Best Graphics Card Under 500

10 Best Graphics Card Under 500 That’ll Make Your PC a Beast 2022

Updated on August 14, 2022

Aren’t you fed up with having so many possibilities for a graphics card under $500 that you have no idea what you want to buy? Gamers are afraid to ask for help because of the confusing, number-laden nomenclature of the graphics processing units sold at computer stores.

Best Choice

EVGA GeForce RTX 2070 XC Gaming, 8GB GDDR6, Dual HDB Fans & RGB LED Graphics Card 08G-P4-2172-KR,...

Good Choice

ASUS GeForce GTX 1070 8GB ROG Strix OC Edition Graphic Card STRIX-GTX1070-O8G-GAMING

Don’t Miss

MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1070 8GB GDDR5 SLI DirectX 12 VR Ready Graphics Card (GTX 1070 ARMOR 8G OC)

Also Consider

ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1070 Mini 8GB GDDR5 VR Ready Super Compact Gaming Graphics Card (ZT-P10700G-10M)...
EVGA GeForce RTX 2070 XC Gaming, 8GB GDDR6, Dual HDB Fans & RGB LED Graphics Card 08G-P4-2172-KR,…
ASUS GeForce GTX 1070 8GB ROG Strix OC Edition Graphic Card STRIX-GTX1070-O8G-GAMING
MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1070 8GB GDDR5 SLI DirectX 12 VR Ready Graphics Card (GTX 1070 ARMOR 8G OC)
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1070 Mini 8GB GDDR5 VR Ready Super Compact Gaming Graphics Card (ZT-P10700G-10M)…

We’ve all been there, so don’t worry. If you’ve been on the fence regarding which GPU to buy, look no further. After reading this, you won’t have to worry about that decision ever again.

The electronic age in which we live is a fast-paced one. Rival vendors are supplying somewhat different performance variants due to the development of improved technologies over a period of weeks or even days. A rising market necessitates that these performance indicators be tinkered with to fit the needs of certain purchasers. Listed here are the top graphics cards under $500 on the market today.

Also Read: Best Graphics Card Reviews.

Best Graphics Cards Under 500 in 2022 (Reviews)

1. EVGA Geforce RTX 2070 Black

 

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There is now a 2070 graphics card for less than $500 from EVGA. As far as specs go, it tops them all. The 8 GB of DDR6 VRAM on the EVGA Geforce RTX 2070 Black Edition is all new. However, it has a memory clock speed of 14000 MHz and a core clock speed of 6666 MHz.

As stated in the specifications, the boost clock is 1620 MHz and it can support four monitors with a maximum digital resolution of 7680 x 4320. In contrast, the GPU is cooled by a sink heat system and two fans. 550 watts of thermal design power means the GPU need a lot of cooling to function properly. It is necessary, however, because of the bandwidth and memory clock speed requirements of real-time ray tracing.

There are 2304CUDA cores on this card, and it uses PCIe 3.0 for connectivity. The memory is 8192MB GDDR6, and its bit width is 256 bits, and its bandwidth is 448 gigabits per second.
Also Consider: The Best $500 Gaming PC.

2. MSI Gaming Geforce RTX 2070

 

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Based on the same GPU technology as Nvidia, the MSI gaming version of GeForce RTX 2070 is practically identical in terms of performance and features. A lot of things are the same, from how many CUDA cores are accessible to how much RAM is available. In addition, it can have a maximum digital storage capacity of 768 x 4320 pixels.

Aside from the boost clock speed, there are no significant differences between the two devices. There is a 120 Mhz difference between MSI’s version and EVGA’s. Their armour and fan forms are designed to distribute heat better, and they claim to have a more thermally efficient design. The system’s needs are likewise identical.

When it comes to technical specifications, the boost clock speed limit is the one area where MSI beats EVGA. If you’re looking to buy an RTX 2070, the EVGA GPU is the better choice because it’s available for less than $500 from most retailers while the MSI variant can cost upwards of $550. It’s the greatest 2070 graphics card out of the ones we’ve reviewed.

memory bandwidth: 448 gigabits per second (GB/s) memory speed: 14000 MHz memory bandwidth: 256 bits memory boost: 1740 MHz

3. ASUS Geforce GTX 1070

 

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As with the normal 1070 GPUs, Asus makes use of GDDR5 for its VRAM. 8 Gigabytes of storage space and 256-bit memory bandwidth are the same as the 2070s in our list. According to ASUS’s summary, its proprietary fan design produces 105 percent air pressure and maintains the GPU cool for smooth operations.

This is fantastic news for ASUS users, as the ASUS 1070 is tuned for the ASUS – X99 A II motherboard. The fact that it is a cheap gaming graphics card is also welcome news.

The GPU supports VR gaming and features HDMI connections that are compatible with VR headsets for those who like to show off their skills. For taking screenshots while playing the game, it leverages the Nvidia Ansel tech. You can fine-tune the GPU performance with XSplit Gamecaster, if you so want. For more experienced overclockers, it offers a wealth of customizability and customization possibilities, while still keeping things simple for newcomers.

With a 256-bit memory interface, the GeForce GTX 1070’s graphics engine is capable of running at the highest level of detail.

4. Gigabyte Geforce GTX 1070 Windforce OC

 

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Gigabyte’s GTX 1070 models are very similar to the normal GTX 1070 versions in terms of overall performance. The Pascal architecture of the Gigabyte Geforce GTX 1070 Windforce OC makes it VR ready. The GPU is kept cool with the help of two 90 mm fans and copper heat pipes that are in direct contact with the CPU, allowing for effective heat dissipation. Triangular fan blades slice the airflow when they come into touch with the 3D stripes. Improved cooling is possible thanks to this.

Our gamers who need total focus can enjoy a sense of silence thanks to the fan’s ability to stop when it is no longer essential to cool. Using the GPU modes is as simple as clicking a button, so you don’t have to get bogged down in the technical specifics. Just one click is all that is needed to ensure safe overclocking.

When running in gaming mode, the graphics card’s cores run at speeds of 1746 MHz and 1556 MHz, respectively. The graphics card’s memory operates at 8008 MHz, and its memory capacity is 8 gigabytes of DDR4-2666. The memory bus is 256 bits wide.
Also, check out the best gaming PC reviews.

5. MSI Gaming Geforce GTX 1070

 

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In addition to the 1070, MSI has also produced a version based on this best-in-class graphics card. Standard 1920 CUDA cores and an 8108MHz maximum memory clock speed are included in this model. Nothing unusual about this one either; the specifications and technical features are nearly identical.

MSI’s overclocking software is also among the best in the industry. The MSI Afterburner is a straightforward piece of software that explains exactly how to increase the performance of your GPU.

You can also run stress tests on your GPU using the included software, which gives you a decent sense of whether or not your GPU can handle the settings you want it to run at. A built-in temperature monitor allows you to keep an eye on the temperature of your GPU core.

Data storage: PCIe Gen3 x16 3.0 | GDDR5 Memory | Memory Clock: 8108MHz | CUDA Cores: 1920

6. Nvidia Geforce GTX 1070 Founders Edition

 

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As the primary manufacturer of the 1070 Pascal architecture, Nvidia’s graphics cards are some of the best in the industry for gaming, video editing, and graphic rendering. In terms of performance, it is a 1070 GPU with the normal features you’d expect from that model.

Only the Founder’s Edition of the 1070 series has different specifications. As the name implies, this is a GTX 1080 processor with 25% of its CUDA Cores deactivated. There is no difference in performance between this and a normal 1070. NVidia, on the other hand, has employed a more thermally efficient design to better manage the GPU’s TDP. Maintaining a stable temperature for the GPU while increasing its overall efficiency is achieved.

As of this writing, the base clock is 1506 Mhz, the boost clock is 1683 Mhz, and the memory clock is 8008 Mhz. CUDA Cores: 1920.

7. EVGA Geforce GTX 1070 Gaming ACX 3.0 Black Edition

 

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One of the greatest graphics cards for gaming is being used by EVGA as well. It has a 256-bit bit width and a 256-gigabit per second bandwidth. AC 3.0 cooling is the only change between the EVGA’s black edition of the NVidia’s 1070 GPU and the standard one.

The fans have been increased in size from 9 cm to 10 cm. The most annoying thing about a high-performance GPU when gaming is the noise it makes with its fans. Even though AC 3.0’s fans are larger, they use idle technology to keep the system cool.

When the GPU no longer requires cooling, the fans shut off. So, for example, if you play in an extremely cool atmosphere, your GPU may no longer require any cooling at all.

GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card has a memory speed of 8008 MHz and a CUDA core count of 1920.

8. Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 G1

 

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Gigabyte has already released a GTX 1070 with a slightly different design. Gigabyte’s 1070 Pascal is one of the greatest gaming GPUs on the market, therefore I’ll compare the two 1070 Pascal models created by the same firm, Gigabyte, to see which one is better. Both models are referred to as G1 and Windforce, respectively.

The cooling system is equipped with three fans. Better cooling should be expected if there are additional fans.
The G1 has somewhat better performance and cooling, but it costs less and has a 17mm smaller hardware size, which can be useful for folks who have a limited amount of room in their computer. If you’re accustomed to thinking in terms of gigabytes, making a decision isn’t difficult. Windforce is the best option.

For gaming, the recommended clock speed is 1784 MHz, while for overclocking, the recommended speed is 1822 MHz. The compatible refresh rate is 60Hz, while the recommended digital resolution is 768804320.

9. Zotac GeForce GTX 1070 AMP Extreme

 

The AMP extreme version of Zotac’s three-fan cooling system. With the GTX 1070, Zotac adds in some style as well as the usual technological characteristics. In the outer casing, there is a carbon fibre exoskeleton, and all around the casing are LEDs that can be adjusted for brightness and colour. Special software developed by Zotac is also available to help you modify your system’s settings, including safe overclocking. It is the greatest gaming GPU due to its high level of overclocking.

Overall, the 1070 series is a fairly homogenous market, with only a few firms selling slightly different graphics cards in the sub $500 price bracket. One of the greatest gaming and 4K video editing GPUs, the 1070s are a powerhouse.

Compatibility is the most important consideration for a buyer. So if your motherboard is ASUS, you should get the ASUS version. The GPUs’ size and cooling systems are also critical. Make sure the GPU will fit in your system before you buy it!

Other than hardware compatibility and some GPUs having company-made software available for better management, performance tweaking, and overclocking, etc., there are no other significant differences between PC and console games. The 1070s will deliver nearly equal results. The 1070’s overall performance and overclocking potential easily place it among the top graphics cards available today.

Clock speed: 1632MHz base, 1835MHz boost; Memory clock: 8208MHz; PCI Express 3.0; Display outputs are 3 DisplayPorts (DP1.4, HDMI 2.0b, and DVI-D), 3 HDMI 2.0b, and DL-DVI.

10. Gigabyte Radeon RX VEGA 56

 

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AMD Radeon Vega GPUs are also available from Gigabyte. According to Vega’s HBM2, the HBM2 has a substantially larger bandwidth than DDR5’s, and it provides maximum performance at very low power consumption. As a result, this will cost a lot to build. There are roughly twice as many Steam processors on the Vega 56 as there are on the GTX 1080 Ti, and a memory speed of 800 MHz means that the card can run at a far lower thermal design power (TDP).

By roughly 60% of the price and performance specifications, this GPU is out of the scope of this discussion. We included it to show how AMD Radeon, NVidia’s major competitor, is using different technology to develop more power-efficient graphics processing units (GPUs).

With Vega architecture technology, Radeon’s profit margins are incredibly low, but they do provide extremely efficient GPUs. When compared to DDR5, HBM2 will provide a 100 percent boost in memory bandwidth. It also consumes just 8% of the power of DDR5 technology.

As of this writing, the processor’s core clock is 1471 MHz, while the base clock is 1156 MHz, and the number of Stream Processors is 3584. The memory clock is 800 MHz, and the memory bus is 2048 bits wide.

Choosing a Best Graphics Card Under $500

You should know that most CPUs (Central processing units) in use nowadays have an integrated graphics processor (GPU) (Graphics processing unit). This effectively means that the CPU is equipped with a little graphics card. These integrated GPUs have improved performance significantly and are ideal for 2D graphics and operating system displays. Surely there’s nothing else you could ever want, isn’t there?

Integrated GPUs are not well-suited for heavy visual data processing required by the user when playing high-resolution video games or generating graphics, for example. There are dedicated GPUs (also known as discrete GPUs) for such demanding visual data workloads. Due to the fact that these devices are not meant for heavy data processing, this instruction is just for the latter.

So how do you know what to look for when deciding? Before spending a penny on a graphics card, here are eight things to keep in mind. The purpose of this guide is to provide you a quick explanation of the significance of each factor so that you can make an informed decision. For those who are pressed for time, a brief conclusion has been created at the end of each explanation to provide a more comprehensive picture.

Budget and the nature of the job

If you’re a gamer or a designer, you’ll need a graphics card that costs roughly 30 percent of your computer’s total cost. “30 PERCENT” on just one component?!” You’re thinking.

You may be surprised to learn just how much more expensive a GPU may be than what I’m saying here. As a general rule of thumb, if you’re spending more than this figure, you’re generally overpaying for a product that exceeds your needs.

Formula One exhaust and cooling systems wouldn’t be appropriate for your Prius, would they? However, the Prius does not generate enough heat to necessitate the usage of air conditioning. In general, a graphics card budget of less than $500 is a fantastic deal. Finally, before beginning your search for a viable GPU, be sure to thoroughly assess your needs and your available money. Spending too much money on a product with specifications that are too high for your needs is a waste of money.

graphics card’s power (TDP)

The maximum power that a device can dissipate when operating at its maximum clock speed is known as TDP, or Thermal Design Power (will be described separately in a later part).

As you can see, this Thermal design power is significant because you may not have enough power available to run your GPU at a steady pace. In simple terms, the greater the TDP, the more processing power you’ll get, so it’s natural to go for the maximum available, but the catch here is the amount of power your system can supply to the graphics card.

Is this what these two paragraphs were all about? There is, however, the fact that your system is essentially useless if it is unable to generate enough power to sustain the high TDP.

Cooling and Storage (TDP)

Technically, this TDP represents the power dissipated by the GPU. How do you explain this? Basically, this is the amount of heat your GPU will produce when it’s functioning at its maximum capability in terms of watts. As a result, you’ll want to check to see if you have enough fans spinning at the right speed to keep your system working smoothly even when your GPU is being pushed to its absolute limits.

If you want to add more fans, you’ll need more room, right? To be a good gaming system, huge tower systems should have enough room for a high-performance graphics card.

Never buy a GPU with more TDP than your system can handle even if it meets other criteria, since this could cause your system to overheat, resulting in the loss of data or the entire motherboard in extreme situations.

Clock Rate

So, what exactly should you keep in mind now that something fresh has come along?

In order to determine a GPU’s speed, the clock speed is one of the two most important specifications:
A processor’s core clock speed tells you how many oscillations its silicon is making when it processes the data on the GPU and displays it on the screen.

Gamers naturally choose a GPU with a quicker core clock to ensure that their gaming system runs smoothly. To put it another way, it is one of the most important specifications that you utilise to make your purchase decision.

Finally, while a higher Core clock speed for any GPU is preferable, it should be considered in conjunction with the other factors already discussed, such as power supply, heat generation, and cooling, as well as the system requirements of the game or software you’re running.

Details of the Memory and Hardware.

It’s usually a good idea to have more memory, as long as you don’t exceed your budget. In addition, check certain that it can be physically attached to your computer’s motherboard. If your motherboard has numerous connectors for parallel processing, make sure to always attach your GPU to the first available slot.

Bandwidth

Basically, it’s the maximum amount of space that a computer’s processor can access at a given time. As the amount of bandwidth available to the Shader Cores increases, more data may be sent to the GPU’s shaders.
Your GPU’s performance may be limited by the amount of bandwidth you have.

The garage door example explains this. Even if you are able to transport a large number of items from your massive garage (the simile is being used to talk about the core clock speed). Your performance would be hampered if the door were in the way.

In the same manner, if you don’t have the bandwidth to read more data simultaneously, having a larger memory reserve (say, 8-12 gigabytes) and an identical core clock speed is pointless. But there’s more to it than that. Two things come into play here. Both the core clock speed and the bus width that can be used to transport data are discussed in detail above.

Dimensions of a Bus

In order for the graphics processor to access the data stored in your GPU’s memory, the bus must be present. The exact number of bits that can be on the bus every clock cycle, e.g. 128 bits, 256 bits, etc., may be measured quite straightforwardly.

If you think about bus width as actual traffic lanes, you’ll get the idea. In addition, the addition of lanes means that more traffic may flow at any given time.

You could be asking yourself, “What does this have to do with us?” It is just necessary to verify that the bus width specified is sufficient for the memory of your GPU. Don’t bother with it if it doesn’t make any sense. If there are more lanes available for less data, it won’t hurt at all; the system will work smoothly.

Shaders Cores

Shader Cores are referred to by a variety of distinct names by the leading manufacturers on the market. There are CUDA cores and Steam processors, both of which are merely shaders. Now you see where I was coming from.

Aside from clock speed and CUDAs or steam processors, these are the two most important performance metrics to consider when selecting a GPU. Graphics on your computer’s screen will be determined by these CPUs.

Parallel processing is used to produce visual data via these devices, which operate as processors. It’s not difficult to grasp, is it? The more processors you have, the more efficient your computer will be. This needs to be compared to the amount of bandwidth and storage available.

In most cases, the manufacturer provides a proper combination of the GPU’s peripheral components and shader cores, so there is no need to worry. The most important consideration is to choose a processor that meets your needs without falling short or exceeding them.

This figure tells you how good your performance will be if you spend a lot of money on it, but remember that you should never spend more than you need.

They all use two NVidia GPUs to power their respective software applications. However, NVidia GPU pricing are out of this world. Other manufacturers use the same GPUs, which are available for under $500 and are used in their models. These are the greatest 4k graphics cards on the market today. They are also the greatest video editing graphics cards.

Also Consider: The Best Graphics Card for around $200.

Conclusion

In the end, I’ll try to offer you an overview and a sense of which option is ideal for you.
Turing architecture and real-time ray tracing are key features of the 2070. Because of its superiority in technology, it is simply the greatest graphics card for gaming in the world today.

The CUDA core count, memory bandwidth, and all-new AI processing make it the most powerful graphics card. It is far superior than the Pascal-based 1070s and 1080s, which are nevertheless considered as NVidia’s second best architecture.

For the time being, 2070 is merely a speculative purchase, as there aren’t any games using the futuristic technology. The NVidia GeForce GTX 1070 and GTX 1080 function perfectly with the current crop of games. For gaming, video editing, and graphics rendering, both of these graphics cards are excellent.

MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1650 128-Bit HDMI/DP/DVI 4GB GDRR6 HDCP Support DirectX 12 VR Ready OC...

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ASUS Cerberus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB OC Edition GDDR5 Gaming Graphics Card (Cerberus-GTX1050Ti-O4G)

ASUS Cerberus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB OC Edition GDDR5 Gaming Graphics Card (Cerberus-GTX1050Ti-O4G)

Strong back plate support designed to reinforce circuit board; Plug and play design requires no PCIe power connectors for easy graphics upgrade

ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 OC Edition Graphics Card (PCIe 3.0, 4GB GDDR6 Memory, HDMI,...

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Ultra-fast GDDR6 with over 50% more memory bandwidth for high-speed gaming.; Auto Extreme Manufacturing uses automation to enhance reliability.

EVGA GeForce 210 1024 MB DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 DVI/HDMI/VGA Graphics Card, 01G-P3-1312-LR

EVGA GeForce 210 1024 MB DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 DVI/HDMI/VGA Graphics Card, 01G-P3-1312-LR

520 MHz core clock; 1024 MB 64-bit DDR3 memory. PCI Express 2.0 x16. 8 CUDA Cores; 600 MHz memory clock and 1230 MHz shader clock

ASUS Phoenix NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 OC Edition Gaming Graphics Card (PCIe 3.0, 4GB GDDR6 Memory,...

ASUS Phoenix NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 OC Edition Gaming Graphics Card (PCIe 3.0, 4GB GDDR6 Memory,…

OC Edition: Boost Clock 1665 MHz (OC Mode)/ 1635 MHz (Gaming Mode); Ultra-fast GDDR6 with over 50% more memory bandwidth for high-speed gaming.

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MAXSUN GEFORCE GT 1030 2GB GDDR5 Video Graphics Card GPU Mini ITX Design, HDMI, DVI-D, Single Fan...

MAXSUN GEFORCE GT 1030 2GB GDDR5 Video Graphics Card GPU Mini ITX Design, HDMI, DVI-D, Single Fan…

9CM unique fan provide low noise and huge airflow; Boost Clock / Memory Speed : up to 1468 MHz / 2GB GDDR5 64 bit / 6000 MHz Memory

PowerColor AMD Radeon RX 550 4GB Red Dragon Graphics Card

PowerColor AMD Radeon RX 550 4GB Red Dragon Graphics Card

Country of origin: China; Package height: 3.0″; Package length: 9.5″; Package width: 7.7″