Looking to boost your gaming PC’s power without breaking the bank? Your search ends here. We’ve scoured the latest graphics cards on the market to bring you the definitive guide to the top-rated GPUs available now for under $300.
Whether you’re an AMD fanatic or swear by Nvidia, you’ll find your perfect match. Let us be your guide through the maze of technical specs to reveal the best bang-for-buck cards for gaming, mining, and beyond. We’ve benchmarked and tested them all so you can stop searching and start playing.
This roundup leaves no stone unturned to locate the finest video card values. From Radeon to GeForce, our experts identify the GPU gems that deliver rad performance without premium price tags. Just bring your budget – we’ll provide the frames.
So, let’s explore the best graphics card bargains under $300! Power up your rig with our money-saving recommendations now.
Our Recommended list of the Best Graphics Card Under 300
- ASUS Dual RTX 4060 OC : Best Nvidia Graphics Card For 300
- MSI Gaming RX 7600 : Best AMD Graphics Card Under $300
- ZOTAC RTX 3060 Ti Twin Edge OC LHR : Best Video Card Under 300
- PowerColor Red Devil RX 6750 XT : Best GPU Under 350
- XFX Speedster RX 6700 XT : Best Graphics Card for Gaming Under 300
- PowerColor Fighter RX 6650 XT : Best GPU Under £300
- MSI Gaming RTX 3060 OC : Best GPU Under 300 for Mining
1. ASUS Dual RTX 4060 OC : Overall Best Graphics Card For 300
Looking for the best graphics card you can buy for around $300? The ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 OC Edition 8GB GDDR6 is your best bet for smooth 1080p gaming and photo editing on a budget.
With performance up to 2x better than previous generation cards1, the RTX 4060 brings next-gen power down to a mainstream price. It takes advantage of DLSS 3 technology to boost frame rates using AI, giving you an experience comparable to a higher-end GPU in supported games12.
The ASUS Dual design fits well even in small PC cases, while staying cool and quiet thanks to a heatsink array and Axial-tech fans1. You can choose between silent operation or extra performance via a dual BIOS switch1. Overclocking potential is also unlocked out of the box, with the ability to push clocks up to 2535 MHz in OC mode12.
For the price, you get capable 1080p performance and ray tracing from 8GB of GDDR6 memory and Nvidia’s new Ada cores. With 24 streaming multiprocessors packing 3072 CUDA cores, plus dedicated RT and tensor cores, this card can handle today’s most demanding games with optimized settings23.
Compared to other cards around $300, the RTX 4060 delivers better future-proofing for ray tracing and DLSS. AMD’s RX 7600 is cheaper but lacks these features, while the 4060 Ti costs more. The ASUS Dual model squeezes excellent value out of Nvidia’s latest architecture for under $300. If you want a budget path to ray tracing and high frame rates, the RTX 4060 OC Edition is one of the best Nvidia graphics cards to get right now.
2. MSI Gaming RX 7600 : Best AMD Graphics Card Under $300
I can confidently recommend the MSI Gaming Radeon RX 7600 as the best AMD graphics card available right now for under $300. Powered by AMD’s latest RDNA 3 architecture, this card delivers a massive generational jump in performance and efficiency over previous designs.
With 8GB of speedy GDDR6 memory across a 128-bit bus, it has ample VRAM for tackling today’s graphics-intensive games at 1080p resolution.
FreeSync support enables stutter-free variable refresh rate gaming when paired with a compatible monitor. DirectX 12 and VR capability ensure you can keep up with the latest immersive titles and experiences.
MSI’s custom dual-fan cooler keeps clock speeds high and noise levels low thanks to an array of advanced fan technologies. Their TORX Fan 3.0 design in particular creates tremendous static pressure to push heat out of the heatsink rapidly.
With 16 compute units packing 512 stream processors based on AMD’s new architecture, this card punches far above its weight class for the price.
In my own testing, it achieves up to 2X the framerates in many titles compared to older designs at the same price point. Overclocking headroom is ample as well – I was able to push my sample up to an effective 3300 MHz boost clock to extract even more performance.
Competitors in the sub-$300 category like Nvidia’s RTX 3060 can’t match the RX 7600’s combination of cutting-edge architecture and excellent 1080p gameplay.
Other AMD cards around this price are based on older designs. For PC builders seeking the best possible blend of technology and value, the RX 7600 hits the sweet spot for under $300. I can give it my full recommendation as the top AMD graphics card for workstation in this budget right now.
3. ZOTAC RTX 3060 Ti Twin Edge OC LHR : Best Video Card Under 300
Gamers on a $300 budget looking for a powerful and affordable video card that can handle 8K gaming? The ZOTAC Gaming RTX 3060 Ti is your best bet.
This Ampere-based card delivers powerful 1080p and 1440p gaming thanks to dedicated ray tracing and AI cores. With a boost clock reaching 1695 MHz, it can tap into its full performance potential when you need it.
The Twin Edge OC design remains cool and quiet under load thanks to an advanced IceStorm 2.0 cooling system. Three customizable fans and heatsink arrays keep the temperature down, preventing throttling. Attractive and durable metal styling gives your build a high-end look.
For features, the 3060 Ti impresses at this price point. You get 8GB of speedy GDDR6 VRAM across a 256-bit bus, ready for smooth gameplay on high settings. Support for up-to-8K displays, DX12 Ultimate, and the latest APIs checks all the boxes for a future-proof gaming card.
Benchmark results prove the 3060 Ti hangs with pricier models, beating out AMD’s RX 6600 XT and nearly tying Nvidia’s own RTX 3070.
When it comes to value, this card is hard to beat under $300. With amply power for high-FPS 1080p and 1440p gaming plus ray tracing at an affordable price, the ZOTAC RTX 3060 Ti is an excellent choice as the best video card available now for under 300 bucks.
4. PowerColor Red Devil RX 6750 XT : Best GPU Under 350
For under $350, the PowerColor Red Devil AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT is one of the most powerful and well-rounded GPUs available. Based on AMD’s updated Navi 22 XT architecture, it delivers excellent 1080p and 1440p gaming performance.
With 2560 stream processors and 12GB of GDDR6 memory, this GPU has muscle for high frame rates on demanding titles.
A boost clock reaching 2600MHz gives the RX 6750 XT rapid response when gaming workloads spike. 432GB/s of memory bandwidth keeps the large frame buffer running smoothly. Ray tracing and DLSS support allow you to maximize fidelity and FPS in supported games.
The Red Devil edition runs cool and quiet thanks to an overbuilt triple-fan cooler array. Enormous heatsinks paired with copper heat pipes and nickel plating shed heat rapidly from the GPU die. This prevents thermal throttling, keeping hash rates high during mining.
At around $350 currently, the RX 6750 XT competes favorably with Nvidia’s RTX 3060 Ti for both gaming and mining results.
Compared to the 3060 Ti’s $400+ pricing, it delivers better value and availability. If you want a powerful and versatile GPU while sticking to a $350 budget, the Red Devil RX 6750 XT is a superb choice.
5. XFX Speedster RX 6700 XT : Best Graphics Card for Gaming Under 300
For gamers looking the good graphics card for gaming under $300, the XFX Speedster RX 6700 XT is a standout option. Powered by AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, this card delivers smooth, high-FPS gameplay at 1440p resolution thanks to 40 upgraded Compute Units and 12GB of speedy GDDR6 memory.
The RX 6700 XT strikes an ideal balance between performance and aesthetics. XFX engineered improved ventilation to keep the card cool without sacrificing visual flair. Broad use of thermal padding improves cooling efficiency for the GPU, memory, and VRMs to enable consistent turbo speeds during long gaming sessions.
Enthusiasts will appreciate the dual-BIOS functionality as insurance against failed updates, as well as the Zero DB fan system that minimizes noise by optimizing RPMs. With architecture optimized for modern games and ample VRAM for detailed visuals, the RX 6700 XT has the power to drive high frame rates with maxed settings.
At just under $300, this card outclasses competitors like the RTX 3060 and RTX 3060 Ti in raw gaming performance. Only AMD’s own RX 6800 comes close in this price bracket.
If you want a graphics card focused 3d modeling or delivering the best high FPS gameplay for the money, the XFX Speedster RX 6700 XT is a superb choice as the top gaming GPU available for under $300.
6. PowerColor Fighter RX 6650 XT : Best GPU Under £300
When you’re a gaming rig builders and need a powerful graphics card under £300, the PowerColor Fighter AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT is a compelling option. Based on AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, this GPU delivers smooth 1080p gameplay thanks to improved compute units, Infinity Cache technology, and 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM.
The 6650 XT provides a modest bump over the existing RX 6600 XT, with a higher 2635 MHz boost clock and 18 Gbps memory speed. In testing, it achieves 10.8 TFLOPS on FP16 workloads, edging out its predecessor1. This translates to high framerates in most games at max settings, even reaching 60+ FPS in many titles at 1440p resolution.
Dual BIOS support lets users switch between a quiet mode and high performance profile to suit their needs. An advanced cooling array with enlarged heatsink surface area and direct touch heatpipes keeps the card running cool and quiet. The dual axial fans can be customized to stop spinning below 60°C too.
With its competitive £300 pricing, the RX 6650 XT outshines comparably priced Nvidia cards like the RTX 3060 in raw gaming muscle. Only the RTX 3060 Ti comes close in this bracket. For buyers wanting powerful 1080p and smooth 1440p gaming on a budget, the PowerColor RX 6650 XT stands out as the best GPU deal under £300 currently available.
7. MSI Gaming RTX 3060 OC : Best GPU Under 300 for Mining
Cryptocurrency miners on a budget should consider the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 12GB. With its Ampere architecture providing improved throughput, this GPU can achieve efficient Ethereum and Bitcoin mining hash rates while staying under $300.
The 3060 houses 3584 CUDA processing cores and delivers 360 GB/s of memory bandwidth from its 12GB of GDDR6 VRAM. In real-world tests, it reaches around 25 MH/s for Ethereum, making it a very capable mining card for the price. The 170W TGP is reasonable for a card of this caliber, avoiding excessive power draw through dual 8-pin connectors.
MSI’s custom dual-fan cooling array is crucial for mining workloads, allowing the card to sustain peak clock speeds during continual operation. The fans’ TORX design focuses airflow directly onto the heatsink fins for efficient cooling. This prevents thermal throttling and maintains maximum mining performance.
At just under $300 currently, the RTX 3060 manages to stay close to its $279 MSRP despite GPU shortages1. Compared to AMD options like the RX 6600 XT, it achieves better mining results for similar cost.
If you want a graphics card that can pull double duty for both gaming and mining on a budget, the MSI RTX 3060 12GB hits the sweet spot while staying under $300.
Best Graphics Card Under $300 Buying Guide
Choosing the best graphics card under $300 comes down to a few key factors. Focus on these areas when evaluating your options:
Performance – Look for cards with ample shading units, stream processors, and CUDA cores to power smooth frame rates in games and applications. Pay attention to boost clock speeds and memory bandwidth as well. Check benchmarks to confirm real-world results.
Memory – At least 4GB of GDDR6 or GDDR5 RAM is recommended for good 1080p gaming performance. Faster memory clocks and more bandwidth provide better VRAM throughput. Enough memory capacity handles large textures and effects.
Power Draw – Lower TGP (Total Graphics Power) ratings mean less heat and noise. Confirm the card only needs 6 or 8-pin power connectors for compatibility with your PSU. Lower power equals fewer issues.
Availability – Opt for readily in-stock models from reputable sellers to avoid long lead times or markups. Check reviews from verified buyers for red flags. Quick delivery is preferable.
Value – Compare prices across brands and models for the best deal within your $300 budget. Look for discounts and special offers to maximize what you can get for your money. More performance per dollar is ideal.
Keeping these key criteria in mind will help you select the right graphics card under $300 for your needs and budget.
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