Best Bargain Nvidia Graphics Card for a Gaming Desktop Build in 2021

To get the most out of a gaming desktop build, whether you are building your PC from scratch or buying a prebuilt computer, you need to select the best graphics card you find.

Graphics cards or GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) handle graphics-intensive tasks such as 3D design and playing video games. You can’t have a great PC without a great graphics card. However, this shouldn’t mean gamers must spend a small fortune acquiring the latest GPU. There are great budget-friendly options that will work perfectly for different purposes. The ongoing war between the two most popular GPU brands AMD and Nvidia, has helped make graphics cards accessible to many.

Both brands have a wide variety of cards perfect for different applications. Nvidia has great bargains as well as cards such as the RTX 3080 that have been designed for an unmatched 4K experience. The latest AMD GPUs are perfect for individuals looking for a perfect combination of low price and performance. However, our focus here is on the best Nvidia graphics cards currently based on different factors.

Nvidia GeForce GTX-1660: Best Under $250

If you are searching for a great 1080p performance at a bargain, this graphics card is recommendable. The Nvidia GeForce GTX-1660 has 1,408 CUDA cores, 6GB – GDDR6 memory, 14GT/s memory speed, 336GB/s memory bandwidth, and a base and boost clock of 1,530MHz and 1,785MHz, respectively. This graphics card rivals the RX 5600XT in performance but comes at a lower price.

The GTX 1660 is a perfect testament of why memory matters in the mid-range category. The card is among other GPUs that utilize the TU116 GPU and a matching chip in the original GTX-1660. However, since it’s been paired perfectly with GDDR6 memory, it is much faster than the standard GPU. Since it also uses higher-performance 14-Gbps VRAM, the card can perform at higher levels matching pricier cards even when its chip has less actual GPU logic.

Nvidia GeForce RTX-2070 Super- Best affordable GPU for 4K gameplay

For gamers interested in building a good PC that offers great 4k graphics at a bargain, the RTX 2070 Super comes highly recommended. The GPU has 2,560 CUDA cores, 8GB – GDDR6 memory, 14GT/s memory speed, 448GB/s memory bandwidth, and a base and boost clock of 1,605MHz and 1,770MHz, respectively.

This GPU is an improved version of the GTX 1080 Ti with additional future-proofing potential at a lower cost. The RTX 2070 offers performance rivaling more costly cards since it has the same TU104. While there are faster cards like the RTX 2080, the additional cost can be channeled to other components that will boost performance significantly.

The RTX 2070 is good for its 4K gameplay at high settings, making the GPU a mid-level favorite. While you aren’t assured of hitting 60 fps on the best settings every time, 4k gameplay is great.

Nvidia GeForce RTX-3080- Best graphics card overall

Gamers interested in a GPU that offers all-round goodness from excellent 4k streaming with low temperatures can add the RTX 3080 to their custom PC build. However, the card isn’t exactly cheap.

The GPU has 8,704 stream processors, 10GB – GDDR6X memory, 19Gbps memory clock, and core clock of 1.44GHz, 1.71 GHz-Boost. This GPU prides itself on making 4K streaming accessible. You don’t need four figures anymore to enjoy playable frame rates.

The RTX 3080 also makes the biggest generational leap in GPU history for offering more performance (50 to 80 percent more) when compared to the RTX 2080 and 20 to 30 percent more when compared to the RTX 2080 Ti without going past the same price point. The RTX 3080 is undoubtedly a favorite for gamers interested in Nvidia graphic cards that offer both value and performance if you have slightly more money to spend on your computer build.

While there are more Nvidia GPU options available today, you should seriously think of the above picks first if you want a combination of good pricing and performance. It’s also worth noting that graphics cards are a “small” part of an entire custom desktop build. You need other components i.e., a powerful processor that compliments your GPU. You should also consider other factors like cooling, storage space, quality game drivers, and some other features supported by the GPU.

The noise levels and power draw also matter. Thankfully, the GPUs in the list above are relatively quiet even when under high load, and the temperatures fall within acceptable ranges. It’s worth noting that Nvidia stands out in regards to power when compared to competitors like AMD.

The picks above have been thoroughly tested on high-end gaming PCs at all settings (1080p -medium, 1080p – Ultra, 1440p – ultra as well as 4k ultra/high settings. Results have also been taken from countless games, including new releases, and using top API for every card on each game.

However, we don’t advise anyone to choose their own PC components if they lack in-depth knowledge. You are better off buying a prebuilt PC from renowned manufacturers like Skytech who handle all the challenging aspects of building and give you a complete system. 

There’s no need to bother about choosing one GPU among hundreds that are all marketed as the best. Prebuilt computers also save you from the hustles of finding matching components and staying within budget. Let’s not even discuss the usefulness of free support/troubleshooting that comes with buying a prebuilt from a renowned manufacturer.

If you really want to design your custom personal computer from scratch, you can do it. Besides offering Prebuilt PCs, SkyTech also has a custom build option, where gamers can choose graphics cards and other components and leave the rest to experts. What’s more – you don’t have to pay for everything upfront. SkyTech has payment plans allowing installment payments for up to 24 months. Check out current gaming PC prebuilt deals and their corresponding GPUs.