Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 Best Overall GPU upgrade is the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT.
- Each card features specific capabilities that cater to different types of users.
- Upgrading to any of these cards will significantly enhance your gaming experience.
- These cards can also improve other tasks, such as 3D rendering and video editing.
- You should consider your gaming needs, system compatibility, and budget when picking the best card.
Ever since its launch in 2019, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Super has been a preferred choice for many gaming enthusiasts. Still, with ongoing advancements in software and games, you might be looking for ways to boost your system’s graphics performance.
The world of graphics cards is extensive and often confusing. If you’re ready to upgrade your graphics card, we’ve gathered five top-notch options to choose from. In this list, we will explore a variety of alternatives, ranging from the most affordable to the most powerful. After reviewing the options, here are our picks for the five best upgrades:
$479.99Buy Now- 16GB GDDR6 RAM
- 1825MHz base clock
- 2250MHz boost clock
- Memory clock speed 512GBps
- Supports PCle 4.0
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/02/2023 12:00 pm GMT
$639.99Buy on Amazon- NVIDIA Ampere architecture
- PCIe 4.0 support
- 10GB GDDR6X RAM
- Boost clock up to 1.71GHz
- 2nd Generation RT cores, 3rd Generation tensor cores
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/03/2023 04:27 am GMT
$418.08Buy Now on Amazon- 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
- GPU Clock Speed: 1695 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1695 MHz
- 256-bit memory interface
- PCI Express x8 hardware interface
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/03/2023 08:40 am GMT
$449.99Buy Now on Amazon- NVIDIA Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors
- 8GB graphics RAM
- 256-bit memory interface
- 1815 MHz GPU clock speed
- DisplayPort and HDMI video output interface
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/02/2023 12:20 pm GMT
$349.99Buy Now on Amazon- 16Gbps memory clock speed
- 7680 × 4320 resolution
- 12GB GDDR6 memory
- 2581MHz boost clock speed
- 192-bit memory interface
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/02/2023 12:31 pm GMT
History Computer’s Top Picks for a Graphics Card Upgrade
#1 Best Overall Graphics Card Upgrade from an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Super: AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
- 16GB GDDR6 RAM
- 1825MHz base clock
- 2250MHz boost clock
- Memory clock speed 512GBps
- Supports PCle 4.0
Thanks to its power, adaptability, and affordability, the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT is our top pick for upgrading from your older NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Super. It’s an ideal solution for those searching for a top-tier graphics card without breaking the bank.
This graphics card has an impressive 16GB of GDDR6 memory, ensuring smooth operation of the most demanding 4K games. It also comes with AMD’s innovative Infinity Cache technology, which enhances effective bandwidth while reducing power consumption. The RX 6800 XT also has a boost clock up to 2250MHz. Additionally, it has a maximum memory bandwidth of 512GBps, which is impressive.
These high-performance features are part of the RDNA2 architecture, made using TSMC’s cutting-edge 7nm process. Since the card consumes 300W of power, AMD recommends using a 750W power supply unit (PSU) for smooth operation. Released in late 2021, the RX 6800 XT doesn’t carry as high a price tag as some other recent versions.
Despite its relative affordability, it can easily support the latest games, including Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, Elden Ring, and Cyberpunk 2077. You’ll also have no issue using it for graphic design tasks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has excellent performance in both 1080p and 1440p gaming. | While it’s cheaper than newer options, it’s still quite expensive. |
| The 16GB GDDR6 memory surpasses many options in its class. | There is a limited software ecosystem compared to NVIDIA. |
| AMD’s Infinity Cache technology reduces power consumption. |
Best Upgrade for 4K Gaming: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
- NVIDIA Ampere architecture
- PCIe 4.0 support
- 10GB GDDR6X RAM
- Boost clock up to 1.71GHz
- 2nd Generation RT cores, 3rd Generation tensor cores
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 is the best option to upgrade your graphics setup with 4K gaming in mind. In late 2022, NVIDIA ramped up the RTX 3080, packing it with 10GB (or 12GB) of GDDR6X memory and turbocharging other performance aspects.
This card has 8074 CUDA cores, 2nd Gen RT cores, and 3rd Gen tensor cores to deliver better ray tracing performance and advanced AI algorithms such as DLSS. The base clock is 1.44GHz and the boost clock is up to 1.71GHz. It supports 4K @120Hz HDR, 8K @60Hz HDR, and VRR as specified in HDMI 2.1 Additionally, it provides a maximum memory bandwidth of 760GB/s and an effective memory speed of 19000MHz.
In short, this card outperforms most others in almost all aspects. However, its superior quality comes with a high price tag. It might be overkill if you’re not a hard-core gamer intent on running the latest, most demanding games. However, if you’re the kind of gamer who demands the best of the best and won’t settle for second place, the RTX 3080 is worth every penny.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It offers outstanding 4K gaming performance. | High power consumption may require a power supply upgrade |
| 10 GB of GDDR6X memory provides ample headroom for high-end gaming and applications. | The card is physically large and may not fit in smaller PC cases. |
| A high CUDA core count enables more complex creative and computational tasks. | The GPU is really expensive. |
Best Value Upgrade: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
- 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
- GPU Clock Speed: 1695 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1695 MHz
- 256-bit memory interface
- PCI Express x8 hardware interface
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti is the best value-for-money upgrade option from an RTX 2060 Super. It incorporates the Ampere architecture, 2nd-Gen ray tracing cores, and 3rd-Gen tensor cores. Thanks to these features, the RTX 3060 Ti delivers excellent performance, specifically for 1080p and 1440p gaming.
With its 8GB of GDDR6 memory, the RTX 3060 Ti is a respectable choice for running a wide variety of games. Moreover, it shares the same architecture as its elder siblings, the RTX 3080 and 3070, ensuring that you’ll get similar gaming experiences without breaking the bank.
Compared to other members of the RTX 3000 family, this card has fewer CUDA, RT, and Tensor cores. These specifications make sense as NVIDIA has tailored them to offer steady performance at 1080p and 1440p with ray tracing.
If you’re dreaming of seamless 4K gaming or tackling the latest, most demanding games, the RTX 3060 Ti might leave you wanting. However, it’s a stellar pick for the price-conscious gamer or designer who still wants a great experience.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It offers excellent performance in 1080p and 1440p gaming. | Limited VRAM may hinder performance in certain high-end games and applications. |
| The 2nd-Gen ray tracing cores and 3rd-Gen tensor cores deliver superior graphical effects. | The GPU can struggle with 4K gaming compared to more expensive cards. |
| It’s an affordable upgrade. |
Best Upgrade for 1440p Gaming: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
- NVIDIA Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors
- 8GB graphics RAM
- 256-bit memory interface
- 1815 MHz GPU clock speed
- DisplayPort and HDMI video output interface
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the best upgrade for 1440p gaming is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070. Like the RTX 3060 Ti, this card also features Ampere architecture, 2nd-Gen ray tracing cores, and 3rd-Gen tensor cores.
The RTX 3070 is cut from the same technological cloth as the GeForce RTX 3080. We’re talking about 5,888 CUDA cores, 46 of the latest-gen RT cores, and a robust 8GB of GDDR6 RAM.
Like the rest of the RTX 3000 family, this card uses NVIDIA’s Reflex technology. It minimizes latency throughout the signal pipeline for smooth gaming. If your wallet is not quite thick enough for the RTX 3080, this card is a solid plan B. However, it’s worth noting that it can still be quite pricey for most casual gamers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It offers exceptional performance in 1440p gaming. | VRAM size is smaller compared to some of the other similarly priced cards |
| Uses NVIDIA’s advanced Ampere architecture. | High demand may lead to availability issues. |
Best Midrange Upgrade: AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
- 16Gbps memory clock speed
- 7680 × 4320 resolution
- 12GB GDDR6 memory
- 2581MHz boost clock speed
- 192-bit memory interface
The AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT is the best upgrade for midrange gaming, combining performance and affordability. This champ doesn’t shy away from the newest, most demanding games, handling them efficiently thanks to its hefty 12GB of GDDR6 memory.
Built on AMD’s latest RDNA 2 architecture, the RX 6700 XT doesn’t mess around. With 40 amped-up compute units humming along, plus AMD’s clever Infinity Cache technology, it’s built to impress.
Each compute unit features a Ray Accelerator, enabling it to produce high-quality ray tracing effects. This allows for more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections. Furthermore, the Radeon RX 6700 XT benefits from other technologies in AMD’s ecosystem, such as AMD Anti-Lag and AMD Enhanced Sync Technology.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It provides excellent performance for its price. | The ray tracing performance is not as strong as NVIDIA’s RTX series. |
| Ray Accelerators enable high-quality ray tracing effects. | It requires a substantial power supply to function optimally. |
| The massive 12GB GDDR6 memory offers ample space for modern gaming. |
How to Pick the Best Graphics Card Upgrade: Step by Step
Navigating the vast world of GPUs can feel overwhelming. However, you can simplify your search by keeping a few key aspects in mind.
- Evaluate your gaming needs
- Check system compatibility and requirements
- Consider your budget
Here are a few pointers in these areas to make your journey smoother.
Evaluate Your Gaming Needs
First off, think about the games you play and how well you want them to run. A more budget-friendly card could work just fine if you’re not planning to play anything too demanding. However, if you dream of crisp, clear 4K gaming, you might need to look at more powerful options like the RTX 3080 or the RX 6800 XT.
System Compatibility and Requirements
Your graphics card won’t work alone — it’s part of your computer system. Check your power supply, CPU, motherboard, case space, and whether your monitor can match the card’s resolution.
You will likely need to upgrade certain components to keep up with a new graphics card’s demands. For example, for the RTX 3080, NVIDIA recommends a 750W power supply with two dedicated PCIe 8-pin power cables, plus two unused expansion slots and 11.2″ x 4.4” x two-slot card clearance in your case.
Budget Considerations
Just like with any purchase, you’ve got to know your budget. With your gaming needs and current setup in mind, figure out how much you’re ready to spend. Just a tip: make sure you’re not overshooting on power you won’t actually need!
What to Know Before You Upgrade Your Graphics Card
A graphics card is part of a complex system. If your processor can’t match your graphics card’s speed or if it’s way ahead, you may experience bottlenecks. For this reason, you should conduct thorough research to understand which components are compatible with each other.
There are a few factors to consider when choosing a GPU. Regarding VRAM, 4GB is the minimum you should aim for in budget gaming. 6GB-8 GB is a good number for most gaming systems, while 10GB is a must for high-end gaming.
You should also take memory bandwidth into account. A higher memory bandwidth (measured in GBps) means the GPU can process data faster. Try to look for a card with as much memory bandwidth as your budget allows.
Another good performance indicator in a graphics card is CUDA cores (NVIDIA) or Stream Processors (AMD). Generally, more cores or stream processors mean better performance.
Upgrading from an NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super: What It’s Like
Upgrading from an NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super to any of these cards will significantly enhance your gaming experience. These cards can also improve other tasks, such as 3D rendering and video editing. Upgrading will allow you to enjoy more immersive VR experiences as well.
If you are a casual user, a good graphics card will more than likely last you several years. However, if you are a dedicated gamer, you will need to upgrade your graphics card more often in order to play the newest and most demanding games.
Summary Table
| Rank | Graphics Card | Key Features | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT | 16GB GDDR6 memory, Infinity Cache technology, 2250MHz boost clock, 512GBps maximum memory bandwidth | Expensive, limited software ecosystem |
| #2 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 | 10GB GDDR6X memory, 8074 CUDA cores, 1.71GHz boost clock, 760GB/s maximum memory bandwidth | High power consumption, large physical size, expensive |
| #3 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti | 8GB GDDR6 memory, Ampere architecture, 2nd-Gen ray tracing cores, 3rd-Gen tensor cores | Limited VRAM, struggles with 4K gaming |
| #4 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 | 8GB GDDR6 RAM, 5,888 CUDA cores, Ampere architecture, 2nd-Gen ray tracing cores, 3rd-Gen tensor cores | Smaller VRAM size, high demand may lead to availability issues |
| #5 | AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT | 12GB GDDR6 memory, RDNA 2 architecture, Ray Accelerators | Weak ray tracing performance, requires substantial power supply |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Aleksandr Grechanyuk/Shutterstock.com.
