The budget segment of video cards in 2025 has rid itself of labels like “temporary, for spare change, until upgrade.” Manufacturers have balanced the tech processes, implemented current technologies in entry-level series, optimized drivers. Graphics have become more accessible, even when it comes to DLSS, ray tracing, or 8 GB GDDR6. The top budget video cards are now built not on compromise, but on calculation—not sacrificing quality, but focusing on needs.
RX 7600: Pressure with Minimal Losses
The model ensures stable performance at 1080p and even 1440p with scaling. When used in a build with Ryzen 5 7600 and 16 GB DDR5-6000, it achieves 82 FPS in Spider-Man Miles Morales on ultra settings with active FSR. The power profile allows the use of a 550W power supply without overload. The cooler with three fans reduces thermal load in compact cases. Used in gaming setups for streaming, as well as for editing in Premiere with 4K output.

Specifications: RDNA 3, GPU 2655 MHz, 8 GB GDDR6, 128-bit, 288 GB/s, FSR 2.2, ray tracing, TDP 165W.
RTX 3050 6GB: Entry Ticket to DLSS Graphics
This model is among the top budget video cards, being the first in the list to provide access to ray tracing without stability compromises. When using DLSS in Quality mode in Watch Dogs Legion on high settings, it delivers 58 FPS with no drops below 50. It performs well with OBS, showing a stable image when recording at 1080p60. Works in builds with Core i3 13100F, without the need for expensive cooling. Suitable for projects in Unity and Unreal Engine.
Specifications: Ampere GA107, GPU 1770 MHz, 6 GB GDDR6, 96-bit, 168 GB/s, DLSS 2.x, RT, ReBAR, TDP 115W.
RX 6600: Foundation for Universal Full HD
The graphics card handles any tasks in 1080p, including projects like Elden Ring and Dying Light 2. In FSR Performance mode in AC Valhalla, the card delivers 92 FPS. The cooling system copes with thermal load even in cases without front fans. Often used in internet cafes and corporate workstations for working with Blender and Revit. One of the best options for building a budget PC with a 2–3 year outlook.
Specifications: RDNA 2, Navi 23, 2044–2491 MHz, 8 GB GDDR6, 128-bit, 224 GB/s, FSR, TDP 132W.
Arc A580: Stream, Codecs, Performance
The card offers above-average performance and consistently delivers 68 FPS when using XeSS in Starfield. Support for the AV1 codec and a wide 256-bit bus makes the model an excellent choice for video processing. Integrated into builds for YouTube, used in OBS and DaVinci. Shows stability in Linux and systems based on Intel B660 without the need for specific BIOS updates.
Specifications: Xe-HPG, ACM-G10, GPU 1700 MHz, 8 GB GDDR6, 256-bit, 512 GB/s, XeSS, RT, TDP 185W.
RX 6500 XT: Compact Video Card in Top Budget Range
The next model in the top list of budget video cards delivers 77 FPS in Fortnite on high settings when using FSR. An optimal solution for miniature cases where large coolers do not fit. The device easily runs online games, remains stable in work sessions lasting 5–6 hours without frequency drops. Also used in educational institutions with limited power—requires only a 350W power supply.
Specifications: RDNA 2, Navi 24 XT, GPU 2815 MHz, 4 GB GDDR6, 64-bit, 143 GB/s, FSR, TDP 107W.
Arc A380: Budget with Intelligence
The device operates stably at 1080p on medium-high settings when XeSS is enabled. In The Division 2, it achieves 56 FPS. It is among the top budget video cards, offering an alternative to solutions from NVIDIA and AMD. Often used in systems with H610 motherboards and 12th generation Intel processors. Provides access to ray tracing and works with ReBAR. Suitable for light rendering, working with OBS, and the Adobe suite.
Specifications: Xe-HPG, ACM-G11, GPU 2000 MHz, 6 GB GDDR6, 96-bit, 186 GB/s, XeSS, RT, TDP 92W.
RX 6400: Silence, Stability, Integration
A Low Profile variant, adapted for builds under HTPC, media servers, and compact workstations. In PUBG on medium settings, it achieves 65 FPS, with the cooler staying below 35 dB. Provides HDMI 2.1 support, works on 4K displays as an office output. Used in financial terminals, educational platforms, and thin clients.
Specifications: RDNA 2, GPU 2321 MHz, 4 GB GDDR6, 64-bit, 112 GB/s, FSR, HDMI 2.1, TDP 75W.
GTX 1650 G6: Classic in GDDR6 Execution
A time-tested solution. Steadily delivers 60+ FPS in CS2, Dota 2, Palworld. Suitable for working with Adobe Photoshop, OBS, Camtasia. Used in office and educational setups. Compatible with PCIe 3.0 without performance loss. Among the top budget video cards as the most versatile model with limited capital.
Specifications: Turing TU117, GPU 1590 MHz, 4 GB GDDR6, 128-bit, 192 GB/s, CUDA, NVENC, TDP 75W.
Arc A310: Starting Point with Upscaling
Ideal for multimedia, terminals, light builds. Includes XeSS, decodes AV1, works on basic systems. Provides 40 FPS in Minecraft at 1080p. Used in POS terminals, educational computers, libraries, media centers. Compatible with office processors like Pentium Gold and Intel i3.
Specifications: Xe-HPG, GPU 1150 MHz, 4 GB GDDR6, 64-bit, 112 GB/s, XeSS, AV1, TDP 65W.
GTX 1630: Office in the 2025 Rhythm
Works in office configurations, CAD applications, Excel, virtualization. Provides 90 FPS in LoL at 1080p. Used in budget builds for ZBrush, OBS, media systems. Supports CUDA, offering a minimal entry into rendering. Cooled by a single fan, adapted for installation in old cases with limited ventilation.
Specifications: Turing, GPU 1740 MHz, 4 GB GDDR6, 64-bit, 96 GB/s, CUDA, TDP 75W.
Top Budget Video Cards of 2025: What to Choose?
The top budget video cards cover the needs of most users—from minimal 3D environment launch to stable performance in gaming engines and editing platforms. The detailed list helps prioritize in numbers:

Model | Video Memory | GPU Frequency | Bus | Technologies | Suitable for |
RX 7600 | 8 GB GDDR6 | 2655 MHz | 128-bit | FSR 2.2, RT | AAA games, streaming, video editing |
RTX 3050 6GB | 6 GB GDDR6 | 1770 MHz | 96-bit | DLSS, RT, Reflex | DLSS gaming, streaming, 3D engines |
RX 6600 | 8 GB GDDR6 | 2491 MHz | 128-bit | FSR, DX12 Ultimate | Full HD gaming, esports, office + games |
Arc A580 | 8 GB GDDR6 | 1700 MHz | 256-bit | XeSS, AV1, RT | AV1, multi-monitor, DaVinci rendering |
RX 6500 XT | 4 GB GDDR6 | 2815 MHz | 64-bit | FSR, PCIe 4.0 | Mini builds, MOBA, browser games |
Arc A380 | 6 GB GDDR6 | 2000 MHz | 96-bit | XeSS, RT | Light rendering, streaming, budget graphics |
RX 6400 | 4 GB GDDR6 | 2321 MHz | 64-bit | FSR, HDMI 2.1 | Office, compact cases, multimedia |
GTX 1650 G6 | 4 GB GDDR6 | 1590 MHz | 128-bit | NVENC, CUDA | Light editing, OBS, school builds |
Arc A310 | 4 GB GDDR6 | 1150 MHz | 64-bit | XeSS, AV1 | Terminals, education, office + media player |
GTX 1630 | 4 GB GDDR6 | 1740 MHz | 64-bit | CUDA, Vulkan | Basic graphics, office applications |
Conclusion
The graphics market of 2025 offers a well-founded choice for every level of needs. Architectures like RDNA 2, RDNA 3, Ampere, and Xe-HPG provide support for key technologies, including DLSS, FSR, ray tracing, AV1 decoding, and adaptation to modern APIs. The top budget video cards include not only gaming solutions but also multimedia, office, and rendering platforms.
When selecting a device, it is important to consider parameters such as core frequency, video memory size and type, bus width, cooling capabilities, and support for modern technologies. A correctly chosen card within the $100–$200 range performs as well as a flagship from three years ago, especially considering upscaling and driver optimization.