The graphics card determines what a computer can do graphically. But the good news is, with desktop PCs, you can swap them out and upgrade them at any time to create a whole new experience.
There has never been such a wide range of gaming graphics cards as now. The problem: due to the lack of chips and crypto mining, the cards are difficult to obtain – even if only well above the recommended price. But if you have the necessary money and want to access it now, you have many options. TECHBOOK presents the best graphics cards that the market currently has to offer.
Which graphics card is right for me?
You are spoiled for choice when buying a new graphics card. This is an advantage, however, because the range of demands that different users place on their computers is almost as large as the selection of GPUs. What is the PC mainly used for? If video games are on the daily schedule or if you work with CAD programs, you have to reach for the upper class – and deep into your wallet. If you use the computer primarily for word processing or binge-watching YouTube videos, a cheaper mid-range graphics card will suffice in the long run.
What is the difference between Nvidia and AMD?
The heart of the graphics card, the so-called graphics processor (GPU), is manufactured by one of the two major competitors, Nvidia and AMD. In most cases, however, the circuit board and the rest of the graphics card are produced by a “board partner” and then sold under their name. This is why Nvidia and AMD graphics cards can be found under the Asus, Zotac, XFX, EVGA, Sapphire, Gigabyte or MSI labels. However, both companies also build their own graphics cards and sell them as reference models – pretty much how the chip makers envision the cards themselves. Nvidia sells these cards as “Founders Edition”.
For gaming, AMD graphics cards are called “Radeon”, while Nvidia cards are called “GeForce”. Both manufacturers offer comparable products in almost every price bracket. However, the inner workings of the chips could not be more different. The chip architecture with which the GPUs are manufactured is fundamentally different. Also, the software features are different for both manufacturers and can have an effect on the performance in games.
Also interesting: The best processors from AMD and Intel
Inexpensive middle class: Sapphire Radeon RX 6600 XT 8 GB GDDR6
When it comes to performance per watt, nobody can beat it: the affordable Sapphire Radeon RX 6600 XT is the perfect entry-level model for casual gamers. Because the main area of application for this graphics card is triple-A games in full HD. When it came out, it was revolutionary: it was the first AMD graphics card to support ray tracing, which provides realistic light propagation in games. Another special feature that distinguishes them? It supports AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution Upscaling technology. The graphics card thus calculates a lower resolution through AI. This ensures a particularly smooth gaming experience despite the high-resolution images.
Furnishing
| Sapphire Radeon RX 6600 XT 8GB GDDR6 | |
|---|---|
| product type | Dedicated graphics card |
| chipset manufacturer | AMD |
| base chip clock | 1968MHz |
| boost chip clock | 2593MHz |
| Number of shader units | 2048 |
| Storage size and type | 8GB GDDR6 |
| memory interface | 128-bit |
| slot | PCIe x16 |
| Dimensions (Length × Width) | 24cm × 11.99cm |
| video output interfaces | HDMI, 3x display port |
| cooling | active |
| number of fans | 2 |
| TDP (power consumption) | 160 watts |
| Suitable for | Gaming in Full HD |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Sapphire Radeon RX 6600 XT 8GB GDDR6
Per
- + Inexpensive
- + Powerful
- – Suitable for 1080p gaming only
Strong middle class: XFX Radeon RX 6700 XT Speedster MERC 319
Has immense memory resources for its price range: The XFX Radeon RX 6700 XT Speedster MERC 319 offers graphics memory with an impressive 12 GB, achieves high refresh rates in Full HD and even 1440p resolution and purrs like a kitten even under full load. Their energy consumption is relatively low, especially compared to comparable models. It can also score with its AMD Anti-Lag, which is particularly exciting for gamers: This feature reduces system latency, which means less frustration, especially in multiplayer games.
Furnishing
| XFX Radeon RX 6700 XT Speedster MERC 319 | |
|---|---|
| product type | Dedicated graphics card |
| chipset manufacturer | AMD |
| base chip clock | 2457MHz |
| boost chip clock | 2622MHz |
| Number of shader units | 2560 |
| Storage size and type | 12GB GDDR6 |
| memory interface | 192-bit |
| slot | PCIe x16 |
| Dimensions (Length × Width) | 32.3cm × 13.2cm |
| video output interfaces | HDMI, 3x display port |
| cooling | active |
| number of fans | 3 |
| TDP (power consumption) | 230 watts |
| Suitable for | Gaming in full HD and 1440p, ray tracing |
Advantages and disadvantages of the XFX Radeon RX 6700 XT Speedster MERC 319
Per
- + Quiet cooler even under full load
- + Outstanding Full HD performance
- + Relatively low energy consumption
- + Graphics card quite durable
- – Weak in 4K resolution
High middle class: MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Gaming X Trio
If you are looking for a fast and whisper-quiet graphics card that maintains a cool temperature even after hours of gaming, you will find it in the MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Gaming X Trio. Its colorful LED lighting, which can be synchronized with other compatible devices, immediately catches the eye. The card is well equipped for gaming in 2K resolution: Here it delivers excellent frame rates that allow smooth gaming. It gets a bit more critical if you want to play in 4K, which is why the graphics card can unfortunately only be recommended to a limited extent for ambitious gamers.
Furnishing
| MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Gaming X Trio | |
|---|---|
| product type | Dedicated graphics card |
| chipset manufacturer | NVIDIA |
| base chip clock | 1500MHz |
| boost chip clock | 1830MHz |
| Number of CUDA cores | 5888 |
| Storage size and type | 8GB GDDR6 |
| memory interface | 256-bit |
| slot | PCIe x16 |
| Dimensions (Length × Width) | 24.2cm × 11.2cm |
| video output interfaces | 3x display ports, HDMI |
| cooling | active |
| number of fans | 3 |
| TDP (power consumption) | 220 watts |
| Suitable for | Gaming in 1440p, VR, ray tracing |
Advantages and disadvantages of the MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Gaming X Trio
Per
- + Whisper quiet
- + Relatively fast
- + Excellent performance in 1440p resolution
- + With RGB LEDs
- + Efficient cooling
- – Not suitable for 4K
4K Wonder: GigaByte GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Master 8GB
The GigaByte GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Master 8 GB has a secret that makes it particularly powerful: its fast GDDR6X graphics memory. The GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is primarily designed for QHD gaming with a very high frame rate, but usually also has enough power reserves for 4K at 60 FPS. It can also score with its eye-catching LED lighting, which can serve an impressive 16.7 million different color and light effects. Of course, there are a few disadvantages – even if it’s complaining at a high level: The graphics card is relatively long at around 27 centimeters and is a big power guzzler under full load.
Furnishing
| Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Master 8GB | |
|---|---|
| product type | Dedicated graphics card |
| chipset manufacturer | NVIDIA |
| base chip clock | 1580MHz |
| boost chip clock | 1875MHz |
| Number of CUDA cores | 6144 |
| Storage size and type | 8GB GDDR6X |
| memory interface | 256-bit |
| slot | PCIe x16 |
| Dimensions (Length × Width) | 32.4cm × 14.2cm |
| video output interfaces | 2x HDMI, 3x display ports |
| cooling | active |
| number of fans | 3 |
| TDP (power consumption) | 290 watts |
| Suitable for | Gaming in 4K, VR, ray tracing |
Advantages and disadvantages of the GigaByte GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Master 8GB
Per
- + Future-proof performance
- + Relatively fast save speed
- + 4 year guarantee
- – Only 8GB of VRAM
- – Relatively high power consumption
- – Rather loud under full load
- – Relatively long
Premier class: Zotac GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Gaming AMP Holo
The Zotac GeForce RTX 3080 Ti comes as a real powerhouse that sets completely new standards. The difference to comparable models is particularly noticeable in exhausting 4K games, which are a piece of cake for the design and performance winner. The secret of the GPU lies in more cores, a higher clock and more storage capacity. This provides plenty of reserves for upcoming, even more complex games. And best of all: Not only the inner, but also the outer values of the graphics card miracle inspire. The beauty even received the reddot design award 2021 for her appearance. All of these points make the graphics card the perfect choice for anyone who loves gaming – and who, along with the passion, also has the budget to afford this far from cheap investment.
Furnishing
| Zotac GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Gaming AMP Holo | |
|---|---|
| product type | Dedicated graphics card |
| chipset manufacturer | NVIDIA |
| base chip clock | 1370MHz |
| boost chip clock | 1710MHz |
| Number of CUDA cores | 10240 |
| Storage size and type | 12GB GDDR6X |
| memory interface | 384-bit |
| slot | PCIe x16 |
| Dimensions (Length × Width) | 31.78 × 13.18 cm |
| video output interfaces | 3x display ports, HDMI |
| cooling | active |
| number of fans | 3 |
| TDP (power consumption) | 350 watts |
| Suitable for | 4K, VR, gaming, ray tracing |
Pros and cons of the Zotac GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Gaming AMP Holo
Per
- + Stunning 4K performance
- + Very high rendering speed
- + Numerous connections
- – Relatively high price
- – Relatively high power consumption
- – Requires a lot of space or a large housing
Conclusion
For a really good graphics card, you currently have to dig deep into your pocket. One should not forget, however, that this is usually in use for several hours a day. And the more powerful the graphics card, the longer you can use it in the future. Especially for gamers or users who graphically demand a lot from their computer, there are worlds between the different classes of GPUs. It is therefore worth making this investment with foresight and accepting the downside of a more expensive overall package or a more expensive graphics card for retrofitting. Users with rather lower performance requirements can be happy: They can avoid this large investment and can save a lot when buying a cheaper GPU.