM and offers decent 1080p gaming performance for most esports titles. While it lacks ray tracing, its raw power and efficiency make it a practical upgrade for older PCs.
Price: Rs. 15,775
RX 6500 XT is a budget-friendly GPU that prioritizes power efficiency while delivering high-end 1080p performance. This device features 4 GB of GDDR6 VRAM and a 64-bit memory interface, providing decent frame rates in esports titles and less demanding games.
Price: Rs. 12,789
Also read: NVIDIA vs AMD Graphics Cards: Which GPU Should You Pick?
The GPU market features some of the best gaming GPUs from leading brands, including NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel, all priced under $300. Buyers need to consider their requirements before investing in a top-grade GPU. RX 6600 and RTX 3050 are top-rated GPUs that offer a great combination of affordability and performance. Intel Arc A580, on the other hand, is a great choice for designers, while the GTX 1660 Super is the most pocket-friendly option for 1080p gaming.
1. Can these GPUs handle 1440p gaming?
These budget GPUs are designed for 1080p gaming, while the RX 6600 can handle 1440p gaming to some extent.
2. Do budget GPUs support ray tracing?
Budget GPUs have fewer ray tracing cores than flagship GPUs and aren’t meant for extremely detailed textures.
3. Are older GPUs like the GTX 1660 Super still worth buying?
Yes, the GTX 1660 Super is still reliable for 1080p gaming.
4. What’s the minimum VRAM I should look for in 2025?
For modern titles, 6 GB of VRAM is the minimum required.
5. Which GPU is best for beginners on a budget?
The RX 6500 XT and the GTX 1660 Super are great choices for beginners.
