Graphics Card: Purchase Guide

If we love playing with the PC, we know that one of the fundamental components is the graphics card. It is responsible for all the graphic processing of our computer. To contend for the domain of these components, in addition to the manufacturing companies, there are NVIDIA and AMD, two giants that offer models suitable for all needs and all (or almost all) pockets.

Let’s not forget that it is a component to which you cannot absolutely give up if we intend to make a gaming PC.

Thanks to the large number of different models, many users struggle to find the perfect graphics card for their needs. For this reason, we have decided to make a purchase guide on the best graphics cards dedicated to each situation. In some sections, we have decided to add both an NVIDIA graphics card and an AMD graphics card, as they are models with similar performance.

Graphics card for basic gaming

Zotac GeForce GTX 1050 Ti

This is the perfect model for those who want to play quietly even the most-recent games without getting into debt. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti allows us to play in Full HD with medium-low details. This customized model of the ZOTAC is equipped with 768 CUDA cores and a basic frequency of 1,392 MHz.

Thanks to the native overclock it is possible to reach the maximum frequency of 1,506 MHz. Furthermore, this graphics card is equipped with 4 GB of dedicated memory type GDDR5. The 1050 Ti represents the perfect graphics card for those who want to make a cheap gaming PC.

Gigabyte Radeon RX 560

Like the GPU seen above, we find the Radeon RX 560 from AMD, in particular, the customized Gigabyte model. It is equipped with 1,024 stream processors divided over 15 CU and a frequency of 1,300 Mhz in OC (overclocked) mode.

In gaming mode, on the other hand, we can reach a maximum frequency of 1,287 MHz. The dedicated memory is 4 GB of GDDR5 type, while the memory frequency is 7,000 MHz. It also allows us to play in Full HD, provided we lower some graphics settings. The quality/price ratio is really great, especially if compared to the opponents of the same price range.

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Best model for Full HD

MSI GAMING GeForce GTX 1060

For Full HD gaming we have decided to adopt a 6 GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060. In particular, we chose the custom model from MSI, namely the Gaming X, graphics card with an eye on the performance in play. This is the best 1060 for quality/price ratio. It exploits the power of the Pascal architecture and allows for high rendering speed.

It is equipped with 768 cuda cores and three different modes for the frequency of the cores. Silent mode allows us to reach 1,506 MHz of frequency, Gaming mode at 1,569 MHz and OC mode at 1,594 MHz. It is able to support a maximum of four screens and allows us to play in Full HD with medium-high details and a really good fluidity. There are 6 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory, which will be able to support it very well.

Sapphire Radeon Pulse RX 580

If we want to get the same performance, but at a much lower price, we can opt for a Radeon RX 580 from AMD. Leader in the Radeon market, Sapphire has been able to create an excellent RX 580 that allows us to play in Full HD with medium-high details. It is equipped with 2,304 stream processors and a maximum frequency of 1,366 MHz. Furthermore, 8 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory is provided.

The DisplayPort allows us to take advantage of a maximum resolution of 5,120 x 2,880 pixels with a 60 Hz refresh rate. Obviously, it supports Crossfire technology in order to be able to connect multiple graphics cards together and FreeSync technology to improve in-game fluency and reduce screen tearing.

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Best model for WQHD

ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1070 Ti AMP EXTREME

Do we want to play at maximum detail in WQHD resolution? Then the perfect model for us is the GTX 1070 Ti AMP Extreme by Zotac. This model has 2,432 cuda cores and a base frequency of 1,607 MHz. Thanks to the boost it will be possible to reach the maximum frequency of 1.683 MHz.

The 8 GB of GDDR5 dedicated memory will provide the right support in our gaming sessions. Thanks to this graphics card we can exceed 60 FPS in any game with maximum details. The 1070 Ti allows us to play safely even in 4K resolution. To get the most out of this resolution it is good to turn to a more performing model.

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Best model for 4K

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Gaming OC

Now we come to a real gaming monster. We are talking about the queen of graphics cards, namely the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti. We decided to opt for the custom model from Gigabyte. This is the overclocked dedicated version dedicated strictly to gaming. It has 3,584 cuda cores and a base frequency of 1,518 MHz in Gaming mode and 1,544 in OC mode.

Like all 1080 Ti, it is equipped with 11 GB of GDDR5 memory, which will allow us to enjoy an unparalleled user experience. This GPU is perfect for playing in 4K resolution with a maximum available detail. To cool all this power we have three fans that allow you to constantly have optimal temperatures.

This is the graphics card for 4K monitors dedicated to gaming that we absolutely must buy. Obviously, it is also a graphics card for streaming and rendering.

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Graphics card for virtual reality

ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 TI 11GB Turbo Edition VR Ready

To get the best out of virtual reality, we could not choose the Asus 1080 Ti Turbo. This model has 3,584 cuda cores and a base frequency of 1,480 MHz and a maximum frequency of 1,582 MHz. The graphics card has a 352-bit bus that connects 11 GB of GDDR5X memory at 11 Gbps. All this translates into fearful performances. Let us not be fooled by the absence of RGB LED and tamarro design, this is a top graphics card that guarantees excellent performance.

The single fan can cool it very well and always guarantee optimal working temperatures. Thanks to this GPU we will be able to fully enjoyall the experience that virtual reality can give us. We will have no problem using an Oculus Rift or an HTC Vive.

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Garphics card for Mini PC

Zotac GeForce GTX 1070 Ti Mini

If we plan to make a mini gaming PC, we can opt for this GTX 1070 Ti from Zotac. This is the Mini model, that is the line of products dedicated to PCs with a compact gaming case. In this way, in addition to safeguarding valuable space, we will be able to obtain maximum performance. We decided to adopt a 1070 Ti as it allows us to play safely at all resolutions with maximum details.

Equipped with 2,432 cuda cores, a basic frequency of 1,683 MHz and 8 GB of GDDR5 memory, we will have no problem using it even on 4K TV, perfect for gaming in the living room.

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