Which Budget Graphics Cards Perform Best in a Cheap Gaming PC for High-FPS Gaming?
If you choose carefully, budget GPUs can provide remarkable frame rates without breaking the bank. Just five years ago, mid-range graphics cards were outperformed by entry-level models. This implies that players can construct an inexpensive cheap gaming PC that performs remarkably well with contemporary games.
Performance doesn’t have to be sacrificed while building a cheap gaming PC. With the right low-cost GPUs, inexpensive PCs can become powerful gaming devices. This guide explores the top graphics cards for high-frame-rate gaming.
Understanding Budget GPU Performance
Budget GPUs aim for 60+ frames per second in 1080p gaming. Popular games like Fortnite, Valorant, and Minecraft run flawlessly on these graphics cards. For price, entry-level cards forgo 4K performance, which is ideal for the majority of gamers.
The performance of many budget GPUs varies greatly. While some are great at AAA games, some are better with esports titles. Understanding these differences helps gamers choose the right card for their needs.
Budget-friendly modern graphics cards sometimes come with features like support for DirectX 12. Compatibility with both recent and planned game releases is thus guaranteed.
Top Budget Graphics Cards for Affordable Gaming
NVIDIA GeForce GT 730 2GB
For budget GPUs, the GT 730 is the ultimate entry point. This graphics card is ideal for everyday computing work and very light gaming.
Key specifications:
- 2GB GDDR5 memory
- 902 MHz core clock
- 64-bit memory interface
- Supports dual monitor setups
Lightweight games and older titles run at 720p to 900p on the GT 730. On modest settings, expect 30 to 45 frames per second in games like League of Legends. For casual gamers on a limited budget, this card is a great option.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 4GB
For cheap gaming PC configurations, the GTX 750 4GB provides noticeably improved performance. Many well-known games run in 1080p with this graphics card.
Performance highlights:
- 4GB GDDR5 video memory
- 1020 MHz base clock
- 128-bit memory bus
- Low power consumption (60W TDP)
At medium settings in Fortnite, players can anticipate 40–60 frames per second. At high settings, esports games like Valorant and CS: GO function flawlessly. When it comes to budget GPUs for serious gaming, the GTX 750 offers outstanding value.
The GPU Tweak II program is one of the contemporary features supported by this card. It is simple for users to monitor system temperatures and enhance performance.
AMD Radeon RX 550 4GB
Direct competition for NVIDIA’s entry-level products comes from the RX 550 4GB. In a cheap gaming PC, this graphics card provides good 1080p performance.
Technical specifications:
- 4GB GDDR5 memory
- 512 stream processors
- Up to 1183 MHz boost clock
- AMD FreeSync technology support
The RX 550 consistently delivers 60+ frames per second, making it an excellent choice for competitive games. On medium-low settings, modern AAA games operate at 30–45 frames per second. Because of this, it’s perfect for those who play a variety of games.
Regular upgrades to AMD’s drivers guarantee optimal performance. For simple customising, the card also supports AMD’s Radeon Software suite.
Performance Comparison Table
| Graphics Card | Memory | 1080p FPS (Fortnite) | 1080p FPS (Valorant) | Power Draw | Best For |
| GT 730 2GB | 2GB GDDR5 | 25-35 (Low) | 40-60 (Medium) | 25W | Ultra-budget |
| GTX 750 4GB | 4GB GDDR5 | 45-60 (Medium) | 80-120 (High) | 60W | Balanced gaming |
| RX 550 4GB | 4GB GDDR5 | 40-55 (Medium) | 75-100 (High) | 50W | Esports focus |
Optimising Your Budget Gaming PC
Budget GPUs work best when used with the right parts. Bottlenecking is avoided with an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processor. While gaming, 16GB of RAM guarantees seamless multitasking.
Loading times are greatly impacted by storage. When compared to conventional hard drives, SSD drives cut down on game load times by 50–70%. For the operating system and favoured games, a 256GB SSD works great.
Performance is maintained, and the graphics card’s lifespan is increased with proper cooling. Thermal throttling during prolonged gaming sessions is avoided by using an inexpensive chassis with sufficient airflow.
Real-World Gaming Performance
Testing shows how these budget GPUs perform in well-known games. With the GTX 750, Fortnite operates at 45–60 frames per second on medium settings. For 80-100+ frames per second, competitive players might reduce the parameters.
Shader-enabled Minecraft uses greater GPU power. With moderate shader packs, the GTX 750 and RX 550 maintain 50–70 frames per second. With sophisticated visual modifications, the GT 730 has trouble.
Budget GPUs are severely challenged by Call of Duty: Warzone. Aim for 35–45 frames per second on low-medium settings. Visual quality must be sacrificed for competitive gaming.
Value for Money Analysis
The most affordable of these graphics cards is the GTX 750 4GB. The majority of cheap gaming PC configurations can benefit from its performance and efficiency balance. Players can enjoy dependable 1080p gaming without using a lot of power.
Although it costs a little more, the RX 550 performs similarly. AMD is appealing for future-proofing because of its robust driver support. Before making a decision, buyers should compare current prices.
Only the most frugal builders may use the GT 730. Upgrading is unavoidable for serious gaming due to its restrictions. Consider it temporary unless requirements remain extremely basic.
Future-Proofing Considerations
There are a few upgrading options for budget GPUs. More powerful graphics cards are becoming more and more necessary for new game releases. Future AAA games are difficult for these entry-level options to handle.
Manufacturers frequently discontinue older GPUs in favour of newer ones. Over time, replacement parts become more and more scarce. This makes it desirable to purchase somewhat newer cards whenever feasible.
Entry-level graphics cards are still unable to support capabilities like ray tracing. Gamers who value cutting-edge graphics should think about mid-range solutions. Playable frame rates are prioritised over graphical fidelity in budget cards.
Making the Right Choice
The ideal graphics card is chosen based on personal gaming preferences. The GTX 750 or RX 550 are best suited for esports lovers. The GT 730 might be adequate for casual gamers.
The budget heavily influences final decisions. Performance increases are often exaggerated when an additional £30–40 is spent. For greater long-term satisfaction, buyers should try to extend their budgets.
For cheap gaming PC designs, upgradeability is essential. Flexibility is ensured by making sure the motherboard and power supply can accommodate future graphics cards. This enables incremental enhancements without requiring a complete system replacement.
Ready to Build Your Dream Setup?
An inexpensive PC can be made into a powerful gaming system with the correct budget GPU. Gamers can play contemporary games without going over budget by choosing the dependable GTX 750, the adaptable RX 550, or the ultra-cheap GT 730.
Pre-configured systems offer great value while removing compatibility issues. To guarantee dependable performance right away, every build is put through extensive testing.
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