Best MSI Ray Tracing GPUs Under $800 in 2026

The 12GB of GDDR6 memory on a compact 172mm card makes this ideal for small-form-factor builds where larger GPUs simply won't fit. Its single-fan cooler and 170W TDP deliver full Ampere architecture features, including ray tracing and DLSS, in a remarkably space-efficient package. This card is best for builders of Mini-ITX systems who need 1080p gaming performance without compromising on VRAM capacity.

The Ampere-based RTX 3070 chipset with 8GB of GDDR6 memory delivers strong 1440p gaming at a competitive price point. Its triple-fan cooler and rigid industrial design with a composite graphene backplate provide effective thermal management in a compact, performance-focused package. This card is best for 1440p gamers seeking high frame rates without stepping up to the RTX 3080's cost.

The 12GB GDDR6 frame buffer and 3840 CUDA cores provide strong 1080p gaming performance with ray tracing and DLSS support, while the dual-fan TORX 3.0 cooler keeps the 130W TDP in check. Its compact 235mm dual-slot design fits easily into smaller builds without sacrificing thermal performance. This card is best for budget-conscious 1080p gamers who want high texture settings and entry-level ray tracing in modern titles.

The RDNA 2 architecture and 12GB of GDDR6 memory on a 192-bit bus deliver consistent 1440p gaming, backed by a 2622MHz boost clock and 7.95 FP32 TFLOPS of compute. Its compact 247mm dual-fan design fits easily into smaller cases while still supporting ray tracing and VR via triple DisplayPort 1.4a outputs. This card is best for 1440p gamers upgrading from older hardware who need high VRAM capacity without a massive chassis.

The Turing-based RTX 2070 Super with a 1800MHz boost clock and 8GB of GDDR6 memory delivers reliable 1080p ray tracing performance, backed by a 16065 PassMark score. MSI’s Twin Frozr triple-fan cooler keeps the 175W TDP in check while maintaining quiet operation, making it a well-built card for its class. This GPU is best for 1080p gamers who want entry-level ray tracing without upgrading their 650W power supply.

The Turing-based RTX 2060 SUPER delivers 7.18 FP32 TFLOPS of compute and 8GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus, enabling smooth 1080p gaming with ray tracing. Its compact 232mm dual-fan design fits easily into smaller builds while maintaining a 1665MHz boost clock. This card is best for budget-conscious 1080p gamers who want entry-level ray tracing without upgrading their 550W power supply.

The massive triple-fan cooler and 11GB of 352-bit GDDR5X memory let this GTX 1080 Ti sustain high 1683MHz boost clocks without throttling. Its dual BIOS with Silent and OC modes provides flexibility, while the 2.5-slot design demands significant case space. This card is best for 1440p gamers seeking high-refresh performance from a previous-generation flagship at a used-market value.

The pre-installed full-cover EK water block with a nickel-plated copper base delivers exceptionally low temperatures and near-silent operation under load. Its 1860MHz boost clock and 8GB of GDDR6 memory provide solid 1080p gaming performance with support for ray tracing. This card is best for custom-loop builders seeking a quiet, thermally efficient 2080 for compact or showcase PC builds.