The Best Graphics Cards for Gaming in 2024

Opting for one of the best graphics cards available can significantly elevate your system’s performance. If you are looking to upgrade your gaming setup, enhance a multi-display system, or boost creative projects, here's everything you need to confidently shop for the latest Nvidia GeForce, AMD Radeon, and Intel Arc graphics cards. We've tested them all, so you don't have to. 

A good graphics card is the heart of any high-performance gaming PC. The top cards of 2024 unlock superior gaming performance, advanced AI computing, demanding video rendering, and 3D modelling. Nvidia, AMD, and Intel have all released impressive GPUs this year and will release some of their most cutting-edge GPUs in the next year, including the RTX 50 Series GPUs, RX 9070 GPU, and more! However, for now, we will work with what we currently have! 

After extensive testing, we've identified the top 12 graphics cards for PC that fit various needs and budgets. With options spanning mainstream to high-end, these cards handle everything from 1080p to 4K gaming. The mid-range market has seen significant boosts with the RTX 4070 Super, RTX 4070 Ti Super, and the RX 7900 GRE.  

Whether a gamer or content creator, your graphics card is the powerhouse behind your system's performance. Choosing the right one can seem complex but more straightforward than you think. Our guide will help you find the best graphics card for your setup in 2024, ensuring you get the best value without overpaying or underbuying.  

Dive in to discover the best graphics card for gaming! 

GPU Benchmarks for Performance Testing 

Depending on your level of effort, there are several ways to check your GPU's performance. You can monitor it with the Windows built-in tools. Open Task Manager, click the "Performance" tab and look for the GPU section. Here, you'll see the utilisation percentage, memory usage, and temperature. This gives you a basic idea of how hard your GPU works and how hot it's getting.   

Also, some software options provide detailed monitoring and logging of your GPU's performance. These programs provide real-time data on clock speeds, fan speeds, frame rates, etc. Some even allow overclocking (increasing the GPU's clock speed for potentially better performance, but at the risk of instability or damage). Some software pushes the GPU to its limits with workload to generate a score that reflects its processing power. 

Decoding the GPU: Your Essential Buying Guide! 

When selecting from the best graphics cards available or deciding to buy graphics card that suits your needs, keep these standards in mind:

• Performance: Look for a GPU that offers smooth gameplay at your desired resolution (like 1080p, 1440p, or 4K) and high settings in games you enjoy.  
• Compatibility: Ensure the GPU is compatible with your computer and works with your other components, like your power supply and motherboard.  
• Price-to-Performance Ratio: Choose a GPU that gives you the most performance for your budget, balancing cost and gaming experience.  
• Future-Proofing: Consider a GPU with enough VRAM (memory) and processing power to handle upcoming games and software updates.  
• Reviews and Benchmarks: Check reviews and benchmarks to see how the GPU performs in real-world tests and compare it with alternatives. 

Focusing on these factors can help you find a GPU that meets your gaming needs without getting overwhelmed by the technical details. 

Sneak peek of the latest Update on GPUs  

The GPU market is in a bit of a waiting game right now. No significant releases have happened since February 2024, and the next wave is expected to hit this fall (around October/November). Additionally, major GPUs are set to launch in 2024, such as the highly anticipated Nvidia RTX 50-Series GPUs, and AMD RDNA 4 GPUs including the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT.

The Best Graphics Cards for Gaming: Detailed Comparison

Best Graphics Card- GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 

The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 12GB Ampere Graphics Card is a robust mid-range option, offering great value for its performance. It excels in 1080p and 1440p gaming, delivering high frame rates in most modern titles. The card's generous memory makes it suitable for VR gaming and content creation tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. However, for 4K gaming at the highest settings, users might need to look at more powerful options like the RTX 3070 or 3080.  

Technical Specifications:

• 12 GB GDDR6 Memory  
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Graphics  
• 7680 x 4320 Max. Resolution  
• 2 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 2 x HDMI 2.1a  
• Speed: 15000 MHz  
• Black Colour  
• 3 Years Warranty  

Reasons to Buy: 

• With 12GB of GDDR6 memory, this card can handle demanding games and applications smoothly, providing excellent performance in both gaming and professional tasks.  
• It supports up to 7680 x 4320 resolution, making it suitable for 4K gaming and multi-monitor setups.  
• Including 2 DisplayPort 1.4a and 2 HDMI 2.1a ports allows for flexible connectivity options.  
• Operating at a memory speed of 15000 MHz ensures quick data processing and smoother performance.  
• It comes with a 3-year warranty, providing peace of mind. 

Reasons to Avoid: 

While capable, the RTX 3060 might not be suitable for extreme gaming enthusiasts who demand the highest possible frame rates at the highest settings.  

It consumes more power than some other models in its performance range, which could be a consideration for those mindful of energy efficiency. 

Availability:

This graphics card is available at Box.co.uk.   

Best AMD Graphics Card - ASUS AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX   

The RX 7900 XTX is a beast for running games at 4K resolution! Change the graphics settings to ultra and enjoy smooth, high frame rates in popular games. It's a clear upgrade over the previous generation RX 6950 XT, offering about 20% better performance. Ray tracing, which makes games look super realistic, has also been improved on the RX 7900 XTX thanks to its new architecture. However, Nvidia's RTX 4080 graphics card can still outperform it in some situations. The RX 7900 XTX stays cool even during intense gaming sessions thanks to its fancy cooling system. Compared to the RTX 4080, the RX 7900 XTX might be a bit slower at times, but it has more memory and costs less, making it a strong competitor overall. 

Technical Specifications: 

• 24 GB GDDR6 Memory 
• 2565 MHz OC mode 
• AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX Graphics 
• 7680 x 4320 Max. Resolution 
• HDMI, Display Port 
• Speed: 20 Gbps 
• PCI Express 4.0 x16 Interface 
• Cooler Type - Dynamic Fan 
• Grey Colour 
• 3 Years Warranty 
• Shaders: 6,144  
• Boost clock: 2,500 MHz  
• TFLOPs: 61.4  
• Memory: 24GB GDDR6  
• Memory clock: 20 GT/s  
• Memory bandwidth: 960 GB/s  
• TGP: 355 W 

Reasons to Buy: 

• With 24GB of GDDR6 memory, this card is ideal for handling the most demanding games and applications, ensuring smooth performance and high frame rates.  
• The significant increase in memory capacity from previous generations makes this card more future-proof, ready for upcoming titles and updates.  
• The dynamic fan cooling system ensures the card remains cool under load, maintaining consistent performance.  
• It supports up to 8K resolution, making it perfect for high-definition gaming and content creation.  
• A three-year warranty ensures long-term reliability and support from ASUS. 

Reasons to Avoid: 

• A total graphics power (TGP) of 355W requires a robust power supply and efficient cooling solutions.  
• Positioned in the high-end segment, the RX 7900 XTX has a premium price tag that may not be affordable for all users.  
• While it performs exceptionally well, it sometimes falls short in certain benchmarks and real-world tests compared to NVIDIA's RTX 4080. 

Availability: 

This graphics card is available at Box.co.uk, along with the other best graphics cards mentioned above.

Best NVIDIA Graphics Card - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070   

The new NVIDIA RTX 4070 Super lives up to the hype! It delivers excellent performance for the same price as the last model. This new card is even faster than the regular RTX 4070, thanks to some extra brainy bits and a quicker starting speed.  

Because of its memory, the RTX 4070 Super might not be the best for super high-quality gaming (4K resolution). If you want the absolute best for 4K, the Nvidia RTX 4080 Super is a champion. But for smooth, high-quality gaming at a slightly lower resolution (1440p), the RTX 4070 Super is awesome! It has all the cool tech to make games look fantastic and run smoothly.  

The RTX 4070 Super competes strongly with other best graphics cards, often beating many, especially with its realistic lighting effects (ray tracing). However, AMD has a different graphics card, the RX 7900 GRE, that can be even faster, especially with their new tech.  

Even with all this competition, the Nvidia RTX 4070 Super is still a terrific choice for most people who want a good balance of gaming power, video editing abilities, and overall speed, and for those who don't need the absolute top-of-the-line card. 

Reasons to Buy: 

• It is ideal for gamers who prefer 1440p resolution, delivering high frame rates and smooth gameplay.  
• Includes DLSS 3 with Frame Generation and Nvidia Reflex technology, enhancing gaming and content creation experiences.  
• Offers substantial performance improvements over its predecessor without a price increase.  
• Superior ray tracing capabilities compared to many AMD counterparts. 

Reasons to Avoid: 

• The 12GB GDDR6X VRAM can be a bottleneck for high-end 4K gaming.  
• A power draw of 220W requires a robust power supply.  
• In some cases, AMD's RX 7900 GRE offers better overall gaming performance, making the decision more challenging for gamers focused solely on performance. 

Availability: 

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super is available at Box.co.uk, making it easy to upgrade your gaming or content creation setup. 

Best 4K Graphics Card - MSI GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER GAMING X SLIM  

The MSI GeForce RTX 4080 Super is a super-powerful graphics card that lets you play games in super high quality (4K resolution) without breaking the bank. It's even better than the previous RTX 4080 and beats most AMD cards, coming close to the top-of-the-line RTX 4090 but at a much lower price.  

This makes the RTX 4080 Super the best choice for gamers who want the best graphics in 4K resolution without spending a fortune. It's even stylish looking, especially the one made by Nvidia (Founders Edition).  

Of course, this isn't the most budget-friendly option, and there are other cards for those who don't need the absolute best. But if you want the smoothest, most impressive visuals in your 4K games, the RTX 4080 Super is the way to go! 

Technical Specifications: 

• 16 GB GDDR6X Memory 
• GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER Graphics 
• 7680 x 4320 Max. Resolution 
• Speed: 23000 MHz 
• Black, Grey Colour 
• 3 Years Warranty 

Reasons to Buy: 

The RTX 4080 SUPER is built for 4K gaming, offering smooth and immersive experiences even in the most demanding titles.  

With 16GB of GDDR6X memory, it ensures future-proofing for upcoming games and applications that require extensive resources.  

MSI's GAMING X SLIM design provides excellent cooling solutions and durability, ensuring consistent performance.  

Reasons to Avoid: 

With its high-performance capabilities comes increased power requirements, necessitating a solid power supply.  

Advanced technology and performance come at a higher cost, making it a significant investment.  

Its robust design may require more space inside your PC case, making it less ideal for compact builds. 

Availability: 

The MSI GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER GAMING X SLIM is available at Box.co.uk, where you can explore the latest deals and availability. 

Which Brand Offers the Best Graphics Cards? 

It's a tough call between NVIDIA and AMD for graphics cards! Both are top-tier choices.  

NVIDIA might be better for super realistic lighting effects (ray tracing), while AMD can be faster for regular graphics and AMD GPUs often cost less. There's also a new player, Intel, but their graphics cards are still new and figuring things out.  

Ultimately, the best brand depends on what you want in a graphics card. Consider if fancy lighting effects are essential to you or if you just wish to perform fast at a reasonable price. 

Final Verdict! 

In conclusion, the landscape of gaming graphics cards is more exciting than ever. NVIDIA graphics cards continue to lead with their innovative technologies and exceptional performance, making them a top choice for gamers who demand the best. The RTX 4080 SUPER, with its advanced Ada Lovelace architecture, sets a high standard for 4K gaming, offering unparalleled visuals and smooth gameplay.  

On the other hand, AMD graphic cards are not to be overlooked. For example, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX delivers impressive power and efficiency, making it a strong contender in the high-end market. Its robust performance and advanced features cater to gamers seeking performance and value.  

ASUS graphic cards also deserve special mention. They are known for their reliability and superior cooling solutions; ASUS cards like the TUF Gaming series are popular among gamers for their durability and high performance under pressure.  

When upgrading your gaming rig, choosing from the best graphics cards is recommended for top performance. Whether you're looking for the cutting-edge performance of NVIDIA, the competitive edge of AMD, or the trusted quality of ASUS, there's a perfect card for you at Box.co.uk. Consider the latest graphics card to experience improved performance and enhanced visuals and stay tuned for the latest offerings at Box.co.uk, including the upcoming RDNA 4 GPUs (RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT), RTX 50 Series GPUs, and more! 

For the best deals and a wide variety of options, explore Box.co.uk. With our extensive selection, you can easily find a graphics card for your gaming needs and budget!