Tool Reviews

For any gamer, the video card is of fundamental importance. We have gone quite far from that simple time when the system requirements of games were limited to megabytes, and the characters in the games looked, if not 8-bit, then angular with blurry stretched textures. Remembered? But in vain, because today we will talk about those video cards that are able to provide almost full-fledged realism. If you’ve been impressed by the trailers of modern games like Cyberpunk 2077, then you’ll be interested to take a look at these graphics cards that enhance the video capabilities of your PC.

First, let’s take a look at the parameters. In numbers, you will come across several basic parameters: the number of stream processors, the frequency and the amount of memory. Each concept is responsible for certain processors, and together they form the performance of a video card and, as a result, its speed. The speed also affects the final experience when playing with high graphic settings. In order not to delve into the architecture and principles of operation of video cards, we will limit ourselves to the condition that the higher all three indicators, the better. And do not forget that for each genre of games and gaming style, completely different cards may be suitable.

NVidia GeForce RTX 2060

This card definitely offers the user a lot of possibilities. Yes, and its price, to put it mildly, does not bite, in comparison with similar options, but there are very good reasons for that. The GeForce RTX 2060 is worth the money. The card copes with almost all loads at 1080p and even 1440p. By the way, its volume is 6 GB, at a frequency of 1.365 MHz. This card has 1920 stream processors, which is a very good indicator. In terms of ports, the card features two DisplayPort ports, one HDMI 2.0, USB-C, and DVI. So any modern monitor is perfect for working with a map.

Of the similar cards, this is not without reason the most profitable option, because it allows you to experience the functions of the RTX Turing series for a reasonable price, provided that you stick to Full HD resolution in your games. This is not bad at all, because 4K is not yet available to most casual gamers. Yes, and in multiplayer games 1080 is much more acceptable.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti

And yet, there are those among us who confidently look to the future in 4K resolution. And the more confident the look, the more powerful the iron. Here, in this case, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti video card is responsible for it. If we describe its characteristics, then we are dealing with 4,352 stream processors, a frequency of 1,350 (with a boost up to 1,635 MHz) and 11 GB of memory. Of course, all these high numbers are simply necessary when it comes to the highest resolution in the world of computer games at the moment. If this is not enough, then the map looks at least like a spaceship. In any setup, it will look incredibly impressive. This card is definitely for those who do not agree to compromises, and are looking for the best and most reliable. It easily pulls Battlefield V, Metro Exodus and Shadow Tomb Raider, which, by the way, support RTX functions. So it’s also the best time for gamers to switch to this map. Plus, the ports on the card are 3 DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0 and USB-C.

The price, of course, is far from the budget, but we have already noted that compromises here are not an option. The GeForce RTX 2080 Ti is the best among amateur graphics cards today, and this is not an exaggeration. If you want something cooler, then you have to seriously invest in professional equipment.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070

QHD resolution is rapidly gaining popularity, the day is not far off when it will completely replace 1080 and become the main one for gamers around the world. Of course, this day may not come today or tomorrow, but if you want to be a little ahead of the times, and along the way get a very high-quality gaming experience, then you should definitely pick up the appropriate video card. Such a card could well be the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070. This is a universal option for those who prefer to play in QHD, but are in no hurry to empty their own wallet. With the card, you can play almost everything at 1440p resolution, and in some games you can even get an impressive result of 120fps. Well, as for the numbers, we have 2,304 stream processors, a frequency of 1,410 MHz, 8 GB of GDDR6 memory and 2 DisplayPort 1.4a, HDMI 2.0, DVI and USB-C. Great card for great results. The only point is that she did not go as far from her predecessor as we would like. Therefore, it is probably not worth upgrading the card from the previous version. It is better to wait for the next versions of the model or even go up a level with 4K.

PNY GeForce GTX 1660 Ti XLR8 Gaming OC

Still, Full HD is still more popular than other formats, so we will return to the discussion of another video card suitable for this resolution. And this is PNY GeForce GTX 1660 Ti XLR8. This card is equipped with 1,536 stream processors and a frequency of 1,500 MHz. It should be noted that the memory of the video card by modern standards is not so large, 6 GB. In simple terms, this is more than enough for high graphics settings, but not everywhere for ultra settings. And if you switch to more “scientific” terms, then you won’t get 60fps at 4K, but for everyone who uses 1080p, this is absolutely ideal. By the way, the price of the video card is quite pleasant for its functionality. And of course, by tradition, one can note the presence of one DisplayPort 1.4, one HDMI and DVI. The video card does not have USB-C, as well as RTX functions, they were saved for a separate series. Otherwise, the card provides everything you need and is suitable for non-professional gamers.

AMD Radeon VII

About two years have passed since the appearance of the last AMD flagship, and during this time the market has undergone very serious changes. To a greater extent, they can be attributed to the emergence of Nvidia Turing, which captured the minds and hearts of fans. And now the Radeon VII card is designed to return the company to its well-deserved place in the market. Apparently, the attempt was quite successful. Looking at the numbers, we see 3,840 stream processors, a frequency of 1,400 MHz, 16 GB of HBM2 memory. Now let’s see what this means for the user. If you want to play in 4K resolution, then AMD Radeon VII will not create any problems for you. On the contrary, it copes no worse than eminent competitors. But still, the main orientation of this card is the creation of creative content. That is, all video or graphic specialists, just like artists or designers, may well count on successful and fruitful work if AMD Radeon VII is running inside the computer. And of course, ports should be noted: three DisplayPort and HDMI 2.0 are quite a good deal.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080

It is impossible to discuss modern video cards without mentioning the actual future of the gaming industry, namely virtual reality. And, it should be noted that the same video cards are not always suitable for VR as for simple games on a flat (or even curved) display. VR will require almost the best graphic resources from your computer. That is why we recommend the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080. It has 2,944 stream processors, 1,515 MHz and 8 GB of memory. Of course, this card is based on the latest Turing architecture and features a VirtualLink connector. So don’t worry about stuttering, which in VR is not only annoying, but can seriously ruin the experience of any game. And of course, in other games, that is, not only in VR, excellent results can be achieved from the card. Both QHD and 4K lend themselves to it without any problems. The card is equipped with three DisplayPort ports, HDMI and USB-C. The price is also quite a good one, considering the capabilities of the card.

Zotac GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Mini

There is such an interesting concept as a mini gaming PC. You have probably come across the fact that gaming PCs can take up a decent amount of space, and they weigh a lot. But the mini PC is an exception. These are compact devices with enough power for gaming, although they do not reach the power of large machines, they do quite well. And it is worth noting that the choice of such a PC does not mean at all that you will have to limit yourself to a weak video card. On the contrary, with a good choice, you can get almost everything that a large PC will provide. Zotac GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Mini is designed for micro-ATX or mini-ITX computers. It will provide 3,584 stream processors, a frequency of 1,504 MHz and 11 GB of memory. Very, very good, right? The card is designed, unsurprisingly, for 1080p gaming and, although not the newest, it is perhaps the most suitable for gaming tasks in its weight category. 3 Display Port, HDMI and DL-DVI-D only add to the appeal.

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1660OC 6G

We are used to the fact that a budget graphics card will always be a compromise. But this is not always the case, and the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1660 can serve as proof. This card offers 1,408 stream processors, 1,530 MHz and 6 GB GDDR5. What you can definitely get from this video card is the ability to play at 1080p without problems and overloads. And the price of the card, at the same time, remains very, very affordable. Plus, all games can be played on one or more monitors, which is taken care of by ports: 3 DisplayPort and HDMI 2.0. Naturally, for higher requirements, such as playing at QHD or 4K, the video card is no longer suitable. But here it is worth noting that we are looking for the most profitable graphics card that will not force you to compromise and sacrifice any features. It’s fair to say that Full HD resolution is quite good for gaming.

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti

The last video card in our selection will serve those who are passionate about e-sports. And here it is necessary to note the principles of choosing cards for such events. Players can safely sacrifice anything, including rendering and image smoothness, in favor of one fundamentally important parameter – fps. 768 stream processors, 1,290 MHz and 4 GB – it doesn’t seem like much, but it’s at fps that the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti shows real class. It handles e-sports games with ease, delivering far better performance than classic 60fps. So you will be the fastest and most elusive. The card costs a little more than the Nvidia GTX 1050, but compared to the rest of the cards even on this list, it’s quite affordable. In addition, it will allow you to go beyond e-sports and sometimes play regular games. So, if e-sport is life for you, then be sure to pay attention to this video card.