Question What is the best GPU under $400 that's reliable?

Coyle · Sep 16, 2024

I just finished a new SFFPC build, have room for up to 255mm GPU; PSU is 650w.
This will be my first GPU. I don't currently game but would like to have the option going forward.
Reliability over time more important than fastest etc, so probably one that has been out long enough to know how it holds up.
i5-14500 with 32gb ram. Budget up to $400 but $300 ideally. Was looking at a MSI RTX3060 but seeing mixed reviews, or Asus RTX3060--less negative reviews but also less reviews overall so?
I really don't know enough about GPUs so any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hitman928 · Sep 16, 2024

I think the two options you've picked are probably your best bet. Either one should be fine. The ASUS one does look a little taller if that's a concern for your case.

Mahboi · Sep 16, 2024

If SFF, Nvidia has the best 1 slot cards. Also the most software complete by a lot. And they have the best power efficiency.

The 3060 is fine, bit old but will absolutely do the job. Since price isn't a problem, 4060/Ti can also do it but you are dropping 4Go of VRAM over them. The 4060 is effectively a 4050 Ti, and it only eats 115W so it's kind of great for SFF, but realistically anything all the way to a 4070 Super will do the trick for an SFF.
I don't have a strong opinion on Nvidia AIBs, I hear that the big mobo makers (Gigabyte/ASUS/MSI) typically do not put much of any effort into low end models.

Mopetar · Sep 16, 2024

What resolution were you running?

What kind of games were you looking to play?

Also are you willing to consider used/refurb GPUs?

How long would you like to go before replacing the card?

mikeymikec · Sep 16, 2024

Coyle said:
This will be my first GPU. I don't currently game but would like to have the option going forward.

My advice would be don't buy a graphics card, wait until you actually know what game you want to play. Otherwise if that card sits in your computer for say 3-5 years then the game you want to play is somewhat more demanding, you've just spent ~$300 and achieved nothing.

Glo. · Sep 16, 2024

Coyle said:
I just finished a new SFFPC build, have room for up to 255mm GPU; PSU is 650w.
This will be my first GPU. I don't currently game but would like to have the option going forward.
Reliability over time more important than fastest etc, so probably one that has been out long enough to know how it holds up.
i5-14500 with 32gb ram. Budget up to $400 but $300 ideally. Was looking at a MSI RTX3060 but seeing mixed reviews, or Asus RTX3060--less negative reviews but also less reviews overall so?
I really don't know enough about GPUs so any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

RX 6700 XT is 40% faster than 3060, yet costs 300$.

RX 6600, non-XT is the same performance as 3060, but has 8 GB of VRAM instead of 12, uses 30Ws less, but costs under 200$.

RX 6600 XT is 25% faster than 3060, still has 8 GB VRAM, but uses the same amount of power as 3060.

RX 6650XT is slightly faster than 6600 XT still has 8 GB VRAM, uses 15-20W more, but is 230$.

DeathReborn · Sep 16, 2024

Glo. said:
RX 6700 XT is 40% faster than 3060, yet costs 300$.

RX 6600, non-XT is the same performance as 3060, but has 8 GB of VRAM instead of 12, uses 30Ws less, but costs under 200$.

RX 6600 XT is 25% faster than 3060, still has 8 GB VRAM, but uses the same amount of power as 3060.

RX 6650XT is slightly faster than 6600 XT still has 8 GB VRAM, uses 15-20W more, but is 230$.

Case in point, 6750XT for under $300

Amazon.com

KompuKare · Sep 16, 2024

Mahboi said:
If SFF, Nvidia has the best 1 slot cards. Also the most software complete by a lot. And they have the best power efficiency.

Nvidia are more efficiency this generation, last generation AMD were generally better.
And the 3060 was one of the less efficient last gen cards:

ASUS Radeon RX 7900 GRE TUF OC Review

The ASUS Radeon RX 7900 GRE TUF OC comes with a dual BIOS feature and a premium all-metal cooling solution that runs whisper-quiet. The TUF also offers adjustable RGB lighting, and cooling performance that's among the best of all the GRE cards that we've tested.

www.techpowerup.com

Hitman928 · Sep 16, 2024

DeathReborn said:
Case in point, 6750XT for under $300

Amazon.com

That’s a really good option. None of the ones I looked at earlier would have fit the case but this would.

I agree with @mikeymikec though, if there is no need for GPU today and only maybe a need in the future, I think the smart thing to do is wait until there is a need, chances are very good that he’ll get a better deal for his money.

Fallen Kell · Sep 17, 2024

Well, considering next gen cards should be out within 6-9 months, if there really isn't a need right now, you will definitely have better deals then (and possibly choices for higher performance as well).

Shmee · Sep 18, 2024

If you had to buy now, which you don't due to this not being an urgent matter, an RX 6700XT or RX 6750XT would would likely be your best choice in the $300 to $400 range. Though you might also get a good deal on an RX 6800 or RX 7700XT.

That said, if you do want to play games somewhat soon, I am not sure you want to wait for the next gen cards, there may be delays, and even 6 months is a fair bit of time to wait...but at the very least, at this point I would recommend waiting for this year's black Friday and holiday sales.

Coyle · Sep 19, 2024

mikeymikec said:
My advice would be don't buy a graphics card, wait until you actually know what game you want to play. Otherwise if that card sits in your computer for say 3-5 years then the game you want to play is somewhat more demanding, you've just spent ~$300 and achieved nothing.

That's a valid point, with my last build (htpc) I was going to buy a GTX 1650 Super but was back when they were hard to get, and now GPUs have made a lot of progress for relatively the same price point.

DAPUNISHER · Sep 19, 2024

Coyle said:
That's a valid point, with my last build (htpc) I was going to buy a GTX 1650 Super but was back when they were hard to get, and now GPUs have made a lot of progress for relatively the same price point.

Yes sir, it was like a fever dream. 1050TIs gong for $250+. 1650s were $300+. Now $300 buys way more.

Question What is the best GPU under $400 that's reliable?

Coyle

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Hitman928

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Mahboi

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Mopetar

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mikeymikec

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Glo.

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DeathReborn

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KompuKare

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ASUS Radeon RX 7900 GRE TUF OC Review

Hitman928

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Coyle

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