Introduction
Looking to build or upgrade a gaming PC without blowing your budget? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re a casual gamer or just want smooth performance in eSports titles and AAA games at 1080p, you don’t need to spend $300+ on a graphics card.
In this article, we’ll break down the best cheap graphics cards for 1080p gaming, all under $150. These GPUs deliver great performance at full HD resolution — perfect for gamers who want high frame rates without high prices.
What to Look for in a Budget GPU
When picking a graphics card for 1080p gaming, focus on:
- VRAM: Aim for 4GB or 8GB
- Memory Type: GDDR5 or GDDR6 for better bandwidth
- Bit Width: 128-bit and above is ideal
- Ports: Make sure it has HDMI or DisplayPort for your monitor
- Cooling: Dual fans or smart cooling helps performance and longevity
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
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Our Pick
1
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RX 5500 8GB GDDR6 Graphics Card |
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2
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MSI GeForce GT 1030 4GB DDR4 |
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3
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AISURIX RX 580 8GB GDDR5 |
Key Features: |
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4
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Mllse RX 580 8GB GDDR5 |
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Top 4 Budget GPUs for 1080p Gaming
Here are four solid-performing, budget-friendly graphics cards perfect for 1080p gaming:
1. RX 5500 8GB GDDR6 Graphics Card
Price: $139.99
Rating: 4.2/5 (261 reviews)
Ships to: United Kingdom
Key Features:
- 8GB GDDR6 memory
- 128-bit interface
- 3x DisplayPort + 1x HDMI
- PCI Express 4.0 x8
- Smart fan system for quiet cooling
Why it’s great:
This card is perfect for gamers who want to enjoy modern AAA titles at medium to high settings. Thanks to GDDR6 memory, it offers smooth frame rates and future-proofing — ideal for games like Warzone, Fortnite, and Apex Legends.
2. MSI GeForce GT 1030 4GB DDR4
Price: $84.46 (used & new) Rating: 4.6/5 (243 reviews) Ships to: United Kingdom
Key Features:
- 4GB DDR4 memory
- 64-bit interface
- DirectX 12 support
- Low-profile with single fan
- DP + HDMI outputs
Why it’s great:
Best for eSports or casual gaming. The GT 1030 is ideal for titles like Valorant, CS:GO, League of Legends, or Minecraft. Plus, it fits in compact systems and uses very little power.
3. AISURIX RX 580 8GB GDDR5
Price: $99.99 Rating: 4.1/5 (150 reviews) Ships to: United Kingdom
Key Features:
- 8GB GDDR5
- 256-bit memory bus
- PCIe 3.0
- 2x DisplayPort + 1x HDMI
- Freeze Fan Stop (silent when idle)
Why it’s great:
The RX 580 is a legendary performer in the budget category. With 256-bit memory and 8GB VRAM, this card handles many AAA games at high settings smoothly
4. Mllse RX 580 8GB GDDR5
Price: $92.99 Rating: 4.4/5 (8 reviews) Ships to: United Kingdom
Key Features:
- 8GB GDDR5
- 256-bit interface
- Dual-fan cooling
- HDMI / DisplayPort / DVI
Why it’s great:
This version of the RX 580 is just as capable as the AISURIX one, but at a slightly lower price. If you’re looking for excellent 1080p performance with reliable cooling and quiet fans, this one’s a winner.
Quick Comparison
| GPU Model | VRAM | Memory Type | Bit Width | Best Use Case |
| RX 5500 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 128-bit | Modern AAA games @ medium-high |
| GT 1030 | 4GB | DDR4 | 64-bit | eSports & indie games |
| AISURIX RX 580 | 8GB | GDDR5 | 256-bit | High FPS in AAA games |
| Mllse RX 580 | 8GB | GDDR5 | 256-bit | Budget high-performance pick |
Already picked your graphics card? Great!
Read Also: Best Ergonomic Keyboards 2025 — because a powerful rig deserves a keyboard that keeps your hands happy too.
Best Budget Video Card for Casual Gaming
If you primarily play less-demanding titles or older games, the MSI GT 1030 is the best budget video card in that category. It consumes very little power and is compatible with almost any system, even compact builds with smaller power supplies.
RX 6600: A Worthwhile Upgrade?
While this article focuses on graphics cards under $150, the RX 6600 deserves a quick mention. If you can stretch your budget slightly beyond the “cheap” range, the RX 6600 is a newer-generation GPU that outperforms all the options mentioned above. It offers amazing 1080p and decent 1440p gaming power and is one of the best video card for budget upgrades.
Why the RX 6600 is worth considering:
- Built on AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture for improved power efficiency
- 8GB GDDR6 VRAM suitable for high settings in AAA games
- Outperforms older GPUs like RX 580 and GTX 1650
- Great for gamers planning to game at 1080p high/ultra or 1440p medium
- Often found on discount during sales, bringing it closer to budget range
Why Inexpensive Graphics Cards Still Matter
With GPU prices fluctuating, finding an inexpensive graphics card that still delivers solid performance is more important than ever. Whether you’re upgrading an old rig or building your first PC, an affordable GPU can still offer excellent gaming experiences without the high cost.
Here’s why they still matter:
- Perfect for students, beginners, or light gamers
- Budget-friendly GPUs are ideal for eSports and retro gaming
- Many inexpensive options are plug-and-play for older systems
- Energy efficient and cooler operation compared to high-end cards
- Provide a reliable entry point for PC gaming without breaking the bank
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best graphics card for a budget?
The best budget graphics card depends on your needs, but for 1080p gaming, options like the RX 580, RX 5500, and GTX 1650 offer excellent performance for the price. If your budget allows, the RX 6600 is a top-value upgrade for under $200.
Is RTX or GTX cheaper?
Generally, GTX cards are cheaper than RTX cards, since they lack advanced features like ray tracing and DLSS. GTX is a better option for budget builds, while RTX is suited for higher-end gaming and visuals.
Which graphics card is best value for money?
The RX 6600 and GTX 1660 Super are considered some of the best value-for-money cards for 1080p and even light 1440p gaming. They offer solid performance at reasonable prices.
Is a 3060 a good graphics card?
Yes, the RTX 3060 is a good mid-range graphics card. It’s capable of smooth 1080p and 1440p gaming, supports ray tracing, and works well with DLSS for boosted performance in supported games.
Is a RTX 3050 good for gaming?
The RTX 3050 is a good entry-level card for 1080p gaming. It supports ray tracing and DLSS but is not ideal for high-resolution or ultra-settings in demanding games.
Can an RTX 3060 run 4K?
Yes, the RTX 3060 can run games at 4K, but with lower settings. For a smoother 4K experience at higher settings, you’d want to look at more powerful cards like the RTX 3070 or higher.
Can RTX 3060 run GTA 6?
While GTA 6’s official specs haven’t been released yet, based on Rockstar’s history and assuming it’s optimized like GTA 5, the RTX 3060 should be able to handle GTA 6 at 1080p and 1440p with good settings.
Does 4K look better than 1440p?
Yes, 4K offers sharper detail and a crisper image than 1440p, especially on larger screens. However, 1440p still delivers excellent visual quality and is often the sweet spot for performance and resolution.
Can a 3060 run 1440p?
Absolutely. The RTX 3060 performs very well at 1440p for most modern games, especially with DLSS enabled. It’s considered a solid 1440p gaming GPU.
What does RTX stand for?
RTX stands for Ray Tracing Texel eXtreme, a branding by NVIDIA to highlight the GPU’s real-time ray tracing and AI-enhanced rendering capabilities.
What is the best CPU for gaming?
Some of the best CPUs for gaming currently include:
- Intel Core i5-13600K
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
- Intel Core i7-13700K
These offer strong gaming performance when paired with a capable GPU.
Is AMD better than Nvidia?
It depends on the use case. AMD often provides better value for money at the mid-range and budget level, while NVIDIA excels in features like ray tracing, DLSS, and software support. For raw performance at the high end, NVIDIA tends to lead, but AMD is catching up fast.
Final Thoughts: Best Video Card for Budget Gamers
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable graphics card for 1080p gaming, options like the RX 5500, RX 580, GT 1030, and Mllse RX 580 are all excellent choices. The RX 5500 delivers solid performance with GDDR6 memory, while the RX 580 strikes a great balance between power and price. The GT 1030 is ideal for casual gamers who play lighter titles, and the Mllse RX 580 offers strong performance with dual-fan cooling, all within a very reasonable budget.
Each of these GPUs is perfect for gamers who want to upgrade their setup without spending a fortune. Whether you’re building your first PC or breathing new life into an older rig, these good budget graphics cards will give you smooth gameplay and dependable performance—without breaking the bank.
