Finding a graphics card that meets your performance needs while remaining within a reasonable budget is key, but also difficult. The evolving landscape of the GPU market, with new or refreshed models, makes it a more challenging task to pick up a card that is best suited to your needs. In this article we’ve picked out what we think are the best graphics cards to buy under $700, and should give you unhindered performance at 1440p, while still being able to make the jump up to 4K too.
Our testing takes into account all of the options currently available on the market, choosing cards from both NVIDIA and AMD, and putting them to the test, to determined which GPU is actually the best. All of the cards in this test are at home for 1440p gaming, in a wide array of the latest titles, with solid legs for gaming at 4K.
Our Top Pick: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER
After careful consideration and testing, we concluded the best GPUs to buy under $700 is the NVIDIA RTX 4070 SUPER. This GPU represents the pinnacle of value and performance within NVIDIA’s latest offerings, providing a compelling upgrade for gamers and professionals alike. With its MSRP set at $599, the RTX 4070 SUPER delivers exceptional performance that rivals higher-end models
The Best Graphics Cards to Buy For Under $700
1. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER
The RTX 4070 SUPER from NVIDIA is top spot for the best graphics card to buy for under $700. It offers a significant performance boost over the discontinued RTX 4070, without deviating from its MSRP of $599. This card really marks its territory in the 1440p scene, much like the original 4070, and is arguably the king of the mid-tier market, boasting improvements that cater to both AAA and esports titles with ease.
The RTX 4070 SUPER is equipped with 12GB of GDDR6X video memory on a 192-bit memory bus, and a core clock speed of 1.98GHz that can boost up to 2.48GHz. Boasting higher numbers of CUDA cores, RT cores and Tensor cores, the 4070 SUPER offers up to a 20% performance boost, putting it close to the 4070 Ti in comparison. Ultimately, the RTX 4070 SUPER delivers exceptional value within the 4000 series, and makes it the best value NVIDIA GPU, and the best to puck up for under $700.
| Specification | RTX 4070 SUPER |
|---|---|
| Video Memory | 12GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit |
| Core Clock Speed | 1.98GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 2.48GHz |
| CUDA Cores | 7168 |
| RT Cores | 56 |
| Tensor Cores | 224 |
| Power Consumption | 220W |
| MSRP | $599 |
However, the RTX 4070 SUPER isn’t without its limitations. The primary concern lies in its VRAM capacity; with 12GB of video memory, it falls short by 4GB compared to its direct competitor, the RX 7800 XT, which is priced lower. While currently sufficient for most titles, the evolving landscape of gaming, with its increasing VRAM demands, may challenge the RTX 4070 SUPER’s longevity, potentially impacting its performance in future high-end gaming scenarios.
Pros
- 1440p gameplay
- DLSS 3.0
- Value for money
Cons
- $599 MSRP
- Limited availability
2. AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
The AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT offers exceptional 1440p gaming performance at an astounding price of only $499. As one of AMD’s most compelling releases, the RX 7800 XT is an ideal choice for gamers looking to maximise their gaming performance without stretching their budget.
The card boasts 16GB of GDDR6 video memory on a 192-bit bus, and can hit core and boost clock speeds of 2.12GHz and 2.4GHz respectively. The 7800 XT is loaded with 3840 stream processors, 60 ray accelerators and 120 AI accelerators, allowing for excellent performance for its price point. The card’s 16GB VRAM advantage over cards like the RTX 4070 SUPER not only offers immediate benefits in VRAM-intensive AAA games but also ensures its longevity as future titles become more demanding. Priced at $499, its cost-effectiveness for 1440p gaming is unparalleled, presenting a great option for gamers who are looking for performance with future-proofing in mind.
| Key Specs | AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT |
|---|---|
| Video Memory Capacity | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Bus Width | 192-bit |
| Core Clock Speed | 2.12GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 2.4GHz |
| Stream Processors | 3840 |
| Ray Accelerators | 60 |
| AI Accelerators | 120 |
| Power Consumption | 263W |
| MSRP | $499 |
However, the RX 7800 XT does fall short in one notable area: ray tracing. Despite its strengths, AMD’s offering lags behind NVIDIA’s in terms of ray tracing capabilities, translating to weaker performance in games that utilise this technology. Gamers keen on experiencing the best ray-traced visuals might need to consider one of the NVIDIA alternatives.
Pros
- 1440p performance
- Competitive pricing
- 16GB VRAM
Cons
- Ray tracing performance
- RTX 4070 as competition
3. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
The NVIDIA RTX 4070 has adjusted to a new market reality with a revised MSRP of $499, further solidifying its position as a compelling choice for looking to buy a GPU for under $700. Amid the RTX 4000 series’ varied reception, the 4070 stands out by offering a balanced mix of performance and price, now more accessible thanks to its price adjustment following the release of the RTX 4070 SUPER.
With 12GB of GDDR6X memory, a 192-bit interface, and clock speeds peaking at 2.48GHz, the RTX 4070 is built to handle demanding gaming workloads at both 1440p and even 4K in some circumstances. It boasts 5888 CUDA cores, alongside 46 RT and 184 Tensor cores, meaning its still a very viable option, even when compared to the SUPER variant. The inclusion of DLSS 3 and advanced ray tracing capabilities at this price point marks a significant value proposition. Its performance, coupled with the new $499 MSRP, makes the RTX 4070 a more accessible option to high performance gaming, offering excellent capabilities in a more cost-effective package.
| Specification | RTX 4070 |
|---|---|
| Video Memory | 12GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit |
| Core Clock Speed | 1.92GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 2.48GHz |
| CUDA Cores | 5888 |
| RT Cores | 46 |
| Tensor Cores | 184 |
| Power Consumption | 200W |
| MSRP | $499 |
Ultimately, though the performance is good on this card, its still not as good as the SUPER variant, and still suffers from the same drawbacks as the SUPER variant too. The primary concern lies in its VRAM capacity; with 12GB of GDDR6X, it may lag behind competitors offering more memory, potentially impacting future-proofing as games continue to demand higher VRAM.
Pros
- 1440p performance
- Better pricing
- DLSS 3.0
Cons
- RX 7800 XT as competition
- 4070 SUPER is better
How We Tested the Best Graphics Cards Under $700
In order to test and evaluate the best GPUs under $700, there are a number of factors that we take into account. All of the graphics cards that we test are benchmarked within a plethora of Esports games and AAA titles at three major resolutions (1080p, 1440p, and 4K). We also record all of the settings that we’ve used to make sure that our tests are fair and repeatable.
- Performance
- Architecture
- Thermals
- Aesthetic
- Value for Money
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Cards Capable of 4K Gaming?
All of the GPUs in this roundup other than the RTX 4060 Ti 16GB, will be capable of playing games at 4K. While the 4060 Ti does have more VRAM allowing consumers to enjoy a higher resolution, the weaker memory bus width is what lets this card down.
Is DLSS Better than FSR?
Yes it is. While FSR has come a long way, and there are a huge number of games that support it, DLSS is just better overall. There’s fewer problems, and generally speaking, more games that support it.
Are Founders and Reference Models Worth It?
Yes they are. Although these cards may be a bit weaker thermally, they’re often cheaper than their respective AIB counterparts.
