Best GPUs for 300-400 USD to Pair with AMD Ryzen 5 1600 and Asus Prime B350 Plus
When it comes to building a budget PC with an AMD Ryzen 5 1600 and an Asus Prime B350 Plus motherboard, the choice of GPU can make a significant difference in performance and future-proofing. Based on current market trends and benchmarks, several GPUs fall within the 300-400 USD range and are suitable for this build. Here, we explore the best options to provide a balanced performance, ensuring you can enjoy a wide range of games at good settings.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
VRAM: 12 GB GDDR6
Performance: Excellent for 1080p and decent for 1440p gaming.
Ray Tracing: Supports ray tracing and DLSS providing future-proofing for newer titles.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 is a robust choice for 1080p gaming, but its performance in 1440p games might be a bit limited. However, given its short VRAY time and 12 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, this GPU is more than capable of handling a variety of titles at mid-to-high settings. The RTX 3060 also offers future-proofing benefits with its ray tracing capabilities, making it a worthwhile investment.
AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT
VRAM: 8 GB GDDR6
Performance: Great for 1080p gaming often outperforming the RTX 3060 in traditional rasterization.
Power Efficiency: Generally more power-efficient than the RTX 3060.
The AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT is a top contender in the mid-range GPU market, especially for 1080p gaming. This GPU often outperforms the RTX 3060 in traditional rasterization, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers. Its 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM provides ample memory for handling demanding games at 1080p settings, while its power efficiency ensures that it won’t overstress your power supply.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
VRAM: 8 GB GDDR6
Performance: Good for 1080p gaming but may struggle with higher settings in more demanding titles.
Ray Tracing: Entry-level ray tracing capabilities.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 is an entry-level GPU that offers good performance at 1080p. It is particularly useful for those who want to game at midsettings without breaking the bank. With 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, it can handle most titles at 1080p, but performance may drop at higher settings in more demanding games. The RTX 3050 also includes entry-level ray tracing capabilities, which can add graphical fidelity to games with enabled support.
AMD Radeon RX 6700
VRAM: 10 GB GDDR6
Performance: Strong performance for 1440p gaming making it a solid choice for those looking to push higher resolutions.
Considerations: Compatibility, Availability, Future-Proofing.
The AMD Radeon RX 6700 is a powerful GPU designed for 1440p gaming, offering strong performance and 10 GB of GDDR6 VRAM. This GPU excels at pushing higher resolutions and is a solid choice for gamers looking to future-proof their build. However, compatibility and availability are important considerations. Ensure your power supply can support the 6700, as it requires a more powerful PSU to operate efficiently. Additionally, check for the best deals and consider whether a future upgrade might necessitate additional VRAM or better performance.
Compatibility: Ensure your power supply can support the GPU you choose, especially with the higher-end models.
Availability: Prices can fluctuate based on market conditions, so check for the best deals.
Future-Proofing: If you plan to upgrade your CPU or other components soon, consider a GPU with more VRAM and better performance to last through future upgrades.
These GPUs should provide a balanced performance with your Ryzen 5 1600 and Asus Prime B350 Plus, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of games at good settings. Whether you prioritize performance, power efficiency, or future-proofing, there is a GPU that can meet your needs within this budget range.