Best graphics cards (2026)
Graphics cards for local AI, video transcoding, 3D work and gaming. Ranked on performance, video memory, efficiency, software support and fit. Compare all graphics cards side by side
Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›
updated 24 Oct 2026 · ranked by score, value and ageNew to graphics cards? What they are and what to look for
A graphics card (GPU) draws the picture for games and speeds up video editing and AI tools. It fits inside a desktop PC.
Do you need a graphics card? Needed for modern PC gaming and running AI models at home. Not needed for office work, browsing or video streaming.
What to look for
- Enough video memory: 12GB or more for new games and AI
- That it physically fits your case and power supply
- Noise and power use
Unsure about a word? Jargon explained
Our picks
- #1
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5080 GAMING OC 16G
6.9/10verdict: buyThis is a factory-overclocked RTX 5080 for buyers who want a quiet, well-cooled high-end card and have a case with room for it. It suits gaming and local AI work that fits within 16GB of video memory. It needs a roomy case, and it has one 16-pin 12V-2x6 power connector with an 850W power supply recommended by Gigabyte.
GeForce RTX 5080, 10752 CUDA cores, core clock 2730 MHz (reference 2617 MHz)16GB GDDR7, 256-bit bus, 30 Gbps memory clockL=340 mm, W=140 mm, H=70 mm; PCB form ATXPrice unavailable right nowCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
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- #2
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 XT GAMING OC 16G
6.7/10verdict: buyThe Gigabyte RX 9070 XT GAMING OC 16G suits gamers who want an AMD card with 16GB of video memory. It also suits homelabbers who want AV1 and HEVC encode for media transcoding in a large case. It is a poor match for small chassis or builds that need a lower-power card.
Radeon RX 9070 XT, 4096 stream processors, PCI-E 5.016GB GDDR6, 256-bit memory bus, 20 Gbps288 mm (L) x 132 mm (W) x 56 mm (H)Price unavailable right nowCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
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- #3
PowerColor Reaper AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB GDDR6
6.1/10verdict: wait for dealThe PowerColor Reaper RX 9070 XT suits gamers and homelabbers who want an AMD card with 16GB of memory in a two-slot body. It fits buyers who care about a quiet card at idle and light loads, and who have two 8-pin PCIe power cables available. Anyone who needs confirmed AI, Linux or transcoding support should check those details first, because the available information doesn't cover them.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT, 4096 stream processors16GB GDDR6, 256-bit, 20.0 Gbps304 × 127 × 42 mm including bracket; two slots widePrice unavailable right nowCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details
- #4
MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8G GAMING TRIO OC
5.3/10verdict: wait for dealThis is an 8GB RTX 5060 Ti with MSI's TRI FROZR 4 cooler, aimed at gamers who want a quiet card at 180 W. It suits builders with a case that takes a 300 mm card and a PSU with a 16-pin connector. It fits less well if you plan to run local AI models or play at 1440p with ultra textures.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, 4608 CUDA cores, PCI Express Gen 5 x16 (uses x8), core clock Extreme Performance 2662 MHz (MSI Center), Boost 2647 MHz8GB GDDR7, 128-bit bus, 28 Gbps180 W board power; recommended PSU 600 W300 x 125 x 44 mmPrice unavailable right nowCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
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- #5
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 8GB GDDR7 OC Edition
5.0/10verdict: wait for dealThis is an RTX 5060 for buyers who want a quiet card with a single 8-pin connector for gaming and general desktop use. It suits anyone who values the dual BIOS switch and the 0dB fan mode. It is a poor fit if you want to keep the card for many years, because 8GB of memory is the main concern raised by reviewers.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060, 3840 CUDA cores, 128-bit memory interface, PCIe 5.08GB GDDR7, 28 Gbps memory speed228 x 123 x 50 mm, 2.5 slotPrice unavailable right nowCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
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Questions
How much video memory do I need for local AI?
It decides which models fit. 8GB runs small models, 12-16GB runs mid-sized ones comfortably, and 24GB or more is needed for larger models without heavy compression.
NVIDIA, AMD or Intel for AI and transcoding?
NVIDIA's CUDA is supported by almost every AI tool. AMD's ROCm and Intel's oneAPI support is growing but patchier. For Plex or Jellyfin transcoding, all three have hardware encoders; check the software supports yours.