Consumers have traditionally favoured Nvidia GPUs due to their exceptional performance and seamless incorporation with a wide range of operations. However, as a result of the recent silicon shortage, GPU prices have soared to more than $2,000. As a result of this surge, not only have high-end GPUs become unaffordable for average users, but many have also begun to contemplate refurbished alternatives. In light of this, the following information is essential prior to purchasing an Nvidia GPU.
Aspects to contemplate
Prior to delving into the recommendations, it is critical to comprehend your workflow and relevant factors, as they will have a direct influence on the GPU under consideration. These consist of:
Obtaining an optimal configuration for the CPU and GPU
Users frequently fail to consider the equilibrium between these two critical components when constructing a new system; they may even combine a low-end CPU and a high-end GPU. Although this may have no practical implications, specific situations can cause CPU bottlenecks, thereby impeding the GPU’s performance.
Aligning Monitor Refresh Rates and GPU Resolution
Consider a user who owns a 4K monitor and has allocated $1500 for the construction of a new personal computer. Given the circumstances, the RTX 4060 emerges as a viable option, considering its status as a mid-range graphics card that remains within the allocated budget. However, since it is optimised for a 1440p gaming experience, this GPU may have difficulty running AAA titles at maximum resolution when coupled with a 4K monitor. Users must thus synchronise the specifications of their GPU and monitor in order to effectively optimise their configurations.
TDP and Electrical Supply
To provide context, the Thermal Design Power (TDP) of a GPU denotes the upper limit of power that a system is capable of consuming while operating under a continuous burden. Elevated TDP values signify increased power consumption.
A half-decade ago, the TDP was not a significant concern; however, in order to attain higher performance, Nvidia’s RTX 30 series substantially increased the power consumption. Consequently, when upgrading to a new GPU, current PC users must ensure that their power supply unit (PSU) satisfies the wattage specifications.
Factor of Form
Form factor is an additional factor to consider if you are contemplating purchasing a new Nvidia GPU for an older system, as the majority of options are now full-height and occupy more than two slots.
Graphics 5.
Graphics memory (VRAM), which is arguably the most crucial component, has an immediate effect on game performance. Furthermore, considering that a considerable number of contemporary AAA titles surpass 100GB in size, it is recommended to select a GPU with a minimum of 12GB of VRAM to ensure long-lasting performance and prepare for the future.
Ray Tracing and DLSS 6.
Simply put, ray tracing improves the visual experience by simulating the interaction of light in the actual world. Conversely, an additional Nvidia technology known as DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) has the capability to not only enhance 1080p content to 4K but also incorporate AI-generated frames to facilitate more fluid gameplay.
However, access to these features is restricted to the Nvidia RTX GPU series and therefore requires users to purchase more expensive graphics cards.
The top GPU choices in each price category
Prior to proceeding with the suggestions, it is crucial to acknowledge that this article examines the pricing of both refurbished and new GPUs.
Less than $150
Those on a limited budget should contemplate acquiring a refurbished GPU through marketplaces such as eBay. More precisely, the GTX 1660 is priced between $100 and $150. It is essential to note, however, that used cards may be accompanied by issues such as performance degradation. Consequently, verify the unit’s optimal operation prior to purchase, possibly by contacting the vendor directly.
Less than $250
With its support for ray tracing and DLSS, the new RTX 3050 stands out in the sub-$250 segment. It is essential to note, however, that this graphics card is optimised for 1080p gaming and will have difficulty with high-resolution ray tracing.
Users can investigate the refurbished RTX 2070, which outperforms the RTX 3050 by 20% to 30% across the majority of performance metrics.
Below $400
Users have the option between the RTX 4060Ti and its more compact sibling, the RTX 4060, within this price range. Although both cards are capable of running games at 1440p, their ray tracing capabilities become inadequate when the resolution exceeds 1080p. In addition, the 8GB VRAM of the 4060Ti could prove to be a bottleneck for forthcoming titles.
The refurbished market is dominated by the RTX 3070, which provides a marginally enhanced performance in comparison to the 4060Ti.