Best Cheap Graphics Cards For Fortnite [2022]

Updated on August 14, 2022

the best fortnite GPUs on market

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Reviews of the Best Cheap Graphics Cards for Fortnite
Performance Comparison Table
Game Settings When We Tested These GPUs
Things to Know Before Buying Budget-Friendly Graphics Card for Fortnite
- VRAM (Video Memory)
- TDP
- Dimensions
- Connectivity
- Benchmarks
Desktop Used to Test These GPUs
Recommendation
FAQs

It’s safe to say that Fortnite is one of the most popular video games ever made. In addition, it is one of those games that has put many GPUs to the test that claimed to give the best gaming experience. Nvidia’s RTX-series GPUs, particularly the top of the line models, are by far the best for Fortnite gaming. But because of their high price, not everyone can get their hands on the best-performing cards. So, are there any less expensive graphics cards that can be used for Fortnite?

Fornite can be played at 1080p with some low-cost graphics cards. Furthermore, these GPUs allow you to play Fortnite in its full splendour without breaking the budget. This time of year, these graphics cards are a good option for those on a tight budget.

Reviews of the Best Cheap Graphics Cards for Fortnite

Here are some of our top considerations:

1. EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 SC Gaming | Overall Best Budget GPU for Fortnite

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Main Specifications:

Clock Speed 1607 MHz
6GB GDDR5 Memory
DirectX 12
192-bit Memory Interface
1x DVD-D, 3 x DP, 1x HDMI 2.0 ports
Max Resolution 7680×4320
400W PSU Requirement

It’s hard to beat the price/performance of the GeForce GTX 1060 SC. Though Nvidia’s RTX line-up is unmatched in terms of performance, this graphics card is good for games like Fortnite and PUBG. It’s possible to play at 60 frames per second or higher with the GTX 1060 SC because of its 6GB of 1607 MHz GDDR5 memory.

Having a tiny form and dimensions that allow it to fit inside tight PC cases, this GPU impressed us greatly. Compared to other mid-range gaming cards on the market, this one consumes less power than most.

A radial fan sits on top of the graphics card to remove the additional heat. In order to increase airflow while using less power, Nvidia’s ACX cooling technology utilises fan blades that have been designed for maximum airflow. In addition, a noiseless double bear bearing system allows the fan to run at maximum speed.

Let’s have a look at how well the GTX 1060 SC performs in Fortnite at 1080p resolutions. Despite the fact that we didn’t overclock this GPU, our fps were consistently above average and free of latency. On a 1080p 144Hz panel, we regularly saw frame rates in excess of 100 fps while playing Fortnite.

It’s worth noting, though, that at the time of testing this GPU with Fortnite, we were utilising an Intel Core i9 9900K running at its stock clock speed of 3.68 GHz. With an older CPU and GTX 1060 SC, the average framerate may be different.

Even in games like Fortnite where there are no lags or graphical defects, this is an excellent mid-range processor.

2. XFX Radeon RX 580 GTS Black Edition | Most Affordable AMD GPU for Fortnite

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Main Specifications:

Overclocked at 1405 MHz
8GB GDDR5 Video Memory
256-bit Memory Interface
XFX Double Dissipation Cooling Technology
3xDP, 1xHDMI, 1xDVI Video Output
PCIe 3.0
7680 x 4320 Max Resolution
400W PSU Requirement

For many budget gamers, Radeon RX 580 GTS Black Edition is still the best option. In several games, the GTX 1060 and GTX 1070 have had a difficult time competing with this GPU. And that’s because it’s capable of running AAA games at ultra-high settings and frame rates.

GPUs like the RX 580 may still be seen in popular games like Fortnite and PUBG, despite newer graphics cards like GDDR6-based cards dominating the market. Due to the video card’s factory overclocking of 1405 MHz, consistent frame rates at 1080p resolution may be achieved.

Featuring 2,304 stream processors, 8GB of GDDR5 video memory, and a 256-bit memory interface, the Radeon RX 580 GTS Black Edition is an exceptional graphics card. As a lover of 256-bit graphics cards, we’re pleased to see this one live up to our expectations in terms of performance.

When it comes to the graphics card’s cooling system, there are no words to describe it. For example, this GPU was created with the idea that it would be heavily utilised by a gamer.

The AMD XFX double dissipation cooling technology provides it a slight advantage over Nvidia’s GTX 1660 SC. AMD’s XFX cooling technology. With two strong fans to help with cooling, this GPU is an excellent choice for overclockers.

Let’s take a look at how Fortnite performs on this GPU now. We set the game’s resolution to Full HD, the same as the Nvidia GTX 1660 SC. In Fortnite at 1080p resolution, the RX 580 GTS Black Edition delivered consistently high frame rates of more than 60 frames per second.

Keep in mind, however, that the RX 580 GTS consumes more power than the Nvidia GT 1660 SC.. You should have a high-wattage power supply in order to avoid any problems with this graphics card.

In the grand scheme of things, this graphics card is a worthwhile buy for those who don’t want to fork over a lot of money for a flagship card. A powerful processor and plenty of RAM are all that are need to keep up with this GPU.

3. Geforce GTX 1050 Ti | Cost Effective GPU for Fortnite

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Main Specifications:

Boost Clock 1430 MHz
4GB GDDR5 Memory
128-bit Memory Interface
DirectX 12
300 PSU Recommended
8K Resolution Output

The GTX 1050 Ti, an old friend, is no match for today’s new GPUs, but it may still satisfy your desire to play Fortnite. Now, this graphics card is on the lower end of the price and performance spectrum. If you’re looking to save money on other gaming accessories, this graphics card is an excellent choice.

Among the most popular AAA games, the GTX 1050 Ti has been hailed for its ability to handle them. Only the 4GB GDDR5 RAM and 1430 MHz boost clock speed have made this GPU go so far. Playing Batman: Arkham Origins at its highest settings is possible on this card. With this budget card, playing Fortnite would be a breeze.

Furthermore, this graphics card consumes minimal power. As a result, there is no need to purchase an expensive aftermarket power supply to power it up because this card does not require any external power adapter. Although it is an entry-level GPU, the GTX 1050 Ti impresses us with its mid-range gaming capabilities.

Taking a look at the GTX 1050 Ti’s gaming performance in Fortnite. Even at maximum settings, this GPU didn’t let us down. Fortnite’s average frame rates were about 55-85 fps most of the game at high settings, which is lower than the GTX 1660 SC and RX 580 GTS Black Edition cards’ averages. However, at the inexpensive price and mediocre specs, at least we can put up with a few fps less.

4. ZOTAC GeForce GT 1030 | Cheapest GPU to Run Fortnite

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Main Specifications:

1227 MHz Base Clock
2GB DDR3 Video Memory
PCIe 3.0
64-bit Interface
1x VGA, 1xHDMI 2.0b
Low Profile Bracket
300W PSU Requirment

Zotac’s GeForce GT 1030 is a low-profile graphics card designed for tiny form factor computers. In addition, this video card is perfect for gamers on a tight budget, as it costs no more than $150. You can play Fortnite on your PC at medium settings with this budget-friendly GPU.

Nvidia’s Pascal architecture helps this low-profile graphics card give significant gaming performance. The Zotac GeForce GT 1030’s 2GB of DDR3 RAM and 64-bit interface make it great for 720p gaming, but at 1080p, you’ll experience lags and crashes.

This card’s low-profile size are a plus. This GPU is small enough to fit inside even the tiniest of PC cases. For a low-power and compact GPU, this is an excellent choice. It’s more energy efficient and stays cool for the most part. As a low-end graphics card, the Zotac GeForce GT 1030 is not appropriate for demanding games with high frame rates.

The performance of this low-cost GPU in Fortnite was about what we’d anticipate from a card with this kind of price range. Average frame rates at 720p were between 55 and 65. Although it was playable, latency were not visible. If you have a powerful CPU and a good graphics card, you can expect to get more than 70 fps.

Performance Comparison Table

Graphics Cards	Average Frame Rates in Fortnite (1080p)
EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 SC	147fps
XFX Radeon RX 580 GTS Black Edition	195fps
Geforce GTX 1050 Ti	85fps
ZOTAC GeForce GT 1030	55fps

Table showing average fps of each GPU in Fortnite

Game Settings When We Tested These GPUs

In-game settings also affect the performance of the GPU. Here are the settings that we made while testing Fortnite.

Post-Processing & Anti-Aliasing: Off
Shadows: Medium/Off (In case of Zotac GT 1030)
Render Distance: Epic
Resolution: 1080p
Display Resolution: 100%
Effects: Medium
V-Sync: Off
Motion Blurr: Off

Things to Know Before Buying Budget-Friendly Graphics Card for Fortnite

The following pointers can be helpful if you’re a beginner gamer who’s not sure how to pick the optimal GPU for playing Fortnite.

VRAM (Video Memory)

For Fortnite, the only thing you need is a graphics card with at least 2GB of VRAM, as we’ve previously stated. This is all you need to play the game at the lowest settings. Fortnite’s 1080p settings require a GPU with at least 6GB of VRAM if you want to play at high quality.

TDP

Temperature design power (TDP) refers to the maximum amount of energy a GPU can consume in watts. While some graphics cards require a high-end power supply to function, some require a lower TDP to run at full capacity. It’s always best to know a GPU’s TDP rating before making a purchase.

In addition, a stable power source for your computer’s GPU is preferable. The sort of GPU you choose will have an impact on the power supply wattage you require. All of the graphics cards listed here can be powered by a single 550W power supply.

Dimensions

Some GPUs are far larger than others, occupying nearly two slots’ worth of space on a motherboard. GPUs with more than one fan tend to be large and difficult to install in compact PC chassis. If you plan on using a large graphics card, be sure you have enough room in your PC case.

Connectivity

In order to play Fortnite at a high resolution, make sure your GPU has at least one HDMI port. A GPU that supports a more contemporary display interface is preferable because current displays are no longer compatible with older VGA adapters.

HDMI and DisplayPort are now available on graphics cards from Nvidia and AMD, respectively. 240 fps in Fortnite requires either a DisplayPort or HDMI connector to keep up with your monitor’s 240 Hz refresh rate.

Using technologies like G-Sync and FreeSync, modern graphics cards from Nvidia and AMD can give greater performance when used with high-refresh rate displays.

Benchmarks

Nowadays, the easiest approach to check out a graphics card’s performance without purchasing it is to look for benchmarks. This provides you a sense of how many frames per second your graphics card is capable of producing in relation to the game you’re playing.

The benchmark scores, however, should not be taken as gospel. Other parameters, such as the CPU, RAM, and other components, also have a role in the test score.

Desktop Used to Test These GPUs

Processors: Core i9 9900K Clocked at 3.8 GHz
RAM: 16GB DDR4 Corsair 3200 MHz
Motherboard: ASUS Z390
Storage: Samsung EVO 1TB SSD
PSU: Cooler Master 750W
Monitor: Acer Nitro XZ342CK Pbmiiphx 144Hz

Recommendation

Some of the best inexpensive graphics cards for Fortnite may be found here. For games like Fortnite and PUBG, the RX580 GTS Black Edition is a better choice, in our opinion. 256-bit I/O and 8GB of GDDR5 RAM are the driving forces behind this. A GTX 1050 Ti is the best budget option if you don’t mind lower frame rates. With a high-end CPU and 8GB of RAM, you can play Fortnite at higher settings with this card.

FAQs

Can a GT 1030 low profile run Fornite?

As an entry-level graphics card, the GT 1030 can run Fortnite on low or medium settings with no issues. We were able to get an average frame rate of 55 fps while playing Fortnite on a GT 1030 at 1080p settings. If you reduce the resolution to 720p, you’ll still get more than 60 frames per second.

What GPU can run Fortnite at 60fps?

At least 4GB of DDR4 ram on a GDDR5 memory interface is required to play Fortnite at 60 frames per second. If you’re on a tight budget, the GTX 1050 Ti is the best graphics card for 1080p Fortnite.

What graphics card can run Fortnite at 240fps?

Nvidia’s RTX GPUs or AMD’s RX 6000 series graphics cards have the best chance of achieving this significantly higher frame rate. To reach this goal, you’ll also need a display with a higher refresh rate. Even if you have a high-end graphics card like RTX 3080 or 3090, a 60Hz or 144Hz panel can limit you to 144fps.

Can you run Fortnite without a graphics card?

A dedicated graphics card is still required to play games like Fortnite on an integrated motherboard, despite recent advancements in the power of motherboard CPUs. In order to play Fortnite at higher resolutions, you will need a GPU. Even at 720p, you’ll face stutters and lags in your gaming.

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