2023: Outwitting the Endless Quest for GPUs
Top five graphics cards that are worth considering for immediate upgrade:
Welcome, fellow gamers! If you're on the hunt for a new graphics card, you're likely well aware that it's been nothing short of a nightmare lately. The market's been plagued with crypto miners, scalpers, bots, and stock shortages. Even after the 2021 GPU shortage, things aren't exactly smooth sailing. But don't worry, we're here to help you navigate the chaos.
If you can't wait any longer, I'd say brace yourself for some exorbitant prices and get ready to shop around. Here are five GPUs that'll help you overpay just a little more than you need to:
- Nvidia RTX 4060 | $380 at Newegg | £249 on Amazon UKWhile it's no powerhouse, the RTX 4060 will still keep most games running at high settings at 1080p. It can handle 1440p, but you'll need to scale back on the graphics settings. A solid option for those looking to avoid breaking the bank.
- Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti | $900 at Newegg | £808 on Amazon UKThis GPU is perfect for those with deeper pockets who'd rather not splurge on the RTX 5090. It can almost match the RTX 5080 with the right overclock, but overwhelming availability issues make it a tough sell.
- AMD RX 7800 XT | $580 at Newegg | £461 on Amazon UKA good choice for AMD fans who want to skip the RX 9070 XT due to its skyrocketing price. The RX 7800 XT offers decent performance at 1440p, but Ray Tracing fans might want to look elsewhere.
- Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti | $530 on Amazon | £450 on Amazon UKAn acceptable alternative if you're willing to forgo some fancy Ray Tracing. It rivals the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070 in pure rasterization at a lower price point. A 1440p card through and through!
- Nvidia RTX 5070 | $604 at Newegg | £519 on Amazon UKWhile it's not as impressive as the RTX 5060 Ti, the RTX 5070 is only slightly pricier, offering a decent balance of performance and cost. If you're ready to splurge a little more for 1440p gaming, this could be your ticket.
Patience and Persistence
On the off chance you're itching to dive into the latest and greatest, I feel your pain. Trust me, I've been there. Back in 2022, I was stuck with an aging PC that struggled endlessly to run Elden Ring. Alas, there were no GPUs worth buying, and my poor GTX 1060 endured until it retired in 2024.
It's been a painful journey, but the tide may be turning. Prices are getting better, and it's not unheard of for the US market to catch up to the UK's prices. In the meantime, keep your fingers crossed and your old GPU humming along.
Remember, good things come to those who wait, so keep your eyes peeled for GPU deals and hold onto your wallets! Better days are (hopefully) just around the corner.
** staying updated with the latest gaming news, reviews, and hardware deals.
Author's Note:I'm Monica, a diehard PC gamer who's been pushing pixels since the days of Super Mario Bros on the SNES. My journey has led me down the path of building my first rig and eventually ranting about the ever-shifting landscape of CPUs, laptops, software, and peripherals! Keep up with me as I navigate the twists and turns of the GPU market.
- Despite the struggles in acquiring a new GPU, some gamers may choose to bet on the record-breaking Nvidia RTX 4060 at $380 on Newegg or £249 on Amazon UK for a 1080p gaming experience.
- For those with deeper pockets, the Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti, priced at $900 on Newegg and £808 on Amazon UK, is worth considering, offering performance comparable to the RTX 5080, given the right overclock.
- AMD fans seeking an alternative to the RX 9070 XT due to its high price point might consider the AMD RX 7800 XT, priced at $580 on Newegg and £461 on Amazon UK, for decent 1440p performance, excluding Ray Tracing.
- The Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti, available on Amazon for $530 and £450 on Amazon UK, is an acceptable substitute for those willing to forgo Ray Tracing, boasting performance equivalent to the RTX 3080 and RTX 4070 at a lower cost.
- The Nvidia RTX 5070, priced at $604 on Newegg and £519 on Amazon UK, is a slightly more expensive alternative to the RTX 5060 Ti but offers a decent balance of performance and cost for 1440p gaming.
- As you keep your eye out for GPU deals and wait for prices to drop, remember to hold onto your wallets and be patient, as the hope for better days lies just around the corner.
- As we navigate the ever-changing GPU market, it's essential to stay updated with the latest gaming news, reviews, and hardware deals to ensure you make a wise choice when the right time comes to retire your old gadgets and upgrade to the latest technology.
