While the CPU, or processors as it is sometimes called, is said to be the brains of the computer, the graphics card is as essential, if not more so, to a gamer. These days the GPU largely determines what type of games one can play and at what resolutions, fidelity, frame rate, and so on the gaming system will handle. This is why it is also one of the most requested holiday gifts and probably also what holiday money received by gamers is often spent on.
There are only two major manufacturers of GPU architecture, namely AMD and Nvidia, but there are still plenty of options at different price points. It all depends on what type of gaming system is being built or upgraded and how much money the buyer has. We've gathered a list of some of the best GPU deals around during the holidays, from entry-level graphics cards that are good for starting or young gamers up to high-end GPUs that will run the best of games without an issue.
Best Nvidia GeForce GPU Deals
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ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 OC Edition
$240 $380 Save $140One of the best deals available on affordable Nvidia graphics cards is undoubtedly this RTX 3050 by Asus. It comes with a compact but powerful dual-fan setup, which keeps the system cool and performance up. Thanks to it being from the previous generation, the prices have gone down tremendously and one can buy it now for only $239.99.
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ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4060 8GB Twin Edge OC White Edition
$320 $340 Save $20For value graphics cards in the latest generation GeForce lineup, the RTX 4060 is hard to beat. This Zotac RTX 4060 GPU comes with a dual-fan Twin Edge cooling system and overclocking capabilities for those who want more performance out of their cards. This White Edition carries a special all-white aesthetic for a clean look.
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Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 Ti GAMING OC 16G
$410 $430 Save $20A slight step up from the regular GeForce RTX 4060 is the Ti version of the card. This card brings more performance to the table but keeps the cost still fairly low, making for an excellent mid-range option. Thanks to the discount, this triple-fan GPU is now selling at just $409.99.
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ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4070 Ti OC 12G
$910 $1050 Save $140For those who want epic performance, enough for the latest games at high framerates, the RTX 4070 Ti is what they are looking for. This graphics card is one of the most powerful on the market currently. With the latest technologies, it delivers smooth gameplay regardless of the game. Shoppers can now save nearly $150 on it on Amazon.
The Asus Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 OC Edition is a budget-friendly option, priced at $239.99. It features a dual-fan setup for efficient cooling and reliable performance, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious buyers. For a bit more, the Zotac GeForce RTX 4060 8GB Twin Edge OC White Edition, priced at $320, offers value in the latest Nvidia GeForce series. It comes with a similar dual-fan cooling system and overclocking capabilities but wrapped in a unique all-white aesthetic.
For a slightly higher performance at a mid-range price, the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 Ti GAMING OC 16G is available for $409.99. It features a triple-fan design for better cooling and is an ideal choice for those seeking a balance between cost and capability. The Asus ROG Strix RTX 4070 Ti OC 12G, based on the latest higher-end Nvidia GPU, priced at $910, on the other hand, caters to high-end performance needs. This powerful graphics card ensures smooth gameplay even when playing demanding and most recent games.
Best AMD Radeon GPU Deals
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SHOWKINGS Radeon RX 580 8GB Graphics Card
$110 $120 Save $10This Radeon graphics card is by far the most affordable on the list, and great for beginner and young gamers building their own gaming setups. The GPU is part of the 2017 lineup, so it doesn't have the newest technologies but can still play games decently. The price is further dropped now with a coupon applicable at checkout.
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XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX 6600 CORE
$230 $280 Save $50While twice the price of the RX 580, this RX 6600 takes major leaps in performance as well. The FXF Speedster SWFT 210 is one of the more affordable options in the RX 6600 lineup. With a nice $60 discount now on Amazon, this capable mid-range graphics card is selling for just $229.99.
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ASRock Challenger Radeon RX 7800 XT OC
$500 $670 Save $170The AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT is among the top contenders for the best-performing graphics cards on the market. It is an excellent value option for near-top-tier gaming setups. Now on Amazon, this ASRock Challenger Radeon RX 7800 XT OC GPU is selling at a $170 discount, so grab one now.
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Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT GPU
$730 $830 Save $100One of the most powerful graphics cards currently available is available at a significant discount. The demand for top-tier GPUs is high, so discounts of this magnitude are rare. Now in addition to the $100 off deal, Amazon is offering a coupon that adds another $20 discount on the checkout.
The Showkings Radeon RX 580 8GB is by far the most budget-friendly option on the list, priced at just $110. Although lacking the latest technologies, the GPU can still perform decently on lower-tier setups. An additional coupon at checkout makes this even more accessible. For those willing to invest a bit more, the XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX 6600 CORE is available at $229.99. It offers a significant upgrade in performance and is currently offered with a $60 discount, making it one of the best mid-range options.
In the higher performance bracket, the ASRock Challenger Radeon RX 7800 XT OC is a great choice. It is priced at $499.99 with a $170 discount. It's a newer, and much more powerful Radeon series card, providing excellent value for higher-end gaming setups. For the ultimate in gaming power in the AMD lineup, the Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT GPU is currently on offer for $730. Those who are looking for a GPU for a top-tier setup might want to consider this deal.
FAQ
Q: What are the best graphics cards?
The most powerful graphics cards currently are GeForce RTX 4090 on the Nvidia side and Radeon RX 7900 XTX from AMD. However, depending on the gaming setup, the most powerful graphics card is not always the right choice.
Q: What is RTX or ray tracing?
RTX is Nvidia's branding for a line of products with hardware support for a ray tracing feature. While the lighting effect can be used with non-RTX graphics cards, the RTX cards are better suited for it and offer better performance.
Q: Does AMD CPU support Nvidia GPU?
Typically, AMD CPUs support all graphics cards, whether it is from AMD or Nvidia. However, features such as AMD Smart Access Memory might enhance the experience on a dual AMD setup.