BEST Graphics Cards For 1440p [Top Rated 2023]

1440p has cemented itself as the perfect resolution for most gamers, often being hailed as the sweet spot between 1080p and 4k. It manages to straddle the ideal middle ground between decent visual fidelity and performance while also being on the more affordable side. Its balanced nature means the demand for 1440p cards is higher than ever. That is why I have compiled a list comprising the Best 1440p Graphics Cards to help you choose from the best-possible offerings from both AMD and NVIDIA.

Take a look at our Best 1440p Graphics Cards selection here; you can see the comparison, type, and the GPU target user:

Last update on 2023-12-13

NVIDIA and AMD have rigorously competed in the GPU market, gunning for the top spot with every major graphics card release. Thanks to that, a plethora of capable 1440p graphics cards have emerged over the last couple of years, giving gamers a lot of options to choose from.

Best 1440p Graphics Cards

Here are my recommendations for the Best 1440p Graphics Cards.

1. ASUS TUF Gaming OC GeForce RTX 4070 12 GB
2. XFX Speedster MERC 310 AMD RX 7900 XT
3. MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti 12GB
4. Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4090 Gaming OC
5. XFX Speedster MERC 308 Radeon RX 6650 XT

ASUS TUF Gaming OC GeForce RTX 4070 12 GB

Best NVIDIA Graphics Card For 1440p Gaming

Dimensions: 301 x 139 x 63 mm | Video Memory: 12GB GDDR6X | Core Count: 5888 | Boost Clock: 2580MHz | Power Connectors: 1 x 8-pin | RGB: Yes | Display Outputs: 1 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a | Recommended PSU: 650W

Representing the mid-range price bracket, NVIDIA’s XX70-series cards have become a staple in the PC gaming community thanks to their ability to strike the perfect balance between price and performance. Fortunately, the same can also be said for the latest iteration of the 40-series card, the GeForce RTX 4070, which one-ups its predecessor in almost every category, making it an ideal pick for 1440p gaming.

ASUS’ take on the GeForce RTX 4070 with their TUF series, in particular, makes for an enticing option thanks to its excellent cooling solution, which incorporates an axial tech fan design, a vented exoskeleton as well as military-grade 20k capacitors.

As far as the specifications are concerned, the ASUS TUF Gaming OC GeForce RTX 4070 is equipped with 12 gigabytes of blistering fast GDDR6X memory. Additionally, you also get 5880 CUDA cores, a boost clock speed of 2580 MHz, and a decent VRM configuration.

While the upgrades over the Founders edition card of the GeForce RTX 4070 are apparent, my tests revealed a negligible performance gain compared to the Founders edition. Of course, that was expected, considering the slight increase in boost clock speeds. Moving on to the power delivery, ASUS has also packed the TUF Gaming OC GeForce RTX 4070 with a 10+2 phase VRM setup, each phase rated at 50A. 

It goes without saying that the 12-phase VRM setup guarantees decent overclocking; however, that fact is further reinforced by its maximum power limit of 208W. It is worth noting that its maximum power limit is still slightly lower than the founder’s edition variant. The ASUS TUF Gaming OC GeForce RTX 4070 also benefits from features exclusive to the 40-series cards, including frame generation, DLSS 3.0, and 3rd gen ray tracing cores.

Of course, all of its performance means it will be consuming a decent chunk of power. ASUS recommends a 650W power supply for the  TUF Gaming OC GeForce RTX 4070. It is also worth mentioning that it occupies three slots in your system, which has become the standard for mid-range GPUs.

What We Liked

The ASUS TUF Gaming OC GeForce RTX 4070 12GB ranks among the best NVIDIA 1440p GPU thanks to its excellent performance in both traditionally rasterized and ray-traced titles. 

What We Disliked

Although the feature set of the ASUS TUF GeForce Gaming OC RTX 4070 is nothing to scoff at, NVIDIA has still not conformed to DisplayPort 2.0 standards, which is a bit disappointing. Moreover, its price is not exactly its strong suit, soaring far above what one might call “affordable”.

Who Is It For?

Despite enthusiasts’ apparent disdain over the hiked-up prices from NVIDIA, the ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 12GB is definitely a one-of-a-kind GPU designed explicitly for anyone who intends on gaming at 1440p at the highest graphical settings.

What Makes It The Best NVIDIA Graphics Card For 1440p Gaming?

Overall, the ASUS TUF Gaming OC GeForce RTX 4070 12GB’s outstanding specifications, coupled with a 12-phase VRM setup, make it the Best NVIDIA Graphics Card For 1440p.

• BEST RTX 4070 Graphics Cards

XFX Speedster MERC 310 AMD RX 7900 XT

Best AMD Graphics Card For 1440p Gaming

Dimensions: 344 x 128 x 55 mm | Video Memory: 20 GB GDDR6 | Core Count: 5376 | Boost Clock: 2535MHz | Power Connectors: 2 x 8-pin | RGB: No | Display Outputs: 1 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 | Recommended PSU: 750W

For anyone not interested in team green’s offerings, AMD has also assembled a formidable arsenal of graphics cards that are capable of 1440p gaming. The most notable among these graphics cards is the XFX Speedster MERC 310 AMD RX 7900 XT, a high-end 7000-series offering.

Packed with 20 GB of GDDR6 Video Memory, 5376 streaming processors, and a modest boost clock speed of 2535 MHz, it provides all the bells and whistles needed for 1440p gaming at the highest graphical settings.

On a design level, the XFX Speedster MERC 310 AMD RX 7900 XT seems to appear almost identical to the 6000-series variant of the MERC 310; however, the backplate has received a visual overhaul, now coming enveloped in a silver finish. Further complimenting its metallic look is the backlit RGB logo on the top, which is also going to be your only source of lighting on the card since RGB is entirely absent.

Design aside; real-world performance is where the XFX Speedster MERC 310 AMD RX 7900 XT truly shines. In addition to being capable of 1440p gaming, it also gives users the ability to crank the resolution all the way up to 4K, that too at the highest settings. High refresh rate gaming, on the other hand, is also entirely achievable with the XFX Speedster MERC 310 AMD RX 7900 XT. In my testing, the card excelled at providing a stable 1440p gaming experience. 

Moreover, XFX has not completely glanced over the power delivery either, equipping the MERC 310 AMD RX 7900 XT with a 10+3+1 phase design. The power delivery is backed up by XFX’s Ghost Thermal solution, which includes 20 thermal pads, a vapor chamber heatsink, and double ball-bearing fans.

Much like the rest of the cards in the lineup, you also get a dual-bios switch with the XFX Speedster MERC 310 Radeon RX 7900 XT, giving users the option to switch between two separate modes manually. Lastly, XFX has included a total of three display ports along with a single HDMI 2.1 connection, which is fairly standard for a modern GPU.

What We Liked

Given the VRAM-intensive nature of modern triple-A titles, the 20 GB of GDDR6 VRAM of the XFX Speedster MERC 310 AMD RX 7900 XT is definitely going to come in handy. Additionally, the rest of its specifications also combine together to guarantee a smooth 1440p experience.

What We Disliked

While the XFX Speedster MERC 310 AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT certainly delivers on most of its promises, its high power consumption and the higher overall price tag can make it a deal-breaker for some. 

Who Is It For?

The XFX Speedster MERC 310 AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT is designed for people interested in getting an AMD GPU for 1440p gaming. It comes with enough GPU power to provide a phenomenal experience, often a high refresh-rate one, when paired with an equally capable processor. 

What Makes It The Best AMD Graphics Card For 1440p?

Among its fantastic performance, capable cooling solution, and great design, the XFX Speedster MERC 310 AMD RX 7900 XT possesses all the attributes to make it the Best AMD Graphics Card For 1440p Gaming.

• Best RX 7900 XT Graphics Cards
• Best CPU For RX 7900 XT

MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti 12GB

Best Graphics Card For 1440p 144Hz

Dimensions: 337 x 140 x 62 mm | Video Memory: 12 GB GDDR6X | Core Count: 7680 | Boost Clock: 2745MHz | Power Connectors: 2 x 8-pin | RGB: Yes | Display Outputs: 1 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 | Recommended PSU: 700W

MSI is a pioneer in the PC gaming sphere, responsible for manufacturing some of the highest-quality GPUs available. Their dedication has propelled them to an astounding degree of relevance, allowing them to become a prevalent brand that continues to dominate the industry with each new product.

The MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti 12GB is MSI’s latest RTX 4070 card, aimed at the mid to higher-end segment of the market. That said, the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 12GB sits at a peculiar position in the graphic card hierarchy, almost matching the GeForce RTX 3090 in performance while coming at a lower cost.

Before anything, let’s first go over its specifications, which can be the determining factor for most people. The MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti 12GB comes with 12 GB of GDDR6X VRAM, a boost clock speed of 2745 MHz, and 7680 CUDA cores.

Its impressive specifications are also accompanied by MSI’s contemporary card design which exudes performance on every level. The MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 TI 12GB dons a sleek metallic look which is further accentuated by the LED strips present on each side of the front shroud.

MSI’s experience within the industry is further evidenced by the card’s impressive cooling solution, which consists of TRI FROZR 3 thermal design. MSI’s TRI FROZR 3 cooling solution combined their improved TOXR fan 5.0 and their V-shaped fin-stack cutout to deliver the ultimate cooling solution.

Much like the previously mentioned GeForce RTC 4070, the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 TI 12GB is also equipped with a 10+2 power design; however, each phase is rated at 55A. Having said that, the extent of its capabilities stretches beyond gaming at a mere 60fps. The MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti 12GB packs enough GPU horsepower to effortlessly run games at 144fps while also maintaining the 1440p resolution.

Pair the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti 12GB with an equally capable processor such as the i5-13600K, and you will essentially be looking at the best GPU CPU combo for 1440p 144Hz. Lastly, it is worth mentioning that features such as DLSS 3 and dual bios are still present with the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti 12GB.

What We Liked

The MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti boasts remarkable specifications that also translate to compelling real-world performance. That, combined with its outstanding cooling, makes it a recommended GPU for gaming at 1440p at 144 fps.

What We Disliked

Much like the rest of the 4000-series cards from NVIDIA, the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 TI 12GB also lacks display port 2.0 support.

Who Is It For?

In addition to making for a suitable pick for 1440p gaming, the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 12GB also allows users to crank visual settings to the highest while providing a high refresh rate experience.

What Makes It The Best Graphics Card For 1440p 144Hz?

In all of my tests, the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti provided solid performance while also maintaining low noise levels. All of the previously mentioned highlights combined with its ability to churn out incredible frame rates at 1440p make it the Best Graphics Card For 1440p 144Hz.

• Best RTX 4070 Ti Graphics Cards

Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4090 Gaming OC

Best Graphics Card For 1440p 240hz

Dimensions: 340 x 150 x 75 mm | Video Memory: 24 GB GDDR6X | Core Count: 16384 | Boost Clock: 2535MHz | Power Connectors: 1 x 16-pin | RGB: Yes | Display Outputs: 1 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4 | Recommended PSU: 1000W

If you weren’t satisfied with a 144 hz experience, then taking things up a notch to 240Hz will require a lot more GPU power. That is exactly where the Gigabyte GeForce RTC 4090 Gaming OC comes into play. Representing the flagship tier of graphics cards, the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4090 OC is an enthusiast-grade offering designed to deliver the highest level of performance.

While its capabilities allow it to perform exceptionally in 4K resolution, opting for 1440p at 240 Hz is also a viable route to consider. The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4090 OC comes with a staggering core count of 16384, which is by far the highest I have seen on any GPU. Furthermore, you also get a whopping 24 GB of GDDR6X memory along with a boost clock speed of 2535 MHz.

Thankfully, Gigabyte has not skimped out on its cooling solution either. The GeForce RTX 4090 Gaming OC uses Gigabyte’s Windforce cooling system, comprising three 110mm fans, 10 copper heat pipes, and an extended heatsink.

The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4090 Gaming OC comes with a 20+4 phase VRM design, with a phase rated of 50A, which is a slight downgrade over the founder’s edition. However, overclocking should be possible, especially taking its maximum power limit of 600W into consideration. Speaking of power, NVIDIA recommends a 1000W PSU for the GeForce RTX 4090.

RGB components, on the other hand, are also in place with the inclusion of an LED ring surrounding each 110mm fan on the front shroud. Furthermore, the Gigabyte logo on the top of the card also lights up. Naturally, all of the RGB can be controlled using Gigabyte’s RGB fusion software.

During my testing, the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4090 Gaming OC 24G showed significant gains over the GeForce RTX 3090. With a respectable 3DMARK FireStrike score of 85016, its performance gains over the competition are evident.  It is clear that NVIDIA has spared no expense when it comes to the GeForce RTX 4090, equipping it with every feature possible. That includes a dual bios switch to conveniently switch between separate OC modes, a power indicator, and a 3D active fan for passive cooling. 

Also inconspicuously tucked away in the box is an anti-sag bracket to hold the weight of this behemoth of a card. Speaking of its weight, the card will require four slots in your system for installation.

What We Liked

The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4090 Gaming OC’s huge memory capacity of 24 GB, incredible performance, and excellent cooling capabilities allow it to rank among the fastest graphics cards to have come out in recent years.

What We Disliked

All of that added GPU horsepower is inevitably going to leave a dent in your pockets. Not only that, but its absurd dimensions do somewhat limit PC case compatibility.

Who Is It For?

If otherworldly gaming performance, blistering fast clock speeds, and exceptional cooling capabilities are all attributes you are looking for in a graphics card, then the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4090 OC is going to make for the perfect graphics card for you.

What Makes It The Best Graphics Card For 1440p 240hz?

The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4090 Gaming OC is instilled with an insurmountable amount of power, emerging as the go-to choice for anyone looking to game at 1440p 240hz. I have deemed it the Best Graphics Card For 1440p 240hz for its unmatched performance.

• Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4090 Gaming OC Review
• Best RTX 4090 Graphics Cards
• Best CPU For RTX 4090

XFX Speedster MERC 308 Radeon RX 6650 XT

Best Value Graphics Card For 1440p

Dimensions: 274 x 114 x 50 mm | Video Memory: 8 GB GDDR6 | Core Count: 2048 | Boost Clock: 2694 MHz| Power Connectors: 1 x 8-pin | RGB: No | Display Outputs: 1 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4 | Recommended PSU: 600W

If the absurd price of any of my previous picks was a bit too much for you, then the XFX Speedster MERC 308 RX 6650 XT might be more in line with your budget. While the middling position of the RX 6650XT might paint it as an entry-level card, its specifications and real-world performance prove otherwise. 

With a boost clock speed of 2694 MHz and 2048 streaming processors under its belt, the XFX Speedster MERC 310 is more than capable of 1440p gaming. Having said that, you might need to fine-tune your graphical settings a bit in order to achieve that. Despite its capabilities, most people will be more inclined to deem it as the minimum GPU for 1440p, since its performance falls pale in comparison to all of the previous picks.

The biggest discrepancy of the Speedster MERC 308 RX 6650XT comes down to its memory configuration, which consists of 8 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 128-bit wide bus. Apart from that, the XFX Speedster MERC 309 RX 6650XT presents itself in a distinct black aesthetic, which is similar to the ones seen on the rest of the lineup. However, any kind of RGB lighting is missing with this variant.

Power delivery is handled through the single 8-pin connection on the side, and the selection of display port has also been kept fairly standard for the most part. It is worth mentioning that the XFX Speedster MERC 308 6650XT is not as power-hungry as its competition, requiring a 650W PSU to run properly.

What We Liked

Our tests proved that the XFX Speedster MERC 308 stands out for its unmatched price-to-performance ratio. Despite being slightly older, it manages to hold its own against modern cards, performing adequately in triple-A titles.

What We Disliked

Although the XFX Speedster MERC 308 is capable of gaming at 1440p, its limited memory setup of 8 GB might result in a degraded experience in some titles.

Who Is It For?

While it may not have been the best value when it came out, the recent price cuts coupled with the mediocre performance of the latest entry-level cards present the XFX Speedster MERC 308 RX 6650XT as an excellent 1440p card for budget gamers.

What Makes It The Best Value Graphics Card For 1440p?

When it comes to value picks, AMD seems to always come out on top, and the AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT is no different in this aspect. Its sheer value alone has given it the title of the Best Value Graphics Card For 1440p.

• RTX 2070 Vs RX 6650 XT

Important GPU Key Terms

1. VRAM: Video RAM or VRAM is the memory installed onto a graphics card used for processing graphically-intensive data. GDDR6 is the latest iteration in VRAM technology.
2. Clock Speeds: Clock speed or GPU core clock is an accurate measurement of the speed of your graphics card. In other words, it determines the number of execution cycles a GPU can perform.
3. Power Limit: GPU power limit refers to the amount of power a graphics card can consume. The power limit for a GPU is set by a manufacturer and can be typically found in the GPU’s BIOS.
4. VRM: The Voltage Regulator Module is a component responsible for maintaining a stable flow of voltage to your graphics card.
5. TDP: Not to be confused with power consumption, the thermal Design Power refers to the maximum amount of heat that can be generated by a GPU.
6. Overclocking: The act of supplying your card with more power to achieve higher boost clock speeds is known as overclocking. Generally, overclocking results in a performance increase; however, the overclocking potential of your card depends on multiple factors, including VRM, cooling, and power limits.

Gaming Benchmarks Of The Best 1440p Graphics Cards

Every graphics card present on this list is capable of 1440p gaming. In order to reinforce this fact and give you an idea about the selected cards’ performance, here are a few benchmarks of the Best 1440p Graphics Cards. The following benchmarks cover some of the latest triple-A of recent years, proving to be a valid source for accurately measuring every card’s performance.

1080p vs 1440p vs 4k GPU Use

1080p GPU Use	1440p GPU Use	4K GPU Use
GPU Usage is lower for the most part	GPU usage is comparatively higher than 1080p	Highest GPU usage out of the three resolutions.
Less usage, so more performance	Increased usage, so slightly less performance	Highest GPU usage, so decreased performance
Requires an entry-level GPU	Requires a mid-tier GPU	Requires a higher-end GPU

It comes as no surprise that the GPU demand escalates proportionally with the increase in resolution. This inherent proportionality between GPU usage and resolution means going up to a higher resolution will require a lot more GPU power. While most gamers might be content with 1080p as their preferred resolution, those that intend on going up to 1440p will have to invest a bit more in their GPU.

To put it simply, the differences in usage mean running games at 1080p will only require an entry-level graphics card; however, scaling things up to 1440p will require a mid-tier one instead. 4K, on the other hand, is a completely different beast, requiring a top-of-the-line GPU just to maintain a stable 60fps.

GPU usage undeniably varies depending on the resolution of your choice. That said, recent leaps in GPU performance have not been in vain, allowing users to crank things up to 4K with cards such as the GeForce RTX 4080 and 4090. Naturally, cards that can handle 4K are extremely expensive, which is expected.

Check Out More Resolutions:

• Best Graphics Card For 1080p
• Best Graphics Card For 4K

1080p vs 1440p GPU Temperature

1080p GPU Temperature	1440p GPU Temperature
Lower usage means lower overall temperatures	Higher usage means higher overall temperatures
A high-end cooling solution is not required for 1080p	Requires a beefier cooler
No need to underclock your GPU	Might have to underclock your GPU to achieve lower temperatures

Since 1440p is a more demanding resolution, you might notice a spike in GPU temperatures going up from 1080p to 1440p. However, that will only be the case if you are not already utilizing your GPU at its maximum potential at 1080p. Furthermore, as long as your GPU comes with decent cooling capabilities, you should not really be affected by issues such as thermal throttling.

That said, there are quite a few workarounds for the higher overall temperatures. Locking your FPS at the refresh rate of your monitor is one of the easiest methods to avoid higher GPU temperatures. If that is not your preferred method, then opting for lower graphical presets can also help reduce the strain on your GPU, ultimately reducing GPU temperatures at 1440p.

Anyone really struggling with maintaining safe temperatures at 1440p can also choose to underclock your GPU in order to achieve lower temperatures. It is worth mentioning that my testing of multiple cards only revealed a slight difference in temperatures when going from 1080p to 1440p. 

How We Selected These Graphics Cards

Selecting the right graphics card is an important task. Therefore, I scrutinized my list of the best graphics card for 1440p based on the following factors. You should also consider these factors whenever you’re buying a graphics card.

Also Read: How We Test Graphics Cards

VRM and Power Limit

The voltage regulator module is an important component used to manage the voltage of any electrical component. Graphics cards are no different in this case, utilizing multi-phase VRM setups to ensure a stable flow of voltage. Much like the VRM, the power limit is also an important factor in determining the overclocking potential of your card. 

Graphics cards that come with a limited power limit are bound to lack overclocking potential, being limited to overclocking of a certain degree. That said, manufacturers can choose to increase the power limit of a card as long it comes with a cooler capable of withstanding higher temperatures.

Also Read: How To Disable GPU Overclocking?

Aesthetics and Build Quality

While aesthetics are purely subjective in the case of graphics cards, they can be a determining factor when it comes to purchasing one. Factors such as RGB, color, and cooler design can significantly impact the visual appeal of your card, ultimately affecting the look of the entire build.

Once you are done selecting the visual elements of the card, it’s time to take a look at its build quality. A well-built card comes with a robust cooling setup, lower noise levels, and quality-of-life inclusions that help with installation.

Cooler

The card’s cooling system is among the most important factors. Responsible for avoiding thermal throttling issues, a capable cooler gives users the ability to boost to higher clock speeds without running into any temperature issues. 

Ensuring your card comes with a robust cooling solution not only increases overclocking potential but also allows gives you an overall stable experience. While compiling this list, a significant emphasis was placed on the cards’ ability to maintain safe temperatures.

Performance

When it comes to graphics cards, performance is the most crucial aspect for most people, and for good reason. Considering the increased requirements of 1440p, going with a card that delivers on performance will be a must.

Each card on my list demonstrates excellent performance, excelling in their respective categories.

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