GRAPHICS CARDS
After a tumultuous period during the pandemic and the sudden collapse of demand from miners, the graphics card market is still somewhat struggling for a return to normalcy. Prices remain elevated and it doesn’t help that there’s a new and extremely lucrative drag on optimal supply. Of course, we’re talking about AI. High end cards remain overpriced. Just a few years back, spending $1,000 would have gotten you a flagship card, but now that kind of money will only get you an upper mid-range card. With console supply stabilising in 2023, it’s understandably tough for PC gamers to justify spending the really big bucks on high end cards, especially given ongoing cost of living pressures. Things aren’t that rosier at the more affordable end of the market. Capable options like the RTX 4060 and RX 7600 are essentially entry level GPUs at mid-range prices. Sure, you have good technologies such as DLSS 3, FSR3 and frame generation, but native performance still matters, and spending $500 to $600 on a graphics card from Nvidia or AMD should deliver a little bit more both in terms of base specifications and performance.
Of course, we can’t forget Intel either. Though they got off to a rocky start, Intel’s Arc cards have come a long way and are definitely worth considering at the budget end of the market after many welcome driver updates.
GRAPHICS CARD MAKER MSI
Once again, MSI’s graphics cards impress with an excellent balance of performance, efficient cooling at low noise levels and aesthetics. And they’re very competitive at all price points.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Powercolour
FINALISTS: Asus, MSI, Gigabyte Aorus, Asrock, Sapphire, Zotac, Powercolour.
VALUE GRAPHICS CARD MSI GEFORCE RTX 4060 VENTUS BLACK 2X
In a tough year for budget gaming, MSI’s RTX 4060 Ventus is an affordable option that offers decent performance for the money, especially when Nvidia’s DLSS 3 and Frame Generation technologies are factored in.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Sapphire Nitro+ Radeon RX 7800 XT
FINALISTS: MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Gaming X Trio, MSI GeForce RTX 4060 Ventus Black 2X, Asus Dual RTX 4060 Ti OC Edition, PowerColor Radeon RX 7600 Fighter, Sapphire Nitro+ Radeon RX 7800 XT.
PREMIUM GRAPHICS CARD GIGABYTE RTX 4070 TI GAMING OC
Gigabyte’s RTX 4070 Ti Gaming takes out the top gong thanks to its combination high performance, excellent efficiency and value for money. If spending the really big bucks turns you off. Look right here.
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Asus ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 OC EVA-02 Edition
FINALISTS: Gigabyte RTX 4070 Ti Gaming OC, Asus ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 OC EVA-02 Edition, MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Gaming X Trio, Zotac Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Twin Edge OC Spider-Man, Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 7900 XT.