How to choose a graphics card in 2026
In one line: decide on the resolution and refresh rate you play at, pick the card tier that drives it, then confirm your power supply and case can take that card.
Step 1: start from your monitor
The screen sets the workload. A card that is perfect for a 1080p monitor will struggle at 4K, and a 4K-class card is wasted on a 1080p office display.
| Your screen | NVIDIA | AMD |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p, esports and older games | GeForce RTX 5050, RTX 5060 | Radeon RX 9060 XT 8 GB |
| 1080p high refresh, entry 1440p | RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB | RX 9060 XT 16 GB |
| 1440p at 144 Hz and above | RTX 5070, RTX 5070 Ti | RX 9070, RX 9070 XT |
| 4K | RTX 5080, RTX 5090 | RX 9070 XT with upscaling |
Step 2: decide how much video memory you need
Video memory holds textures and frame data. New games at high texture settings, 1440p and 4K resolutions, video editing and local AI tools all use more of it. As a rule of thumb, 8 GB covers 1080p esports, 12 GB covers most 1440p gaming, and 16 GB or more gives headroom for 4K, heavy texture packs and creative work. The RTX 5060 Ti and RX 9060 XT are each sold in two memory sizes, so read the product name carefully.
Step 3: NVIDIA or AMD
Both make excellent cards in 2026, and at the same price the frame rates are often close. The difference is in the extras. GeForce RTX 50 cards offer DLSS 4, which can generate several frames per rendered frame in supported games, and they are strong at ray tracing. Radeon RX 9000 cards often give you more memory for the money and support FSR 4, AMD’s machine-learning upscaler. If you edit video in software that leans on NVIDIA hardware, or you run AI tools, GeForce is the safer pick.
Step 4: check power and connectors
Each card maker publishes a recommended power supply size, and it is the number to plan around:
- RTX 5050 and RTX 5060: 550 W. RTX 5060 Ti: 600 W. RTX 5070: 650 W.
- RTX 5070 Ti: 750 W. RTX 5080: 850 W. RTX 5090: 1000 W.
- RX 9060 XT: 450 W minimum. RX 9070 and RX 9070 GRE: 650 W. RX 9070 XT: 750 W.
Most RTX 50 cards from the 5070 upward take a single 16-pin 12V-2×6 plug; most Radeon cards use two or three standard 8-pin plugs. Our power supply guide goes deeper.
Step 5: make sure it fits
Partner cards with the same chip can differ by several centimetres in length and by a full slot in thickness. Compare the card’s length with your case limit, remember that a front radiator takes some of that space, and keep a few centimetres clear above the card for the power plug. Heavy cards ship with a support bracket; use it.
Quick checklist
- Resolution and refresh rate decided.
- Memory size chosen for your games and software.
- Power supply at or above the maker’s recommendation, with the right connectors.
- Card length, thickness and plug clearance checked against the case.
Ready to compare? Browse all graphics cards. Every order can be returned free of charge within 14 days, as explained on our returns page.
More buying guides
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