Playing 4k games on your PC is fun, but to run them on your computers it requires powerful and cutting-edge graphic cards. Without the powerful GPU pushing pixels, even the best and fastest of the gaming PC won’t offer much.
Whether you’re looking for great value with smooth 4K60 performance or aiming for the ultimate 4K gaming experience regardless of cost, our carefully tested selections cover all budgets. We feature a range of options, from the powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 to the more affordable AMD Radeon RX 7900 GRE. It’s important to note that achieving high-quality 4K gaming doesn’t always mean overspending. We include both the latest models and previous-generation cards that still offer excellent performance for their value.
One thing is for sure that gaming in 4k resolution normally costs more than lower resolution options. The experience that these GPUs provide is top notch so spending the money on these best graphic cards is worth the investment. We have shortlisted the best graphics cards for 4K gaming that are tested and reviewed by experts.
The best 4K graphics card in 2024
In this blog we will discuss some of the best graphics cards for 4K gaming that experts have tested for pixel-packed gaming. Whether you’re looking for the fastest graphics card, the best value option, or the top-performing card within a specific price range, we have everything covered for you. The experts have carefully analyzed the data using a combination of simulated and real-world tests to create a detailed list of the best high-performance GPUs available.
1. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090
Specifications
| CUDA cores | 16,384 |
| Core clock speed | 2235 MHz |
| Memory | 24GB GDDR6X |
| Memory clock speed | 1313 MHz |
| Power connectors | 1x 16-pin |
| Outputs | 1x HDMI 2.1 3x DisplayPort 1.4a |
| TGP | 450 watts |
The RTX 4090 is the most powerful and the best graphic card in the market currently. The latest model offers outstanding performance for gaming and intensive rendering tasks that left all the other competitors far behind.
During testing, the experts found that the RTX 4090 can play some of the most demanding PC games in native 4K resolution with frame rates exceeding 120 frames per second. If you are looking for the most latest and cutting-edge technology then this graphic is for you. However, smooth 2160p performance does not come at low cost, as the prices of RTX 4090 are on a higher side. Currently, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 will cost you between $1700 to $2400 depending upon the model and the platform where you buy it from.
The RTX 4090 is a powerhouse not just for gaming but also for productivity software. It outpaces competitors like Blender and PugetBench for Adobe Premiere Pro, thanks to its new TSMC 4nm process and impressive 16,384 CUDA cores. This enthusiast-level card easily outperforms the previous leader, the RTX 3090 Ti, and costs significantly less—$400 / £540 / AU$200 less, to be exact. In short, if you’re looking for top-notch performance at a great price, this is the one to get.
Our Verdict
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 is the best performing graphic card for 4k gaming right now, if you have a hefty budget.
2. AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
Specifications
| Core clock speed | 1855 MHz |
| Memory | 24GB GDDR6 |
| Memory clock speed | 2500 MHz |
| Power connectors | 2x 8-pin |
| Outputs | 1x HDMI 2.1a 2x DisplayPort 2.1 1x USB Type-C |
| TBP | 355 watts |
Back when Nvidia was pushing for larger GPUs and higher prices, AMD took a different approach by keeping the size and price similar to their previous generation models. The AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is impressive with its 24GB GDDR6 memory, yet it’s packaged in a slim 2.5 slot design and uses the traditional 2x 8-pin PCIe power connector. This made it an easy upgrade choice for those looking to replace an older model.
The AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is just as competitive in terms of its form factor and power consumption as it is in price. AMD’s flagship GPU retails for $999, which significantly undercuts Nvidia’s top offerings. In our tests, we found that AMD’s RDNA 3 flagship performs on par with the RTX 4080 in gaming in most cases. However, where this model falls short is in its ray tracing capabilities, which don’t quite match up to Nvidia’s advancements since 2018. Nonetheless, the native performance in 4K gaming is exceptional and remains the standout feature of this GPU. AMD remains a potent solution for anyone that doesn’t care as much about ray tracing.
If you are looking for a gaming solution in 4k which could cost under $ 1,000 then AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is the best choice available.
Our Verdict
If you are looking for a gaming solution in 4k which could cost under $ 1,000 then AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is the best choice available.
3. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
Specifications
| CUDA cores | 10,496 |
| Core clock speed | 1395 MHz |
| Memory | 24GB GDDR6X |
| Memory clock speed | 1219 MHz |
| Power connectors | 1x 12-pin |
| Outputs | 1x HDMI 2.1 3x DisplayPort 1.4a |
Even though the ampere graphics card has been around for nearly three years, you can’t deny the impressive performance it offers for the price. The RTX 3090 comes packed with a whopping 24GB of GDDR6X memory on a 384-bit memory bus, whic matches the current-gen leader in specs. And now, you can snag this gaming and productivity powerhouse for as low as $899.99 from certain online stores and on the secondhand market.
Since the Ampere series hit the market with Ada back in September 2022, it’s been a bit tough to get your hands on popular cards like the RTX 3090. But as retailers are trying to clear out their inventory, you might stumble upon discounts and bundled deals, making it possible to snag one of the top 4K graphics cards at a really competitive price. Our tests showed that the original BFGPU handles demanding tasks like Blender 3D rendering and processing in software like Autodesk Maya and Adobe Premiere Pro with impressive speed.
Gaming on the RTX 3090 is just as impressive now as it was back in September 2020. Sure, you might not get the latest DLSS 3’s Frame Generation perks, but that doesn’t really matter because the RTX 3090’s fast and spacious VRAM ensures you can enjoy games in true 4K (and boost frame rates using DLSS 2) for years to come. You can easily hit 4K at 60 frames per second, and in some well-optimized games, you can even push beyond 100fps.
Our Verdict
Some top gamers might be going for this card for its status rather than its raw power, but it’s primarily designed for creative professionals. The RTX 3090 is ideal graphic card for creative professionals as it runs software like Autodesk Maya and Adobe Premiere Pro with impressive speed.
4. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
Specifications
| CUDA cores | 8704 |
| Core clock speed | 1440 MHz |
| Memory | 12GB GDDR6X |
| Memory clock speed | 1188 MHz |
| Power connectors | 1x 12-pin |
| Outputs | 1x HDMI 2.1 3x DisplayPort 1.4a |
If you’re looking for a solid upper mid-range 4K graphics card, it’s hard to find better value than the Nvidia RTX 3080. This model, released in 2020 at $699 / £649, offers impressive next-generation ray tracing capabilities and delivers effective 4K performance at a very competitive price point.
As we’re well into 2024 now, it’s entirely possible to stumble upon RTX 3080 stock priced around $700 depending on where you shop. Like other Ampere cards, availability has become a bit trickier since Ada’s release, but deals are still out there if you keep an eye out. For the price, you’re getting a 4K graphics card with 12GB of GDDR6X VRAM, which handles demanding PC games with ease. Even after three years, modern games still don’t come close to maxing out this amount of memory, unlike the 8GB found in more mainstream options.
The aim with the RTX 3080 was to make 4K gaming at 60 frames per second affordable, a feat previously reserved for top-tier models. When it first launched, it offered better value than the high-end turing options. Now, this Ampere card comes in at almost half the price of the RTX 4080 in the US, the UK, and Australia. Whether you’re tight on space in your PC case or on a budget, the RTX 3080 remains a solid choice for both productivity and gaming in 4K this year.
Our Verdict
Whether you’re tight on space in your PC case or on a budget, the RTX 3080 remains a solid choice for both productivity and gaming in 4K this year.
5. AMD Radeon RX 7900 GRE
Specifications:
| Core Clock | 1,500MHz |
| Shaders | 5,376 |
| Memory | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Memory clock speed | 2,500MHz |
| Power connectors | 2 x 8-pin |
| Outputs | 3 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x HDMI 2.1 |
| TGP | 300W |
| Ray Processors | 84 |
| AI Processors | 336 |
The AMD Radeon RX 7900 GRE stands out in the midrange graphics card market, providing a remarkable mixture of performance and features that far superior what you’d expect for its price.
When it was released at price $549 globally, the RX 7900 directly competes with Nvidia RTX 4070. It even challenges RTX 4070 Super in many features. The speedy VRAM and wide memory bus makes it a solid entry-level 4K graphics card.
During the testing of experts, It was found that the RX 7900 GRE delivers top notch rasterization performance and impressive ray tracing features, which narrowed the gap between AMD and Nvidia in this arra. When it comes to gaming, the RX 7900 GRE outperforms the RTX 4070 Super when upscaling is enabled.
Moreover, it’s a capable creative card, therefore it is also a great option for graphic designers, photographers, and video editors. While it might not surpass the RTX 4070 Super entirely, the RX 7900 GRE still packs a punch, offering exceptional value for its cost. This makes it stand out as one of the top choices for 4K graphics cards in 2024.
Our Verdict
it’s a capable creative card, therefore it is also a great option for graphic designers, photographers, and video editors. While it might not surpass the RTX 4070 Super entirely, the RX 7900 GRE still packs a punch, offering exceptional value for its cost. This makes it stand out as one of the top choices for 4K graphics cards in 2024.
The Best GPUs For 4k Gaming – FAQS
What GPU do you need for 4K 120fps?
To achieve 4K gaming at 120 frames per second (fps), you’ll typically need a high-end graphics card with plenty of processing power and VRAM. In this case Nvidia RTX 4090 is the ideal graphic card you should consider. It can run most of the PC games in 2160p without compromise and it has become even more faster with addition of Nvidia’s DLSS 3 with its Frame Generation technology.
What is the best graphics card for 4K gaming?
When it comes to gaming, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX offers a smooth and fast gaming experience in 4K, matching or beating that of the more expensive Nvidia RTX 4080. You can count on high frame rates of over 100 frames per second in many PC games, and even achieve a solid 4K resolution at 60 frames per second with ray tracing turned on.
Is it worth playing PC games in 4K?
If you’re aiming for top-notch image quality in your PC gaming setup, then 4K resolution is the way to go. It offers a level of visual detail that you simply won’t get with lower resolutions like 1080p or 1440p. As 4K (2160p) becomes increasingly popular, we’re seeing more high-profile 4K120 gaming monitors become available in the mainstream market. This means you no longer have to compromise between a high refresh rate and a high resolution; you can have both.
HOW WE TESTED THE BEST 4K GRAPHICS CARDS
We’ve selected the best graphics cards for 4k gamong by testing the latest models of both Nvidia and AMD. Our evaluation process involves industry-standard tests, synthetic benchmarks, and real-world gaming scenarios. We have thoroughly testes a variety of demanding games across different genres and optimization levels, ensuring that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
To maintain fairness and consistency, every 4K graphics card we review undergoes the same thorough testing process on our standardized bench. This bench includes the same CPU, SSD, and PSU setup across the board. While performance is crucial, we also take into account factors like power consumption, price, and thermals. After all, investing in a new 4K graphics card is a significant decision, so we provide you with a complete and honest assessment to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Hassan is a digital marketer with a passion for technology. He writes about laptops, PC components, and gaming hardware, offering valuable insights and simplifying complex concepts. Whether you’re upgrading your gaming rig or looking for the best tech tools, Hassan’s articles help you make informed decisions and stay updated with the latest trends.