Introduction
Since the release of the RTX 4000 and Radeon 7000 series of graphics cards, the pricing paradigm has shifted significantly, with the prices of most pre-existing cards changing as a result. Because of this, now seems like a better time than ever to establish what GPUs sit within each price range, as you might be surprised with the type of graphics card you can pick up for a gaming PC build.
For example, if you have $500 to spend on a GPU, there are plenty of high-quality options that have dropped into this price point, along with strong mainstays that are still worth considering.
Suggested Article: Best GPUs to Buy Under $400 in 2023
In this buyers guide, we’re taking a look at the best graphics card you can pick up for less than $500. At this price point, consumers can expect high-quality gaming performance at 1080p and 1440p, so we’ll make sure to include a number of options capable of such a feat.
Our Recommendations
1. Intel ARC A770
👑 The best budget graphics card under $500.
Introduction
So, hear us out. We know that Intel’s first-generation of ARC series graphics cards have been received poorly due to their inability to compete with AMD and Nvidia’s offerings, as well as a number of technical issues. However, Intel have been working hard to address these issues to provide early adopters of their new venture with the best gaming experience possible. As a result, their offerings are now much better at providing strong framerates at 1080p and 1440p that can give AMD and Nvidia a run for their money.
Out of all the GPUs within Intel’s line-up, the A770 is one of the strongest in terms of performance and value. For mid-range gamers looking to pick up a sleek-looking GPU well below the $500 mark, then the ARC A770 is a strong alternative that looks to break through the market’s current duology. With clock speeds up to 2.4GHz, and 16GB of VRAM, this card will have no issues running games at 1080p, along with solid 1440p performance in select titles.
Key Specs
| Spec | Intel ARC A770 |
|---|---|
| Base Clock (GHz): | 2.10 |
| Boost Clock (GHz): | 2.40 |
| Memory Size: | 16GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6 |
| Intel Architecture: | Xe-HPG (Alchemist) |
| Variable Rate Shading: | Yes |
| Ray-Tracing: | Yes |
| PCI Express Gen 4: | Yes |
| Graphics Card Power (W) | 225 |
| Required/Recommended System Power (W) | 550 |
Things We Like
16GB video memory: This GPU has plenty of VRAM, which means users of this card won’t experience some of the performance issues that have plagued a lot of the cards that have recently released.
Affordable price point: In order to convince gamers to pick up this card, Intel priced the ARC A770 quite low compared to the rest of the market. As a result, this is a good option for those wanting the most from limited funds.
Things We Don’t Like
A work in progress: Whilst the improvements made have already made Intel’s ARC series a much better proposition compared to when they first launch, the overall architecture and design needs developing further to match that of AMD and Nvidia.
Production has been discontinued: Due to its rough launch, these cards are no longer being produced. Therefore, the limited stock left could make this GPU difficult to find at retail prices.
Summary
For punters willing to take a risk on their GPU to save some cash, then the Intel ARC A770 could be worth the gamble. Since the rough launch, Intel have put in the work to make this card, alongside others within the ARC series, perform to the expected levels of a mid-range GPU. Because of this, gamers can now expect strong framerates at 1080p and 1440p when slotting this card into their build.
Features: 3.8/5
Design: 4.2/5
Performance: 3.6/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Pros
- Good value offering
- Sophisticated look
- 16GB VRAM
Cons
- Still needs development
- Limited availability
Where to Buy
Buy the Intel ARC A770 on:
2. AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT
👑 The best value graphics card under $500.
Introduction
Moving onto a slightly more conventional pick, our next recommendation is AMD’s Radeon RX 6750 XT. Recently, we’ve gone on record to state that the RX 6750 XT is the best graphics card money can buy in 2023, as it provides exceptional value for money. Acting as the prime example for the recent Radeon 6000 series price drops, this GPU now sits comfortably below $500, granting gamers access to reliable 1440p gameplay.
With a base clock speed of 2.15GHz and boost clock of 2.6GHz, this GPU has plenty of gusto to when running all the latest titles. On top of this, the 12GB VRAM means this GPU won’t have the problems found on the recently released budget-friendly cards, which struggle to handle the demands of graphically-intense games at higher settings. Because of this, the RX 6750 XT is a worthwhile investment that will be able to run a plethora of games for years to come.
Key Specs
| Spec | AMD RX 6750 XT (Founders) |
|---|---|
| Base Clock (GHz): | 2.15 |
| Boost Clock (GHz): | 2.60 |
| Memory Size: | 12GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6 |
| AMD Architecture: | RDNA 2 |
| AMD FSR: | Yes |
| AMD Super Resolution: | Yes |
| AMD Radeon Software: | Yes |
| PCI Express Gen 4: | Yes |
| Graphics Card Power (W) | 250 |
| Required/Recommended System Power (W) | 650 |
Things We Like
Ideal for 1440p gaming: This GPU is a natural fit for gaming at 1440p, producing competitive framerates in a myriad of the latest and greatest releases.
Excellent value for money: For gamers wanting the best bang for their buck, then look no further than the RX 6750 XT. This solid mid-range GPU sits at a price that competes with significantly less powerful cards, making it a no-brainer for those wanting the best performance on a budget.
Things We Don’t Like
Old architecture: Whilst some of the performance of this older GPU surprisingly eclipses the new generation alternatives, the RDNA 2 architecture does limit performance. For example, Ray-Tracing is significantly weaker compared to the current-gen hardware.
Not ideal for 4K gaming: Whilst it offers strong performance at 1440p, 4K gaming is a push too far for this GPU. Though it is possible to play games at 4K, it fails to offer the high framerates required to get the best out of your build.
Summary
When it comes to value, the RX 6750 XT is simply the best graphics cards you can buy right now. For below $400, in most cases, consumers are granted access to stellar 1440p gaming performance in a plethora of the latest titles. Despite being from a slightly older generation of hardware, this GPU is often a better bet than the current-gen alternatives, mainly due to the 12GB of VRAM making it better equipped for demanding games.
Features: 4/5
Design: 4.2/5
Performance: 4.2/5
Value for Money: 4.5/5
Pros
- Solid at 1440p
- 12GB VRAM
- Incredible value
Cons
- Older design
- Doesn’t run well at 4K
Where to Buy
Buy the AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT on:
3. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070
👑 The best wildcard graphics card under $250.
Introduction
Next up, we have another graphics card that is tailored towards 1440p gaming, enter Nvidia’s RTX 3070! As one of the mid-tier offerings from the RTX 30 series, this card is one of many to have dropped down in price since the arrival of the RTX 40 series cards. Because of this, the RTX 3070 now sits within the $500 price range, making it a tantalising option for anyone interested in pushing their system to the limits.
In terms of gaming performance, this GPU is more of a natural at 1440p, but it can dabble into the world of 4K when required. This is rather surprising when looking at this card on paper, as the 8GB VRAM, 1.5GHz base clock, and 1.73GHz boost clock speeds wouldn’t suggest this card is well-prepared for 4K. However, the presence of DLSS provides a significant boost to visual fidelity without taking a heavy toll on framerates, making this card’s output extremely efficient.
Key Specs
| Spec | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|
| Base Clock (GHz): | 1.5 |
| Boost Clock (GHz): | 1.73 |
| Memory Size: | 8GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6 |
| NVIDIA Architecture: | Ampere |
| NVIDIA DLSS: | 2.0 |
| NVIDIA Frame Gen: | No |
| NVIDIA Reflex: | Yes |
| PCI Express Gen 4: | Yes |
| Graphics Card Power (W) | 220 |
| Required/Recommended System Power (W) | 650 |
Things We Like
Entry-level 4K gaming: If you’re interested in dipping your toe into 4K gaming, alongside higher framerates at 1440p for competitive titles, then the RTX 3070 gives you the best of both worlds.
DLSS 2.0 enabled: Nvidia’s Ampere architecture significantly boosts the performance of this card, with the DLSS 2.0 technology providing huge improvements to both framerates and visual quality.
Things We Don’t Like
Has been replaced by newer model: The arrival of the RTX 4070 earlier this year makes this the first GPU in this roundup to be replaced by a current-gen design. Therefore, you may want to consider the newer model instead.
Higher price point: Compared to the previous entries, this graphics card is much closer to the $500 limit. This makes it less than ideal for gamers wanting to keep costs down when building or upgrading their PC.
Summary
If the prospect of 4K gaming intrigues you, the RTX 3070 is a great gateway into the realms of stunning environments and in-game details. Whilst this graphics card is more suited to 1440p gaming, the Ampere architecture means this card can be pushed up to the higher resolutions when required. And with the recent drop in price, this GPU can easily be found for under our $500 limit.
Features: 4.3/5
Design: 4.2/5
Performance: 4.3/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Pros
- Good entry into 4K gaming
- Includes DLSS
- Strong 1440p performance
Cons
- RTX 4000 version available
- Close to $500 limit
Where to Buy
Buy the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 on:
4. AMD Radeon RX 6800
👑 The best high-end graphics card under $500.
Introduction
To finish on a high note, we have the AMD Radeon RX 6800. Another AMD graphics card to be knocked down in price by quite some margin, this is a great choice for anyone that wants a performance level above the what’s available on the RX 6750 XT. As a slightly higher-end design, this GPU is capable of running games at either 1440p or 4K, with varying degrees of quality depending on the game being played.
The main advantage this GPU has over the alternatives within the same price point is the 16GB VRAM. This increase dosage of memory allows the RX 6800 to process and render the dense environments and vivid details of games with greater efficiency, making it better equipped to handle the increasing demands of triple-A blockbusters. Paired with sufficient clock speeds and AMD’s FSR technology, this is another GPU that offers great value to mid-range gamers.
Key Specs
| Spec | AMD RX 6800 (Founders) |
|---|---|
| Base Clock (GHz): | 1.7 |
| Boost Clock (GHz): | 2.1 |
| Memory Size: | 16GB |
| Memory Type: | GDDR6 |
| AMD Architecture: | RDNA 2 |
| AMD FSR: | Yes |
| AMD Super Resolution: | Yes |
| AMD Radeon Software: | Yes |
| PCI Express Gen 4: | Yes |
| Graphics Card Power (W) | 250 |
| Required/Recommended System Power (W) | 650 |
Things We Like
Decent 4K performance: Alongside competitive framerates at 1440p, gamers can dial up the resolution to 4K without having to sacrifice performance.
Good value for money: Like most of AMD’s RX 6000 series GPUs, a recent drop in price has made this design a great price-to-performance offering compared to the rest of the market.
Things We Don’t Like
Higher price point: In a similar fashion to the RTX 3070, this graphics card is fairly close to the $500 limit. Whilst the performance justifies this, some price-conscious buyers may want to look at other options.
Inconsistent framerates: Though this GPU is capable of running at both 1440p and 4K, the results can vary depending on the game being played. With 4K in particular, this card struggles to maintain high frames.
Summary
For gamers wanting the best performing graphics card for under $500, look no further than AMD’s Radeon RX 6800. With the ability to run games well at both 1440p and 4K, users will be able to experience all the latest titles with enhanced visuals while keeping the gameplay as smooth as possible.
Features: 4.2/5
Design: 4.2/5
Performance: 4.6/5
Value for Money: 4.6/5
Pros
- Performs well at 4K
- Good value for money
- Excellent for 1440p gaming
Cons
- Close to $500 limit
- Varied performance at 4K
Where to Buy
Buy the AMD Radeon RX 6800 on:
Is 1080p or 1440p Better for Gaming?
For budget and mid-range PC gamers, one of the biggest decision to make is what resolution to use when playing your favourite games. Whilst this choice can be made on a case-by-case basis, you will have to make sure that your gaming monitor is powerful enough to display the desired output, which can be quite tricky on a budget. Ultimately, the better resolution to suit your needs will depend on a number of factors, including the type of games you play, budget, and whether performance or visual fidelity is the most important aspect to your gaming experience.
For example, 1440p is often a more popular choice amongst mid-range consumers, as they can afford to enhance gaming visuals due to the less significant drop in framerates when their GPUs are running at a higher resolution. However, gamers with a more budget-friendly build will struggle to get consistent performance at 1440p, making 1080p the better option.
That being said, 1080p has more advantages than just being cheaper. For competitive gamers, it’s much easier to hit very high framerates, making 240FPS gameplay a strong possibility. Although, it will require a hefty chunk of cash, which could persuade gamers to just bump up their resolution instead.
Overall, both 1080p and 1440p have their benefits. 1080p is still a strong choice for competitive gamers or those on a budget. However, RPG gamers and fans of story-driven titles will see the value of 1440p gaming, as they provide a great balance between visual fidelity and performance.
Are GPUs Under $500 Worth It?
In short, yes. Luckily, there are lots of great graphics card available at various price points, especially with many of the previous-gen offerings dropping in price recently. For under $500, gamers should have no problems picking up a GPU that can run all the latest and greatest games at 1080p, and even 1440p. 4K gaming is more of a stretch at this price point, but as seen in our recommendations, not completely out of the equation.
This wide range of versatility at a fairly reasonable price point gives consumers plenty of options. Whether you want a card that can provide stratospheric framerates at 1080p, or enjoy high-quality 4K gameplay that is slightly above the 60FPS on most consoles, $500 should be enough to unlock these performance parameters. Because of this, $500 is certainly enough to spend on a GPU for your next gaming rig.
Why You Can Trust Us
When forging a list of recommendations for a buyers guide, or evaluating a product for a review, the GeekaWhat team are always working with the latest hardware to see how they match up to the rest of the market. During this process, we give our honest opinions to provide our audience with the best advice possible when browsing for a new product for their gaming setup.
If you want to learn more, either about our team of PC gaming and hardware experts or editorial promise, head over to the about us section.
How We Tested the Best GPUs Under $500
In order to test and evaluate the best GPUs under $500, there are a number of factors that we take into account, these are:
- Performance
- Thermals
- Aesthetic
- Value for Money
Conclusion
Best GPU Under $500: AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT
Whilst there are plenty of great options for GPUs at this price point, our clear winner is the RX 6750 XT. As arguably the best value GPU on the market full stop, the 6750 XT provides excellent gaming performance at 1080p and 1440p, all for a price well below $500.
Read our best AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT GPUs roundup, or Buy the AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Intel ARC GPUs Worth It?
Intel’s ARC GPUs are definitely a risk compared to the more established AMD and Nvidia cards. However, they are constantly improving and offer great value for money.
Are AMD GPUs Better than Nvidia?
Not really. Whilst one the whole, AMD’s graphics card currently offer a better price to performance ratio, there are a number of Nvidia graphics cards that can outperform their AMD equivalents.
Is 4K Gaming Possible on a $500 GPU?
Yes. There are a number of GPUs, such as the RTX 3070 and RX 6800, that can run games at 4K. However, the performance can be restricted and inconsistent.
Is DLSS Better than FSR?
Generally speaking, DLSS is better than FSR due to its superior latency and visual quality when activated. However, FSR is slowly improving and will still provide performance enhancements while gaming.
