The best performance-per-dollar option under $125 for 1440p gaming, offering solid frame rates in many titles when settings are adjusted.
Key Features
8GB GDDR5 VRAM
Excellent 1080p/1440p rasterization performance
Reliable and power-efficient architecture
Full Description
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB is a high-performance graphics card based on the Pascal architecture, released in 2016 as a mid-to-high-range solution for 1440p gaming. It features 1,920 CUDA cores and 8GB of GDDR5 memory, providing a significant leap in power efficiency and performance over its predecessor, the GTX 970. While it lacks modern hardware-accelerated ray tracing and DLSS support found in newer RTX series cards, it remains a capable card for 1080p gaming in many modern titles. The card utilizes a 256-bit memory interface and has a TDP of 150W, making it relatively easy to cool and power. It was widely praised for its excellent price-to-performance ratio at launch and has maintained a reputation for longevity. Today, it is considered a legacy product that is best suited for budget builds or older systems.
A highly affordable, reliable 8GB card that provides a playable 1440p experience in less demanding games and esports titles.
Key Features
8GB GDDR5 VRAM
Strong value for budget gaming
Capable of 1080p/1440p in lighter titles
Full Description
The AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB is a mid-range graphics card based on the Polaris 20 architecture, released as a refined successor to the RX 480. It features 2,304 stream processors and 8GB of GDDR5 memory, making it a capable card for 1080p gaming at high settings. While it is now considered an aging piece of hardware, it remains a popular choice for budget-conscious builders and entry-level gaming PCs. The card supports AMD's FreeSync technology, which helps reduce screen tearing and stuttering during gameplay. It utilizes a 256-bit memory interface and requires an 8-pin power connector for stable operation. Despite being superseded by newer architectures, it continues to provide adequate performance for eSports titles and older AAA games.
A more modern, power-efficient alternative that offers great performance for esports and less demanding 1440p gaming.
Key Features
6GB GDDR6 VRAM
Modern, power-efficient architecture
Excellent for esports and popular titles
Full Description
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super is a mid-range graphics card based on the Turing architecture, released in late 2019 as an enhanced version of the original GTX 1660. It features 6GB of GDDR6 memory, which provides a significant bandwidth upgrade over the GDDR5 memory found in its predecessor. Designed primarily for 1080p gaming, it delivers high frame rates in popular esports titles and maintains playable performance in modern AAA games at medium to high settings. While it lacks dedicated RT cores for hardware-accelerated ray tracing and Tensor cores for DLSS, it remains a highly efficient card for budget-conscious builds. The card utilizes the NVENC encoder, making it a popular choice for entry-level streamers and content creators. Its compact form factor and low power consumption make it compatible with a wide variety of PC cases and power supply units. As of 2024, it is widely regarded as a legacy card that still holds value in the secondary market for entry-level gaming PCs.
These three GPUs represent different approaches to budget gaming. The GTX 1070 is the clear performance leader, offering the best raw rasterization and 1440p capability for the price, despite its age. The RX 580 is the most budget-friendly option, providing a functional 8GB VRAM buffer for the lowest entry cost, though it lags in overall power and modern feature support. The GTX 1660 Super sits in the middle, sacrificing 2GB of VRAM compared to the others for a more modern, power-efficient architecture and better driver support, making it a more reliable choice for newer titles and esports.
Which One to Pick and Why
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB
Best for gamers who want the highest possible frame rates at 1440p on a strict budget and are comfortable adjusting graphics settings.
AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB
Best for extremely budget-constrained builds or secondary PCs intended primarily for esports titles and older games.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB
Best for users who prioritize a newer, more power-efficient card with better driver support for modern games and esports, and who primarily play at 1080p.
