5 BEST Graphics Cards For 1080p In 2023

Since there are so many graphics card options out there, it is hard to select the best graphics cards for 1080p for novice and experienced builders alike. While 1080p is no longer the most demanding resolution to run, it can still present a challenge if you want to target modern games at high refresh rates. Moreover, it is crucial to consider the aspect of value when it comes to a budget-focused resolution like 1080p.

Here’s a quick look at the best graphics cards for 1080p, alongside a brief comparison of their specs:

Last update on 2023-12-13

Even though 1440p and 4K gaming is all the rage right now, 1080p still remains the dominant resolution in PC gaming by a huge margin. It is the primary resolution of choice for nearly 65% of PC gamers on Steam, according to the recent hardware survey, and thus represents the majority when it comes to gaming resolutions.

Check out similar guides on the best graphics cards for 1440p and the best graphics cards for 4K if you want to explore more options.

Best Graphics Cards for 1080p

Here is a selection of the best graphics cards for 1080p that you can buy right now:

1. XFX Speedster MERC308 RX 6650 XT Black Gaming
2. ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 4070 OC
3. ASUS Dual OC RTX 3060 Ti
4. ASRock Phantom Gaming D RX 6600 XT 8GB
5. MSI VENTUS 2X OC RTX 3050

XFX Speedster MERC308 RX 6650 XT Black Gaming

Best Graphics Card for 1080p 144Hz

Architecture: AMD RDNA 2 | CUDA Cores/SPs: 2048 | Base Clock: 2192 MHz | Boost Clock: 2694 MHz | Memory: 8GB GDDR6 | Bus Width: 128 bit | Recommended Power Supply: 500W | Power Connectors: 1x 8-pin PCIe

AMD’s Radeon division has been known for producing some of the best value offerings in the GPU space over the past decade, and the RX 6000 series was a continuation of that trend. Built on the robust AMD RDNA 2 architecture, the RX 6000 series returned AMD to direct competition with NVIDIA in the mid-range, with the former providing a better value for money at every price point. The RX 6650 XT is one of the best offerings from AMD in that lineup.

The RX 6650 XT delivers superb gaming performance at 1080p resolution, making it one of the strongest contenders at this resolution. This AMD GPU is able to target 1080p 144Hz in most modern gaming scenarios, provided you are willing to tinker with the graphics settings when required. Moreover, the GPU supports AMD’s FidelityFX SuperResolution upscaling technology, which provides an extra boost to framerate with only a minor hit to quality.

Of course, the RX 6650 XT has a plethora of aftermarket variants available, but the XFX Speedster MERC308 RX 6650 XT Black Gaming is my recommendation. Ridiculous name aside, this variant provides excellent cooling performance thanks to the XFX Ghost Thermal solution, despite being on the affordable side in terms of pricing. It does not have a lot of extra bells and whistles, but the core features are acceptable, and the value proposition is quite favorable for a card like the RX 6650 XT, as we noted in our RX 6650 XT vs. RTX 3060 comparison.

The XFX Speedster MERC308 RX 6650 XT boasts a very robust 6+2 phase VRM design that is quite remarkable in its performance and reliability. Coupled with its expanded power limit, the MERC308 is a prime candidate for manual overclocking as well. The 4-piece 6mm nickel-plated copper heat pipes also do an admirable job of heat dissipation, especially since the large copper baseplate makes direct contact with the heat-generating components. 

As mentioned in our RTX 2070 vs. RX 6650 XT comparison piece, the RX 6650 XT also performs admirably in the efficiency department. Thanks to its efficient architecture and conservative power limit, the RX 6650 XT is not a particularly power-hungry card at all. In fact, AMD recommends just a 500W power supply for this graphics card. A single 8-pin PCIe cable is enough to provide all the external power that the RX 6650 XT needs for its operation.

It is hard to find a major flaw with the RX 6650 XT, especially given its affordable price point and superb 1080p performance. The XFX Speedster MERC308 RX 6650 XT does lack a splash of RGB lighting, but that would fall in the realm of nitpicking. Although aesthetics are completely subjective, a splash of RGB lighting would have helped this variant stand out from the crowd. However, the overall package provided by the RX 6650 XT is almost too good to pass up when you look at the big picture.

You can also consider the best RX 7600 graphics cards from the AMD RDNA 3 lineup as an alternative.

What We Liked

1080p Gaming Performance: The RX 6650 XT is great for targeting 1080p 144Hz in the majority of modern games.

Value: The price tag of the RX 6650 XT is rather affordable, making it an excellent value for the money.

What We Disliked

No RGB Lighting: The XFX Speedster MERC308 RX 6650 XT variant lacks RGB lighting, which may be a letdown for some potential users.

Who Is It For?

The AMD RX 6650 XT is ideal for those users who want to target 144 Hz gaming at 1080p resolution.

What Makes It The Best Graphics Card For 1080p 144Hz?

With the ability to run most modern games at 144FPS on 1080p, coupled with AMD FSR and providing excellent value for money, the XFX Speedster MERC308 RX 6650 XT Black Gaming is the best graphics card for 1080p 144Hz.

ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 4070 OC

Best Graphics Card for 1080p 240Hz

Architecture: NVIDIA Ada Lovelace | CUDA Cores/SPs: 5888 | Base Clock: 1920 MHz | Boost Clock: 2580 MHz | Memory: 12GB GDDR6X | Bus Width: 192 bit | Recommended Power Supply: 650W | Power Connectors: 1x 8-pin PCIe

The NVIDIA RTX 4070 stands out as the ultimate graphics card for those seeking unparalleled performance in 1080p gaming, specifically targeting a silky-smooth 240Hz experience. With its impressive performance and exceptional cooling solution, this graphics card truly raises the bar in the realm of high-performance gaming at 1080p.

Designed to target 1440p and even 4K gaming, the RTX 4070 delivers exceptionally fast performance that leaves no room for compromise. Its cutting-edge Ada Lovelace architecture and advanced features ensure that even the most demanding games can be enjoyed at maximum settings without a hitch. The RTX 4070 can effectively target a sky-high framerate of 240 FPS in nearly every modern game out there, provided you are willing to be flexible with the graphics settings. DLSS 3.0 stands out as a key feature of the RTX 4070, leveraging the power of machine-learning Tensor cores to help bring the target of 240 FPS within the realm of reality.

During testing, the RTX 4070 demonstrated very impressive rasterization performance at 1080p, directly competing with the last-gen RTX 3080 and AMD’s RX 6800XT. The apparent advantage of the RTX 4070 becomes even more evident when Ray Tracing is enabled, thanks to its 3rd-Gen RT cores, which offer a noticeable edge over the competition. Of course, the inclusion of DLSS 3.0 further extends its performance lead in select titles, firmly establishing it as the top choice for high-refresh-rate gaming at 1080p.

The RTX 4070 does lag behind the RTX 3080 Ti a bit, as we noted in our RTX 4070 vs. RTX 3080 Ti comparison.

While there are several RTX 4070 variants available on the market, the ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 4070 OC edition stands out. Not only does it provide a relatively affordable option for RTX 4070 buyers, but it also delivers exceptional thermal performance while maintaining a sophisticated design. The TUF Gaming series also has a stellar reputation for reliability and long-term durability, which goes hand-in-hand with the future-proofing aspect of this build.

The TUF Gaming RTX 4070 OC separates itself from the crowd thanks to its superb 13-phase VRM design. The power delivery setup is split into an 11+2 configuration with 50A power stages, giving you complete control over manual overclocking. Coupled with the TUF RTX 4070’s expanded power budget, you can push this card to its limits without worrying about long-term reliability or performance issues.

Efficiency is another interesting aspect of the RTX 4070. At face value, the RTX 4070 seems to be relatively power-hungry for a 1080p graphics card. However, it delivers excellent performance-per-watt when you look beneath the surface. While other graphics cards in the RTX-40 series are notorious for their high power consumption, the RTX 4070 impressively draws only 200W at maximum load. Furthermore, this graphics card doesn’t require a newfangled 16-pin 12VHPWR connector.

While the RTX 4070 undoubtedly offers an exceptional gaming experience, it is worth noting that it comes with a relatively higher price tag. The premium performance and features of this GPU are reflected in its cost, making it an investment for gamers who prioritize top-tier performance and are willing to invest in the future.

What We Liked

Gaming Performance: The RTX 4070 delivers exceptional 1080p gaming performance and can target 240 Hz at 1080p in a majority of modern games.

Lots of VRAM: The RTX 4070 provides 12GB of GDDR6X memory which makes it better for productivity and future-proofing.

What We Disliked

The Price: The RTX 4070 is quite expensive. Be prepared to dent your wallets.

Power Draw: It draws a lot more power than the competition.

Who Is It For?

The NVIDIA RTX 4070 is ideal for those users who want to target 1080p 240Hz in the majority of their games.

What Makes It The Best Graphics Card For 1080p 240Hz?

Thanks to the capability of targeting 240FPS in the majority of modern games at 1080p, having DLSS 3.0 and 12GB VRAM, the ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 4070 OC is the best graphics card for 1080p 240Hz.

Related to the RTX 4070:

• Best RTX 4070 Graphics Cards

ASUS Dual OC RTX 3060 Ti

Best Overall NVIDIA Graphics Card for 1080p

Architecture: NVIDIA Ampere | CUDA Cores/SPs: 4864 | Base Clock: 1410 MHz | Boost Clock: 1710 MHz | Memory: 8GB GDDR6X | Bus Width: 256 bit | Recommended Power Supply: 750W | Power Connectors: 2x 8-pin PCIe

While looking at NVIDIA’s Ampere lineup, the RTX 3060 Ti stands out as the most enticing option for 1080p gaming. While it is a relatively expensive graphics card for 1080p resolution, it still offers very impressive gaming performance at this resolution, with the ability to target high-refresh-rate gaming in most scenarios. Of course, NVIDIA’s unique hardware and software features are an added bonus for RTX 30-series graphics cards.

The RTX 3060 Ti can target 144 FPS in most games at 1080p if the graphics settings are adjusted favorably. Moreover, even though the featured DLSS 2.0 does not support the new frame-gen feature of DLSS 3.0, it is still a very respectable technology that works admirably in most modern games. The 2nd-Gen RT cores are crucial for the remarkable Ray Tracing performance that is offered by the RTX 3060 Ti.

My test results proved to be very favorable for the RTX 3060 Ti when it comes to 1080p gaming. On average, the RTX 3060 Ti falls in between the RX 6700 XT and the last-gen RTX 2080 in rasterization performance at 1080p. When comparing the RTX 3060 Ti vs. RX 6700 XT, the NVIDIA card delivered an admirable price-to-performance ratio. Even the encoding and rendering performance of the RTX 3060 Ti is quite respectable for the price, making it a great all-rounder for this resolution.

When selecting the variant, be sure to shortlist the ASUS Dual OC RTX 3060 Ti. While it is only a dual-fan version, it delivers remarkable cooling performance and has very quiet Axial Tech fans as well. The dual ball bearing design extends the lifespan of the fans and improves their reliability, while the 0dB technology makes sure that the fans are as quiet as possible when the card is under light loads. It is one of the most cost-effective versions of the RTX 3060 Ti out there, so the value proposition is quite favorable as well. 

The Dual OC also comes with a respectable factory overclock, pushing the boost clock to 1740 Mhz in OC mode. You can even try to push the card even more through manual overclocking, thanks to the Dual OC’s robust VRM design and excellent thermal performance. The ASUS Dual OC RTX 3060 Ti comes with a Dual BIOS feature but skips on RGB lighting, further giving credence to the “substance over style” approach of this graphics card.

While the RTX 3060 Ti excels in many facets, efficiency is certainly not one of them. It is a relatively power-hungry graphics card when compared to its main competitors in the 1080p gaming space. NVIDIA recommends a 750W power supply for this graphics card which is a comparatively high number. Still, it does provide respectable performance-per-watt numbers, according to my test results.

You can also check out our comparison of the ARC A770 vs. RTX 3060 Ti to get a better idea of the value proposition.

What We Liked

1080p Gaming Performance: The RTX 3060 Ti delivers superb performance at 1080p in a majority of titles, with high-refresh-rate gaming also being possible.

DLSS 2.0: The added boost of DLSS 2.0 is of great benefit to the RTX 3060 Ti, particularly in games that support Ray Tracing.

What We Disliked

High Power Draw: Nvidia recommends a 750W power supply for the RTX 3060 Ti, which is relatively high in this category.

Who Is It For?

With its extraordinary 1080p gaming performance, the RTX 3060 Ti is a great choice for those users who want to target high-refresh-rate gaming at 1080p with headroom for the future as well.

What Makes It The Best Overall NVIDIA Graphics Card For 1080p?

With the capability of high-refresh-rate 1080p gaming and useful features like DLSS 2.0, the ASUS Dual OC RTX 3060 Ti is the best overall NVIDIA graphics card for 1080p.

Related to the RTX 3060 Ti:

• Best RTX 3060 Ti Graphics Cards

ASRock Phantom Gaming D RX 6600 XT 8GB

Best Overall AMD Graphics Card for 1080p

Architecture: AMD RDNA 2 | CUDA Cores/SPs: 2048 | Base Clock: 2064 MHz | Boost Clock: 2607 MHz | Memory: 8GB GDDR6 | Bus Width: 128 bit | Recommended Power Supply: 550W | Power Connectors: 1x 8-pin PCIe

AMD’s Radeon division has once again proven its ability to deliver outstanding value offerings in the GPU market with the RX 6600 XT. Designed to excel at 1080p gaming, this graphics card offers an exceptional gaming experience that is hard to match in its price range. While it may be slightly slower than its sibling, the RX 6650 XT, it still delivers impressive overall performance at this resolution.

The RX 6600 XT did not disappoint during the course of my testing. While it is a more affordable option than the NVIDIA RTX 3060, our RX 6600 XT vs RTX 3060 comparison showed that the Radeon card holds a 12% lead in gaming scenarios on average. The RX 6600 XT also exchanged blows with the RTX 2070 Super in certain titles, making it a much better option thanks to its lower power draw and more affordable price tag. One of the notable features of the RX 6600 XT is its inclusion of AMD FidelityFX SuperResolution (FSR), which provides an added bump in performance when the feature is enabled in select titles.

One must not look any further than the ASRock Phantom Gaming D RX 6600 XT when considering the aftermarket variants. This is an exceptionally well-built version of the RX 6600 XT that incorporates triple-fan cooling, a sizeable heatsink, unique RGB lighting, and an expanded power budget. While it leans towards the premium end of the pricing spectrum, the Phantom Gaming version is the one to shortlist, thanks to its excellent array of features and superb cooling performance.

The Phantom Gaming D RX 6600 XT makes use of ASRock’s Phantom Gaming 3X cooling solution, which utilizes three striped Axial fans for enhanced airflow. The heatsink array is rife with V-shaped vents to improve airflow patterns, and three nickel-plated copper heat pipes make direct contact with the GPU die to help with heat dissipation. Additionally, the Phantom Gaming RX 6600 XT boasts a reliable 6+2 phase VRM setup with 50A power stages, 90A power chokes, and a 2oz Copper PCB, making it extremely reliable and durable.

It is a relatively pricy variant of the RX 6600 XT, but it still offers superb value for money thanks to its excellent performance and versatile features. We also recommended an ASRock Phantom variant in our selection of the best RX 6900 XT graphics cards.

Another area where the RX 6600 XT shines is efficiency. Thanks to its efficient GPU core and optimized power management, this graphics card operates with exceptional energy efficiency. Additionally, the RX 6600 XT’s conservative power requirements mean that it can run smoothly with just a 550W power supply, making it an accessible choice for a wide range of gaming setups. Most variants require only a single 8-pin PCIe cable to provide external power to this GPU.

When it comes to value for money, the RX 6600 XT takes a strong stance. With its competitive pricing, it offers a remarkable combination of performance, features, and affordability. In comparison to competing NVIDIA options, the RX 6600 XT stands out as a true value champion for 1080p resolution, providing excellent gaming performance and features at an attractive price point. It undercuts competing AMD graphics cards as well, making it the superior option for 1080p gaming.

If you have a higher budget and want an AMD graphics card, be sure to check out the best RX 7900 XT and the best RX 7900 XTX graphics cards.

What We Liked

Value: The price-to-performance ratio of the RX 6600 XT is superb, making it a more attractive option for 1080p gaming than competing NVIDIA offerings.

Efficiency: The RX 6600 XT does not draw a lot of power, which makes it accessible to a variety of different PC configurations.

What We Disliked

Pricy variant: The ASRock Phantom Gaming D RX 6600 XT demands a bit of a price premium over MSRP. However, it still offers excellent value for money thanks to its superb performance and cool features.

Who Is It For?

The RX 6600 XT is a great choice for those users who want to experience mainstream 1080p gaming without putting a major strain on their savings.

What Makes It The Best Overall AMD Graphics Card For 1080p?

Thanks to its impressive gaming performance at 1080p in most modern titles, coupled with AMD’s FSR technology and efficient architecture, the ASRock Phantom Gaming D RX 6600 XT is the best overall AMD graphics card for 1080p.

MSI VENTUS 2X OC RTX 3050

Best Value Graphics Card for 1080p

Architecture: NVIDIA Ampere | CUDA Cores/SPs: 2560 | Base Clock: 1552 MHz | Boost Clock: 1807 MHz | Memory: 8GB GDDR6 | Bus Width: 128 bit | Recommended Power Supply: 550W | Power Connectors: 1x 8-pin PCIe

NVIDIA’s RTX 3050 is another notable option that offers commendable gaming performance at 1080p resolution. With its modern Ampere architecture and advanced features, the RTX 3050 ensures a smooth and reliable gaming experience, making it a solid choice for gamers seeking a competent graphics card for 1080p gaming without breaking the bank.

On raw rasterization performance alone, the RTX 3050 still does not disappoint. During my testing, the RTX 3050 showed promising performance on 1080p in a host of different games, slotting in between the RTX 2060 and the GTX 1660 Ti on average. Our RTX 3050 vs. RTX 2060 comparison skews in favor of the latter, but the RTX 3050 still holds the value benefit. This is a respectable performance for the price, and given the boost provided by DLSS 2.0 in select games, it is definitely one to consider if you are on a tight budget.

However, it’s important to note that the RTX 3050 may face some challenges with future games. Even though the RTX 3050 has a respectable 8GB VRAM buffer with GDDR6 technology, it might struggle a bit to adapt to future titles with rigorous graphical demands.

The market is rife with AIB variants of the RTX 3050, but my testing revealed that the MSI Ventus 2X OC RTX 3050 is definitely the variant to select. Not only is it an affordable version of the RTX 3050, but it also boasts a very reliable cooling solution with quiet fans and a respectable power budget. The value proposition is key here since the RTX 3050 is mainly targeted at budget-conscious gamers looking to maximize their bang for the buck.

The MSI RTX 3050 Ventus 2X OC variant utilizes the Twin Frozr 7 cooler, which makes use of two 95mm Torx 3.0 fans. The blades are quite dense on this variant which increases the static pressure and improves airflow. The heatsink array works in conjunction with 4 heat pipes to improve direct heat dissipation. Of course, the Ventus 2X OC also comes with a noticeable factory overclock which is complemented by a robust VRM setup, making it a reliable choice for manual overclocking as well.

Efficiency is a key strength of the RTX 3050. This graphics card is quite tame when it comes to power draw, mostly thanks to its efficient architecture and low power limits. Its ability to strike a balance between power and performance is commendable, but you do not find a lot of overclocking headroom in most variants of the RTX 3050. NVIDIA recommends a 550W power supply for this graphics card which puts it in range for a lot of common PCs.

Another one of the standout aspects of the RTX 3050 is its affordability. It offers excellent value for money, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers. Despite its affordable price point, the RTX 3050 delivers good performance at 1080p, with DLSS 2.0 allowing you to enjoy smooth gameplay without compromising on quality. This combination of affordability and performance makes the RTX 3050 a compelling choice for those looking for a cost-effective solution for 1080p gaming.

If you are looking for alternative NVIDIA options on a higher budget, be sure to check out the best RTX 3070 and best RTX 4060 Ti graphics cards.

What We Liked

Price: The RTX 3050 is quite cheap, and many of its variants can be found at MSRP or even lower.

Performance: For the price, the 1080p gaming performance is quite respectable, even if you won’t be targeting 144Hz any time soon.

What We Disliked

Future Proofing: The RTX 3050 might start to show signs of struggle in the near future with games that have increased graphical demands.

Who Is It For?

If you are in the market for a graphics card that can get you in the door to 1080p gaming without breaking the bank, then the RTX 3050 is a great choice for you.

What Makes It The Best Value Graphics Card For 1080p?

Since it delivers acceptable 1080p gaming performance in the majority of modern titles while being quite affordable, the MSI Ventus 2X OC RTX 3050 is the best value graphics card for 1080p.

Related to the RTX 3050:

• Best RTX 3050 Graphics Cards

If you’re aiming for a higher resolution, you can check out the following graphics cards:

• Best RTX 4090
• Best RTX 4080
• Best RTX 4070 Ti
• Best RTX 3090 Ti
• Best RTX 3080 Ti

Verdict: What Is The Best Graphics Card For 1080p?

In conclusion, the XFX Speedster MERC308 RX 6650 XT Black Gaming is the best graphics card for 1080p since it can target high-refresh-rate gaming at this resolution without completely going overboard on pricing.

It also packs plenty of cool features like AMD FSR, which can help you increase your gaming performance even more. The RX 6650 XT is also fairly efficient and has a reasonable price point.

Benchmarks Of The Best GPU For 1080p Gaming

At Tech4Gamers, we go beyond mere claims and strive for excellence. Our team of dedicated hardware experts conducts meticulous and specialized tests on every product, ensuring that our opinions are grounded in objective testing data. In order to find the best graphics card for 1080p, we subjected our target GPUs to a series of rigorous tests specifically designed to assess their performance across various games at 1080p paired with the i7-13700K.

1080p vs. 1440p GPU Temperature

1080p	1440p
Lower GPU utilization	Higher GPU utilization
Games are often CPU-bound	Games are often GPU-bound
Lower resolution textures	Higher resolution textures

When gaming at 1440p compared to 1080p, one might observe that the graphics card is running hotter than at 1080p. There is nothing wrong with your card, as it is completely normal for a graphics card to run hotter at a higher resolution than 1080p. The primary reason is the increased demand on the GPU core caused by the higher pixel count of 1440p resolution. A 1440p display has approximately 78% more pixels than a 1080p display, which means the GPU has to work harder to render and process more visual information. This increased workload results in higher GPU utilization, leading to more heat generation.

Additionally, the resolution of the game affects the balance between CPU and GPU usage. At 1080p, games tend to be more CPU-bound, meaning the CPU has a significant role in processing game logic and physics. As a result, the GPU may not be utilized to its fullest potential, leading to lower heat generation. This is the primary reason why most modern GPUs do not show 100% GPU utilization at 1080p in most games. However, at 1440p, the higher resolution places a greater emphasis on GPU performance, and the CPU becomes less of a bottleneck. This shift in workload toward the GPU results in increased GPU utilization and, subsequently, higher temperatures.

Furthermore, the increased GPU utilization at 1440p may be accompanied by more demanding graphics settings. Players tend to push the visual fidelity higher at higher resolutions, enabling features like higher texture quality, more detailed shadows, and advanced rendering techniques. These additional graphical effects put further strain on the GPU, requiring it to work harder and generate more heat. The game itself may activate higher resolution texture packs when it detects 1440p or 4K resolution, thus adding to the GPU workload and leading to a higher heat output from the GPU.

Does 2GB GPU vs. 4GB GPU Matter On 1080p?

2GB VRAM	4GB VRAM
Struggles with modern games	Good for 1080p gaming
No future-proofing	Has future-proofing potential
Poor value for money	Decent value for money

In the realm of 1080p gaming, the amount of VRAM on your GPU plays a crucial role in determining the performance and visual quality of your gaming experience. In recent years, 2GB GPUs have started to struggle to handle the demands of modern games with complex graphical settings and heavy texture packs. As game developers push the boundaries of visual fidelity, the limited VRAM capacity of 2GB GPUs can lead to significant performance drops and compromises in image quality.

On the other hand, 4GB GPUs have become the new minimum for 1080p gaming. With double the VRAM compared to their 2GB counterparts, these GPUs offer improved performance and better capacity to handle high-resolution textures and advanced graphical effects. The additional VRAM allows for smoother gameplay, reduced stuttering, and the ability to load higher-quality textures, resulting in a more immersive gaming experience overall. Most 4GB GPUs also have faster memory technology in addition to more memory capacity, thus improving the asset loading times as well.

While 2GB GPUs may still be viable for older games or less demanding titles, investing in a 4GB GPU provides better value for your money in the long run. As game requirements continue to evolve, it’s important to future-proof your gaming setup to avoid potential bottlenecks and limitations. By opting for a 4GB GPU, you ensure that your system is better equipped to handle the demands of upcoming games and advancements in graphics technology, allowing you to enjoy a more optimized and visually superior gaming experience.

Important GPU Key Terms

Here are some key GPU terms that you should know when looking for a graphics card in 2023.

1. Cores: The GPU itself is divided into thousands of smaller processors that handle individual tasks. They are called CUDA cores for NVIDIA GPUs and Stream Processors for AMD GPUs.
2. Clock Speed: The number of data cycles completed by a GPU per second is known as clock speed. It varies between a base clock and a boost clock.
3. VRAM: The onboard memory that feeds the GPU with data is known as VRAM or video memory.
4. Bus Width: The memory bus width refers to the amount of data that can be transferred between the memory and GPU at one time.
5. TGP: TGP or Total Graphical Power represents the power demands of the GPU inside the graphics card.
6. PCIe: PCI Express is the interface that the graphics card uses to communicate with the computer.
7. Overclocking: Running the graphics card faster than its factory spec is known as overclocking.

How We Picked The Best Graphics Cards For 1080p

Even though 1080p is no longer the “trendy” resolution, it is still the main resolution for the overwhelming majority of PC gamers. Of course, we had to look at various important factors before choosing the best graphics cards for 1080p.

You can also check out how we test graphics cards for a better understanding of how we established this ranking.

Performance

If you are looking for the best 1080p graphics card, the main factor in that decision will definitely be the gaming performance of the graphics card at 1080p. While 1080p is no longer the hardest resolution to run, it can still be a challenge to max out modern games at this resolution, especially if you plan on gaming at high refresh rates. Establishing a database of the 1080p gaming performance offered by the various graphics cards was a crucial step in selecting the candidates for our ranking.

Price And Value

Since 1080p is the mainstream resolution for PC gaming, there is a large number of graphics cards that can target 1080p gaming to varying degrees of success. Some deliver exceptional performance at 1080p and can even play games at high refresh rates, while others may struggle to hold a consistent 60 FPS in the most basic titles. Of course, better performance comes at a price, and finding the sweet spot of price-to-performance is crucial when selecting the best graphics card for 1080p.

Feature Set

One cannot talk about modern graphics cards without mentioning their unique and compelling features. Nowadays, graphics cards are becoming “smart” as they are being equipped with machine learning and AI technologies. This advancement has been very beneficial for PC gaming over the past few years, especially due to the rise of upscaling techniques like Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), and AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (AMD FSR).

Check out our comparison of NVIDIA DLSS vs. AMD FSR to find out which technology is superior in 2023.

Why You Should Trust Us

Tech4Gamers takes immense pride in its ability to provide accurate recommendations based on thorough testing and objective testing data. Our team conducts highly specialized tests on every single product to gather valuable data on performance, overclocking, reliability, versatility, and value.

In our pursuit of finding the best graphics cards for 1080p, we extensively analyzed our target graphics cards. Through testing them in various gaming scenarios with different degrees of GPU load, we established a firm and reliable dataset for the performance level of the various graphics cards at 1080p. Thanks to our comprehensive testing data, we have curated a list of the absolute best graphics cards that you should consider for 1080p gaming.