The graphics card market is a tough landscape to navigate in 2025. Nvidia’s RTX 50-series remains elusive and exorbitantly priced on the secondary market, while the RTX 40-series is largely sold out and discontinued. AMD’s RX 9070 and 9070 XT launch offers a glimmer of hope, but availability remains a question mark. So, what’s a gamer to do when their PC dies or the urge to upgrade becomes unbearable? While used GPUs are an option, the risks associated with their unknown history and potential scalper traps make them a less-than-ideal solution. Fortunately, some decent GPU deals still exist. Here are a few of the best we’ve unearthed.
Keep in mind, availability at the suggested retail price is limited for most of these cards. So, if they’re gone by the time you check, we apologize.
AMD RX 7800 XT
This last-generation card was a favorite for 1080p and 1440p gaming when it launched in September 2023. While not the newest kid on the block, its specifications still hold up, especially considering its current availability and competitive pricing. Its 16GB of VRAM also provides a degree of future-proofing compared to other cards in its class, many of which will feel outdated in 2025.
We’ve spotted this card for just over $500. While higher than its launch price, it represents reasonable value given the inflated prices of many alternatives. Purchasing from major retailers might even snag you a free copy of Monster Hunter: Wilds – a $70 value – through included promotional codes.
Nvidia RTX 4060
Recommending an 8GB VRAM graphics card in 2025 feels wrong, but at $300, the RTX 4060 deserves consideration. The newer and equally capable Intel B580 would be ideal, but its price has soared past $400 at most retailers. While the RTX 4060’s limited VRAM is a drawback, its $300 price tag is hard to beat, offering an affordable entry point into the world of PC gaming. Moreover, it supports DLSS 4 and frame generation, enabling potentially high frame rates in compatible games.
AMD RX 7700 XT
The RX 7700 XT has consistently been a recommended GPU for months. While our initial review wasn’t overwhelmingly positive, it’s proven to be a solid value pick around the $400 mark, a price that has surprisingly held steady during the recent market fluctuations. Performance-wise, it sits around the RTX 3070 Ti level, slightly outperforming the RTX 4060 Ti and falling a bit short of the RTX 4070. This makes it a suitable choice for 1080p and 1440p gaming. Its 12GB VRAM, while not massive, is generous compared to other GPUs in this price range.
AMD RX 7600
The RX 7600 might be approaching the budget end of the spectrum, but it’s a competent GPU for 1080p esports and casual gaming. Its 8GB VRAM feels a bit dated in 2025, but it significantly undercuts the RTX 4060, which offers the same VRAM capacity. Priced just above $250, the RX 7600 is among the best options in this price bracket. It’s not a powerhouse, but it’s a functional solution for getting you into the game. With no ultra-budget GPUs on the horizon from AMD or Nvidia, you might even be able to resell it in a few months and recoup a significant portion of your initial investment.
Waiting Might Be the Best Option
Despite these recommendations, if you can wait just a little longer, it might be worthwhile. AMD’s RX 9070 and 9070 XT launch on March 6th, with AMD promising “wide availability.” While performance and actual availability remain to be seen, the influx of new GPUs into the market could potentially ease the current pricing pressures.
If waiting isn’t feasible, the above options are solid choices, provided you adhere to your budget. Avoid overpaying for these cards.
