As we approach the end of 2024, the graphics card market continues to evolve, offering gamers and professionals a wide range of options across various price points. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best graphics cards available in September 2024, covering every budget level from under $200 to the high-end 4K gaming market. We'll also look at upcoming launches and sales to help you make the most informed decision.
Current Graphics Card Market Trends
Before diving into specific recommendations, it's essential to understand the current state of the graphics card market. As of September 2024, we've seen some interesting price movements:
1. NVIDIA GeForce:
- High-end cards (RTX 4090, 4080 Super, 4070 Ti Super) have maintained stable pricing.
- The RTX 4070 Super has seen a slight price increase of about $20 since July.
- Mid-range and budget options show mixed pricing trends.
- The RTX 3050 8GB has returned to its lowest price point from July.
2. AMD Radeon:
- Prices for the RX 7000 series have generally decreased after a spike in August.
- The RX 7900 XTX, 7900 XT, 7900 GRE, and 7800 XT have all seen price drops.
- The RX 7700 XT has experienced a price increase due to low-price units selling out.
- Last-generation value options like the RX 6800 (non-XT) have sold out in the US.
3. Intel Arc:
- Price decreases for the Arc A770 16GB and A750 8GB.
- The budget-friendly Arc A580 at $149 is currently unavailable.
Should You Buy Now or Wait?
With GPU prices edging back down to their lowest levels this generation, many consumers are wondering if now is the right time to buy. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Upcoming Launches:
- NVIDIA RTX 5090 and 5080 are expected in Q1 2025, with mid-range options following later.
- AMD's RDNA 4 (RX 8000 series) might launch earlier than expected, potentially this fall.
- Intel's Battlemage graphics cards were expected this fall, but recent company shake-ups have made the timeline uncertain.
2. Upcoming Sales:
- Another Amazon Prime Day is likely in early to mid-October.
- Black Friday sales in late November typically offer discounts of 5-10% on GPUs.
3. Current Promotions:
- NVIDIA is bundling Star Wars Outlaws with RTX 4070 or higher purchases until September 19th.
- AMD offers a two-game bundle with RX 7600 XT or higher GPUs until October 5th.
- Intel is offering Assassin's Creed Shadows with Arc A580, A750, and A770 purchases until September 15th.
Best Graphics Cards 2024 by Price Range
1. Under $200:
The AMD Radeon RX 6600 at around $190 remains the top choice in this category. It offers the best performance for the price, although it's limited to 8GB VRAM. The Intel Arc A750 is a close contender, offering slightly better performance for about $10 more.
2. $200-$300:
The RX 6750 XT and RX 6700 XT 12GB at just under $300 offer incredible value if you can find them. For those with a $250 budget, the RTX 3060 12GB is a solid choice. The RX 7600 XT 16GB at around $300 is also worth considering for its additional VRAM.
3. $300-$400:
The RX 7700 XT 12GB at $385 is the standout in this range, offering significantly better performance than the RTX 4060 Ti 8GB for a similar price.
4. $400-$600:
This range includes several strong contenders:
- RX 7800 XT 16GB ($470)
- RX 7900 GRE 16GB ($523)
- RTX 4070 Super 12GB ($589)
The RX 7900 GRE offers the best value, balancing performance and price.
5. $650-$1000:
Options include:
- RX 7900 XT 20GB ($680)
- RTX 4070 Ti Super 16GB ($780)
- RX 7900 XTX ($900)
- RTX 4080 Super 16GB ($959)
The RX 7900 XT offers excellent 4K performance at a more reasonable price point.
6. $1000+:
The RTX 4090 24GB remains the top performer at around $1700, but with next-gen cards on the horizon, it's a tough recommendation unless you need the absolute best performance right now.
Considerations for Buyers
- VRAM: Consider future-proofing your purchase by opting for cards with more VRAM, especially for 1440p and 4K gaming.
- Ray Tracing: If you're a ray tracing enthusiast, NVIDIA cards generally offer better performance in this area.
- Upscaling Technology: Both NVIDIA's DLSS and AMD's FSR offer excellent upscaling at 4K, with minimal visible differences for most users.
- Driver Support: While Intel Arc cards offer good value, they may lack day-one driver support for new game releases.
- Future-Proofing: With new generations on the horizon, consider how long you plan to keep your GPU before upgrading again.
The graphics card market in September 2024 offers a wide range of options for every budget and performance need. While high-end buyers might want to wait for the next generation, there are excellent values to be found in the mid-range and budget segments. Consider your specific needs, budget, and future plans when making your decision. Remember to check current prices and availability, as the market can change rapidly. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading an existing one, there's a graphics card out there to meet your needs and budget in 2024.