How to make modern games work: Top graphics cards

The visual fidelity of video games continues to advance, blurring the lines between reality and virtual worlds. This trend fuels countless online memes and significantly increases system requirements. Choosing a graphics card for a new PC can be daunting, especially considering the demands of games like Civilization VII. Let's explore the top graphics cards of 2024 and what to consider for 2025. For a visual feast, check out our article showcasing the most stunning games of 2024.

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. Offering 8GB to 12GB of memory, ray tracing support, and solid performance, it remains a contender. While showing its age with some modern titles, it still holds its own.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080

The RTX 3080, the older sibling of the 3060, continues to impress. Its power and efficiency make it a flagship choice for many, outperforming even newer models in some instances. A slight overclock significantly enhances performance. It provides excellent value, even in 2025.

AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT

The RX 6700 XT boasts an exceptional price-to-performance ratio. It handles modern games with ease and has challenged NVIDIA's market dominance. Its larger memory and bus interface deliver smooth gameplay at 2560x1440 resolution, competing effectively against more expensive options.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti

Unlike its less successful counterpart, the RTX 4060, the 4060 Ti is a solid performer. While not drastically superior to AMD's offerings or the RTX 3080, it provides reliable results. It’s around 4% faster than its predecessor at 2560x1440, boosted further by Frame Generation.

AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT

The RX 7800 XT surpasses NVIDIA's RTX 4070 in many games, offering an average 18% performance increase at 2560x1440. Its 16GB of VRAM ensures future-proofing. In ray-traced QHD gaming, it outperforms the RTX 4060 Ti by 20%.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super

NVIDIA responded to competition with the 4070 Super, offering a 10-15% performance boost over the 4070. It's a strong contender for 2K gaming. Undervolting can further improve performance and reduce temperatures.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080

The RTX 4080 delivers ample performance for any game, considered by many as ideal for 4K. Its substantial VRAM and enhanced ray tracing capabilities ensure long-term relevance. It's a flagship contender, though a more powerful option exists.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

NVIDIA's top-tier flagship, the RTX 4090, guarantees years of high-end performance. While not vastly outperforming the 4080, its future-proofing makes it a compelling choice considering upcoming 50-series cards.

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

AMD's top-tier offering rivals NVIDIA's flagship, boasting a significant price advantage. It delivers exceptional performance and longevity.

Intel Arc B580

Intel's Arc B580 made a splash, quickly selling out due to its impressive performance. Outperforming the RTX 4060 Ti and RX 7600 by 5-10%, and offering 12GB of VRAM at $250, it signals a potential shift in the market.

Ultimately, despite rising prices, there are many excellent graphics cards available for various budgets. High-end models provide future-proof performance for years of smooth gaming.