Best Graphics Cards Under $400 Review

There are a lot of factors to consider when buying the best graphics card.  It’s not just the price but also the power and features, such as DirectX 12 compatibility and VR-ready capabilities for virtual reality gaming.

You’ll need to look at your computer system requirements and your budget before finding the right video cards for you.

We’ve gathered together our top picks from some of today’s best manufacturers so that you can compare them and find the perfect fit without wasting too much time or money on models that don’t suit your needs. 

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve included product information, including MSRP (manufacturer-suggested retail price), as well as links to online retailers where you can purchase each model. 

So whether you’re looking for a budget option that will complement your existing system or if you want a powerhouse card to ensure you can play the latest titles at maximum settings with all the bells and whistles enabled, we’ve got something here to suit every taste and every need.

What Is a Graphics Card and What Does It Do

A graphics card, or graphics processing unit (GPU), is a piece of hardware that renders the images seen on your screen. It does this by taking data from your computer’s memory and calculating what it needs to draw.

This is an important job because, without its help, the images you see would be nothing but a series of fuzzy wiggles.

Graphics cards have a number of different functions that allow them to provide graphical processing power for a computer system. The graphics card can help with a number of actions, including making the display quicker and smoother, powering the monitor or projector, and more.

It’s important to ensure that your graphics card is compatible with your motherboard before purchasing one.

Best Graphics Cards under $400

EVGA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti

The EVGA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is ideal for users who want to have a smooth and immersive gaming experience at an affordable price. It comes with several features unavailable in other models, including user-friendly software and hardware-accelerated video encoding.

The card has a max resolution of 7680 x 4320 and can handle 1080 gaming with ease. It also has a low TDP of just 75W. This means the card is unlikely to require an additional power supply.

The EVGA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti SC GAMING Graphics Card has a whopping 4GB GDDR5 video, which can provide smooth gaming even at resolutions of 1440p and 1600p.

It also has a boost clock of 1392 MHz memory speed, allowing it to operate at high speeds and deliver great results. The best part is that it can be overclocked to 1493 MHz without any additional expenses.

In addition, this model has a 7010 MHz memory speed, allowing you to manage demanding gaming sessions easily. It also features EVGA Precision X OC, such as adjustable RGB LEDs and the EVGA iCX cooling technology.

Specs:

Graphics Ram	GDDR5
Graphics Ram Size	4 GB
Hardware Interface	PCIE x 16
Item Dimensions	10.1 x 1.5 x 4.38 inches
Memory Bus Width	128 bits
Memory Clock Speed	7008 MHz

MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GT OC

The MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GT is a single-fan graphics card that comes with a dual-slot black cooler specifically designed for gaming.

This model has three fans and the Twin Frozr VI Technology, which will allow you to enjoy smooth gameplay even in the hottest conditions. It is equipped with 4GB GDDR5 VRAM and has a base clock speed of 1290 MHz. Its max resolution is 7680 x 4320.

This model also features MSI’s EyeRest technology, which will allow you to enjoy more comfortable gaming for long periods by reducing eye fatigue due to harmful blue light emissions of your monitor. It also has MSI GTX Boost, which will help you engage in clock boosts for higher performance.

Specs:

Graphics Ram	GDDR5
Graphics Ram Size	4 GB
Hardware Interface	PCIE x 16
Item Dimensions	8.5 x 1.5 x 4.4 inches
Memory Bus Width	128 bits
Memory Clock Speed	1455 MHz

ASUS ROG STRIX Radeon RX 570 O4G

The ASUS ROG STRIX Radeon RX 570 card is equipped with Aura RGB lighting and an extended frequency range (50MHz-1260MHz), making it the top choice for gamers and hardware enthusiasts. It provides a resolution of 7680 x 4320 and comes with 16-phase Super Alloy Power II Technology.

Its dual ball-bearing fans will allow you to enjoy gameplay even in the hottest conditions without worrying about overheating your graphics card or computer.

This model is also equipped with GPU Tweak II technology for real-time monitoring, as well as an intuitive tuning kit that you can use to adjust the frequency of your graphics card.

The ASUS ROG STRIX Radeon RX 570 O4G GAMING Graphics Card has a max resolution of 7680 x 4320, which means it is suited for Full HD gaming and even 4K displays. As such, this model is ideal for gamers who want to enjoy a premium visual experience.

In addition, this card is equipped with a dual ball-bearing fan and features 0dB technology. This means that even when your system gets hot or you’re gaming for long periods, the fans will remain off to prevent noise. It also has GPU Tweak II technology for a real-time monitoring system.

Specs:

Graphics Ram	GDDR5
Graphics Ram Size	4 GB
Hardware Interface	PCI Express x8
Item Dimensions	9.5 x 1.5 x 5.1 inches
Memory Bus Width	256 bits
Memory Clock Speed	1310 MHz

SAPLOS AMD Radeon RX 560

SAPLOS AMD Radeon RX 560 is the best graphics card for people who don’t want to spend too much money but still want a decent-quality video card.

This GPU is best suited for those who are looking to play at the 1080p resolution, but it can handle playing games on 1440p and even slightly higher resolutions.

In addition, this model is equipped with AMD’s FreeSync technology, which will keep your gameplay smooth by synchronizing the frames generated by your GPU with the display’s refresh rate.

It has 4GB GDDR5 VRAM and operates at a max frequency of 1175 MHz. This means that you will enjoy fast frame rates and great performance while you’re gaming.

This model includes HDMI 2.0b video output, which will allow you to connect your computer display to high-end 4K televisions and monitors.

Specs:

Graphics Ram	GDDR5
Graphics Ram Size	4 GB
Hardware Interface	PCI Express x8
Item Dimensions	7.28 x 4.92 x 1.57 inches
Memory Bus Width	128.00 bits
Memory Clock Speed	1500.00 MHz

Gigabyte GV-N1030D4-2GL GeForce GT 1030

The Gigabyte GV-N1030D4-2GL is a low-end graphics card that delivers HD visuals for an immersive gaming experience. It has a max resolution of 1920 x 1080 and comes with DirectCU II Technology, allowing you to enjoy high game FPS rates.

This model features a base clock speed of 1072 MHz and delivers an effective memory clock speed of 6000 MHz. This means that it can handle intensive gaming sessions without significant performance losses. In addition, it includes HDMI, DVI-D, and VGA output ports to ensure compatibility with virtually any display device.

Specs:

Graphics Ram	DDR SDRAM
Graphics Ram Size	2 GB
Hardware Interface	PCIE x 16
Item Dimensions	5.91 x 2.72 x 0.59 inches
Memory Bus Width	64 bits
Memory Clock Speed	2100 MHz

MSI GT 1030

This MSI graphics card has a low price but delivers on performance. The product was designed specifically for gamers who are looking for a high-quality experience at an affordable cost.

It is equipped with Max-Q Design, which means it can run smoothly even in the hottest conditions, and also features the Twin Frozr VI Technology to keep your gameplay smooth in any condition while still providing additional cooling to prevent your graphics card from overheating.

This model comes with 4GB GDDR5 VRAM and operates at a max frequency of 1290 MHz, which should provide you with fast frame rates and plenty of power for gaming.

Furthermore, this card includes MSI’s EyeRest technology and Max-Q Speed Boost so that you can enjoy comfortable gaming for long periods of time.

Specs:

Graphics Ram	DDR DRAM
Graphics Ram Size	2 GB
Hardware Interface	PCIE x 16
Item Dimensions	5.9 x 2.7 x 0.7 inches
Memory Bus Width	64 bits
Memory Clock Speed	1430 MHz

ZOTAC GAMING GeForce GTX 1650

It is a budget-friendly graphics card with 3 GB GDDR5 memory and a core clock of 1290 MHz. You will be able to play games at max graphics settings, but it will struggle with playing newer titles or games at high resolutions.

This is an excellent graphics card for 1080p gaming. It has 5 GB GDDR5 memory and a base/boost clock of 1665 MHz / 1770 MHz. You can play games such as League of Legends, Overwatch, DOTA 2 etc, at high settings without any issues. This graphics card will allow you to enjoy newer titles at high settings.

It is ideal if you are looking for an affordable graphics card that can provide you with excellent 1080p performance and will last 4-5 years (without breaking the bank).

Specs:

Graphics Ram	GDDR6
Graphics Ram Size	4 GB
Hardware Interface	PCI Express x8
Item Dimensions	11.1 x 8.6 x 2.4 inches
Memory Bus Width	128 bits
Memory Clock Speed	1620 MHz

MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1650

This MSI gaming graphics card is perfect for those who are looking for a reliable and affordable option. It has a max resolution of 1920 x 1080 and comes equipped with 4GB GDDR5 VRAM and MSI’s Twin Frozr VI Technology.

This means that you can play games smoothly and without any issues while keeping your graphics card cool.

This model includes MSI EyeRest technology, allowing you to enjoy long hours of gaming without feeling fatigued or uncomfortable. This graphics card also features a base clock speed of 1565 MHz and an effective memory clock speed of 6000 MHz.

Specs:

Graphics Ram	GDDR6
Graphics Ram Size	4 GB
Hardware Interface	PCI Express x8
Item Dimensions	7 x 1.5 x 4.4 inches
Memory Bus Width	128 bits
Memory Clock Speed	1620 MHz

ASUS Phoenix NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650

The ASUS Phoenix NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 is a budget-friendly graphics card that delivers HD visuals for an immersive gaming experience. You will be able to play games at 720p with high FPS rates in games. The GTX 1650 comes with 5 GB GDDR5 memory and a base/boost clock of 1665 MHz / 1770 MHz and is ideal for 1080p gaming.

This graphics card will allow you to enjoy newer titles at high settings. It is ideal if you are looking for an affordable graphics card that can provide you with excellent 1080p performance and will last a long time (without breaking the bank).

This unit has 6 GB GDDR5 memory and runs at base/boost clock speeds of 1665 MHz / 1770 MHz. It is equipped with Windforce 2X cooling technology, which means it will stay cool and prevent any issues while also ensuring that it doesn’t produce a lot of noise.

This graphics card is ideal for 1080p gaming and should deliver great performance even during more demanding titles at high settings. It includes 3x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI and 1x DVI port, so you can use a wide range of displays without any issues.

This model is NVIDIA’s latest and most advanced graphics card, which means it should be able to deliver excellent performance for the next few years (especially if you don’t plan on playing at 4K resolutions).

This unit includes 8 GB GDDR5 memory and comes with an additional 5 GB of VRAM that can be used by NVIDIA G-SYNC technology.

Specs:

Graphics Ram	GDDR6
Graphics Ram Size	4 GB
Hardware Interface	PCI Express x4
Item Dimensions	6.85 x 4.96 x 1.53 inches
Memory Bus Width	128 bits
Memory Clock Speed	1635 MHz

MAXSUN GEFORCE GT 1030

The Maxsun GEFORCE GT 1030 is one of the most budget-friendly graphics cards on the market. This means that it will be a good fit for those who are looking for a card that doesn’t break the bank but still provides 1080p performance. It has 3 GB GDDR5 memory and delivers a 1050 MHz base clock / 1183 MHz boost clock.

This card is not powerful enough to provide excellent performance during more demanding games, but it should work well for casual games like League of Legends and Overwatch.

This unit features 4 GB GDDR5 memory and runs at a base/boost clock speed of 1300 MHz / 1468 MHz. If you are looking for an affordable graphics card that is ideal for 1080p gaming, this might be the model for you. It has 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort and 2x DVI ports, so it can easily be connected to multiple displays without any issues.

It is compatible with Microsoft DirectX 12 and can deliver excellent performance in games like CS:GO, DOTA 2, FIFA 16 etc.

Specs:

Graphics Ram	GDDR5
Graphics Ram Size	2 GB
Hardware Interface	PCI-Express x16, PCI-Express x8
Item Dimensions	7.17 x 4.45 x 1.38 inches
Memory Bus Width	64 bits
Memory Clock Speed	1600 MHz

Why You Need One for Gaming

To have a good gaming experience, sometimes you need more than just the video and sound cards. You need something to let you see your game and play it as if it were an outside environment. This is where the best graphics cards come in and without one, you cannot do this. So, yes, we ARE saying you need one!

You Need One for A PC in General

For a computer to do pretty much anything, it needs graphics cards. The video card processes all the visual information sent from your CPU. It takes this information and turns it into images on the screen that we can see. You’d just be staring at a black screen without a graphics card.

How to Choose the Right Graphics Card for Your Needs 

Choosing the best graphics card can be tough. If you’re not sure what you need, take a look at these features:

• Frames per Second (FPS) rate: The higher the FPS, the more frames displayed on your screen per second. 60 FPS is common for most games and 100 FPS is ideal if you want to play competitively.
• Resolution: This refers to how many pixels fit on one computer screen – typically 1920×1080 pixels or 3840×2160 pixels. You’ll want a high resolution for newer games and competitive titles in order to prevent blurry graphics.
• Video memory: This is how much storage is available to store game data and images that are being processed by your GPU. 4GB is a good amount if you plan on gaming at 1080p. 8GB or higher is ideal for more demanding titles that are played at 4K resolutions.
• Cooling: Many graphics cards include cooling systems that keep them cool during long hours of processing images, which can help prevent overheating and damage. If you plan on playing games for hours on end, look for a good cooling system.
• Size and Weight: Some graphics cards are relatively compact and lightweight, while others are large and bulky. If you’re going to be upgrading from an integrated graphics card, or if your case is in the bedroom, choose one that’s smaller than average. If your computer has integrated graphics cards and you want a stronger setup, choose one with 4GB or higher of VRAM. If your computer has a dedicated graphics card but it isn’t powerful enough to run the newest titles at high graphics settings, upgrade to 8GB or more of video memory.
• Price: Finally, take a look at how much the best graphics card costs. This is especially important if you’re looking for a card that’s powerful enough to play games at high resolutions or newer titles. Mid-range cards are ideal if you want to build yourself a gaming PC with all new parts instead of upgrading your old computer. You can get high-end graphics cards for $400, but they tend to be expensive. If you’re not looking for the absolute best graphics cards, look for one that’s in the $200-$300 range.

Why Do You Need a High FPS Rate, Resolution, Video Memory, And Cooling System?

Why Do You Need a High Frame Rate?

A higher FPS rate results in the best graphics, especially when playing competitive games. The more frames you have displayed per second, the less choppy it will feel when you are playing.

This is because the video card is able to catch up and render all of those frame rates much quicker than if they were being rendered at the same time.

If you have an old CPU and GPU that won’t offer a higher FPS rate, it’s hard to find one that can provide a high FPS for cheaper than $400.

What Determines My Resolution?

The resolution determines how many pixels fit on your computer screen – typically 1920×1080 pixels or 3840×2160 pixels. You’ll want a high resolution for newer games and competitive titles in order to prevent blurry graphics since they’ll display more detailed images.

The most common resolution is 1920×1080. If you’re looking for something a bit higher, consider 2560×1600. The highest resolution you can get on a standard 1080p monitor is 2560×1440 – if you’re looking to play titles at 4K or higher, consider a card that can handle those resolutions.

What Is Video Memory? How Much Do I Need?

Video memory refers to how much storage is available on your graphics card in order to store game data and images that are processed by the GPU. If you want to play games at high resolutions with a lot of detail, you’ll need at least 4GB of video memory.

What Are Some Good Cooling Systems?

Many graphics cards include cooling systems that keep them cool during long hours of processing images and games, which can help prevent overheating and damage. If you plan on playing games for hours on end, look for a card with multiple fans and heat sinks to help prevent your GPU from overheating.

What’s the Best Affordable Graphics Card?

For those who are looking for the best graphics card with an affordable price tag, EVGA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is the way to go. It’s compact, lightweight and doesn’t overheat it all – perfect for those who are upgrading. It’s relatively powerful, and the cooling system allows for a smooth gaming experience.

If you’re looking for a card that can handle 4K resolution with ease, choose one with at least 6GB of video memory. The GeForce GTX 1080 Ti is perfect if you have a high-end rig ready to run your games at the highest settings. It’s one of the most powerful cards on the market, and it doesn’t overheat all that easily.

Choosing The Right Graphics Card For Your Needs

A gaming PC is a powerful computer capable of running high-end games. A gaming PC requires a heavy-duty graphics card to work. There are many factors to consider before purchasing a graphics card, but choosing the right one for your needs is important.

It’s important to consider the amount of money you’re willing to spend, what type of monitor you’re using, and whether or not you want to prioritize frames per second, quality, or resolution.

Consider what games you’ll be playing or how you’ll be using your PC as well–you might need a workstation graphics card, which will provide higher frame rates and better display quality at a much higher price point.

These are just some of the many things to consider, but this article will help you make an informed decision and potentially save some money by picking out a graphics card under $400.