With AI and more demanding games being launched each day, there’s a notable price hike in graphics cards. And if you don’t pick the right GPU, you’ll have to deal with compatibility issues, inefficient cooling, and even processing bottlenecks.
Also, the best option can vary for different needs and uses. While there are good GPUs available for under $300, if you can stretch your budget a bit, you can get AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT, which is as good as it gets.
However, if you want to zero in on the sub $300 GPUs, you’re in the right place. After focusing on a handful of parameters like VRAM, cooling solution, CUDA cores, clock speed, and power consumption, I’ve picked the 8 best choices for 2023.
Contents
- 8 Best GPUs Under $300 in 2023
- 1. Best Overall: GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060
- 2. Best Runner Up: XFX Speedster Radeon RX 6650XT
- 3. Best Under $200: Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 6600
- 4. Best for Gaming: MSI GeForce RTX 3060
- 5. Best Memory Speed: PowerColor Hellhound AMD Radeon RX 7600
- 6. Best Case Compatibility: ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1660 Super
- 7. Best Budget Option: EVGA GeForce GTX 1650
- 8. Cheapest Option: ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 3050 OC
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Verdict
8 Best GPUs Under $300 in 2023
Before I start with the reviews, it is worth mentioning that I tested close to 16 graphics cards in this price range before zeroing in on eight. Apart from technical specs, I tested their real-life performance and gaming potential to the fullest.
The focus remains on the best price-performance ratio. You will find a GPU that’s best suited to your specific needs. Now let us jump right into the reviews:
1. Best Overall: GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060
- NVIDIA Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors
- 2nd Generation RT Cores
- 3rd Generation Tensor Cores
- Powered by GeForce RTX 3060.Avoid using unofficial software
- Integrated with 12GB GDDR6 192-bit memory interface
The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 leads the list with its impeccable balance between price, performance, and power.
What’s important to note is that the GPU is quite a fitting upgrade over the RTX 2060, courtesy of a VRAM leap and the newest Ampere architecture — known for its power efficiency.
Performance
Leading the discussion is 12GB of VRAM that can speed up renders and even add to the quality of games. Plus, complementing the same is a clock speed of 1837 MHz, more than adequate for such an affordably priced GPU.
There are 3584 CUDA cores that can handle complex games, and content creation needs with ease. Regarding connectivity and interface, you get access to PCIe 4.0, making it compatible with most cases.
Additionally, the graphics card supports two DisplayPorts and two HDMI ports for enhanced monitor compatibility. As for the power supply, you are better off adding a 550W PSU with the PC holding this graphics card.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Architecture | NVIDIA Ampere |
CUDA Cores | 3584 |
Boosted Clock Speed | 1837 MHz |
Memory Speed | 15 Gbps |
VRAM | 12GB GDDR6 |
Memory Interface | 192-bit |
Bandwidth | 360 GB/s |
TDP | 170W |
PSU Requirement | 550W |
Ports | 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4a |
Gaming Experience
The gaming experience gets a boost courtesy of a high read & write speed of 15 Gbps. It is worth noting that the frame rates are high for almost every game at 1080p. Also, the RTX 3060 can hold its own while handling games in 1440p.
The RTX 3060 also comes equipped with DLSS support for better visuals, followed by Ray tracing support, NVIDIA Reflex for lower latency, and G-SYNC support for a smoother visual experience.
As far as the cooling support is concerned, there is Gigabyte’s proprietary Windforce 3X cooling setup, with a focus on maximizing heat dissipation.
Here are the specific gaming performances:
Game | 1080p Performance | 1440p Performance |
---|---|---|
Cyberpunk 2077 | 60 FPS | 40 FPS |
Call of Duty: Warzone | 100 FPS | 70 FPS |
Fortnite | 120 FPS | 85 FPS |
Red Dead Redemption 2 | 70 FPS | 55 FPS |
Doom Eternal | 150 FPS | 100 FPS |
Design and Warranty
The triple-fan layout is what dictates the design elements. The form factor is relatively sleek, capable of fitting into all mid-tower cases with ease. Gigabyte also offers a 3-year warranty on this GPU, making the post-purchase experience highly productive.
The GPU even comes equipped with RGB support, powered by the RGB Fusion 2.0, boasting a wide range of lighting effects and customizable colors.
It is noteworthy that gaming and content creation experiences offered by the GPU are subject to it working with the likes of Intel Core i9-10900K or a similar variant.
Wrap-Up
If you seek a high-end graphics card for around $300, GIGABYTE RTX 3060 certainly fits the bill. And while there are several good things about it, it is the top-notch cooling solution that stands out, making it top the list.
Pros
- Efficient cooling system
- A massive chunk of VRAM
- Equipped with Ray Tracing and DLSS support
- Excellent 1080p gaming performance
Cons
- Not meant for 4K gaming
- Not always compatible with smaller cases
2. Best Runner Up: XFX Speedster Radeon RX 6650XT
- Chipset: AMD RX 6650
- Memory: 8GB GDDR6
- Cooling: XFX QICK 308 Triple Fan
- Boost Clock: Up To 2689MHz
The XFX Speedster RX 6650XT is another formidable addition to the $300 club of GPUs, best known for its excellent boosted clock speed limit. Compared to the RX 6600XT, the RX 6650 XT comes out on top, courtesy of the improved cooling layout and gaming performance.
Performance
What works for XFX Speedster QICK308 Radeon RX 6650XT is the RDNA 2 architecture, capable of pushing the clock speed limits to 2689 MHz.
The GPU comprises 2048 CUDA cores, to be exact, helping with multitasking and better content creation performances. Next, you have PCIe 4.0 compatibility that supports faster data transfers between the processor and the GPU.
You also get access to three DisplayPort units and a standalone HDMI port, allowing you to pair multiple displays at once. Finally, if you want to consider a power supply unit for this GPU, it is better to get a 600W PSU.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Architecture | RDNA 2 |
Stream Processors | 2048 |
Boosted Clock Speed | 2589 MHz |
Memory Speed | 16 Gbps |
VRAM | 8GB GDDR6 |
Memory Interface | 128-bit |
Bandwidth | 256 GB/s |
TDP | 160W |
PSU Requirement | 600W |
Ports | 3 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI |
Gaming Experience
When it comes to gaming, it is the memory speed of 16Gbps that steals the show. The slightly amped-up memory speed makes it a tad faster than the Gigabyte variant we just reviewed.
Apart from that, this graphics card comes equipped with several gamer-friendly traits like the FidelityX from AMD that supports Ray tracing followed by FreeSync support that makes it a great bet for 1080p and even a handful of 1440p games.
Game | 1080p (FPS) | 1440p (FPS) |
---|---|---|
Fortnite | 120 | 90 |
Battlefield V | 100 | 70 |
Cyberpunk 2077 | 60 | 45 |
Resident Evil Village | 80 | 60 |
The Witcher 3 | 90 | 70 |
Design and Warranty
The GPU is on the bulkier side, making it compatible with a few mid-tower cases and almost every full-tower case. XFX throws in 3 years of warranty.
As for the cooling, the XFX Speedster boasts the XFX QICK Triple Fan technology, known for its heat dissipation abilities. As there are three fans, you can expect minimal throttling and better gaming throughput.
Wrap-Up
If you seek the best graphics card under $300 that takes memory speed and gaming throughput seriously, XFX Speedster RX 6650XT is your best bet.
Even though the design might be a deal breaker for some looking to build smaller cases, this GPU wins it regarding VRAM and clock speed, allowing you to handle most games with ease, even at 1440p.
Pros
- Competitive Pricing
- Built-in Ray tracing for content creation and improved gaming
- FreeSync support for tear-free games
- Excellent cooling setup
- Amplified clock speed for handling demanding games better
Cons
- Bulky
3. Best Under $200: Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 6600
- Boost Clock: Up to 2491 MHz
- Game Clock: Up to 2044 MHz
- Output: 1 x HDMI, 1 x Display Port
- External Power: 1 x 8 pin
- PCI-Express 4.0
The Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 6600 is known for its solid gaming experience and improved power efficiency. When compared to the GTX 1660, this GPU offers excellent power efficiency and a bigger chunk of video memory or VRAM.
Performance
What works for the Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 6600 is the RDNA 2 architecture, guaranteeing better performances. The clock speed of 2491 MHz is meant to handle the most demanding games with ease.
Plus, there are 1792 stream processors on offer, supporting excellent multitasking performances, especially if you focus on content creation. You also get 8GB worth of VRAM, helping with better renders and top-notch content creation experiences.
The GPU has a memory speed of 14 Gbps, which is a tad lower than the other graphics cards below $300 that I had tested. Additionally, there comes PCIe 4.0 support, boasting faster file transfers.
As for the PSU, you are better off pairing a 500W unit with the same. Finally, this GPU can support four additional displays, all thanks to the three DisplayPort units and one HDMI slot.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Architecture | RDNA 2 |
Stream Processors | 1792 |
Boosted Clock Speed | 2491 MHz |
Memory Speed | 14 Gbps |
VRAM | 8GB GDDR6 |
Memory Interface | 128-bit |
Bandwidth | 224 GB/s |
TDP | 132W |
PSU Requirement | 500W |
Ports | 3 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI |
Gaming Experience
When it comes to gaming, the Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 6600 shines, courtesy of the built-in Ray Tracing support.
For this, you can thank AMD FidelityFX. And if you are concerned about lags and stutters, AMD’s FreeSync technology is certainly a lifesaver.
The GPU comes equipped with Dual-X cooling technology, boasting two large fans and precision and intelligent fan control technology for letting you work without the noise when the load is on the lower side.
Here is how the games fare:
Game | 1080p (FPS) | 1440p (FPS) |
---|---|---|
Call of Duty: Warzone | 100 | 80 |
Red Dead Redemption 2 | 60 | 50 |
Doom Eternal | 140 | 90 |
Control | 70 | 50 |
Cyberpunk 2077 | 50 | 40 |
Design and Warranty
The Sapphire Radeon RX 6600 features an all-aluminum backplate to avoid bending and maximize heat dissipation. Regardless of the large fans, the design remains compact, while Sapphire offers a 2-year warranty on this unit.
Wrap-Up
If you are a gamer concerned about overheating, the Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 6600 is among the best graphics cards under $200. And while it is a great bet for 1080p games, it doesn’t disappoint if you want to indulge in some 2K gaming. On top of that, it is one of the more well-designed, affordable GPUs on the list.
Pros
- Excellent 1080p gaming performances
- Lower TDP level and power consumption
- Doesn’t need a massive PSU
- Excellent cooling setup
- Features a metal backplate that lends strength to the overall design
Cons
- Lacks RGB lighting support
- 2-year warranty feels underwhelming compared to other brands
4. Best for Gaming: MSI GeForce RTX 3060
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 12GB GDDR6 dedicated graphics card
- 1710 MHz GPU clock speed and 1807 MHz memory clock speed
- DisplayPort x 3 (v1.4a) and HDMI 2.1 x 1 output interfaces
- 7680 x 4320 maximum display resolution
If you are looking for the best gaming GPU for less than $300, the MSI GeForce RTX 3060 is the one to get. It even beats the RTX 2060 rather significantly, courtesy of the improved efficiency and cooling for which the Ampere architecture is to praise.
Performance
Performance-wise, the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 has all the right traits, starting with 12GB of VRAM for better rendering, 3584 CUDA cores for better processing, and a boosted clock speed of 1837 MHz for improved high-performance gaming.
You even get PCIe 4.0 support, making it the graphics card compatible with most PC cases. Also, you get access to one HDMI and three DisplayPort units. As for the PSU, a 550W module should be sufficient.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Architecture | Ampere |
CUDA Cores | 3584 |
Boosted Clock Speed | 1837 MHz |
Memory Speed | 15 Gbps |
VRAM | 12GB GDDR6 |
Memory Interface | 192-bit |
Bandwidth | 360 GB/s |
TDP | 170W |
PSU Requirement | 550W |
Ports | 3 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI |
Gaming Experience
The MSI RTX 3060 is a gaming stalwart. What makes it tick is the presence of RT cores that support ray tracing followed by DLSS 2.0 for enhanced quality of images. Then there is the G-Sync support from NVIDIA, which translates to lag-free visuals.
The cooling on this one deserves special mention. MSI’s TROX Fan 4.0 is great at dissipating heat, all thanks to the ability to pair multiple fan blades. The card has thermal padding that safeguards the VRAM and other components. Also, there is the Zero Frozr tech that stops the fans when the load is on the lower side.
Do note that I tested the GPU with the Core i9-10900K chipset, only to experience decent FPS levels at 1080p and even 1440p.
Game | 1080p (FPS) | 1440p (FPS) |
---|---|---|
Call of Duty: Warzone | 110 | 85 |
Red Dead Redemption 2 | 70 | 55 |
Doom Eternal | 150 | 95 |
Control | 75 | 55 |
Cyberpunk 2077 | 55 | 45 |
Design and Warranty
This GPU brings home a metal backplate that avoids bending. Also, the PCB design is tailored to perfection, making the entire unit compact and compatible with most mid-tower cases. On top of that, MSI offers a 3-year warranty on this unit.
Wrap-Up
The MSI GeForce RTX 3060 excels when gaming is concerned. Plus, it stands out courtesy of the 12GB VRAM, cooling performance, and a top-notch memory speed limit of 16 Gbps, which is pretty handy for gaming and content creation alike.
Pros
- Cooling performance is out of this world
- Customized design
- Comes equipped with Ray Tracing and DLSS support
- Can handle 1440p gaming like a pro
- A sizable chunk of video memory
Cons
- Lacks RGB lighting
- Might need a big PSU
5. Best Memory Speed: PowerColor Hellhound AMD Radeon RX 7600
- Video Memory: 8GB GDDR6
- Stream Processor: 2048
- Game Clock: 2280 MHz (OC) / 2250 MHz (Silent)
- Boost Clock: 2695 MHz (OC) / 2655 MHz ( Silent)
- Memory Clock: 18.0 Gbps
The PowerColor Hellhound Radeon RX 7600 excels if you want a $300 GPU that can handle high-res games like a pro. Also, it is quite an upgrade over the RX 5700 XT, as it boasts an increased memory speed and better gaming performance.
Performance
For starters, you get 8GB worth of VRAM and a boosted overclocking-ready clock speed of up to 2695 MHz. All these traits add up to offer excellent rendering performances. Next, there is the memory speed limit of 18 Gbps, capable of achieving faster frame rates at 1080p and even 1440p.
The PCIe 4.0 support makes it compatible with most cases. Plus, you would at least need a 650W PSU to use this card seamlessly. And yes, you can also pair multiple displays with the same, courtesy of DisplayPort and HDMI compatibility.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Cores | 2048 Stream Processors |
Game Clock | 2280 MHz (OC) |
Boost Clock | 2695 MHz (OC) / 2655 MHz (Silent) |
Memory Speed | 18.0 Gbps |
VRAM | 8GB GDDR6 |
Gaming Experience
When it comes to gaming, the RDNA 2 architecture takes center stage. I tested the same with a Ryzen 7 5800X, and it could churn out high FPS levels at 1080p and even 1440p.
Regarding the RGB lighting support, this card brings in the Amethyst color LED for added customization. The Hellhound advanced cooling technology stands out, boasting a dual-fan layout, enhanced airflow, and other features.
There is Dual BIOS support, allowing you to switch between the OC and the silent mode based on preferences.
Here are the gaming performances with this GPU in sight:
Game | 1080p FPS | 1440p FPS |
---|---|---|
The Witcher 3 | 135 | 101 |
Doom Eternal | 180 | 138 |
Call of Duty: Warzone | 158 | 119 |
Cyberpunk 2077 | 73 | 56 |
Red Dead Redemption 2 | 101 | 75 |
Design and Warranty
As far as the design goes, the GPU features nickel-plated heat pipes, dedicated heatsink, and aluminum fins for increased heat dissipation. A metal backplate is also present, ensuring the solidarity of the form factor. Warranty-wise, you get two years of coverage out of the box.
Wrap-Up
The PowerColor Radeon RX 7600 makes it to the list due to the impeccable battle-tested design and a high memory speed compared to its peers, making gaming and content creation more productive than ever.
Pros
- High memory speed
- Advanced cooling support
- LED lighting adds to the aesthetics
- Dual BIOS support for a noise-free mode
Cons
- Only 8GB VRAM
- Higher PSU requirement
6. Best Case Compatibility: ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1660 Super
- New turing architecture
- 6gb 192-bit gddr6
- Super compACt 6.83-inch card, fits 99% of systems
- Dual slot, 4k, hdr,VR ready.Avoid using unofficial software
- 3 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.0b
The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1660 Super with 6GB GDDR6 memory fits the bill if you are interested in a near entry-level graphics card. It is meant for budget gamers and is quite an upgrade from the GTX 1660, courtesy of a faster chunk of video memory.
Performance
What works for this GPU is that it is loaded with 6GB of GDDR6 VRAM, ensuring better gaming and content creation. The clock speed can go as high as 1785 MHz, which can even handle some of the most GPU-specific tasks with ease.
As far as connectivity is concerned, this GPU from ZOTAC comes equipped with three DisplayPort 1.4 units and a standalone HDMI 2.0. And while it doesn’t support PCIe 4.0 but 3.0, it is still good enough to work with a large number of PC cases.
Do note that there are 1408 CUDA cores, a number fewer than most of the other products on the list. However, for mid-range needs, the GPU is still good enough. As for the PSU, you are better off using a 450W module with this card.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Architecture | NVIDIA Turing |
CUDA Cores | 1408 |
Boosted Clock Speed | 1785 MHz |
Memory Speed | 14 Gbps |
VRAM | 6GB GDDR6 |
Memory Interface | 192-bit |
Bandwidth | 336 GB/s |
TDP | 125W |
PSU Requirement | 450W |
Ports | 3 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.0b |
Gaming Experience
When it comes to gaming, the ZOTAC 1660 Super has a lot going for it. Firstly, the memory speed of 14.0 Gbps is good enough to help you push the performance to the next level. It is a G-SYNC compatible card which is also VR ready.
Even though it can handle most 1440p games with ease, I would still recommend it for the 1080p versions, only to get the most out of the resources.
As for cooling needs, the Zotac FireStorm is pretty cool in every possible way. It comes with built-in twin fans and helps maximize heat dissipation.
Game | 1080p FPS | 1440p FPS |
---|---|---|
The Witcher 3 | 82 | 59 |
Doom Eternal | 126 | 80 |
Call of Duty: Warzone | 91 | 64 |
Cyberpunk 2077 | 41 | 28 |
Red Dead Redemption 2 | 60 | 41 |
Design and Warranty
When it comes to the design, the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB GDDR6 flaunts a super compact form factor that is compatible with almost every PC case around. And that too while sporting curved and wide fan blades.
Other design-specific highlights include copper heat pipes for better heat management and an aluminum heatsink. As for the warranty, you get two years of post-purchase support on this one.
Wrap-Up
Not many graphics cards are compatible with a wide array of PC cases. The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB GDDR6 changes that by boasting the best possible aesthetics, a reason big enough to have it on the list. And for good measure, there is a fantastic cooling setup in place.
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance at 1080p
- Affordable
- Excellent cooling system
- Minimal form factor
- Excellent case compatibility
Cons
- Not meant for high-end gaming and content creation
- Lacks RGB lighting support
7. Best Budget Option: EVGA GeForce GTX 1650
- Boost Clock: 1860 MHz
- All-new NVIDIA Turing architecture TO give you incredible new levels of gaming realism, speed, power efficiency and immersion
- Dual fans offer higher performance cooling and low acoustic noise.CUDA Cores: 896
- Built for EVGA Precision x1 - EVGA all-new tuning utility monitors your graphics card and gives you the power to overclock like a Pro!.Avoid using unofficial software
The EVGA GeForce GTX 1650 SC Ultra Gaming is a graphics card for the budget and power conscious. Also, when compared to the entry-level GTX 1050, this GPU boasts a 70% uptick in performance courtesy of faster cores and an improved memory speed.
Performance
The EVGA GeForce GTX 1650 SC Ultra Gaming lifts heavy courtesy of its 896 CUDA cores. With an overall clock speed of 1860 MHz, it can literally handle every 1080p game you throw at it. This card brings home 4GB worth of RAM, which is good enough for seamless content creation.
Connectivity-wise, there is PCIe 3.0 support, followed by the availability of one DisplayPort, one HDMI port, and a DVI-D unit. The power efficiency of the card surfaces it has a TDP of 100W and only needs a 300W power unit.
Another feature that stands out is EVGA’s Precision X1 software module which adds to the power efficiency and brings Turing shaders into the mix for a better visual experience.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Architecture | Turing |
CUDA Cores | 896 |
Boosted Clock Speed | 1860 MHz |
Memory Speed | 12 Gbps |
VRAM | 4GB GDDR6 |
Memory Interface | 128-bit |
Bandwidth | 192 GB/s |
TDP | 100W |
PSU Requirement | 300W |
Ports | 1 x DVI-D, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI |
Gaming Experience
Despite being a budget GPU, the EVGA GTX 1650 can handle most 1080p games without breaking a sweat. However, I would still refrain from playing massively demanding games like Red Dead Redemption at a high to ultra setting.
The memory speed of 12 Gbps is good enough, whereas the dual-fan cooling setup does the needful when it comes to overheating out of question.
Game | 1080p | 1440p |
---|---|---|
Apex Legends | 70 FPS | N/A |
Call of Duty: Warzone | 60 FPS | N/A |
Fortnite | 75 FPS | N/A |
Cyberpunk 2077 (Low settings) | 30 FPS | N/A |
Red Dead Redemption 2 (Medium settings) | 35 FPS | N/A |
Design and Warranty
The form factor associated with this GPU adheres to the compatibility standards and is quite compact and minimal. You can therefore pair it with most PC cases. As for the warranty, EVGA offers a 3-year coverage on this one.
Wrap-Up
If you do not have deep pockets, the EVGA GeForce GTX 1650 SC Ultra Gaming is a good graphics card to have. And it is EVGA’s durability and credibility that makes it feature on the list and also a standout performer.
Pros
- Reliable 1080p performances
- Compact form factor
- Decent cooling setup
- Excellent memory speed
Cons
- Lacks ray tracing support
- 4GB VRAM can be limiting for high-end games
8. Cheapest Option: ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 3050 OC
- NVIDIA Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors: The all-new Ampere SM brings 2X the FP32 throughput and improved power efficiency.
- 2nd Generation RT Cores: Experience 2X the throughput of 1st gen RT Cores, plus concurrent RT and shading for a whole new level of ray-tracing performance.
- 3rd Generation Tensor Cores: Get up to 2X the throughput with structural sparsity and advanced AI algorithms such as DLSS. These cores deliver a massive boost in game performance and all-new AI capabilities.
- Axial-tech fan design has been newly tuned with a reversed central fan direction for less turbulenceAvoid using unofficial software
- A 2-slot Design maximizes compatibility and cooling efficiency for superior performance in small chassis.
The ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 OC Edition might look like a budget GPU but it packs everything that a typical mid-ranger would.
I even compared it with the GTX 1650 SC Ultra Gaming GPU only to see it getting overwhelmed, hands down, courtesy of double the VRAM, more than double CUDA cores, and other enhancements.
Performance
What works for the ASUS Dual RTX 3050 OC Edition is the Ampere architecture that takes performance and efficiency seriously. Next, there are 2560 CUDA cores to add some punch to the gaming and rendering performances.
When clock speeds are concerned, this GPU supports overclocking, reaching 1890 MHz with ease. There is also support for PCIe 4.0, followed by support for one HDMI port and three DisplayPort 1.4a units. Also, you are better off pairing a 350W PSU with this GPU.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Architecture | NVIDIA Ampere |
Cores | 2560 CUDA Cores |
Boosted Clock Speed | 1890 MHz (OC Mode) |
Memory Speed | 14 Gbps |
VRAM | 8GB GDDR6 |
Memory Interface | 128-bit |
Bandwidth | 224 GB/s |
TDP | 90W |
PSU Requirement | 350W |
Ports | 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1 x HDMI 2.1 |
Gaming Experience
When it comes to gaming, the ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 OC Edition has a lot to offer, including a memory speed of 14 Gbps. Plus, there are Tensor and Ray Tracing cores in play, allowing you to get the desired level of gaming realism.
As far as the cooling support is concerned, there are dual fans to help you with, followed by the 0dB technology for achieving silence whenever needed.
Game | 1080p FPS | 1440p FPS |
---|---|---|
Battlefield V | 71 | 47 |
Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 66 | 42 |
Red Dead Redemption 2 | 56 | 38 |
The Witcher 3 | 75 | 50 |
Fortnite | 96 | 60 |
Design and Warranty
Design-wise, dual fan-specific bearings come into play, followed by reliable heatsinks, a protective metal backplate, and innovative, subtle lighting support for improved aesthetics. ASUS even brings in the Auto-Extreme tech that takes the design and the quality of soldering to the next level. You get a 3-year of warranty on this GPU.
Wrap-Up
While there are many credible GPUs available for under $300, the ASUS Dual NVIDIA RTX 3050 OC Edition makes it due to the wide array of features. These include the top-notch design, the perfect mix of RT and tensor cores, and even a high-end cooling setup.
Pros
- Competitive Pricing
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
- Top-notch cooling solution
- Three DisplayPort units
Cons
- Not meant for 4K gaming
And that sums up our individual reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our detailed list enlists all the GPUs you can get for 300 dollars or less. However, if you are looking for the best price-to-performance ratio, the GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 is one of the better picks. If you are looking for something less powerful, even the XFX Speedster QICK308 Radeon RX 6650XT can be a good option.
If you prefer mid-range gaming performances, the GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 is a decent choice. It has 12GB of VRAM, making it one of the better choices for 1080p and even a handful of 1440p games.
While the likes of GIGABYTE and XFX offer some of the best graphics cards for content creation and video editing, the ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 OC can also be a good choice if you want to go lower in terms of budget.
Yes, you can play most AAA games with below $300 GPUs. However, I would recommend playing the games in 1080p and on medium to high settings. As for the specs, you are better off getting a card with 8GB to 12GB of VRAM and a reliable cooling setup if you are interested in gaming.
Verdict
You wouldn’t get everything for less than 300 dollars and, therefore, should focus on the key aspects of a graphics card. Yet, I hope this article helped you in locating the best $300 GPU for your PC.
Every GPU on the list is good enough for most AAA games in 1080p. Plus, you can even use most of them for content creation. However, if you’re still confused about picking one, here is a curated list of options to choose from:
- If you want the best bang for under 300 bucks, especially with an eye on future-proofing, the GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 is the one to get.
- In case content creation and gaming whilst keeping an eye on overclocking is one of your preferences, the ASUS RTX 3050 OC Edition gets the nod.
- Finally, if your priority is gaming, the MSI GeForce RTX 3060 is one of the better GPUs to invest in.
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