TOP—7. The best budget video cards. June 2021. Rating!

A budget, and even a gaming video card in 2021 is a complex concept due to the sharp rise in prices against the backdrop of mining demand. As a result, even outdated chips of previous generations are becoming more expensive, so you can forget about price tags in the region of 10,000 rubles, which were relevant a couple of years ago. Today, the segment of cheap video cards for games has risen to 25,000 rubles, and some experts even stretch it to 30,000 rubles. We will limit ourselves to the first figure, within which it is still possible to choose a good option for building an inexpensive PC that can run the latest games at least at minimum wages.

Market leading companies for low-cost gaming video cards

All manufacturers of graphics adapters offer their budget cards, but you should still look for the best options in the lineup of the following brands:

ASUS

. A tech giant with extensive experience in developing video cards for gaming PCs. Asus doesn't have many budget options left, but almost all of them are perfectly adapted to gaming, have reliable cooling and use only proven and energy-efficient components.

GIGABYTE

. This brand also continues to produce reliable and inexpensive models based on last-generation chips, so there is time to get a budget-level card, otherwise in a year or two you will have to significantly overpay.

MSI

. A company founded to produce gaming solutions in all areas, including video cards. Of course, all models of this brand receive the maximum possible adaptation to intense gaming, i.e. ready to withstand temperature loads and allow GPU overclocking.

Palit

. A good alternative to offers from the Big Three. The price of this company's solutions is often a little more affordable, but the quality is in no way inferior.

Budget video cards

These video cameras are well suited for those who sometimes like to play around, shoot monsters or play undemanding games. Budget solutions are a good option for replacing an old card if, for example, it burns out or starts to fail. These cards usually have a 128-bit memory bus with a capacity of 1024-20148MB.

Budget cards include not only those that are positioned as budget cards, but also decent cards of the previous generation. The fact is that with the release of a new line of video cards, the previous line is considered obsolete. But the whole point is that outdated cards of a higher class will outperform budget cards from the new line at the same price!

If you think logically, this begs the question, what is the purpose of the new line then? It's simple, companies release a new top-end video card that is superior to the previous top-end model, and at the same time they release stripped-down versions from high to infra-budget classes to fill out the lineup.

New inexpensive models may support new standards, but this is pure marketing. For example, a budget video card appears that supports the new version of DirectX 12, but in reality it will not run games in DirectX 12 mode even with minimal settings. At the same time, the new cheap card will have a reduced memory bus. I hope it’s now clear why older non-budget video cards will be better than new budget ones at the same price.

Among budget NVidia video cards at the moment we can note the GeForce GT730, GT1030 models. For AMD, these are video cards like RadeOn R7 240.

What parameters to consider when choosing a cheap video card for gaming?

The segment of budget video solutions for gaming is very limited and the models presented in it are largely similar to each other both in technical terms and in price, but some points may differ, so we recommend that you take a closer look at the following three parameters:

Video memory

. The required minimum for comfortable gaming in 2021 is 4 GB of GDDR5 standard with a 128-bit bus. If you need to choose the most budget option, then you can choose models with 2 GB of memory, but in this case you will have to lower the graphics settings to the very minimum.

Graphics chip

. In the segment of inexpensive video cards, the best option is the GTX 1050 Ti chip, which is time-tested and perfectly adapted to gaming needs. Note that the version with the “OC” index indicates factory overclocking, which increases the operating frequency.

Additional food

. In general, the need for additional power is rare among cheap graphics cards, but some models do use it, so make sure your power supply has the appropriate cables.

Top 10. GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 1050 Ti OC Low Profile

Rating (2021): 4.40

92 reviews taken into account from resources: Yandex.Market, DNS

Low Profile Design This video card is the best in the budget segment among models using the Low Profile form factor, which makes it possible to build a PC in a narrow case.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 22,500 rub.

• Country: Taiwan
• Maximum operating frequency: 1442 MHz
• Video memory: GDDR5, 4 GB, 128 bit
• Computer processors: 768
• Rasterization units: 32
• Texture processing units: 48

Narrow PC cases have seen a resurgence in popularity in 2021, increasing demand for low-profile graphics cards. Among the inexpensive options, one of the best is the GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 1050 Ti OC Low Profile gaming card. It is based on a popular and field-proven video chip operating at 1303 MHz in base mode and 1442 MHz in turbo mode. The memory, as in most models in the range of 10,000-25,000 rubles, is only 4 GB, but it is enough to confidently run top-end games at medium graphics settings. We also note that this video adapter is capable of working simultaneously with four monitors, while most of the participants in the rating can handle only three. On the other hand, reviews contain complaints about possible “glitches” when working with multiple monitors at once, so this advantage is important more on paper than in practice. It is this fact that affected the final rating of the GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 1050 Ti OC Low Profile.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Low profile form factor for thin chassis
• Working with 4 monitors simultaneously
• Reliable video chip

• There may be problems when connecting multiple monitors

Top 9. AFOX Radeon RX 560

Rating (2021): 4.45

11 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market, Ozone

Graphics chip from AMD This card is one of the few representatives of the budget segment based on AMD video chips. The card is very reliable in operation, well optimized and offers everything you can get for such a price.

The largest number of processors and texture processing units This graphics adapter has a chip that offers the largest number of computing modules: 896 processor units and 64 texture processing units.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 18,400 rub.

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• Country: China
• Maximum operating frequency: 1275 MHz
• Video memory: GDDR5, 4 GB, 128 bit
• Computer processors: 896
• Rasterization units: 16
• Texture processing units: 64

Reliable and inexpensive video cards for games, created on AMD chips, are a rarity in 2021, since this graphics accelerator manufacturer has practically stopped producing old chips, switching to new and mid-budget ones. Therefore, our rating included only one cheap gaming video card based on the RX 560 chip, and even then from a Chinese brand. However, the origin of the AFOX company should not be particularly confusing; this company produces products of very high quality. Capabilities of the AFOX Radeon RX 560 – playing the best AAA projects at low settings and playing top hits from two or three years ago at medium settings. The memory here is 4 GB GDDR5, there is support for three monitors and 8K resolution, there is a reliable cooling system and proprietary resistance of AMD chips to heat. In general, we get a stable “average” budget segment for not particularly demanding gamers.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Reliable graphics chip from AMD
• Heat resistance
• 896 computing processors

• A total of 16 rasterization units
• Maximum bus frequency – 1275 MHz

See also:

• 5 best AMD graphics cards

How to choose a video card

Graphics chips are produced by two major manufacturers: AMD and Nvidia . Their video chips differ significantly from each other. At the same time, there is no particular difference in performance between models of the same segment, unless they are top-of-the-line devices. Therefore, it is worth starting from the budget.

When choosing a video card, you need to understand what generation the device belongs to. The characteristics of the chip, memory, bandwidth and number of cores are not so important. Especially if the cards are from different series and came out in different years. You need to choose based on the current generation and graphics processor . By narrowing these parameters, you can compare devices by memory frequency, cooling, etc. However, some models are equipped with an integrated video core in the central processor. For example, Nvidia GeForce GT 710 and 730 run on outdated architecture and are not suitable for games.

In addition to stock samples that AMD and Nvidia produce and assemble themselves from scratch, there are video cards from manufacturing partners. Devices from companies such as Gigabyte, Asus, MSI, Palit, VEINEDA, etc. are available for order. They purchase only chips, and develop the printed circuit board themselves, equipping the product with an original cooling system and accessories.

The ability to connect new monitors with high resolutions from 2K depends on connectors Outdated models are equipped with a VGA interface that can transfer images to older displays. DVI connectors are found on almost all video cards, but manufacturers are starting to abandon them in favor of HDMI. It allows you to transmit sound and pictures to the monitor in high resolution. The most common connector is DisplayPort, used to transmit high-definition audio and video. Present on all modern models.

Top 8. AFOX GeForce GTX 750Ti

Rating (2021): 4.50

31 reviews taken into account from resources: Yandex.Market, Rozetka

A minimal entry into the world of medium graphics settings. The capabilities of this gaming video card are quite limited, but in a number of popular projects it can provide comfortable gaming at medium graphics settings.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 11,300 rub.

• Country: China
• Maximum operating frequency: 1085 MHz
• Video memory: GDDR5, 2 GB, 128 bit
• Computer processors: 640
• Rasterization units: 16
• Texture processing units: 40

A cheap gaming video card from a Chinese brand with a price tag slightly exceeding 10,000 rubles. Its capabilities are extremely limited and it is clearly not suitable for the best game projects of the last couple of years. The key problem is only 2 GB of GDDR5 video memory and a maximum operating frequency of 1085 MHz. With such a “kit” you almost have to forget about even medium graphics settings. And this is not yet talking about the number of rasterization and texture processing units, where everything is also very sad. At the same time, AFOX should be praised for its choice of component base - the card uses Samsung memory chips, which are characterized by a high level of reliability. The cooling is also well designed, so it will be difficult to overheat the card. Let's add that in most online games this inexpensive video card behaves quite well, for example, World of Tanks with medium settings simply flies without any hint of lag.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Reliable DDR5 memory from Samsung
• Good cooling design
• Affordable price

• Outdated graphics chip
• Poor performance

Nvidia GeForce GT 710

Stores such as Citylink, DNS, onlinetrade.ru, etc. still offer the purchase of 700 series video cards. The GeForce GT 710 video card at one time came with 1 and 2 GB of GDDR3 video memory. It is built on a 28 Nm process technology.

The price of a 1 GB card varies from 3100 to 3700 rubles.

The price of the 2-gigabit version ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 rubles.

To make our words more convincing, we will give you examples of tests in games. We conduct tests in a resolution of 1280 x 720 (HD), on the minimum graphics preset and with a video card with 2 GB of memory. Red Dead Redemption 2 produces only 10 frames per second. In Metro Exodus you can play with an average of 20 - 23 frames. Battlefield 5 runs at 28 frames. In The Witcher 3 we see 20 frames. Even in GTA 5 released in 2013 it runs only at medium settings of 50 fps. Of course, there can be no talk about comfortable gaming.

Top 7. ASUS Phoenix GeForce GTX 1050 Ti

Rating (2021): 4.53

218 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, DNS, iRecommend, Otzovik

Shortened board The manufacturer was able to fit everything necessary on the board, the length of which was reduced to 192 mm with an average of over 200 mm.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 22990 rub.

• Country: Taiwan
• Maximum operating frequency: 1392 MHz
• Video memory: GDDR5, 4 GB, 128 bit
• Computer processors: 768
• Rasterization units: 32
• Texture processing units: 48

A very good video card for the budget price segment. Based on the GTX 1050 Ti chip, delivering 1290 MHz operating frequency in standard mode and 1392 MHz in boost. Yes, auto overclocking is not the most efficient, but in games the card performs very well, allowing you to enjoy at least medium graphics settings, i.e. You can build a quite decent and inexpensive gaming PC based on it. The use of just one “turntable” for cooling is alarming, but in general it copes with its responsibilities, so the risk of overheating is minimal, especially since the TDP of the model is only 75 W. Otherwise, this is a typical representative of cheap video cards with a price tag on the verge of moving into the mid-budget segment: 4 GB of GDDR5 video memory, no backlights or other features, output to three monitors, and no ray tracing or other advanced technologies.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Proven graphics chip
• No need for additional nutrition
• Card length reduced to 192 mm

• Only one cooling cooler
• Reduced bus frequency

AMD Radeon RX 550

The next Radeon RX 550 graphics card competes with the previous video adapter. In terms of power, it beats the GT 1030 by about 15%. The GPU was also released in 2021 and has 2 GB of GDDR5 video memory. There is already a technical process of 14 Nm and a frequency of 1071 MHz (turbo frequency 1183 MHz). The RX 550 has a 128-bit memory bus versus 64 for the GT 1030. The advantage of this video card is also its low power consumption - 50 W, so we don’t need improved versions with two coolers.

Well, let's move on to gaming. We play in HD at minimum settings and in Red Dead Redemption 2 we get more than 40 frames. In Metro Exodus, the card delivers 50 frames per second. Battlefield 5 can even be played in FullHD at 50 frames. The Witcher 3 produces the same results at 1080p.

Overall results are similar to the GT 1030, but the wider tire helps open up the map a little more.

Top 6. GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 1050 Ti OC

Rating (2021): 4.53

206 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, DNS, Citylink, Otzovik

First-class cooling performance Reliable graphics adapter with a detailed cooling system that ensures that temperatures are effectively kept within a safe range at any level of GPU load.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 22990 rub.

• Country: Taiwan
• Maximum operating frequency: 1455 MHz
• Video memory: GDDR5, 4 GB, 128 bit
• Computer processors: 768
• Rasterization units: 32
• Texture processing units: 48

A relatively inexpensive video card with good implementation of the potential of the GTX 1050 Ti graphics chip. The base frequency of the model is 1316 MHz, but in boost mode it can be overclocked to 1455 MHz, i.e. This card is quite capable of medium graphics settings in games, especially since it claims to support 8K resolution and simultaneous output of images to three PC monitors. Everything is in perfect order in terms of cooling: heating up to 97 degrees is not a problem for the GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 1050 Ti OC; two “turntables” confidently cope with organizing air flow through a massive aluminum radiator. We also note that there is no need to provide additional power, which was appreciated by owners of old computers where there are simply no extra wires on the power supplies. The key problem with this model is that you have to catch it in stores, because they are sold out very quickly.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Efficient cooling system
• No need for additional nutrition
• Resolutions higher than 4K available

• Possible noise during prolonged use
• Small volumes of supplies to stores

⑤ VEINEDA GTX 1060 GDDR5 gaming graphics card

Rating: 4.9 Price: from RUB 22,967.18
up to
RUB 37,238.75
Go to the store The Nvidia GTX 1060 gaming video card from VEINEDA comes with glowing coolers, so it will look great in a transparent case. Cooling from two fans works well, but there is no heatsink on the VRM transistor and memory, so the chip will get very hot under load. Models with 3 and 6 GB of memory are available to choose from.

Advantages:

• Windows 10 automatically installs drivers;
• made with high quality - not flimsy, not loose;
• fresh high quality thermal paste.

Flaws:

• You may have to pay customs duties (even if the seller indicates a price below 200 euros).

Top and bottom surfaces

Buy on AliExpress.com

Top 5. MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti OC

Rating (2021): 4.56

386 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, DNS, Citylink, Otzovik, Onliner

The best factory overclocking This model implements factory overclocking of the graphics chip as efficiently as possible, which guarantees stable operation under load and minimal risks of overheating.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 23,000 rub.

• Country: Taiwan
• Maximum operating frequency: 1455 MHz
• Video memory: GDDR5, 4 GB, 128 bit
• Computer processors: 768
• Rasterization units: 32
• Texture processing units: 48

A very interesting option from MSI with a factory overclocking of the base operating frequency to 1341 MHz and the ability to boost it to 1455 MHz, which is one of the best results in turbo mode among all participants in the rating. The video card is originally a gaming card, albeit a budget one, so it runs absolutely all PC games, but the top hits of 2021 will only run at minimum or in some cases at medium graphics settings. We note the well-developed cooling system, the efficiency of which is supported not only by two “turntables”, but also by the well-thought-out design of the casing, which reflects air flows in the right directions to improve the quality of radiator airflow. As a nice bonus, the manufacturer provides a three-year official warranty, plus it claims to support 8K resolution and allows heating up to 97 degrees.

Advantages and disadvantages

• High cooling efficiency
• High-quality factory overclocking of the video chip
• Three years warranty

• Increased dimensions: 215×112 mm
• High price

Top 4. ASUS Phoenix GeForce GT 1030 OC

Rating (2021): 4.57

242 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, DNS, Otzovik

Best price Phoenix GeForce GT 1030 OC from ASUS is the most affordable video card on the Russian market, suitable for more or less comfortable gaming at least on minimum graphics settings.

Lowest power consumption If the vast majority of participants in this rating consume 75 W at maximum load, then this video card only needs 30 W.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 9000 rub.

• Country: Taiwan
• Maximum operating frequency: 1531 MHz
• Video memory: GDDR5, 2 GB, 64 bit
• Computer processors: 384
• Rasterization units: 16
• Texture processing units: 24

A gaming video card with a price below 10,000 rubles is an unaffordable “luxury” for 2021. For that kind of money, unfortunately, you can’t even count on normal performance, and therefore the ASUS Phoenix GeForce GT 1030 OC is a cheap PC for old or browser games. In addition to the outdated graphics chip, which by modern standards is more prone to office software, there is also only 2 GB of video memory, connected via a 64-bit bus. The problem is partially mitigated by the high operating frequency in bus mode, but this still won’t allow you to enjoy games at settings above the minimum. According to reviews, the card is very quiet, although only one “spinner” is used here. In general, a good budget option for those who need an inexpensive gaming solution for a while before purchasing a normal video card.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Cheapest in 2021
• High component reliability

• Outdated technology
• Low video memory

See also:

• 5 most powerful video cards in the world 2021

AMD Radeon R7 240

Now a little about the AMD Radeon R7 240 video card. Citylink sells the ASUS AMD Radeon R7 240 card at a price of 7,340 rubles. Here we have the same 28 nanometer process technology and 2 GB of video memory, but only now of the GDDR5 type. The graphics processor frequency of the video card is 780 MHz in turbo boost. For cooling there is a radiator and one fan. Initially, the video card was positioned as a low-profile solution, so now, 8 years later, you shouldn’t expect much power from it either.

Now let's see what it is capable of in games at the beginning of 2021. In Red Dead Redemption 2, the GPU is capable of delivering 18 - 20 fps in HD resolution and at minimum settings. Battlefield 5 pulls out 30 frames per second. The Witcher 3 shows an average result of 22 frames. Metro Exodus produces no more than 20 frames on the minimum preset.

The Radeon R7 240 is an equally unsuitable graphics card for gaming in 2021. We do not recommend buying it, especially for that kind of money.

Top 3. Palit GeForce GTX 1050 Ti STORMX

Rating (2021): 4.63

624 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, DNS, Citylink, Otzovik, Onliner

The most compact dimensions Among the “full-size” video cards, this model has the most minimal overall dimensions: length 166 mm, width 112 mm and thickness 38 mm.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 22990 rub.

• Country: Taiwan
• Maximum operating frequency: 1392 MHz
• Video memory: GDDR5, 4 GB, 128 bit
• Computer processors: 768
• Rasterization units: 32
• Texture processing units: 48

A popular video card in high demand on the Russian market. The price for 2021 is quite budget-friendly, a reliable and time-tested gaming graphics chip is used, plus there are no frequent complaints in reviews about problems with startup or quick failure, i.e. The card earns its value. Note that the Palit brand has been gaining weight in the gaming solutions segment in recent years, offering cheaper analogues to video cards from leading manufacturers, but without loss of quality and with a three-year warranty. One of the additional advantages of the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti STORMX model specifically is its compact dimensions: length 166 mm, width 112 mm and thickness 38 mm. At the same time, the card is equipped with a very reliable and efficient cooling system, which eliminates the risk of overheating.

Advantages and disadvantages

• 4K resolution available
• There is support for CUDA 6.1
• Three years official warranty

• Delivery without software disc
• Occupies two slots

See also:

• 20 best video cards

Best video card

NVIDIA reigns supreme in the segment of the best video cards, and the GeForce RTX 2080 Ti has become the new ruler of the upper segment of performance and prices.

Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2080 Ti WindForce OC 11G

Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2080 Ti WindForce OC 11G is the proprietary version of the RTX 2080 Ti video card with the WindForce 3X cooling system. The price is amazing, as is the performance.

In terms of capabilities, the card leaves even the Titan X behind and is equipped with all the technical innovations. If you're looking for the best card for 4K gaming, you certainly won't find anything better.

Top 2. ASUS Cerberus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti OC

Rating (2021): 4.65

137 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, DNS, Otzovik, Onliner

Best design According to most users, this card has the nicest design in the budget segment in terms of aesthetic suitability for the system unit of a gaming PC.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 24990 rub.

• Country: Taiwan
• Maximum operating frequency: 1480 MHz
• Video memory: GDDR5, 4 GB, 128 bit
• Computer processors: 768
• Rasterization units: 32
• Texture processing units: 48

Only one representative of the Cerberus line of gaming video cards from ASUS in 2021 fit into the budget price range. The Cerberus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti OC model is nothing special, but in turbo boost mode it is capable of accelerating the operating frequency to 1480 MHz, which is one of the best results in the segment, second only to the card from MSI. Otherwise, this is a typical hard worker with 4 GB of GDDR5 video memory, a classic set of technologies from three years ago, support for three monitors and the declared ability to work with resolutions of 4K and higher. It is quite possible to build a good, but cheap gaming PC based on this video card, but, of course, you can’t count on high graphics settings. It is also worth considering that the model is oversized, its length reaches 203 mm and its width is 115 mm.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Proven graphics chip
• High bus level
• Gamer design

• Massive dimensions
• There is a risk of overheating

See also:

• AMD Radeon or NVIDIA GeForce - comparison of the best gaming video cards of 2021

Top 1. MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GAMING X

Rating (2021): 4.68

629 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, DNS, Citylink, Otzovik

Optimal price/quality ratio GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GAMING X from MSI entered the market in 2021 and continues to remain relevant due to the high reliability of the component base, competent cooling organization and effective use of the capabilities of the graphics chip.

The most popular This model enjoys the highest consumer demand in Russian stores. Moreover, the MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GAMING X video card receives the most reviews on specialized online platforms among all participants in our rating.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 23990 rub.

• Country: Taiwan
• Maximum operating frequency: 1493 MHz
• Video memory: GDDR5, 4 GB, 128 bit
• Computer processors: 768
• Rasterization units: 32
• Texture processing units: 48

Once upon a time, this video card cost a little more than 10,000 rubles, but the realities of 2021 have pushed its cost to the edge of the segment of inexpensive graphics adapters. However, the card pays off its price in full; after all, MSI knows how to make high-quality gaming components for assembling a good gaming PC. By squeezing the chip to its maximum, MSI engineers raised the boost frequency to 1493 MHz, which allows for a significant increase in performance in demanding AAA games. Yes, you won’t have to count on maximum graphics settings, but the card will definitely provide acceptable picture quality. Among other things, we note the ability to work with 8K resolution, the presence of a modest LED backlight, a fairly low TDP of 75 W, and the need to provide additional power via a 6-pin cable. According to user reviews, this model provides the best value for money in the budget segment.