Updated on August 14, 2022
Graphics cards are the lifeblood of gaming computers. One of the most important parts of a PC is its graphics card. Having a slow GPU can make you crazy, but a strong GPU can take your gaming to a whole new level. It is, however, money that is the most important aspect in determining the type of GPU you get.
It took a lot of time and effort to find the finest graphics card under $100, so we sifted through all of the benchmarks, 3D tests, and a wide variety of games. For the best graphics card for the money, we looked at AMD and Nvidia GPUs from a variety of manufacturers. In this post, you’ll find all the information you need to make an informed decision about the best graphics card for gaming. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 8 Best Graphics Cards Under $100.
You can spend hundreds of dollars on a top-of-the-line graphics card. It’s just common sense to spend more money to get a better product in the tech business.
You may be surprised to realise that some highly good graphics cards are available for less than $100. They may not have the most up-to-date technology, but they can still do well when it comes to gaming.
When it comes to rendering, many of them can even compete with more expensive options. In this article, we’ll go through some of the top 100-dollar graphics cards.
However, just because you want to play a few games doesn’t mean you have to spend hundreds of dollars on a new GPU. These are the greatest low-cost graphics cards on the market. With a budget as tight as $100, a good graphics card is within reach of most users.
Cards Under $100
AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards, which are among the best, will be the focus of our evaluations. In terms of value for money, these graphics cards are an excellent choice. No worries, we won’t be talking about Intel graphics chipsets here.
Finding the finest graphics card for $100 can be a challenge. You can learn whether Nvidia or AMD GPU series is best for you based on your gaming needs based on our review of the best $100 GPU. So, let’s find the greatest graphics card around $100!
Best Graphics Card Under 100$
1. ZOTAC GeForce GT 1030
SPECIFICATIONS
GPU: GeForce® GT 1030 | Video Memory: 2GB GDDR5 | Memory Clock: 6.0 GHz | DirectX: 12 | Memory Bus: 64-bit |
Reasons to Buy
Prices start at $70.
Low TDP of 30W,
low profile/single slot
Reasons to Avoid
It’s not good for AAA games.
A graphics card from Zotac, the ZOTAC GeForce GT 1030 2GB, is an entry-level model with 2GB of memory. It was launched in October 2017, making it nearly three years old. It has 1024 stream processors, 64 texture units, and 32 ROPs, all of which are based on the NVIDIA Pascal architecture. It has 2048 shaders running at 1417 MHz on the latest Pascal GP107 GPU (effectively). One DVI-D port and one DVI-I port are provided on this board. In terms of performance, this is one of the best graphics cards for around $100.
Low-profile graphics cards are available for budget-friendly PCs, such as this ZOTAC model. Because it only requires one PCI expansion slot, the GeForce GT 1030 can fit in even the tiniest ITX case.
This graphics card costs less than $100, so don’t expect it to perform at the highest level. Even games with high settings on a 1080p monitor will struggle. Physical processing components are absent and the GDDR5 RAM is merely 2GB.
This lack of performance can, on the other hand, be countered by a GPU that runs cooler. The ZOTAC GT 1030 is a good pick for a quiet PC setup because of its compact heatsink and quiet fan.
2. XFX RX 550 2GB
Specifications
GPU: Radeon™ RX 550 2GT LP OC | Video Memory: 2GB GDDR5 | Memory Clock: 6.0 GHz | DirectX: 12 | Memory Bus: 128-bit |
Reasons to Buy
Future-Proof Features
No additional power connector required
Cool and quiet
Reasons to Avoid
Notably slower than slightly more expensive Radeon RX 460
Its low-profile design makes it ideal for cheap gaming rigs, just like the NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030. Because it only has one PCI expansion slot, the XFX RX 550 is an excellent choice for individuals on a low budget. With a similar performance to the GT 1030, it isn’t going to blow you away either.
Unless they’re hardware-intensive, most games won’t run at their highest settings on most computers. Since the RX 550 doesn’t generate a lot of heat, a big, loud cooler isn’t necessary.
XFX Double Dissipation Cooling allows you to reap the benefits of GDDR5 memory technology. The dual-fan cooling system absorbs heat from the CPU and the graphics card.. This graphics card is an excellent option for gamers who are trying to get the most out of their gaming experience on a budget. However, it’s one of the Best Graphics Cards Under $100 on the market today!
3. EVGA GeForce GT 710 1GB
SPECIFICATIONS
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 | Video Memory: 1GB GDDR5 | Memory Speed: 5012 MHZ | DirectX: 12 | Memory Bus: 64 Bits |
Reasons to Buy
GeForce GT 710 1GB GDDR5 fully supports DX12 on Windows 10
Designed to dissipate heat silently with a 0dB thermal design
Up to three monitors can be connected with the integrated alloy power II component for enhanced multitasking
Reasons to Avoid
May cause random blackouts
An excellent choice for individuals who prefer to play games at an average frame rate is the EVGA GeForce GT 710 1GB. Those on a tight graphics card budget will appreciate this card’s performance. For 3D and 2D programmes, the EVGA GT 710 will perform at an average level thanks to its 1GB memory interface.
Compared to Nvidia’s RTX 2080 Ti, which costs hundreds of dollars, the pricing of this GPU is quite reasonable. It costs less than half of our budgeted amount, making it even more cost-effective. If you plan to play a few games on your PC, the EVGA GT 710 is the ideal choice.
Both the RAM and the graphics processor are slow, which implies that the system performs at a mediocre level. You can run several 3D apps and games with the 1GB of RAM, but the card runs chilly. Since just one PCI expansion slot is required, you can fit one in even the tiniest ITX case, despite its silent operation.
4. ZOTAC GeForce GT 730
SPECIFICATIONS
GPU: GeForce GT 730 | Video Memory: 2/4 GB GDDR5 | Memory Clock: 1600 MHz | DirectX: 12 | Memory Bus: 64 Bits |
Reasons to Buy
Silent
Power Efficient
Reasons to Avoid
Can’t give good FPS in high graphics.
The ZOTAC GeForce GT 730 is the best answer for gamers who want to take their experience to the next level. It is ideal for HTPCs and first-time gamers because of its tiny size and low power consumption. It’s also a suitable option for low-power applications. To run 64-bit software, the GT 730 includes 4GB of DDR3 memory and a 64-bit memory bus. However, this graphics card can only support a maximum resolution of 2040p.
If you’re looking for an affordable gaming graphics card, the ZOTAC GT 730 is a great choice! The GT 730 was stunning when it was debuted, and it remains impressive today. If you’re looking for an entry-level graphics card, this one has a few notable advantages over the competition.
In comparison to earlier graphics cards, this one has twice as much RAM (4GB). In terms of rendering complicated models and photos, the GT 730 has more RAM than any other card on this list.
5. Asus AMD Radeon R7 250
SPECIFICATIONS
GPU: R7250-1GD5 | Video Memory: 1 GB GDDR5 | Memory Clock:1150 MHz | DirectX: 12 (11_1) | Memory Bus: 128 Bits |
Reasons to Buy
Capable of handling 1080p gaming at medium settings.
Compact.
Reasons to Avoid
Performs significantly better under load than Nvidia’s latest cards.
Requires a six-pin power connector
ASUS’s Radeon R7 250 1GB is a powerful video card. If you’re looking for the best gaming experience at this price point, this is the best option available. To ensure the best gaming experience, this card comes with an extended warranty of up to three years. At low to medium details and resolutions, it can handle demanding games thanks to the 1GB of GDDR5 memory it has to offer.
There is no doubt that AMD’s Radeon 7 is a great CPU, but it isn’t suitable for gaming. GDDR5 VRAM, as you can see, is just 1GB, which severely limits its gaming capabilities.
Generally speaking, this graphics card is a solid choice for gamers. As a result of the GPU’s dust-proof fan, its life expectancy has been greatly extended. In spite of the system’s low noise level, AUTO-EXTREME technology enables it to run completely on autopilot.
Other than the lack of V-RAM, there are no distinguishing characteristics that set it apart from other low-cost choices. It has more than enough capacity to play games from around 2012, and it will work well for folks who are interested in 3D modelling or video editing. The computer stays cool for a long length of time when rendering videos.
6. GeForce GT 740 OC
SPECIFICATIONS
GPU: GV-N740D5OC-2GI | Video Memory: 2 GB GDDR5 | Memory Clock: 1350 MHz | DirectX: 12 (11_0) | Memory Bus: 128 Bits |
Reasons to Buy
3K Output over DVI
Supports dual display
Lossless audio
Reasons to Avoid
Slightly more expensive
The Asus GeForce GT 740 OC, which costs around $100, outperforms the Radeon R7 240 and GeForce GT 730 in terms of performance for the same price. The memory subsystem appears to be the most impressive, based on a brief look at the specifications. GDDR5 RAM has taken the role of slower GDDR3 RAM. With these new memory chips, gamers will be able to take advantage of the cards’ increased performance.
It’s a non-gaming GPU in the mid-range price bracket. As is customary with Nvidia graphics cards, the 740 GT has a generational designation of 7 and a performance designation of 40. Both values should be as high as possible if you’re after a higher-than-average card. Since its introduction in 2007, the 740 is no longer capable of running modern games at an acceptable frame rate.
I wouldn’t recommend this card for gaming, at least in my opinion. This graphics card is suitable for low-end gaming and video production, but it’s not going to blow you away. If you plan to do a lot of gaming, look at the GTX lineup.
7. Nvidia GeForce GTX 750Ti
SPECIFICATIONS
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti | Video Memory: 2 GB GDDR5 | Memory Clock: 1350 MHz | DirectX: 12 (11_0) | Memory Bus: 128 Bits |
Reasons to Buy
Excellent power consumption
Cool and very quiet
Reasons to Avoid
No SLI support
GeForce GTX 750 Ti was released by NVIDIA in early 2014 as a mid-range desktop graphics card. This chip is based on Maxwell’s initial generation, GM107. Maxwell was able to outperform Kepler and AMD CPUs in similar performance areas by focusing on energy efficiency. DirectX 11.2 is supported by the GTX 750 Ti, but only at feature level 11 0. This is one of the greatest budget graphics cards under $100 that you can buy..
The GeForce GTX 860M, an equivalent chip for laptops with a little slower clock rate and a slightly lower clock rate, is comparable in performance to this chip. In terms of performance, the Radeon R7 260X from AMD and the GeForce GTX 750 and GTX 660 from Nvidia are comparable.
The GTX 750 Ti has a major advantage over the less powerful Radeon R7 260X (gaming) in terms of power consumption.
8. Asus GeForce GTX 650Ti
SPECIFICATIONS
GPU: GTX650TI-PH-1GD5 | Video Memory: 1 GB GDDR5 | Memory Clock: 1350 MHz | DirectX: 12 (11_0) | Memory Bus: 128 Bits |
REASONS TO BUY
✓Very low power consumption
✓Overclocked out of the box
✓Good overclocking potential
✓Low temperatures
REASONS TO AVOID
✗No NVIDIA GPU Boost
✗No support for SLI
✗Expensive
Even when overclocked, the Asus GeForce GTX 650Ti GPU is faster than the Sapphire Vapor-X HD 7770. The card’s overclocking and scaling capabilities are superb. If you’re looking for a high-end graphics card, the NVIDIA GTX 650 Ti is an excellent choice at 1680 x 1055 resolution. The AMD HD 7850’s power consumption is quite low for a high-end graphics card in that price range.
For games released between 2012 and 2014, the GeForce GTX 650Ti is the best choice. This graphics card is an excellent choice if you’re on a tight budget and hoping to get the finest graphics card for the money.
Despite this, the GeForce GTX 650 Ti is a solid graphics card that’s well worth the price. Maybe not the best answer in its pricing range. As a bonus, the card’s power usage is low, making it a good choice for those who are concerned about the environment.
Factors to consider while buying the Best Graphics Card under 100 Dollars
Graphics cards are available in a broad variety of specs on the market. Before you buy a graphics card, you need think about a few things. Before purchasing the finest graphics card under $100, here are a few things to keep in mind.
This heat must be dissipated somehow. Choosing a graphics card based on its TDP (thermal design power) might be a difficult task. To adequately distribute heat, you’ll need more fans as your TDP rises. Because of the added space and power required by fans, the TDP number is important.
The power supply should have enough 8-pin or 6-pin connectors to support your graphics card in addition to considering the TDP value for space concerns. Make sure your power supply is at least 80 Plus Bronze by purchasing it.
Memory: The graphics card’s video memory. It’s just like the system’s main RAM, except that it’s dedicated to graphics. 2GB and 4GB graphics cards are used in gaming. With additional VRAM, you can increase the level of detail in a game.
Typical graphics cards have between 2 and 12 gigabytes of video RAM. A computer’s optimal performance depends on the amount of memory it has. Some forums claim that the amount of RAM on a graphics card is irrelevant, while others insist that it is a crucial consideration when making a purchase.
While the value of GPU memory to some may be disputed, the need for bandwidth is universal. At any given time, a GPU’s bandwidth is the amount of memory it can access. A GPU’s shader cores can receive data more quickly if the GPU has more bandwidth. Because of this, you can play games and watch videos without any issues. It is the link between a GPU and its related system that is referred to as external bandwidth. It’s a measure of how fast data can move across a bus (for example, PCIe or Thunderbolt).
There are a number of different types of shader cores, and each one has its own unique set of capabilities. You can also use the graphics card’s processing power (GPU) instead of relying exclusively on the system’s processor (CPU). Another benefit of using a GPU is that it is capable of simultaneously processing numerous data streams.
Conclusion
In our opinion, ZOTAC’s GeForce GT 1030 2GB is the finest video card under $100 to buy. It’s the most performance-efficient card you can buy at this price point. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for the best gaming experience for your money, go no further than this graphics card. With this card, you’ll be able to play all of your favourite old and new games in 720p high definition at maximum settings.
We recommend this card if you’re looking to buy a card for under $100! Editing photos and videos has never been easier or faster thanks to this new tool.
If you’re looking for the best possible gaming experience, you should also look into some of the more expensive graphics cards. New games are published on a weekly basis, making it challenging to keep up with the pace of innovation in the gaming industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1030 good for gaming?
With this video card, virtually any game available today can be played at 30-60 frames per second at a low to medium setting, and even at a high setting if it is a little old, like GTA 5 in 1080p. Despite its reputation as an entry-level card, this is generally a good card.
Is a 2GB graphics card Enough?
For the vast majority of today’s games, 2 GB is not enough RAM. The last time a high-end graphics card had only 2 GB of memory was many years ago. Older games are still available to play.
Can I play GTA 5 on a 1GB graphics card?
Yes, GTA 5 can be played at medium settings with a 1GB graphics card.
