How to make modern games work: Top graphics cards

The visual fidelity of video games continues to improve, blurring the lines between reality and virtual worlds. This trend, while inspiring countless internet memes, also significantly increases system requirements. Upgrading your PC, especially the graphics card, is often a necessity for gamers. But with so many options, which cards reigned supreme in 2024, and what should you consider for 2025? Let's explore the top contenders. For a visual treat, check out our article on the most stunning games of 2024 to see where your upgraded PC's power can truly shine.

Table of Contents

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
• AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti
• AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
• AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
• Intel Arc B580

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060

A classic workhorse, the RTX 3060 has been a popular choice for everyday gamers for years, handling most tasks effectively. Its 8GB to 12GB memory, ray tracing support, and decent performance under load make it a solid contender. However, it's showing its age with some newer titles presenting challenges.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080

While the 3060 is becoming a legacy card, its older sibling, the RTX 3080, remains a powerhouse. Its robust design and efficiency still outperform newer cards for many gamers, making it a surprisingly strong contender even in 2025. A slight overclock further enhances its capabilities. This offers excellent price-to-performance.

AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT

The RX 6700 XT continues to impress with its exceptional price-to-performance ratio. It handles modern games with ease and has been a strong competitor to NVIDIA's offerings, particularly the RTX 4060 Ti. Its larger memory and bus interface provide smooth gameplay at 2560x1440 resolution, even challenging more expensive alternatives.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti

Unlike its less successful counterpart, the RTX 4060, the 4060 Ti holds its own. While not dramatically surpassing the RTX 3080 or AMD's offerings, it provides solid performance. It boasts a 4% performance increase over its predecessor at 2560x1440, further boosted by Frame Generation.

AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT

The RX 7800 XT significantly outperforms NVIDIA's RTX 4070 in many games, showing an average 18% lead at 2560x1440 resolution. Its 16GB of VRAM ensures future-proofing, and it beats the RTX 4060 Ti by 20% in ray-traced QHD gaming.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super

NVIDIA responded to the competition with the 4070 Super, offering a 10-15% performance improvement over the standard 4070. It's a top choice for 2K gaming, and undervolting can further enhance performance and reduce temperatures.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080

This card handles any game with ease and is considered by many as the best option for 4K gaming. Its substantial VRAM and improved ray tracing capabilities ensure long-term relevance.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

NVIDIA's true flagship, the 4090, offers unparalleled performance and future-proofing. While not vastly superior to the 4080, its longevity makes it a compelling high-end choice.

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

AMD's top-tier offering rivals NVIDIA's flagship in performance but with a significant price advantage, making it attractive to budget-conscious gamers. It offers long-term gaming capabilities.

Intel Arc B580

Intel's late 2024 entry, the Arc B580, surprised many. Its performance surpasses the RTX 4060 Ti and RX 7600 by 5-10%, offering 12GB of VRAM at a remarkably low price point. This signals a potential shift in the market.

In conclusion, despite rising prices, gamers have various options for enjoying modern games. Even budget-conscious gamers can find powerful cards, while high-end models ensure a future-proof gaming experience.