Find the best graphics cards for ray tracing in 2026

The Ada Lovelace architecture and 115W TDP deliver efficient 1080p gaming with DLSS 3 and solid ray tracing in a compact 199mm dual-fan design. Its white shroud and low power draw make it a clean fit for small form factor builds without taxing a 300W PSU. This card is best for budget-conscious 1080p gamers upgrading from older GTX hardware who want modern features in a space-constrained case.

The RDNA 3 architecture and 2655 MHz boost clock deliver strong 1080p performance, backed by 8GB of GDDR6 memory on a 128-bit bus. The dual-fan XFX SWFT cooling solution keeps the 165W TDP in check within a standard 2-slot design, making it a straightforward drop-in upgrade. This card is best for budget-conscious gamers targeting high-refresh 1080p play in esports and AAA titles, not 4K workloads.

Equipped with 10GB of GDDR6 memory and 18 ray tracing units on Intel's Battlemage architecture, this card supports up to 8K at 120Hz HDR output via DisplayPort 2.1. The dual-fan TORN Cooling 2.0 system and metal backplate provide a robust build with a breathing light accent, all within a compact 242mm length. It is best suited for entry-level content creators needing modern encode/decode and multi-display setups, though its 1080p gaming performance is notably limited.

The Turing-based RTX 2060 chip with 6GB of GDDR6 memory and a 1755MHz boost clock delivers entry-level ray tracing and DLSS in a compact 202mm dual-fan card. Its all-metal backplate and dual-fan cooler provide effective heat dissipation with low noise, while the pre-installed backplate adds structural rigidity uncommon at this tier. This card is best for budget-conscious 1080p gamers who want ray tracing features without upgrading their 500W power supply.

The RDNA 2 architecture and 2825 MHz boost clock deliver efficient 1080p gaming in a compact 172mm dual-fan card that fits easily into small form factor builds. Its low 107W TDP requires only a single 6-pin connector, making it a straightforward drop-in upgrade for older office PCs with limited power supplies. This card is best for budget-conscious esports gamers who need a modern entry-level GPU for titles like CS2 or League of Legends at medium settings.

The compact 198mm dual-fan design and 8GB GDDR6 memory make this Ampere-based card a practical entry point for ray tracing in small form-factor builds. Its low 450W PSU requirement and single 8-pin power connector allow for easy upgrades in older systems without a power supply overhaul. This GPU is best for budget-conscious 1080p gamers who want DLSS and ray tracing support in esports titles, not for 4K or demanding workstation tasks.

The Blackwell architecture and 8GB of GDDR7 memory on a 128-bit bus deliver strong 1080p gaming with DLSS 4 and ray tracing, all within a compact 227mm dual-fan card. Its 180W TDP and standard 8-pin power connector make it a straightforward upgrade for older systems without needing a massive power supply. This card is best for budget-conscious 1080p gamers who want current-gen features like AV1 encoding and PCIe 5.0 in a small form factor build.

The 4608 CUDA cores and 2662 MHz OC boost on the Blackwell-based RTX 5060 Ti GAMING TRIO deliver solid 1080p gaming performance with 8GB of GDDR7 VRAM and a 448 GB/s memory bandwidth. Its triple-fan TRI FROZR 4 cooling keeps the 180W TDP quiet under load, while DLSS 4 and AV1 encoding add value for modern titles and streaming. Best for budget-conscious gamers building a 1080p rig who prioritize ray tracing and AI features over high-resolution VRAM capacity.

The Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4 on this 50W card deliver 1080p gaming with 0dB silent operation during light loads. Its compact 2-slot design and SFF-Ready certification fit easily into small chassis without sacrificing the dual Axial-tech fan cooling. This GPU is best for compact PC builders seeking quiet, efficient 1080p performance with access to modern features like ray tracing.

Equipped with the RDNA 4 architecture and a 3320MHz boost clock, this card delivers efficient 1080p gaming through its 8GB of GDDR6 memory and AMD Infinity Cache. The dual-slot, 270mm design with a white shader offers broad compatibility for compact builds while supporting modern features like PCIe 5.0 and FidelityFX Super Resolution 4. This GPU is best for budget-conscious 1080p gamers seeking a power-efficient, VR-ready card for esports and mainstream titles.

The Blackwell architecture and 2632 MHz boost clock deliver solid 1080p gaming, backed by 8GB of GDDR6 memory and DLSS 4 support for higher frame rates. Its triple-fan WINDFORCE cooler keeps the 130W card quiet in a compact 280mm, 2-slot design with dual HDMI 2.1b outputs. This card is best for budget-conscious 1080p gamers who want modern features like ray tracing and AV1 encoding without a premium price.

The 12GB GDDR6 frame buffer and 3840 CUDA cores provide strong 1080p gaming performance with ray tracing and DLSS support, while the dual-fan TORX 3.0 cooler keeps the 130W TDP in check. Its compact 235mm dual-slot design fits easily into smaller builds without sacrificing thermal performance. This card is best for budget-conscious 1080p gamers who want high texture settings and entry-level ray tracing in modern titles.

The GTX 1080 Ti's 3584 CUDA cores and 11GB GDDR5X memory on a 352-bit bus still deliver strong 1080p rasterization performance, with a 1582MHz boost clock and 11.34 FP32 TFLOPS of compute. This ASUS Turbo model uses a blower-style cooler and Auto-Extreme manufacturing for reliability, while the certified refurbished program adds a 90-day warranty and like-new condition at a lower entry price. It is best for budget-conscious 1080p gamers who prioritize high frame rates in older titles and want a capable VR-ready card without ray tracing demands.

The RDNA 2 architecture and 2593MHz boost clock deliver solid 1080p gaming at a competitive budget price point. The dual-fan cooling system includes a dual BIOS switch for silent or OC modes, offering practical flexibility in a compact design. This card is best for 1080p gamers upgrading from older hardware who want reliable 60+ FPS performance without overspending.

The Pascal-based GTX 1070 delivers 6.46 TFLOPS of FP32 compute and 8GB of GDDR5 memory on a 256-bit bus, making it a capable 1080p performer. Its 150W TDP and refurbished availability position it as a value-focused entry for budget-conscious builders. This card is best for gamers sticking to 1080p resolution who need reliable performance in older titles without modern features like ray tracing.

The RDNA 4 architecture and 16GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus drive high frame rates at 1440p, backed by a 2700MHz boost clock. Its triple-fan cooler and 3.5-slot design effectively manage the 245W TDP while maintaining a solid build quality for sustained gaming sessions. This card is best for 1440p gamers seeking strong rasterization performance and VR readiness without stepping up to flagship pricing.

The RDNA 4 4nm chip with 3584 stream processors and a 2520MHz boost delivers solid 1080p gaming, backed by 16GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus. Its triple-fan cooler with 0dB silent mode and a 290mm length fits most ATX cases, while the 220W TDP keeps power demands reasonable. Best for budget-conscious gamers building a 1080p rig who want ray tracing and VR readiness without overspending.

The 16GB of GDDR7 memory on a 128-bit bus and DLSS 4 support make this card a strong 1440p gaming option, leveraging the Blackwell architecture for solid frame rates. Its compact 208mm dual-slot design with a protective metal backplate and server-grade thermal gel ensures it fits easily into smaller builds while maintaining cool, quiet operation. This GPU is best for 1440p gamers who want high VRAM capacity for texture-heavy titles without needing a massive case or power supply.

Built on Blackwell's 5nm process, this card pairs 6144 CUDA cores with 12GB of GDDR7 memory on a 192-bit bus delivering 672 GB/s, boosting to 2587MHz. Its dual-fan Slim design keeps the card at 290mm and two slots, while DLSS 4 and PCIe 5.0 support make it a strong fit for 1080p and 1440p ray-traced gaming. Best for gamers prioritizing high frame rates at 1080p/1440p with ray tracing, though its AI LLM performance (54.9/100) is a clear weak spot.

The 16GB frame buffer and 624 GB/s memory bandwidth on the RDNA 3 chipset excel at 1440p gaming, while the all-aluminum backplate and composite heatpipe cooler keep the 270W card rigid and cool under load. Its white aesthetic and digital power design offer precise efficiency, setting it apart visually and functionally in this performance tier. This card is best for 1440p gamers seeking a quiet, cool-running GPU with ample VRAM for high-resolution textures, though it is not ideal for AI workloads.

The 16GB GDDR7 frame buffer and 759 AI TOPS on the Blackwell architecture provide ample headroom for 1440p gaming with DLSS 4, while the 85W TDP keeps power draw exceptionally low. Its 2.5-slot Axial-tech design with 0dB semi-passive cooling allows for a quiet, compact build without sacrificing thermal performance. This card is best for small-form-factor builders and 1440p gamers who prioritize energy efficiency and silent operation over raw 4K workstation rendering.

The triple-fan RED DEVIL cooler and 2920 MHz factory overclock push this RDNA 4 chip beyond reference specs for sustained 1440p gaming. Its 12GB framebuffer on a 192-bit bus is paired with modern connectivity like PCIe 5.0 and DisplayPort 2.1a, housed in a massive 340mm, 3-slot design. This card is best for 1440p gamers who prioritize a quiet, high-clocked custom design over 4K or AI workloads.

The 16GB of GDDR7 VRAM and Blackwell architecture with 4608 CUDA cores deliver strong 1080p gaming with DLSS 4 and ray tracing, all within a compact 215mm dual-fan card. Its white ICE design and factory overclock to 2617 MHz offer a clean aesthetic and out-of-the-box performance boost at a competitive price point. This GPU is best for budget-conscious 1080p gamers who want modern features and high texture settings without upgrading their power supply beyond a 650W unit.

The Blackwell-based RTX 5060 Ti with 8GB of GDDR7 memory and a 2647 MHz boost clock delivers solid 1080p gaming with full DLSS 4 and AV1 encode support. Its triple-fan WINDFORCE cooler keeps the 180W card compact at 281mm long and just 2 slots thick, fitting easily into smaller builds. This card is best for 1080p gamers upgrading from an older GTX or RTX 20-series GPU who want modern features without a power supply overhaul.

The 12GB of GDDR6X memory and 10,240 CUDA cores on the Ampere architecture deliver high frame rates at 1440p, backed by a 1665MHz boost clock. Its compact 254mm length and dual-slot design fit into a wide range of cases, while the triple-fan cooler manages the 175W TDP effectively. This card is best for 1440p gamers who want strong ray tracing and DLSS performance without needing a massive chassis.

The 16GB frame buffer and 3230 MHz boost clock on the RDNA 4 architecture provide ample headroom for 1440p gaming, while the compact 220mm dual-fan design ensures broad case compatibility. Its dual-slot, dual-fan Reaper cooler keeps the 250W TDP in check without excessive noise, making it a practical choice for small-form-factor builds. This card is best for 1440p gamers who want high VRAM capacity and AV1 encoding on a budget, but can forgo top-tier AI performance.

The 1890MHz boost clock and triple Axial-tech fan design on this 2.9-slot card deliver top-tier thermal performance for the RTX 3060 Ti chipset. Its 2nd-gen RT and 3rd-gen Tensor cores provide strong ray tracing and DLSS capabilities at 1080p, backed by a robust Super Alloy Power II build quality. This card is best for 1080p gamers who prioritize cool, quiet operation and high frame rates in ray-traced titles.

The Blackwell-based RTX 5080 chipset with 16GB of GDDR7 memory and DLSS 4 delivers a 35,759 PassMark score, while the military-grade components and protective PCB coating ensure long-term reliability. Its 3.6-slot design uses a phase-change thermal pad and triple Axial-tech fans to maintain peak 2730MHz boost clocks under sustained loads. This card is best for 1440p and 4K gamers who prioritize a quiet, durable build with a 95.6/100 gaming score in that resolution tier.

The Blackwell-based RTX 5080 with 16GB of GDDR7 and 1801 AI TOPS delivers strong AI acceleration and DLSS 4 support in a 2.5-slot, SFF-ready triple-fan design. Its Axial-tech fans and GPU Tweak III software provide practical thermal control and performance tuning for compact builds. This card suits AI developers and content creators who need high VRAM bandwidth in smaller workstations, though its 1080p gaming score suggests it's not optimized for that use case.

The 10,752 CUDA cores and 2805MHz boost clock on the Blackwell RTX 5080 deliver 56.3 FP16 TFLOPS, with 16GB of GDDR7 memory on a 256-bit bus providing 960 GB/s bandwidth. The WINDFORCE triple-fan cooling, LCD Edge View, RGB Halo, and dual BIOS (Performance/Silent) add practical customization, backed by a 4-year warranty with online registration. Best for gamers and content creators who want high ray tracing (97.5/100) and creation scores (97.3/100) in a 360mm, 3.5-slot card.

This limited-edition card stands out with a factory AIO liquid-cooled RTX 5090 and a unique GC-HPWR gold finger that enables an 800-watt power draw for 10% higher performance. Its 32GB of GDDR7 memory and robust copper vapor chamber cooling are engineered for extreme overclocking, including LN2 use with a dedicated memory defroster. This GPU is best for elite 4K gamers and overclocking enthusiasts who demand the absolute performance ceiling and are building a high-end system with a compatible BTF motherboard.

The 21,760 CUDA cores and 2467MHz boost clock on the Blackwell RTX 5090 deliver top-tier 4K gaming and AI performance, backed by 32GB of GDDR7 memory on a 512-bit interface. The triple-fan WINDFORCE cooling keeps the 575W TDP in check, while DLSS 4 and AV1 encoding add value for creators and gamers alike. Best for enthusiasts running 4K ray-traced titles or local LLM workloads who need the fastest consumer GPU available.

The 21760 CUDA cores and 32GB of GDDR7 memory on the Blackwell architecture deliver top-tier 4K gaming at 89.6/100, backed by a 34% larger vapor chamber and IceStorm 3.0 cooling to manage the 600W TDP. Its distinctive infinity mirror design and reinforced mid-frame provide a premium build quality that stands out in any high-end rig. This card is best for 4K gamers and ray-tracing enthusiasts who prioritize maximum frame rates and visual fidelity above all else.

The Ada Lovelace RTX 4090 with 9728 CUDA cores and a 2595MHz boost delivers top-tier 4K gaming, scoring 92.2/100, while the TRI FROZR 3 cooling with TORX FAN 5.0 keeps it quiet under load. Its 24GB GDDR6X memory and AV1 encode also make it a strong pick for content creation, though workstation tasks score lower at 79.6/100. Best for gamers and creators who want maximum ray tracing performance at 1440p or 4K and are willing to pay for it.

The Blackwell RTX 5080 chip delivers 56.3 FP16 TFLOPS and 16GB GDDR7 at 960 GB/s, with DLSS 4 and 4th-gen ray tracing for 4K gaming. The TRI FROZR 4 cooling with three STORMFORCE fans and ZERO FROZR mode keeps noise low under load, while the metal backplate adds rigidity. Best for gamers and creators prioritizing 1440p and 4K ray-traced performance, with a PassMark score of 35759 and a 4.5/5 rating from 181 reviews.

The 9728 CUDA cores and 2610 MHz boost clock on the Ada Lovelace 5nm chip deliver 24.72 FP32 TFLOPS, making this a top-tier card for 4K ray tracing with a PassMark G3D score of 34446. Its triple-fan cooling and 337mm length fit large cases, while the 16GB GDDR6X memory and 432 GB/s bandwidth handle heavy textures without stutter. Best for gamers prioritizing 4K and 1440p ray tracing performance who have an 850W PSU and a spacious chassis.

The Blackwell-based RTX 5080 OC pairs 10,752 CUDA cores with a 2730 MHz boost clock and 16GB of GDDR7 memory at 960 GB/s, delivering strong 4K and ray tracing performance. Its triple-fan cooler and 300mm length fit most mid-tower cases, while PCIe 5.0 and DisplayPort 2.1b support future connectivity. This card suits gamers prioritizing high-refresh 4K and ray tracing, backed by a 4.8/5 rating from 1,192 reviews.

The RDNA 4 architecture and 2970MHz boost clock deliver strong 1440p gaming performance, backed by 16GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus. The Nitro+ cooling design and dual HDMI outputs offer practical connectivity and sustained thermal headroom under its 304W TDP. This card is best for 1440p gamers seeking high frame rates without stepping up to flagship pricing.

The 20GB GDDR6 frame buffer and RDNA 3 architecture with a 2400MHz boost clock make this card a strong 1440p and capable 4K gaming performer. Its 320-bit memory bus and dual DP 2.1 outputs provide high bandwidth for multi-display setups, while the 2.5-slot design fits most mid-tower cases. This GPU is best for gamers prioritizing high-resolution texture detail and those wanting a VR-ready card without stepping up to the flagship XTX model.