The best graphics cards (GPUs) for PC: Nvidia, AMD, and Intel.

When choosing a graphics card, options from previous generations are often recommended. However, currently, the availability of the RTX 40 series and AMD 7000 cards is limited, with many of them sold out or priced high at major retailers. It is still possible to find some cards from previous generations that are accessible, being among the few alternatives under $500, as new generations are only offering more expensive models. These options are mainly aimed at a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution for gaming, so those looking for higher resolutions or refresh rates should have moderate expectations.

Before the launch of the 50 series, one of my favorite options was the Sapphire Pulse 7900 XT, which provided good performance for two years at a resolution of 3,440 x 1,440 and was priced below $700 in June 2023. However, it is currently difficult to find it in stock, and with the arrival of new AMD cards, restocks will become less frequent.

An alternative to consider could be the RX 7600. Although I haven't personally tested this model, I have had good experiences with Sapphire cards in the past. This model is expected to handle games at 1080p, especially older and indie titles, and it is ideal for enjoying casual gameplay in Rocket League or Minecraft. However, it is important to emphasize that this card will not be suitable for more recent games at 1440p and will lack some of the features available in more advanced GPUs; nonetheless, it should serve as a good temporary option while the market situation stabilizes.

Regarding Nvidia, as of early April 2025, the only card from the previous generation that can be found relatively easily is the RTX 4060, a model that has been on the market for nearly two years. While it was a good option at 1080p, it does not perform as well with current games, and it is likely that graphics settings will need to be lowered to achieve acceptable performance at 1440p. Among the available options, the MSI GeForce RTX 4060 Ventus 2X Black stands out as a compact card with low power requirements that should be compatible with almost any modern system. MSI has a solid reputation for its reliable graphics cards, and this one is in stock and recently discounted.

Overall, I consider the AMD option to be more recommendable, even though its performance may not be as impressive on paper as that of the RTX 4060. In the price range below $500, a $100 difference can be significant, so it’s advisable to keep an eye out for discounts to secure the best purchase as these generations begin to decrease in availability.

When it comes to buying GPUs, I believe it's best to opt for new products. This not only guarantees warranty support in case of problems but also minimizes the risk of acquiring a damaged card due to excessive cryptocurrency mining, poor temperature conditions in its system, or issues that the seller did not disclose. Although in other areas I often prefer buying second-hand products, the high demand and prices make it difficult to trust unknown sellers.

If you decide to go for a used card, it is essential to research thoroughly. Local meetups through Craigslist or Reddit can offer good opportunities and allow for a visual inspection of the GPU, even if its functionality cannot be verified. Additionally, it is advisable to request video proof showing the card in operation with the serial number visible. When purchasing a used card online, it is crucial to be aware of the return and dispute policies of the marketplace and payment processors.

Once you receive the card, inspect it immediately for any damages, particularly on the PCIe connector and power connectors. When installing it, you can use a tool called GPU-Z to verify that the hardware matches the expected specifications of the model. It is advised to run some games right away to identify any issues and to contact the seller promptly if necessary.