Best graphics cards: Top 3 picks in 2023

In the world of PC gaming and professional graphics rendering, your GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) serves as the beating heart. A top-tier graphics card is an absolute necessity for achieving flawless performance, whether you're battling foes in the latest AAA game or rendering high-definition video content. But with the constant evolution of technology and a plethora of options available, selecting the best graphics card that fits your needs and budget can be a daunting task.

In this article we will delve into the realm of high-performance GPUs to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're a hardcore gamer seeking to immerse yourself in stunning virtual worlds, a graphic designer aspiring to accelerate your workflow, or a PC enthusiast building your dream rig, we've got you covered. Read on to explore our curated selection of the best graphic cards in the market, each offering a unique blend of power, performance, and value.

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Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090

Specifications

Stream processors: 16,384

Core clock: 2,235 MHz

Memory: 24GB GDDR6X

Memory clock: 21.2Gbps

Power connectors: 1 x 16-pin

Outputs: DisplayPort 1.4a x3, HDMI 2.1a

Emerging with a resounding bang, the RTX 4090 redefines the pinnacle of GPU performance, even amidst a global economic downturn. It holds the title of the best graphic card in 2023, firmly standing atop the gaming GPU hierarchy, delivering a performance that no existing rivals can contest.

Power Redefined: The Supremacy of RTX 4090

None of the current competing GPUs, including AMD's top-of-the-line RX 7900 XTX, can dim the bright spotlight on the RTX 4090's superior performance. It firmly remains at the forefront, eclipsing even its predecessor, the RTX 4080.

Packing a staggering 170% transistor increase compared to the massive GA102 chip of the RTX 3090 Ti, this formidable GPU makes its predecessor seem lethargic. Even more striking is the implementation of the advanced DLSS 3.0 revision, explicitly crafted for Ada, a fusion of technological finesse and mystery.

Performance Par Excellence: The Lightning-fast RTX 4090

Yes, the RTX 4090 is not just fast; it's phenomenally fast. With all its bells and whistles activated, including DLSS 3 and Frame Generation, it significantly surpasses the preceding RTX 3090. Doubling the 3DMark Time Spy Extreme score of the powerful Ampere core, and offering twice the 4K frame rate in Cyberpunk 2077 (before factoring in ray tracing or DLSS), it stands as the best graphic card in 2023.

An Unparalleled Benchmark: The RTX 4090

Although the RTX 4090 caters primarily to ultra-enthusiasts, it sets a remarkable standard for all PC gamers. As everyone eagerly awaits more affordable next-gen GPUs from Ada, the RTX 4090 continues to lead the pack, even in light of the RTX 4070 Ti's release, which has yet to offer a budget-friendly alternative.

An Investment Worth Every Penny: The RTX 4090

In summary, the RTX 4090 is a superior graphic card that can satisfy the most demanding performance appetites. Whether you're a privileged gamer or a content creator desiring more than a Quadro card can provide, the RTX 4090 is a tantalizing option. With no equal competitor available, it substantiates its high price tag and stands to be a best-seller in 2023.

Despite its audacious launch in a time of global crisis, the RTX 4090 embodies the unparalleled performance Ada can deliver. It may seem extravagant to some, but for gaming enthusiasts seeking the best graphic card in 2023, it is the ultimate powerhouse, heralding a new epoch in gaming.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080

Specifications

Stream processors: 16,384

Core clock: Base clock of 2.23 GHz and boost clock of 2.52 GHz

Memory: 24GB GDDR6X

Memory clock: 1313 MHz (21 Gbps effective)

Power connectors: 12+4 pin 12VHPWR power connector

Outputs: DisplayPort 1.4a x3, x3 HDMI 2.1

Experience top-tier performance with the best graphic card on the market - Nvidia RTX 4080. This remarkable unit is a must-have for avid gamers and professionals alike, delivering almost double the power of the RTX 3080 Ti, its equally priced predecessor, thanks to the ground-breaking DLSS 3.0 technology. The astonishing performance boost is akin to magic, making frame generation a surreal experience.

Under the Microscope: Nvidia RTX 4080

Unpacking the RTX 4080 presents a challenge comparable to a Herculean feat. Nonetheless, the 16GB version's arrival eliminates the complications of an additional 12GB variant, simplifying the task. Amid an uncertain economic climate, leading GPU manufacturers are rolling out next-gen graphics cards starting at a whopping £900.

Yet, the performance lead the RTX 4080 maintains over the RTX 3080 Ti may justify its heftier £1,200+ price point - a subject worthy of further exploration.

Performance Breakdown: RTX 4080 vs. Previous Generations

The RTX 4080 stands a head above similarly priced graphics cards from yesteryears, including the RTX 3080 Ti. It ticks all the boxes for a generation-on-generation performance boost, but it raises the question: should GeForce cards bear a £1,200+ price tag?

Under the Hood: Examining the RTX 4080's Core

The RTX 4080, driven by the AD103 GPU, is a streamlined version of the AD102 chip that powered the RTX 4090. Although it's only 60% the size and possesses 60% of the transistors and CUDA cores, it commands a price tag that is 75% of the RTX 4090.

Price Considerations: Nvidia RTX 4080

By simple calculations, the RTX 4080's pricing should hover around £960. However, Nvidia's unconventional move of launching two RTX 4080 cards priced at £1,200 and £899 — each with unique memory configurations and distinct GPUs — solidifies this pricing structure.

Nvidia RTX 4080 vs. AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX: A Close Contest

The rivalry between the RTX 4080 and Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a sight to behold. The AMD card matches the performance of the RTX 3090 and, at £999, poses a formidable challenge to the slightly faster yet pricier £1,200+ RTX 4080. With its superior ray tracing capabilities, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a viable alternative for cost-conscious gamers and professionals.

Conclusion: The Dominance of Nvidia RTX 4080

In conclusion, the Nvidia RTX 4080 has established its territory in the high-performance, high-price sector. With its impressive specifications and outstanding performance, it exemplifies the relentless pursuit of technological advancement that is constantly driving the evolution of the GPU industry.

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

Specifications

Stream Processors: 4,864,

Core Clock: 1,900MHz (2,500MHz Boost)

Memory: 24GB GDDR6

Memory Clock: 20Gbps (960GB/s bandwidth)

Outputs: 1 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x USB Type-C

Power Connectors: 2x PCIe 8-pin

Showcasing the zenith of recent technological advancements, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX redefines what it means to be the best graphic card in the industry. Unlike traditional GPU generations which gradually introduce improvements like smaller process nodes, revamped architectures, larger caches, and increased memory capacity, the RDNA 3 strides ahead by bundling all these enhancements into one ground-breaking package. This innovative leap sets the RX 7900 XTX at a unique vantage point within the GPU landscape.

Conquering the 4K Gaming Realm at a Competitive Price

With its powerful capabilities and an affordable price of £950, the RX 7900 XTX has boldly asserted its dominion in the 4K gaming market. It has created its unique niche, dwarfing its predecessors, the RX 6950 XT and RX 6900 XT - both priced close to $1,100 - in terms of performance.

While the RX 6950 XT's price has seen a reduction, currently hovering around the £600 mark, the RX 7900 XTX compellingly warrants its price with approximately a 20% performance boost. This increase in performance often exceeds the 20% price premium, as our rigorous benchmarking tests have demonstrated.

Superior Memory and Ray Tracing Capabilities: The Game-Changers

The RX 7900 XTX brings a significant memory enhancement to the table, increasing capacity from 16GB to 24GB. This upgrade, along with the elevated ray tracing performance courtesy of RDNA 3, makes the RX 7900 XTX a compelling investment for avid gamers.

The RTX 4080 Rival: RX 7900 XTX

Despite facing stiff competition from the RTX 4080, the RX 7900 XTX holds its own. While the RTX 4080 typically outperforms the RX 7900 XTX, the latter occasionally surpasses its rival, presenting itself as a noteworthy competitor. The added memory capacity further bolsters the XTX's value, asserting it as one of the best graphic cards on the market.

Nvidia's reign over the ultra-high-end segment remains unchallenged. However, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX offers an irresistible blend of robust performance and superior value, particularly when its competitive price point is taken into consideration. This advantage situates it as a tempting alternative in the £1,000 range.

Striking the Perfect Balance: Value for Money and Exceptional 4K Gaming Performance

If the RX 7900 XTX retains its £999 price tag, it is poised to be the optimal choice for high-end 4K gaming builds in 2023. The RTX 4090 may have claimed the throne for the top-performing gaming GPU, but the final decision boils down to an individual's specific needs and budget.

Paired with a high-end CPU and a 4K (or ultrawide) monitor, the RX 7900 XTX can deliver outstanding frame rates at a potentially lower price. This combination provides an unparalleled 4K gaming experience, striking the perfect balance between cost and performance.