Whether you’re building a gaming PC from scratch or upgrading your current setup, there’s a list of absolutely essential core hardware: the monitor, the keyboard, the PC itself (of course). But don’t sleep on the importance of the graphics card. This powerful component is responsible for everything you see when gaming or using the PC in any capacity, and a good graphics card – or, in fact, a dud card – can be the difference between an amazing or lackluster gaming experience.
But finding the right graphics card is sometimes easier said than done. There is so much technology available – all with rapidly accelerating specifications and capabilities – and there is so much to consider in terms of what works for your computer and its compatibility. It’s too easy to get blinded by science and confused by jargon.
Fear not, PC gamers. We can help you get set up with the best graphics cards on the market. And just in case you’re new to the world of PC gaming or need a refresher, we’ve put together a quick guide on everything you need to know, along with a selection of the best graphics cards you can buy right now.
What is a graphics card?
A graphics card, also called a GPU, is one of the most important parts of any PC. It works with the CPU (or processor) to transform data into images. The best graphics cards process data faster and make those images sharper and more realistic. Modern graphics cards are capable of processing incredible 3D images with almost no lag between the commands you physically input with your controller or keyboard and the resulting action on the monitor.
Do you really need a graphics card?
If you’re a reasonably enthusiastic PC gamer, then yes. Gaming is getting more and more sophisticated, with 4K and ray tracing constantly improving, so you’ll need the hardware to keep up. PC gamers are used to regularly upgrading their machines and the graphics card is the key element of next-gen gaming. However, if you only use your computer for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, email, and video streaming, a specialized GPU is probably not necessary.
Are graphics cards just for gamers?
Graphics cards are largely associated with gaming and that’s where most of their power lies. However, graphics cards can also be important to creative professionals and designers, with processing capabilities for video editing and decoding, 3D rendering, and graphic design-based applications. If you’re upgrading your GPU for creative design work, make sure it’s built to handle those tasks. Some graphics cards are just for gaming.
What is VRAM?
You are probably familiar with ordinary RAM (random access memory). VRAM is the equivalent of graphics card (it stands for video random access memory) and is an essential component of the graphics card. It efficiently stores all the data your GPU needs to create images in a “pool”. Different graphics cards have different gigabyte VRAM capacities. A standard 8GB will be enough for 1080p gaming, but you’ll need something more powerful for 4K gaming or tasks like video editing. In this case, look for 16 GB of VRAM or more.
Will all graphics fit on your computer?
Not necessarily. It depends on the size of the PC or laptop. Not to mention the fact that more powerful graphics cards can actually be quite bulky. Be sure to check the measurements before purchasing a GPU, as well as the capacity of your machine. But that’s not the only thing you need to pay attention to when it comes to compatibility. Make sure the PC can meet the power requirements of the GPU (or PSU power to use proper computer jargon) and that the PCle slots are compatible.
What is PCIe?
PCIe stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect Express. In simple terms, it is a connection point to the motherboard and allows high-speed data transfer. In other words, this is the interface where you connect your graphics card. All GPUs listed below are PCIe 5.0, the most advanced version in consumer technology.
Does Nvidia make the best graphics cards?
A quick glance at the online reviews suggests that this is the case. Nvidia GeForce GPUs are leading the pack, certainly in the mid-range and high-end of the market. This doesn’t mean you have to pay a lot of money for the best Nvidia GeForce GPU. Main competitor AMD has some good options, especially at lower prices.
What are third-party graphics cards?
That’s when another manufacturer uses a major brand’s GPU, like Nvidia and AMD, to create their own version. These are perfectly acceptable and, in some cases, more readily available. When Nvidia releases a new product, for example, it can be like gold dust for GPUs. In this case, it is easier to get a third-party version.
What is the best graphics card?
It’s really up to you, based on the specifications and requirements of your PC setup. What we can tell you, however, is that we’ve done the research for you. We scoured the internet and reviews to find the best options for each gamer.
These are the best graphics cards in 2025.
