How to compare graphics cards
A good GPU comparison looks past the model number. A GeForce RTX 3080 and a Radeon RX 6800 XT score almost the same in benchmarks, yet one has 10GB of video memory and the other 16GB, and they need different power cables. Work through it in this order:
- Performance: start with a benchmark that covers both cards. Our score is PassMark's G3D Mark, an average from thousands of real PCs, scaled so the RTX 5090 = 100. A gap under about 5% won't be noticeable in games.
- Video memory (VRAM): 8GB is now tight for new games at high textures, 12GB is comfortable at 1440p and 16GB gives headroom for 4K and future titles.
- Features: NVIDIA GeForce RTX cards have stronger ray tracing and DLSS (with multi frame generation on the RTX 50 series). AMD Radeon cards have FSR, with the newer FSR 4 needing an RX 9000 series GPU. Intel Arc supports XeSS.
- Power and size: check the board power, the PSU you'll need and the card's length against your case. Our PSU calculator and fit checker do this for you.
- Price and value: divide the price by the performance score. The comparison table shows today's typical used price and pounds per performance point for each card.
Comparing benchmarks
Different benchmarks rank cards slightly differently. Synthetic tests such as PassMark and 3DMark Time Spy run the same workload on every GPU, so they're easy to compare across generations. Game benchmarks show real frame rates but depend on the game, resolution, settings and CPU. If two cards are close on our score, look up reviews of the games you play at your resolution before deciding.
- 1080p: the CPU often limits frame rates, so a faster GPU gains less.
- 1440p: the best resolution for comparing mid-range and high-end cards.
- 4K: memory and raw GPU power matter most; differences between cards are largest.
Comparing used and new GPUs
The used market changes the maths. A last-generation high-end card often matches a new mid-range card for less money: a used RTX 3080 performs close to an RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, for example, but draws nearly twice the power and has less memory. New cards bring a warranty, newer features and lower power bills. Used cards bring more performance per pound. Compare both on the same table, then check our GPU tier list to see what else sits at the same level.