Updated on August 14, 2022
A GPU is likely the most crucial component for content creators working with higher resolution pixels and avid gamers searching for rapid performance. Usually, such cards come at a price. However, you don’t have to empty your pockets to have good graphical performance.
There are some terrific and reasonable alternatives available in the market among both Nvidia’s GeForce and AMD’s Radeon lineups, as long as you have the time and will to look further. Fortunately, we researched to help you pick the best GPU under $600. Read on to learn which one of these 5 solutions suits your needs.
If your budget is less than 300 dollars, then make sure to check out our prior article covering the best GPU under $300. We have also included a buyer’s guide segment for some quick suggestions on making the most out of your purchase.
1. ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 OC
This mid-level 1080p performance was re-released by ASUS last year due to a supply issue. With the original dual-fan cooler, you’ll get superior heat dissipation. It’s dustproof and IP5X-compliant, so it’ll last longer by keeping particles out.
The OC edition is based on Nvidia’s Turing architecture and features a boost clock speed of 1680 MHz (OC Mode) and 1650 MHz (Original Configuration) (Gaming Mode). The GPU has 4GB of GDDR6 memory, which provides more than 50% greater bandwidth for gaming purposes. In addition, HDMI2.0b, DisplayPort1.4, and DVI-D are all available as output options. A 6-pin power connector is also included for connecting to an external power source.
You should be able to attain 144fps on tight clashes in games like Fortnite with some competitive settings enabled. However, if you want to do the hard lifting, you’ll need a powerful CPU and RAM.
Overall, The ASUS Tuf Gaming Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 OC is a graphics card for designers, gamers, and producers. Games and 3D rendering can be run at a reasonable speed on this machine. If you want a decent midrange performer in today’s overpriced GPU market, this one is a good option.
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2. EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 GAMING
As far as specifications go, the EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming GPU appears to be the same as the normal GTX 1060. In order to reduce the overall size of the card even further, EVGA has added a bespoke cooler to the design.
Fast Sync, SMP, Ansel, and improved memory compression are all supported by the Pascal-based CPU. Clock speeds of 1506MHz and 1708MHz for the base and boost are provided by its 1280 single-precision CUDA cores. It’s available in two memory size options: 6GB and 3GB (GDDR5). We recommend the 8GB option unless your gaming doesn’t necessitate 1080p. This card is powered by a single 6-pin auxiliary power supply.
Other Pascal-based GPUs provide extremely similar video outputs. Multi-monitor or VR configurations can take advantage of up to four display outs at once. Performance-wise, this card is nearly equivalent to the Founder’s Edition model from NVidia. Most games at 1440P or lower will run smoothly on it.
Overall, the EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming is a solid choice if you’re searching for a high-performance graphics card with a small footprint.
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3. MSI Gaming Radeon RX 580
Radeon RX 580 is powered by AMD’s breakthrough Polaris architecture. A smooth performance at any framerate puts an end to sluggish gameplay and broken frames. High contrast and vibrant colours create a stunningly immersive visual experience.
There is a price difference between the 4GB and 8GB GDDR5 versions of this GPU. A 5-output MSI Store model is available for purchase. DL-DVI-D, two HDMI, and two DisplayPorts are available for connecting multiple displays simultaneously.
There’s also the fact that this card demands 185 watts of PCI-E power supply. You can get 75 watts from a standard PCI-E slot. The 8-pin PCI-E plug has two more grounds and delivers 150 watts of power above the 6-pin version. Either you can convert an old power supply to use an 8-pin connector, or you must purchase a new power supply.
Cooling the card is easy with these two coolers. It takes a lot of effort for them to get going, as they are passive fans. For casual gamers, MSI Gaming Radeon RX 580 is a good choice. In games like Rainbow Six Siege, Witcher 3, or Fortnite, you can expect to receive 75+ frames per second on a regular basis at a 1080p resolution.
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4. XFX Radeon RX 560
In popular games, the XFX Radeon RX 560 delivers respectable performance. For the most part, it outperforms the GTX 1050 in AAA titles. With the settings set to medium, it’s more than capable of giving a seamless experience at 1080p.
Compared to its predecessor, AMD’s Polaris 11 “Baffin” GPU has an additional 128 Stream processors and a base clock rate of around 8% higher. Other features include Free Sync, Radeon Chill, HEVC decoding, HDMI 2.0, DP 1.4 HDR, and Radeon ReLive. External video communication is provided by DisplayPort, DVI, and HDMI.
Aside from the fact that it requires two six-pin power supply connections, this card has no negatives. The fan, shroud, and heatsink are all larger. Because of this, it appears that it will dissipate heat more quickly. Overclocking, on the other hand, may need going faster.
It may also be used for Ethereum mining, thanks to MSI Afterburner enhancements that increase its hash rate to 29Mh/s.
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5. MSI Store GeForce GTX 1050 TI
MSI’s GTX 1050 TI 4GT OC may not be the most attractive 1050 Ti, but it delivers on its promise of running games at 60 frames per second. Aesthetically, it’s a beauty. It uses very little power, thus the power source isn’t needed.
GPU based on NVIDIA’s Pascal architecture provides good performance and RAM bandwidth enhancements and energy efficiency improvements over the Maxwell architecture predecessor. A 1455 MHz overclock and 4GB of 128-bit GDDR5 RAM make this a powerful gaming rig. The card’s front panel has a variety of outputs. An HDMI 2.0 and DVI-D Dual-Link output round out the connectivity options.
Apart from high-resolution gaming, the GTX 1050 Ti has 768 cores that may be used to speed computation-intensive apps via CUDA or other APIs. MSI has developed a dual-fan cooler for cooling purposes. The dual fans on this heatsink help remove heat more effectively because they cover most of the heatsink.
Doom at 1080p 60fps on maximum settings and The Witcher 3 at the same resolution should run smoothly, despite the fact that it isn’t the fastest GPU available.
Buy Here: Amazon
Best GPU Under 600: Buyer’s Guide
Let’s take a look at what specs matter the most when purchasing a GPU under 600 doll
Memory
The RAM of the graphics card is crucial. If you play a lot of games and do light productivity work, you should acquire a card with at least 4GB of memory. However, if you want to play in 1080p, you’ll need at least 6GB of RAM and preferably more. You won’t be able to play games at 4K resolution due to pricey graphics cards, which require at least 8GB of memory.
Form Factor
Always keep in mind that the size of a product is an important consideration. When it comes to computer graphics cards these days, they come in a variety of sizes and configurations. The majority of gaming cards include many expansion slots. Only one slot is taken up by the cards on our list because most of them are older models. The larger the heatsink/fan shroud, the more likely it is to obstruct an adjacent slot.
TDP Rating
Using TDP, you can figure out how much power you’ll need to run a card at its stock settings. If your overclocked CPU takes 95 watts of electricity, and your PSU only provides 400 watts, then adding a 250 watt video card will necessitate an upgrade to your power supply. For all of the previous-generation cards on the list, a 600W power supply should be sufficient.
Ports
The number of output ports is crucial. There are some monitors with HDMI and others with DisplayPort and DVI, but not all of them. If you plan to use multiple displays, make sure the graphics card you choose has the appropriate ports. Without an adaptor, you may be forced to spend money on one (or change your display).
Cooling
Lower-end graphics cards may come with less powerful cooling systems and less powerful fans. As a result of the heat generated by overclocking, certain GPUs are unable to maintain sufficient cooling. In order to maximise heat dissipation during overclocking, we recommend using larger aluminium heatsinks or copper heat pipes from a reputable manufacturer. A dual-fan model is also an option if you want improved cooling.
Final Thoughts
That’s about all you need to know about the greatest graphics card under $600, according to our experts. The graphics processing unit (GPU) market is in ruins right now. Graphics cards that cost $150 at the time of their initial release are now selling for over $400. Even though it’s not a good time to buy a new GPU, the ones on this list are the best buys right now.
