Want a better performing pc? Tired of slow games with bad visuals? Maybe it’s time to upgrade to a new best graphics card under $200 into your computer or laptop. Not sure what type of graphics card to go for? You are not alone!
There are so many different options, RAM sizes, fps speeds (that’s frames per second to us regular Joes) and more to choose from that the whole process can get pretty overwhelming!
Luckily for you, we have created a top 10 best graphics card under $200 list which breaks down which card is best for your needs.
A graphics card is an essential component in any computer or laptop, these are key parts of a computing system that can massively affect the performance or speed of your computing experience.
Not all devices require graphics cards to run normally but most have the option to install one or replace the old one.
High-end graphics card can cost lots of money but can perform amazingly and last many years while still being able to handle the evolving visuals of the modern-day.
Here is a brief summary of our list. Scroll down a bit further to fully see which card is the best type for your setup.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Best Graphics Card Under $200
Image | Name | Features | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ZOTAC GeForce GT 710 | $ | ||
 | MSI NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 | $ | ||
 |
| $$$ | ||
 | GIGABYTE GeForce GT 1030 | $$ | ||
 | ASUS Cerberus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti | $ | ||
 | Sapphire Radeon pulse RX 580 | $$$ | ||
 | EVGA GeForce 210 | $ | ||
 | PNY NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 | $ | ||
 | EVGA GeForce GTX 1650 | $$$ | ||
 | Biostar Radeon RX550 | $$ |
1. Best Overall: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GT 710
The ZOTAC GeForce GT 710 is a lightweight graphics card with huge capabilities all for a small, affordable price.
This card offers 2GB of DDR3 RAM, comes with pre-installed PCI-Express x8 hardware, has a 1,600 MHz memory clock and a 64 bit memory bus width.
All of this for under $50 is amazing value!
This card does not need an external cable to plug into it for power.
Simply choose which form factor (size) you want your card to be (dependent on your computer), plug it straight into the white/black PCI slot and your good to go!
We think this graphics card is not only good value for money but is likely to sustain its technology for years to come. No need to upgrade in 6 months with this graphics card!
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2. Runner Up: MSI NVIDIA GeForce GT 710
The MSI NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 is similar to other GT 710`s but comes from a different brand.
This means you will get support for driver updates and news on future cards from NVIDIA and MSI.
As well as 2GB of RAM (again DDR3), this graphics card comes with the NVIDIA graphics processor installed, a 1600MHz memory clock speed and low profile.
It only uses 20W of power which Is useful for technical setups and has a passive cooling system which is less noisy than other standard fan systems.
This card also comes with the possibility of accessing the new piece of advanced technology called GeForce NOW, this utilises your card for gaming and streaming for a monthly rate.
The reason the MSI NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 is our runner up is simply because it is more expensive than the ZOTAC, although there really isn’t a lot in it. Overall the GT 710’s are great cards and will enhance your set up greatly.
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3. Best for Cooling Systems: XFX Radeon
The Radeon RX 570 is a dual fan graphics card with 8GB of GDDR5 RAM, with dual bios and beautiful design that’s pleasing to look at.
This supersized graphics card comes with exclusive features such as XFX true technology controls meaning your card is always running at an optimised performance level.
XFX OC+ capable is a software that massively increases your cards clock speed without destroying or overheating your card.
These methods are factory tested and won’t break your card.
Developers have tested new ways to enhance the vrm and memory cooling so that you can optimise these methods.
There are a whole host of Radeon graphics cards available on the market for a higher price range, if your budget can stretch. Otherwise the XFX is a great option for you.
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4. Best for Video Editing: GIGABYTE GeForce GT 1030
If you are into video editing or streaming videos, then the GIGABYTE GeForce GT 1030 is the graphics card for you.
This graphics card will support all of your viewing and video needs with the 2GB of RAM (in DDR5 which is a newer form of memory), a super-fast memory speed clock of 6008MHz making your fps much faster and a hardware interface pf PCI Express x8.
The GIGABYTE GeForce GT 1030 has an epic cooler and an 80mm fan along with the aluminium base, together delivering an effective cooling system capacity for higher performance at lower temperatures making it ideal for video playback and streaming.
Equipped with one DVI-D, and one gold-plated HDMI ports, the card can deliver smooth 4K video playback.
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5. Best for Occasional Use: ASUS Cerberus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
ASUS is a widely known name in the computer industry so it’s no surprise that they have come out with a fantastic graphics card.
This card mainly targets those who don’t use their PCs too much but who still want a smooth and effective running system.
With 1080p at 60 frames per second, this card will be able to keep up with most games and simple apps.
The Nvidia pascal architecture improves the performance of your machine so it can keep up with your daily use.
As well as all of this you will also find the Phoenix fan cooling system has a dual ball bearing operation inside for optimum cooling.
This isn’t the quietest of systems, but it does benefit your PC. With 4GB of DDR5 RAM and 128 bits of memory bus width, this card also comes in a dual fanned option (be aware this is even noisier than this model!).
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6. Best for High RAM: Sapphire Radeon pulse RX 580
The Sapphire Radeon pulse is a great graphics card for those gamers among us.
With 2 HDMI ports, a DVI-D port and 2 DP outputs, this card is well set up gamers who like to use more than one monitor or output.
With a dual fan cooling system, you can work harder and not worry about overheating.
These fans aren’t as noisy as some of the others on our list which means you don’t need to worry about the noise affecting your gaming experience.
This MASSIVE 8GB of DRAM RAM graphics card is at the top end of the budget, but that is because you get a lot for your money.
You will benefit from 256 bits of memory and a memory speed clock of 1750MHz. All In all, this card is a good allrounder but is particularly useful if you are constantly using your PC and working it hard!
One downside to this graphics card is that it comes with an installation CD which is frustrating for anyone who no longer has the need for a CD drive and therefore has removed it from their setup.
It should come with a printed manual as well which will guide you through how to install this graphics card into your PC or gaming setup.
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7. Best for Budgets: EVGA GeForce 210
Good graphics processing is a required ingredient in the modern PC.
With DirectX 10.1 support, NVIDIA PhysX technology, HDMI output and NVIDIA CUDA technology the EVGA GeForce 210 is an essential addition to your PC.
Whether you are doing video or photo editing, gaming, HD video playback, or just looking for a premium Windows experience, the EVGA GeForce 210 brings incredible processing power, at an incredible price.
Specifications include 520 MHz core clock, 1024MB (1GB) of DDR3 memory with a 600 MHz memory clock and 4.8 GB/second memory bandwidth, 64 bit memory bit width, 1230 MHz Shader Clock, 8 CUDA cores, and PCI Express 2.0 compatibility.
Additional features include Microsoft DirectX 10.1 Shader Model 4.1 Support, NVIDIA PureVideo HD.
This graphics card does come in other options such as a 1GB passive RAM format and a 512MB passive format but we recommend the 1GB standard as the other two won’t give you the power you require for day to day computing.
Overall this graphics card is a steal at under $40 and well worth spending out on!
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8. Best for Low Profile: PNY NVIDIA GeForce GT 710
Looking for a low profile graphics card to fit in your PC? The NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 by PNY dedicated graphics card fits all low profile slots.
You can enjoy up to 10x better performance than integrated graphics in all your PC multimedia applications thanks to the 2GB RAM size and PCI Express x8 hardware interface.
The NVIDIA also has VGA, HDMI and DVI-D ports and offers Microsoft DX 12 support.
This style of graphics card would suit a project PC or for someone who is looking to upgrade a current system.
And for less than $60 you are getting a great deal!
If you do have the budget to spend a bit more on a graphics card for your computer then the 2GB Version 2 of the PNY NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 will be worth the extra money.
Packed with newer technology and faster processors, this card will set you back over $200, but it will mean that you won’t have to upgrade for several years and will definitely notice the difference.
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9. Best Budget Graphic Card for Gamers: EVGA GeForce GTX 1650
Serious about your gaming? Thinking of upgrading your graphics card for the ultimate gaming experience?
Then you won’t go far wrong with the EVGA GEForce GTX 1650.
The EVGA GeForce GTX 8GB graphics cards are powered by the all-new NVIDIA Turing architecture to give you incredible new levels of gaming realism, speed, power efficiency, and immersion.
With the EVGA GeForce GTX 16-series gaming cards you get the best gaming experience with next generation graphics performance, ice cold cooling, and advanced overclocking features with the all new EVGA Precision x1 software.
The EVGA GeForce works particularly well with Windows & which, while not the latest version, supports a whole host of games and software.
This massive 8GB graphics card is also available in smaller forms but we recommend that you go for the biggest RAM you can afford as it will make a big difference to the performance of your games.
Whether Warcraft is your thing or you are more of a retro gamer, the EVGA GTX 1650 gives you ultimate performance for a fraction of the price of a new PC.
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10. Best for An Expensive Setup: Biostar Radeon RX550
If you are intent on having the best gaming setup money can buy (and let’s face it, those gaming PCs can cost anywhere from $1000 to $20,000) and you want to upgrade your graphics card but don’t want to spend more than $200 then the Biostar Radeon RX550 is a great option for you.
If you are obsessed with graphics as most other gamers are then you are in good company because gamers invest heavily into their graphics and memory.
Because of this you need a card that is going to give you a high end performance, fast fps and have a large RAM.
The Biostar does all of that. With 4GB of RAM (DDR5), HDMI 4k support, 4th Gen GCN Architecture Radeon technology and an integrated Heatsink and cooling fan, this graphics card promises…and delivers.
The Radeon range includes larger graphics cards that have a bigger RAM and dual fan cooling systems, but we feel that the R550 gives you everything you need to stay up to date with technology for the foreseeable future.
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Final Words
So that’s it! That is our top ten list of best graphics cards under $200. We have compiled our list of graphics cards that we think are best for gamers, best for budgets, best for video playback and more!
If you are looking at getting a graphics card soon or upgrading your current system then you might want to double check your system specifications, especially what type of RAM your system requires.
You can do this easily by searching online for your make and model of your pc and then scrolling through to check which format of RAM you need. They usually come in DDR3, DDR4, DDR5 and DRAM. Good luck finding the right graphics card for you!