How to make modern games work: Top graphics cards

The visual fidelity of video games continues to improve, blurring the lines between reality and digital worlds. This evolution, while inspiring countless online memes, significantly increases system requirements. Upgrading your PC, especially the graphics card, becomes a frequent necessity. This article reviews the top graphics cards of 2024 and offers insights for 2025 upgrades. For a visual treat, check out our companion article showcasing the most visually 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 under load, it’s starting to show its age with some modern titles, but remains a capable performer.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080

The RTX 3080, the older sibling of the 3060, remains a powerhouse. Its robust design and efficiency still outperform newer models like the 3090 and 4060 for many users. A slight overclock significantly enhances its performance. It offers excellent price-to-performance in 2025.

AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT

The RX 6700 XT continues to deliver exceptional price-to-performance. It handles modern games with ease and provides a strong challenge to NVIDIA's offerings, particularly the RTX 4060 Ti. Its higher memory capacity and wider bus interface ensure smooth gameplay at 2560x1440 resolution.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti

Unlike its less successful counterpart, the RTX 4060, the 4060 Ti is a solid performer, widely adopted in many PCs. While not vastly superior to AMD's offerings or the RTX 3080, it provides a reliable upgrade, boasting a 4% performance increase over its predecessor at 2560x1440 resolution, further boosted by Frame Generation.

AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT

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

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super

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

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080

This card delivers high-end performance suitable for any game, and many consider it optimal for 4K gaming. Its substantial VRAM and improved ray tracing capabilities ensure longevity.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

NVIDIA's flagship for top-tier systems, the RTX 4090 offers unparalleled performance and future-proofing. While not drastically better than the 4080, its performance and potential longevity make it a premium choice.

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

AMD's top-tier card rivals NVIDIA's flagship in performance but offers a significant price advantage, making it a compelling option. It provides exceptional gaming capabilities for years to come.

Intel Arc B580

Intel's late 2024 entry, the Arc B580, made a splash, selling out quickly. It outperforms the RTX 4060 Ti and RX 7600 by 5-10% and offers 12GB of VRAM at a remarkably affordable price. This signals a potential shift in the market.

In conclusion, despite price increases, gamers have access to powerful graphics cards across various budgets. High-end models offer exceptional performance and future-proofing, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for years to come.