April 13 2019

The 6 Best Graphics Card Under $200

Have you ever played a game with your image stuttering all the time? It’s a horrible experience – and no one should ever have to go through that. The performance of your gaming rig is mostly dependent on your graphics card – even more than on how much RAM you have or how fast the processor is.

Still, a graphics card can be one of the most expensive parts when building your gaming rig, and it’s an essential component of your gaming PC. Making the wrong choice here could ruin your gaming experience totally. 💻 🎮

Sometimes, your budget is limited, and you can’t afford to spend very much on a graphics card.

Good news is that there are a ton of great options that you can purchase, and if you are a gamer looking for the best graphics cards under $200, then this article should intrigue you.

The best part is that we curated a concise list of six of the best graphics cards under 200 dollars. That means you don’t need to waste your money, or your time looking through records of features and specifications – which sometimes ends up leaving you confused.

However, if you do want to “waste time” we have a complete GPU hierarchy list available.

Best Choice: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB

Pros & Cons

  • Easy installation and configuration
  • Works well with VR technology
  • The fan is turned off usually
  • Budget-friendly option
  • Power efficient design
  • Weird issues, like flashing lines
  • Software loading problem

Key Features

  • Pascal GPU Architecture
  • Xtreme Engine Utility

Specifications

  • 128-bit GDDR5
  • 4GB RAM
  • Core Clock; 1468 MHz

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB Review

Gigabyte’s version is one of the best GeForce GTX 1050 Ti prospects. It is a 4GB RAM graphics card built using the Nvidia Pascal GPU architecture. Its 128-bit GDDR5 memory bandwidth enables gamers to enjoy a fantastic in-game performance and the latest graphics enhancements.

Its 7,008 MHz processor and 4GB GDDR5 onboard video memory mean you have a high-performance graphics card at your disposal.

The intuitive Gigabyte, XTREME Engine utility, enables you to control the clock speeds, allowing you to hit clocking rates of 1506 MHz when using the Boost Clock. It also controls voltage, fan speed, and voltage settings of your graphics card.

The GTX 1050 4GB delivers a fast, smooth, and power-efficient gaming experience and supports all the classic and modern games running at HD 1080p resolution at 60 frame rates per second (60 FPS).

Size is not a problem with the Gigabyte GTX 1050 4GB, its dimensions of 40mm in height, 229mm in length and 118mm in width mean that this card will fit seamlessly on most gaming PCs.

The Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 is a high-performance graphics card, and its memory clock rate and onboard video memory mean this is our best choice as one of the graphics cards under 200 dollars in the market.

Premium Pick: MSI Computer Graphics Card (GTX 1050 TI 4G OC)

Pros & Cons

  • Provides ultra HD video resolution
  • Convenient and easy setup
  • Quiet and cool while working
  • Power efficient card
  • Elegant design
  • Driver installation is not easy
  • Not highly compatible

Key Features

  • MSI TORX 2.0 cooling technology

Specifications

  • 7008 MHz processor
  • 4 GB DDR5 SDRAM
  • 1493 MHz in OC mode
  • 128-bit

MSI Computer Graphics Card (GTX 1050 TI 4G OC) Review

The MSI GTX 1050 TI 4G OC – produced by the reputed MSI Computer Co. Ltd, which in 2008 was ranked amongst the top 20 Taiwan Global Brands – is one of the best graphics cards you can get for under $200 in the market.

This graphics card comes armed with a 7008 MHz processor which is more than enough for most modern AAA titles. Furthermore, you get a not-so-impressive 4 GB of GDDR5 VRAM. However, considering the price of this baby, the 4 GB suddenly becomes quite inviting.

Additionally, the clock speed of 1493 MHz when overclocked means this beast will purr on no matter what you throw at it.

The MSI Computer Graphics Card (GTX 1050 TI 4G OC) is a solid device, backed by a reliable manufacturer with tons of experience creating quality products. Its overall operational capabilities and efficiency is top-notch, which is why we picked it as the best quality graphics card under 200 dollars from our laundry list of graphics cards.

Best Value: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 2GB GDDR5

Pros & Cons

  • Silent working during normal processing
  • Intelligent cooling mechanism
  • Many connectivity slots
  • Ultra-HD resolution
  • Easy installation
  • Software doesn’t work well

Key Features

  • NVIDIA Pascal architecture
  • WINDFORCE 2X technology

Specifications

  • 2GB GDDR5 RAM
  • Boost Clock 1518 MHz
  • 8 Gbps / 192 GB/s
  • 1506 MHz /1708 MHz

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 2GB GDDR5 128 Bit PCI-E Review

The Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 is a 2GB RAM graphics card built using the Nvidia Pascal GPU architecture. That makes it easily one of the best gaming GPUs under $150.

The Gigabyte XTREME Engine Utility tool enables gamers to overclock with ease – in OC mode, the Core Clock has a frequency of 1404 MHz and the Boost Clock has on load, a rate of 1518 MHz.

Size is also not a problem with the Gigabyte GTX 1050 2GB, its shares the same dimensions of the GTX 1050 4GB – 40mm in height, 229mm in length and 118mm in width. It also has two semi-passive 80mm fans that only operate when on load, causing a noise-free gaming experience.

The Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 is a reliable and durable graphics card, and its ergonomic design and perfect size mean this is one of the best graphics cards under 200 dollars in the market.

Best for Overclocking: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti

Pros & Cons

  • Overclocking capability
  • User-friendly software
  • Superb Resolution
  • Easy installation
  • Insecure after half of the overclocking
  • Window crashing issues

Key Features

  • Energy-efficient Maxwell Architecture

Specifications

  • Base Clock: 1020 MHz / Boost Clock: 1085 MHz
  • Memory Clock: 5400 MHz Effective
  • Memory Detail: 2048MB GDDR5
  • Memory Bit Width: 128 Bit

EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti Review

The EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti is an impressive graphics card, and most people who choose to purchase it will do so based on its affordable price. They will, however, be blown away by its in-game performance.

Featuring the brand-new energy-efficient Maxwell architecture, the 750 Ti comes with 2GB of GDDR5 video RAM clocked at 5400MHz. It also features 512 CUDA cores, a base clock of 1020MHz, and a boost clock of 1085MHz.

EVGA made sure this is one easy-to-use card – it measures just 5.7″ (14.5cm), features a single-slot design, and doesn’t require any additional power connectors.

For the PC gamer on a budget, the EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti represents extraordinary value in graphics cards.

Best Midrange: ZOTAC GeForce GTX 750 Ti

Pros & Cons

  • HD resolution of high-performance games
  • Suitable for a wide variety of machines
  • Convenient installation
  • User-Friendly software
  • Instructions aren’t much explanatory
  • Compatibility issues

Key Features

  • NVIDIA PhysX technology
  • Anti-Aliasing Modes
  • Nvidia G-Sync

Specifications

  • Video Memory; 2GB GDDR5
  • PCI Express 3.0
  • Power requirements: 400-watt power supply recommended. 60-watt max power consumption

ZOTAC GeForce GTX 750 Ti Review

The Zotac GeForce GTX 750 Ti is one of the best graphics cards for gaming under $300 that will provide you with high performance. Armed with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti chipset and a 2 GB GDDR5 RAM, the Zotac 750 Ti will turn your PC into a decent gaming machine.

The card also offers 640 CUDA Cores and a device processor of 1033 MHz, ensuring that most of your gaming titles will run high.

The Nvidia PhysX technology allows your game world literally comes alive, making the gaming experience truly immersive. This ups your gaming experience by making interaction with environments and characters far more realistic than ever before.

The Zotac 750 Ti graphics card works great for 720p and 1080p games. It is also perfectly inaudible, and you don’t need to worry about 6-pin or 8-pin connectors for extra power.

The Zotac GeForce GTX 750 Ti is a solid mid-range graphics card, and you will thoroughly enjoy current-gen gaming with this card.

Best Super-Cheap: EVGA GeForce 210 Passive

Pros & Cons

  • Low Power Consumption and less noise
  • Better quality and faster performance
  • Low-temperature operation
  • Extremely budget friendly
  • High Processing Power
  • Supports only two monitors at a time
  • Not 4K resolution capable

Key Features

  • Nvidia Lumenex Engine
  • Pure Video HD technology

Specifications

  • Memory Detail: 1024MB DDR3
  • Memory Bit Width 64 Bit / Memory Bandwidth: 9.6 GB/s
  • Memory Clock:600 MHz Effective

EVGA GeForce 210 Review

The EVGA 210 Passive graphics card is a reliable, all-around budget video card. Measuring 1.5 inches by 11 inches by 7.5 inches, its sleek and ergonomic design makes this a suitable graphics card for most gaming PCs.

The Nvidia Lumenex Engine ensures the EVGA 210 gives you ultra-smooth and crisp images at astounding frame rates. The PureHD technology supports it; these two software solutions combine to deliver clear images with accurate color and lighting, and precise GPU scaling. The PureHD feature, however, needs an additional software installation to run correctly.

It’s a lovely, simple, no-frills graphics card, and if you value noise-free gaming, this is that card.

The EVGA 210 is a great choice when you are looking for budget-friendly graphics cards to enhance your gaming PCs performance. However, they are best suited for light/basic gaming and will struggle with the best gaming monitors using 4k resolutions.

 

Best Gaming Graphics Cards Under $200 – Buying Guide

Even the absolute best GPUs under $200 are considered to be a cheap option. However, if you know what you’re looking for and are familiar with the specs, you can get a powerful centerpiece for your gaming rig within your budget limitations.

VRAM – Capacity vs. Type

When it comes to VRAM, there are two things you need to consider. The actual amount of memory, as well as memory type. For example, 2 GB of GDDR6 is superior to 3 GB of GDDR5.

MSI GTX 1660Ti gpu

At the same time, 8 GB of GDDR5 is superior to 2 GB of GDDR6. It all comes down to finding a balance and finding what works best for you. We recommend settling for GDDR5 (no need to go higher) but also having at least 6 GB of memory.rd.

Form Factor

Giant GPUs (which are usually more powerful and expensive ones) will be impossible to fit inside a smaller computer case. If you aren’t interested in getting a new PC gaming case, you should explore the physical limitations of what you’re currently using. Then, adjust your GPU-shopping accordingly.

Rest of Your Gaming Rig

Your graphics card is the main factor of your gaming PC. However, if your other peripherals are below average, even the best GPU on the market won’t make much of a difference. For example, you might experience CPU/GPU bottlenecks if your CPU is much less powerful than your GPU.

So, if you have a certain amount of money for upgrading your current graphics card, you might first want to rethink your decision based on other hardware you’re running. Best case scenario: save up some more money and upgrade your CPU as well as your RAM.


Frequently Asked Questions: GPUs for Gaming Under $200

Here are some questions you might have if you’re determined on getting a GPU under $200

How Much VRAM Is Good?

These days, 4GB of VRAM should be just enough – especially because the crucial factor when planning on how much VRAM to buy is the resolution your game title will be rendered in. Note that the VRAM or video RAM is not that different from the regular RAM your gaming PC uses. It is usually built into your graphics card.

However, a great rule of thumb to go by if you are planning to run your game with the high graphics settings is:

  • 720p – 2GB
  • 1080p – 4GB
  • 1440p – 6-8GB
  • 2160p – 8-12GB

Can GPUs Under $200 Run 2020 Game Titles?

Oh definitely!

Most of the budget graphic cards under $200 can run most high-end 1080p gaming titles released in 2020 comfortably. AMD and Nvidia have quite some great options within this price category – and all you need to do is ensure they meet your specific requirements.

If you didn’t like our picks, we recommend you look at some outstanding RX 580 cards as they offer truly impressive performance for around $200.


Final Words

At the end of the day, if you aren’t planning for 2025, you will be completely satisfied with a top-quality GPU under $200. It will let you run all the latest AAA titles on high settings and sometimes medium ones.

After you are done with reading our buying guide, make sure to check out the top six models above. Using the information we provided, you should be able to make a final decision on the exact GPU that will satisfy your needs as well as your wallet.


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Dozie Anyaegbunam