Buying Guide
The Best Graphics Cards Under $450
Six cards priced under $450 at the time of writing, compared on memory, cooler and size.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
Between $400 and $450 at the time of writing, the choice is mostly between 8GB cards: RTX 4060 Ti, RTX 4060, RTX 5050 and RX 7600.
Prices move often, so check current listings. We compared listed specifications from the card makers and retailer listings; we did not benchmark these cards.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest GPU Under $450
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 Ti WINDFORCE OC 8G
An RTX 4060 Ti, the highest-tier chip in this list.
Best for: High-refresh 1080p.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 Ti WINDFORCE OC 8G (opens in a new tab)
Best for Small Cases
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 Ti V2 OC Edition 8GB
A 2-slot SFF-Ready RTX 4060 Ti.
Best for: Compact builds.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 Ti V2 OC Edition 8GB (opens in a new tab)
Best RTX 4060 Pick
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 V2 OC Edition
A dual-fan RTX 4060 with HDMI 2.1a.
Best for: Efficient 1080p builds.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 V2 OC Edition (opens in a new tab)
Best ASUS RTX 5050
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5050 8GB OC
An ASUS Dual RTX 5050.
Best for: Current-generation NVIDIA on a budget.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5050 8GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Best AMD Under $450
ASUS Dual Radeon RX 7600 EVO OC Edition 8GB
An RX 7600 with 0dB fan stop.
Best for: Quiet Radeon builds.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual Radeon RX 7600 EVO OC Edition 8GB (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price at Writing
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8G
The least expensive card here at the time of writing.
Best for: Budget-first buyers.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8G (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Fastest GPU Under $4501 of 6
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 Ti WINDFORCE OC 8G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's Windforce OC is a factory-overclocked dual-fan RTX 4060 Ti.
Best for
- High-refresh 1080p.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
It was the least expensive 4060 Ti here at the time of writing. Like the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2, it has an RTX 4060 Ti gpu, while the ASUS Dual 7600 EVO uses an RX 7600 gpu. It also comes with a 128-bit memory bus.
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce with the maker. On price it sat fifth of 6, between the cheaper ASUS Dual RTX 5050 and the pricier ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its cooler thickness; if that figure matters, the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 comes in at 2-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4060 Ti
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- Dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler
- 128-bit memory bus
- Factory overclock
- An RTX 4060 Ti, the highest-tier chip in this list
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce at the time of writing
Best for Small Cases2 of 6
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 Ti V2 OC Edition 8GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual V2 is a 2-slot, SFF-Ready RTX 4060 Ti with 0dB fan stop and a 2595MHz boost in OC mode.
Best for
- Compact builds.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
Its 0dB fan mode keeps it quiet during light games, and it supports DLSS 3. It matches the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 on cooler thickness (2-slot). It shares an RTX 4060 Ti gpu with the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce; the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce goes with an RTX 5050 gpu.
The ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 occupies 2 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 with the maker. SFF-Ready is NVIDIA's size guideline, not a guarantee the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 fits every small case. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4060 Ti
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2-slot
- Boost clock: 2595MHz (OC mode)
- SFF-Ready: Yes
Pros
- Dual-slot cooler leaves the next slot free
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- 0dB fan stop at light load
- 2595MHz boost clock in OC mode
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce at the time of writing
Best RTX 4060 Pick3 of 6
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 V2 OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual V2 offers a 2535MHz boost in OC mode and an HDMI 2.1a output on a dual-fan RTX 4060.
Best for
- Efficient 1080p builds.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
It supports DLSS 3 frame generation, and its OC mode boosts to 2,535MHz. Axial-tech fans keep the dual-fan cooler compact. Axial-tech fans with longer blades and a barrier ring push more air down onto the heatsink.
No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 4060 gpu; compare the ASUS Dual 7600 EVO, which has an RX 7600 gpu. You get a 2535MHz (OC mode) boost clock here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Dual 7600 EVO and its a 2715MHz boost clock. No dimensions are published for the ASUS Dual 4060 V2; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper ASUS Dual 7600 EVO and the pricier ASUS Dual RTX 5050, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its cooler thickness; if that figure matters, the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 comes in at 2-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 2535MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 2535MHz boost clock in OC mode
- HDMI 2.1a output
- Dual-fan cooler
- RTX 4060 gpu, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce at the time of writing
Best ASUS RTX 50504 of 6
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5050 8GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual RTX 5050 is the least expensive GeForce here, a two-slot card with a dual BIOS and 0dB fan stop.
Best for
- Current-generation NVIDIA on a budget.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
It brings DLSS 4 to budget builds, with 8GB of GDDR6. It matches the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 on cooler thickness (2-slot). It shares an RTX 5050 gpu with the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce; the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 goes with an RTX 4060 Ti gpu.
No other pick in this guide offers a 2677MHz (OC mode) boost clock; compare the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2, which has a 2595MHz (OC mode) boost clock. You also get dual-ball fan bearings. The ASUS Dual RTX 5050 occupies 2 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the ASUS Dual RTX 5050 with the maker. It was priced above the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 and below the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5050
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2-slot
- Boost clock: 2677MHz (OC mode)
- SFF-Ready: Yes
Pros
- Dual-slot cooler leaves the next slot free
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- Quiet/performance dual BIOS
- 0dB fan stop
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce at the time of writing
Best AMD Under $4505 of 6
ASUS Dual Radeon RX 7600 EVO OC Edition 8GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual EVO RX 7600 offers a 2715MHz boost with 0dB fan stop on a 2.5-slot cooler.
Best for
- Quiet Radeon builds.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent game rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its 2.5-slot cooler thickness is the thickest in this group; the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 leads at 2-slot. An RX 7600 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce uses an RTX 5050 gpu. No other pick in this guide offers a 2715MHz boost clock; compare the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2, which has a 2595MHz (OC mode) boost clock.
The ASUS Dual 7600 EVO occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the ASUS Dual 7600 EVO with the maker. It was priced above the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce and below the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RX 7600
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 2715MHz
Pros
- 0dB fan stop at light load
- 2715MHz boost clock
- 2.5-slot dual-fan cooler
- RX 7600 gpu, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Cooler thickness trails the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 (2-slot)
- Costs more than the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce at the time of writing
Lowest Price at Writing6 of 6
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5050 WINDFORCE OC 8G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RTX 5050 Windforce is the cheapest way into DLSS 4 here.
Best for
- Budget-first buyers.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
The maker publishes few details, so confirm size and power needs on Gigabyte's page. Like the ASUS Dual RTX 5050, it has an RTX 5050 gpu, while the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce uses an RTX 4060 Ti gpu. It also offers a dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler and a PCIe 5.0 interface.
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce with the maker. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the ASUS Dual 7600 EVO was the next step up. If video memory is your priority, the Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce (8GB) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5050
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
Pros
- Dual-fan WINDFORCE cooler
- PCIe 5.0 interface
- The least expensive card here at the time of writing
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- No published cooler thickness
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Cooling and extras
- We checked cooler design, fan-stop modes, dual BIOS, support brackets and display outputs.
- Power
- We noted the power connector and recommended power supply where listed.
- Fit
- We recorded length and slot thickness where the maker lists them, plus low-profile and SFF-Ready status.
- Price tier
- We grouped picks by price at the time of writing rather than by listed clock speed.
What to Look for in a GPUs Under $450
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Check length and thickness
Partner cards of the same GPU can differ by several centimetres. Compare the card's length with the case's GPU clearance, allowing for front fans or a radiator, and check how many slots it covers.
Cooler size affects noise
Larger triple-fan coolers usually run quieter under load than compact dual-fan designs. A 0dB mode stops the fans at light load.
Match the card to your monitor
Resolution and refresh rate decide how much GPU you need. A 1080p screen at 144Hz asks far less than 1440p at 165Hz or 4K.
Buy for the monitor you use now or will buy soon, not for a resolution you may never run.
Count the display outputs
Most cards offer three DisplayPort outputs and one HDMI, but some swap that balance. Check that the ports match your monitors, TV or VR headset.
Treat 8GB of VRAM as the floor
Some recent games already push past 8GB at high texture settings. Cards with 12GB or 16GB give more room, especially at 1440p and above.
Two versions of the same chip can differ only in memory; check the capacity in the exact model name.
Pair it with a balanced CPU
A fast card with an old CPU can stall at high frame rates, especially at 1080p. At 4K the GPU does most of the work, so the CPU matters less.
How to Choose a GPUs Under $450
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High-refresh 1080p | Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce | An RTX 4060 Ti, the highest-tier chip in this list |
| Compact builds | ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 | A 2-slot SFF-Ready RTX 4060 Ti |
| Efficient 1080p builds | ASUS Dual 4060 V2 | A dual-fan RTX 4060 with HDMI 2.1a |
| Current-generation NVIDIA on a budget | ASUS Dual RTX 5050 | An ASUS Dual RTX 5050 |
| Quiet Radeon builds | ASUS Dual 7600 EVO | An RX 7600 with 0dB fan stop |
| Budget-first buyers | Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce | The least expensive card here at the time of writing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gigabyte 4060 Ti Windforce | RTX 4060 Ti | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 | RTX 4060 Ti | 8GB | GDDR6 | 2-slot |
| ASUS Dual 4060 V2 | RTX 4060 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
| ASUS Dual RTX 5050 | RTX 5050 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 2-slot |
| ASUS Dual 7600 EVO | RX 7600 | 8GB | GDDR6 | 2.5-slot |
| Gigabyte RTX 5050 Windforce | RTX 5050 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a PCIe 5.0 card work in a PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 slot?
Yes, the interface is backward compatible. Cards with a narrow x8 link can lose some performance on PCIe 3.0 boards.
Do partner cards of the same GPU perform differently?
Only slightly. Factory overclocks add a few percent at most; cooling, noise, size and price differ more.
Will my CPU hold the card back?
It depends on resolution and the games you play. At 1080p and high refresh rates the CPU matters more; at 4K the GPU sets the limit.
Do I need a GPU support bracket?
Long, heavy cards can sag and stress the slot. Some come with a support stand or bracket; otherwise one is inexpensive to add.
How big a power supply do I need?
Use the maker's recommendation for your exact card, then add headroom if you run a high-power CPU. Also check the connectors, not just the wattage.
Should I choose AMD or NVIDIA?
Compare price and memory at your budget first, then features such as DLSS or FSR support in your games and hardware encoding if you stream.
Bottom Line
Gigabyte's RTX 4060 Ti Windforce is the fastest card under $450, and the ASUS Dual V2 suits small cases. Pick the ASUS RX 7600 EVO for a quiet AMD build.