We usually encourage spending as much money as you can on the GPU, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend hundreds of dollars on a new component just to play a few games and get more work done on your PC. We’ve compiled a list of the best budget GPUs under $100. Not everyone requires the most advanced graphics card, and a good GPU may be had for under $100.
Overall winner: ZOTAC GeForce GT 1030
Many budget-friendly GPUs, such as this outstanding example from ZOTAC, are low-profile, which means they’ll fit into even the smallest PC chassis. The GeForce GT 1030 only requires a single PCI expansion slot on the back of the chassis, allowing even the tiniest ITX system to play select games.
Because this GPU costs less than $100, don’t anticipate spectacular performance. On a 1080p display, it’ll even struggle with some games at high settings. This is due to the absence of actual processing components, as well as the 2GB of GDDR6 RAM, as compared to more costly GPUs.
However, there is an upside to this loss of performance: a cooler-running GPU. The ZOTAC GT 1030 has a compact heatsink and fan that makes very little noise, making it a perfect choice for a silent PC setup.
Pros
- Outstanding value
- 2GB GDDR6 RAM in a single PCI slot
- It’s ideal for 1080p gaming.
- It doesn’t produce a lot of heat.
Cons
- You won’t be able to play games with a lot of intricacy.
XFX RX 550 (AMD) is the runner-up.
The AMD RX 550, like the NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030, has a low profile and is ideal for an ITX setup. The XFX RX 550 is a decent budget card for individuals seeking for a bargain deal, as it only has one PCI expansion slot. The main difference between this model and the 1030 is the RAM, with AMD opting for older GDDR5 memory (versus GDDR6 on the GT 1030).
Like the GT 1030, the performance isn’t horrible, but it’s also not going to blow you away. Unless the game isn’t particularly demanding on hardware, you won’t be able to play it at maximum settings. On the plus side, this means the RX 550 generates less heat and so doesn’t require a strong (and noisy) cooler.
Pros
- Fantastic value for money
- A single PCI slot is sufficient for 1080p gaming.
- Doesn’t get too hot.
Cons
- 2GB GDDR5 RAM is a disadvantage.
- I’m unable to play games at high detail.
EVGA NVIDIA GT 710 is a budget NVIDIA.
A GPU for $100 isn’t cheap, especially when you consider GPUs like NVIDIA’s RTX 2080 Ti, which can cost hundreds of dollars. The GT 710 is even better value, costing less than half of our total budget for this collection. The EVGA GT 710 is perfect for a business PC (or one with a Ryzen CPU) that will be used to play a few games.
The graphics processor, like the RAM, is slow. However, there is 2GB of RAM, which allows you to run various 3D applications and games, and the card runs quite cool. While this is quiet, it just requires a single PCI expansion slot on the back of your PC, allowing it to fit into even the tiniest ITX case.
Pros
- Fantastic value for money
- 1080p gaming with a single PCI slot
- It’s cool to use.
Cons
- 2GB GDDR3 RAM is a disadvantage.
- I’m unable to play games at high detail.
AMD Radeon R5 235 (Budget AMD)
![HP AMD Radeon R5 235 Wombat4 1GB DDR3 PCIE x16 742769-001 Compeve Compenet HP AMD Radeon R5 235 Wombat4 1GB DDR3 PCIE x16 742769-001 [742769-001] - $129.00 : Professional Multi Monitor Workstations, Graphics Card Experts](https://www.compeve.com/images/101000318413_clear.jpg "Best Budget Graphics Card Under $100 4")
The Radeon R5 235 is one of AMD’s most cheap GPUs right now. It’s not amazing, but at this price point, you shouldn’t expect anything better. The price is great, especially if you just need a GPU to run an OS and some software and your computer doesn’t have an integrated GPU.
It’s a little PCIe card that only takes up one expansion slot in the chassis and runs very quietly. The 1GB DDR3 RAM is adequate for media and everyday PC use, but it is insufficient for gaming. This card is suitable for tiny PC and NAS configurations that prioritize low noise and small size.
Pros
- Fantastic value for money
- Mini-ITX PC with a single PCI slot that runs cool
Cons
- 1GB GDDR3 RAM is a disadvantage.
- I’m not particularly good at gaming.
In conclusion
The NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 is one of the greatest GPUs available for around $100 right now. ZOTAC produces several fantastic high-end graphics cards, and the company’s GT 1030 is a solid affordable option. This is a worthwhile idea if you only need a GPU for a Ryzen processor and don’t plan on playing many games.
Not only does it run cool and quietly, but the 2GB of GDDR6 RAM is plenty for basic gaming and 3D work. It will also fit into even the tiniest ITX cases that accommodate GPUs, requiring only one PCI expansion slot on the chassis’s back. Other suggestions on this list will accomplish the same goal, but they will not be as excellent for gaming.
Nalani Rodriguez, a writer who is always seeking new ways to push the limits of what's possible with my words and explore the complexities of the human experience. I believe that writing is not just about expressing oneself, but about exploring the world and the human experience in all its forms and complexities. I strive to create stories that are both challenging and thought-provoking, that reveal the beauty and complexity of the world and the human experience. I believe that writing has the power to connect us with others, to bring us closer together, and to help us understand ourselves and the world around us.
Leif Andersson, a writer who is driven by a desire to inspire and educate through my work. I believe that writing is not just about putting words on a page, it's about using those words to make a positive impact on the world. I strive to create stories that are both entertaining and enlightening, that inspire readers to think differently and to take action. I believe that writing has the power to change the world, and I am honored to be a part of that tradition.
