Best 1080p graphics cards 2022: the best GPUs for 1080p gaming

1080p graphics cards on a desk in an office
(Image credit: TechRadar)

The best 1080p graphics cards 2022 has to offer are ideal for most gamers out there. And, though most GPUs still available new are capable of that 1080p resolution, you want to make sure you end up with one that has enough power for a seamless gaming experience without paying more than you need to. 

And, if you don’t want to splurge on the kinds of graphics cards targeting 1440p and 4K gaming setups, there are quite a few solid choices on offer. Consider, for instance, the Nvidia RTX 3060. Not only is it an affordable way to get an Nvidia RTX 3000 card but it has quite a bit of power on tap for all your 1080p needs.

To help you find the best 1080p GPU for your PC build or to replace an aging graphics card, we’ve collected our top picks on this list. Starting with the RTX 3060 Ti, these cards will fulfill all your gaming demands without breaking the bank. So, read on to find the card most ideally suited for you so you can build or upgrade your PC right away.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti against a white background

(Image credit: Nvidia)

1. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti

The best graphics card for 1080p gaming

Specifications

Compute Units: 4,864
Core Clock: 1.41 GHz (1.67 GHz boost)
Memory: 8 GB GDDR6
Clock: 14Gbps
Outputs: HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a Power Connectors: 1x PCIe 8-pin (adapter to 1x 12-pin included)

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent 1080p performance
+
Ray tracing performance is solid

Reasons to avoid

-
Only entry-level 4K performance

Is AMD no longer the king of great value GPUs? The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti certainly threatens that claim with its price to performance ratio. The newest arrival in the RTX 3000 line, this graphics card punches way above its weight class, delivering a performance that could rival that of the RTX 2080 Super while keeping its price tag incredibly affordable for most people. And, that’s with impressive ray tracing included. 1080p gaming has never been this good and this affordable.

Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti

AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT against a pink background

(Image credit: Future)

2. AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT

The top of the 1080p world

Specifications

Stream Processors: 2,304
Core Clock: 1,355MHz (1,560MHz boost)
Memory: 6GB GDDR6
Memory Clock: 14Gbps
Power Connectors: 1 x 8-pin
Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.0

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent performance
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
No ray tracing

If you're looking for an AMD equivalent to the GTX 1660 Super, the RX 5600 XT is the card for you. AMD's GPUs have aimed towards the lower end of the market of the last few years, but Nvidia has continued to adapt. However, the RX 5600 XT, retailing for $279, manages to match, or even beat the RTX 2060 at a much lower price.

A significant disadvantage of the RX 5600 XT is an issue that has plagued AMD for over a decade: iffy drivers and VBIOS. The RX 5600 XT has already had VBIOS drama, and AMD's reputation for having unstable GPUs might turn some buyers off. But, if you're willing to take that risk, you'll be hard-pressed to find a card with a better performance-to-value ratio ar 1080p than the RX 5600 XT.

Read the full review: AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT 

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 against a white background

(Image credit: Nvidia)

3. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070

The best 1440p graphics card right now

Specifications

Compute Units: 5,888
Core Clock: 1.50 GHz (1.73 GHz boost)
Memory: 8 GB GDDR6
Memory Clock: 14Gbps
Power Connectors: 1x PCIe 8-pin (adapter to 1x 12-pin included)
Outputs: HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a

Reasons to buy

+
Amazing performance
+
Best value graphics card today
+
Awesome ray tracing performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Same inflated prices as Turing
-
Required 12-pin power connector

The best graphics card on the market for 1440p gaming, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 delivers excellent performance – on par with the RTX 2080 Ti even – without costing an arm and a leg. In fact, the RTX 3070 is capable enough to not only deliver smooth 1440p gaming, but also bring 4K gaming to the mainstream for the first time. This means it’s also a stunning 1080p GPU as well. And did we mention the fact that this GPU is affordable too?  With it, you’re not overpaying for a powerful GPU to play at 1080p.

Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070

4. Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super on a yellow surface

(Image credit: Future)

4. Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super

For when you need to go overkill

Specifications

CUDA Cores: 2,560
Core clock: 1,605
Memory: 8GB GDDR6
Memory clock: 14Gbps
Power connectors: 6 pin + 8 pin
Outputs: 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DVI-DL

Reasons to buy

+
Awesome performance
+
Ray tracing works wonders

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive for 1080p

Gaming at 144Hz or 240Hz is GPU intensive, even at 1080p. If you're looking to get triple-digit frames while gaming, but don't want to compromise on fidelity, you'll need a powerful GPU. With an MSRP of $499, the RTX 2070 Super represents the best value you can get if you have a 1080p monitor capable of high framerates.

While an RTX 2080 Super or RTX 2080 Ti can squeeze even more frames from games at ultra settings, the extra money for those cards isn't really worth it if you're gaming at 1080p. With the RTX 2070 Super, you shouldn't have too much trouble hitting 144 fps in games like Overwatch and CS:GO. Most other titles won't dip under 100 fps at 1080p with this card, making it a beast for gaming at this resolution.

Read the full review: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super 

5. AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT against a green background

(Image credit: Future)

5. AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT

Entry level, but worth it

Specifications

Stream Processors: 1,408
Core Clock: 1,717MHz (1,845MHz boost)
Memory: 4/8GB GDDR6
Memory Clock: 14Gbps
Power Connectors: 1 x 8-pin
Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.0

Reasons to buy

+
Solid performance
+
Super affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the fastest on the block

The RX 5500 XT gives decent 1080p performance at a ludicrously low price. There are two versions of this card, one with 4GB of VRAM at $169 and one with 8GB of VRAM at $199. The more VRAM, the better, of course, but if you're looking at a budget card like this, it's good to have the option to save even more money. Before you purchase, realize that 4GB of VRAM is at the extreme low end of what you'll want for modern gaming. 

The RX 5500 XT is mind-blowing only for its low price. This card can play many games at 1080p/60fps, but it'll struggle with ultra settings on demanding titles. However, this card is an excellent introduction to PC gaming for those who don't want to get into four-figures to build their rig - especially if you’re into esports titles like Overwatch or Fortnite.

Read the full review: AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT 

You might also want to check out the best cheap graphics cards.

Brittany Vincent

Brittany Vincent is an accomplished freelance video game, technology, and entertainment writer whose work has been featured in various online and print publications. She’s been writing professionally for 15 years and her work can be found in dozens of print and digital publications such as Variety, Playboy, Rolling Stone, Wired, Maxim, Official Xbox Magazine, and more.