No GPUs under $300 yet. See our top picks under $500

Best GPUs under $500 for ray-tracing

Best Pick

PNY GeForce RTX 5060 Dual Fan OC 8GB GDDR7

66.7 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 50608GB GDDR7128-bit145W
Why we recommend this

The Blackwell architecture and 8GB of GDDR7 memory on a 128-bit bus deliver a 2535MHz boost clock, enabling smooth 1080p gaming with DLSS 4 and ray tracing at a compact 200mm length. Its dual-fan, 2-slot design and 145W TDP make it a practical drop-in upgrade for small form factor builds without demanding a PSU overhaul. This card is best for budget-conscious 1080p gamers seeking current-gen features like AV1 encoding and PCIe 5.0 in a space-constrained system.

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PNY GeForce RTX 3070 XLR8 8GB GDDR6

60.9 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 30708GB GDDR6256-bit140W
Why we recommend this ▼

The Ampere-based RTX 3070 with 5888 CUDA cores and a 1725MHz boost clock delivers strong 1440p performance and capable ray tracing via DLSS. Its triple-fan cooler and 294mm length fit most mid-tower cases while keeping the 140W TDP in check. This card is best for 1080p and 1440p gamers who want high frame rates without stepping up to the RTX 3080 price tier.

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PNY VCG50608DFXPB1

58.9 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 50608GB GDDR7128-bit145W
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Best GPUs under $800 for ray-tracing

Best Pick

PNY GeForce RTX 5060 Ti DUAL FAN OC 16GB GDDR7

71.6 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 5060 Ti16GB GDDR7128-bit180W
Why we recommend this

The 16GB of GDDR7 VRAM and Blackwell architecture with DLSS 4 support make this card a strong 1080p performer, delivering high frame rates with ray tracing enabled. Its compact 245mm dual-fan design and 180W TDP allow for easy integration into smaller builds without requiring a high-capacity power supply. This GPU is best for budget-conscious 1080p gamers who want to max out settings in modern titles with ray tracing and frame generation.

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PNY GeForce RTX 5060 ARGB OC 8GB GDDR7

65.4 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 50608GB GDDR7128-bit145W
Why we recommend this ▼

The Blackwell-based RTX 5060 chip delivers 19.18 TFLOPS of FP32 compute and 448 GB/s memory bandwidth, paired with a factory overclocked 2580 MHz boost clock and efficient 145W TDP. Its triple-fan ARGB EPIC-X RGB cooler and compact 280mm, 2-slot design add visual flair and broad case compatibility without excessive power demands. This card is best for 1080p gamers seeking high frame rates with ray tracing and DLSS 3 on a strict power budget.

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PNY GeForce RTX 3070 XLR8 8GB GDDR6

59.3 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 30708GB GDDR6256-bit140W
Why we recommend this ▼

The Ampere-based RTX 3070 with 5888 CUDA cores and a 1725MHz boost clock delivers strong 1440p gaming performance, backed by 8GB of GDDR6 memory and 448 GB/s of bandwidth. Its triple-fan cooler and 140W TDP provide efficient thermal management in a standard 2-slot, 294mm design that fits most mid-tower cases. This card is best for 1440p gamers seeking high frame rates in modern titles with ray tracing and DLSS enabled.

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PNY GeForce RTX 4060 VERTO 8GB GDDR6

54.4 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 40608GB GDDR6128-bit115W
Why we recommend this ▼

The Ada Lovelace architecture and DLSS 3 frame generation provide a clear performance advantage for 1080p gaming, while the compact 210mm dual-fan design fits easily into small form factor builds. Its low 115W power draw and simple 8-pin connector allow for a straightforward upgrade without a massive power supply. This card is best for budget-conscious 1080p gamers who want modern features like ray tracing and AV1 encoding in a space-constrained system.

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PNY GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB GDDR7

54.1 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 5060 Ti8GB GDDR7128-bit200W
Why we recommend this ▼

Built on the 5nm Blackwell architecture with 8GB of GDDR7 memory and a 2572MHz boost clock, this card delivers strong 1080p gaming performance with DLSS 4 and third-gen ray tracing cores. Its compact 200mm dual-fan design fits easily into small form factor builds while supporting up to four monitors via triple DisplayPort 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 outputs. This GPU is best for 1080p gamers seeking current-gen features like frame generation and ray tracing in a power-efficient 200W package.

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PNY GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8GB GDDR6

52.6 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 3060 Ti8GB GDDR6256-bit200W
Why we recommend this ▼

The Ampere-based RTX 3060 Ti delivers strong 1080p gaming with 4864 CUDA cores and 8GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus. Its dual-fan cooler maintains a compact 251mm length, fitting easily into smaller builds while supporting modern connectivity via HDMI 2.1 and PCI Express 4.0. This card is best for 1080p gamers who want solid ray tracing performance and DLSS support without upgrading their power supply beyond a 550W unit.

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PNY VCNRTX2000ADA-PB

41.8 Ray Tracing Score
RTX 2000 Ada16GB GDDR6128-bit70W
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PNY VCNRTX2000ADA-SB

33.9 Ray Tracing Score
RTX 2000 Ada16GB GDDR6128-bit70W
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PNY RTX A2000 12GB GDDR6 workstation

33.3 Ray Tracing Score
RTX A200012GB GDDR6192-bit70W
Why we recommend this ▼

A 70W TDP and low-profile, dual-slot design allows this 12GB Ampere workstation card to fit into compact systems without external power connectors. Its 12GB of GDDR6 memory with ECC support provides data integrity for mission-critical applications, a feature typically absent in this segment. This GPU is best for CAD designers and 3D modelers needing certified drivers and reliable performance in small form factor workstations.

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Best GPUs under $1,200 for ray-tracing

Best Pick

PNY GeForce RTX 5070 12GB GDDR7

76.2 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 507012GB GDDR7192-bit250W
Why we recommend this

Built on Blackwell's 5nm process, this card pairs 6144 CUDA cores with 12GB of GDDR7 memory on a 192-bit bus delivering 672 GB/s, boosting to 2587MHz. Its dual-fan Slim design keeps the card at 290mm and two slots, while DLSS 4 and PCIe 5.0 support make it a strong fit for 1080p and 1440p ray-traced gaming. Best for gamers prioritizing high frame rates at 1080p/1440p with ray tracing, though its AI LLM performance (54.9/100) is a clear weak spot.

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PNY VCG507012TFXPB1

72.3 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 507012GB GDDR7128-bit225W
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PNY GeForce RTX 3080 Ti XLR8 12GB GDDR6X

71.5 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 3080 Ti12GB GDDR6X384-bit175W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 12GB of GDDR6X memory and 10,240 CUDA cores on the Ampere architecture deliver high frame rates at 1440p, backed by a 1665MHz boost clock. Its compact 254mm length and dual-slot design fit into a wide range of cases, while the triple-fan cooler manages the 175W TDP effectively. This card is best for 1440p gamers who want strong ray tracing and DLSS performance without needing a massive chassis.

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PNY GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB GDDR7

59.9 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 5060 Ti16GB GDDR7128-bit200W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 16GB of GDDR7 memory on a 128-bit bus stands out for handling high-resolution textures and complex models without exhausting VRAM, backed by a 2570MHz boost clock. DLSS 4 support and a dual-fan cooler provide efficient AI-driven upscaling and sustained thermal performance in a standard 2-slot, 299mm design. This card is best for 1440p gamers who want ample frame buffer for future titles and entry-level creators working with moderate 3D scenes.

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PNY GeForce RTX 4060 Ti XLR8 Gaming VERTO 8GB GDDR6

54.5 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 4060 Ti8GB GDDR6128-bit160W
Why we recommend this ▼

The Ada Lovelace architecture and 2535MHz boost clock deliver efficient 1080p gaming, with DLSS 3 and AV1 encoding adding modern utility at a 160W power draw. A dual-fan, 2-slot design keeps the card compact for smaller builds, though the 8GB frame buffer limits high-resolution texture work. This card is best for 1080p gamers upgrading from older GTX hardware who prioritize low power consumption and access to frame generation.

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PNY NVIDIA RTX 2000E Ada Generation 16GB GDDR6 workstation

33 Ray Tracing Score
NVIDIA RTX 2000E16GB GDDR6128-bit50W
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Premium GPUs for ray-tracing

Best Pick

PNY GeForce RTX 5080 ARGB OC 16GB GDDR7

96.1 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 508016GB GDDR7256-bit360W
Why we recommend this

The 2775 MHz boost clock and 16GB of GDDR7 memory on the Blackwell architecture deliver a 56.3 TFLOPS compute uplift, making 4K gaming with full ray tracing exceptionally fluid. Its triple-fan cooler with ARGB lighting and VelocityX software offers precise thermal and aesthetic control in a 2.99-slot design. This card is best for 4K gamers and content creators who need high frame rates with DLSS 4 and reliable AV1 encoding without stepping up to the RTX 5090.

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PNY VCG508016TFXPB1-O (OC)

91.5 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 508016GB GDDR7256-bit360W
Why we recommend this ▼

The Blackwell-based RTX 5080 OC pairs 10,752 CUDA cores with a 2730 MHz boost clock and 16GB of GDDR7 memory at 960 GB/s, delivering strong 4K and ray tracing performance. Its triple-fan cooler and 300mm length fit most mid-tower cases, while PCIe 5.0 and DisplayPort 2.1b support future connectivity. This card suits gamers prioritizing high-refresh 4K and ray tracing, backed by a 4.8/5 rating from 1,192 reviews.

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PNY VCG508016TFXPB1-O (OC) gpu
Price $2,000

PNY VCG4070TS16TFXXPB1-O

90.2 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER16GB GDDR6X256-bit285W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 8448 CUDA cores and 2655MHz boost clock on the Ada Lovelace 5nm chip deliver strong 4K and 1440p gaming performance, backed by 16GB of GDDR6X memory with 672 GB/s bandwidth. Its triple-fan cooler and 333mm length keep thermals in check, while DLSS 3 and AV1 encoding add value for content creators. Best for gamers and streamers who want a high-end RTX 40-series card for ray-traced titles and video work without stepping up to the 4080.

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PNY GeForce RTX 5070 Ti EPIC-X 16GB GDDR7

89.8 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 5070 Ti16GB GDDR7256-bit300W
Why we recommend this ▼

The Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4 with fifth-gen Tensor Cores drive a 2640MHz boost clock and 16GB of GDDR7 memory, delivering high frame rates at 1440p. Its triple-fan ARGB cooler manages the 125W TDP effectively while adding customizable lighting to a PCIe 5.0 design. This card is best for 1440p gamers who want AI-enhanced performance and ray tracing without stepping up to a flagship GPU.

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PNY GeForce RTX 5080 16GB GDDR7

86.6 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 508016GB GDDR7256-bit360W
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PNY GeForce RTX 5080 16GB GDDR7 gpu
Price $2,300

PNY VCG5070T16TFXPB1

83.4 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 5070 Ti16GB GDDR7256-bit300W
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PNY GeForce RTX 5090 32GB GDDR7

83 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 509032GB GDDR7512-bit575W
Why we recommend this ▼

Equipped with 32GB of GDDR7 memory and 21,760 CUDA cores on the Blackwell architecture, this GPU delivers a 79.6/100 AI performance score for accelerating large language models. Its triple-fan cooler manages a 575W TDP while DLSS 4 and full ray tracing support provide high frame rates at extreme resolutions. This card is best for AI researchers and developers running massive local models who also demand top-tier 4K gaming.

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PNY GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16GB GDDR7

82.8 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 5070 Ti16GB GDDR7256-bit300W
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PNY GeForce RTX 5080 16GB GDDR7

80.6 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 508016GB GDDR7256-bit360W
Why we recommend this ▼

The Blackwell architecture and 16GB of GDDR7 memory on a 256-bit bus deliver a 56.3 FP32 TFLOPS compute ceiling, driving a 35,759 PassMark G3D score for substantial 1440p and ray tracing performance. DLSS 4.0 with 4th-gen RT Cores provides a clear path to higher frame rates in demanding titles without compromising visual fidelity. This triple-fan card is best for gamers targeting high-refresh 1440p and entry-level 4K experiences who prioritize AI-enhanced rendering over raw workstation compute.

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PNY GeForce RTX 4080 XLR8 Gaming VERTO 16GB GDDR6X

80.5 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 408016GB GDDR6X256-bit320W
Why we recommend this ▼

The Ada Lovelace architecture and 16GB of GDDR6X memory deliver strong 4K gaming at 68.7/100, with DLSS 3 providing frame generation for higher refresh rates. The triple-fan cooler with EPIC-X RGB lighting maintains the 320W TDP effectively, though the 3.5-slot design requires ample case clearance. This card is best for 4K gamers who want DLSS 3 support without stepping up to the RTX 4090.

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PNY GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16GB GDDR7

75.6 Ray Tracing Score
GeForce RTX 5070 Ti16GB GDDR7256-bit300W
Why we recommend this ▼

The Blackwell architecture and 16GB of GDDR7 memory deliver substantial AI acceleration, with DLSS 4 and fifth-gen Tensor Cores enabling high frame rates through neural rendering. NVIDIA Reflex ensures low-latency responsiveness for competitive gaming, while the triple-fan cooler maintains a 2.98-slot footprint for broad case compatibility. This card is best for AI developers and creative professionals who need robust local compute for generative tasks and rendering, rather than pure 1080p gaming.

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PNY NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Max-Q Workstation Edition 96GB GDDR7

67.4 Ray Tracing Score
NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Max-Q Workstation Edition96GB GDDR7512-bit300W
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PNY NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Max-Q Workstation Edition 96GB GDDR7 gpu
Price $17,063

PNY RTX 6000 Ada 48GB GDDR6 workstation

56 Ray Tracing Score
RTX 6000 Ada48GB GDDR6384-bit300W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 48GB of ECC GDDR6 memory and 18,176 CUDA cores on the Ada Lovelace architecture deliver error-free computation for massive datasets that exceed typical GPU capacity. The included Quadro SYNC II card enables precise multi-GPU synchronization for driving up to 16 displays, a critical feature for large-scale visualization environments. This card is best for AI researchers training large language models and engineers running complex simulations where data integrity and memory capacity are non-negotiable.

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PNY RTX A4500 20GB GDDR6 workstation

51.4 Ray Tracing Score
RTX A450020GB GDDR6320-bit200W
Why we recommend this ▼

The 20GB GDDR6 ECC memory and 7168 CUDA cores on the Ampere-based RTX A4500 provide a stable, high-capacity platform for complex 3D rendering and AI model training. Its compact, single-slot design with four DisplayPort 1.4a outputs and a 200W power envelope allows for dense multi-GPU workstation configurations without excessive thermal load. This card is best for data scientists and engineers running memory-intensive simulations or AI inference in space-constrained server environments.

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PNY RTX 4000 20GB GDDR6 workstation

50.8 Ray Tracing Score
RTX 400020GB GDDR6160-bit130W
Why we recommend this ▼

The Ada Lovelace architecture and 20GB of ECC GDDR6 memory with 6144 CUDA cores deliver reliable precision for demanding multi-application workflows. Its single-slot, 130W blower design and included Quadro SYNC II card uniquely enable synchronized, large-scale display walls from a compact footprint. This card is best for engineers and scientists running validated simulations or multi-display digital signage requiring data integrity and frame lock.

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PNY RTX A6000 48GB GDDR6 workstation

50.5 Ray Tracing Score
RTX A600048GB GDDR6300W
Why we recommend this ▼

Its 48GB of GDDR6 memory and third-generation NVLink for scaling to 96GB make it a standout for handling massive simulation and data science datasets. The Ampere architecture’s second-gen RT and third-gen Tensor Cores provide double the ray tracing throughput and up to 5X faster AI training without code changes. This card is best for engineers and data scientists running complex CAE simulations or training large AI models on a desktop workstation.

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