How this GPU hierarchy works
This GPU tier list ranks every graphics card we track, from the GTX 1660 to the GeForce RTX 5090, by one benchmark so they can all be compared fairly. We use PassMark's G3D Mark, an average of results from thousands of real PCs, and scale it so the fastest card (the RTX 5090) scores 100. Cards with similar scores share a tier.
Next to each GPU you'll see today's typical used price on eBay UK and the price per performance point, which is the quickest way to spot value: a lower figure means more performance for every pound. Prices update daily from live listings, so the best value card in each tier can change from week to week.
One caution: a single benchmark can't capture everything. PassMark scores for the newest cards, such as the Radeon RX 9070 XT, can lag behind real game results while drivers mature, and the score doesn't measure ray tracing or upscaling. Use the tiers to shortlist, then compare two cards side by side.
What each tier means
S tier: flagship
- For 4K gaming at high settings and high-refresh 1440p, plus heavy creative and AI workloads.
- Cards: GeForce RTX 5090, RTX 4090, RTX 5080 and the RTX 4080 / 4080 Super.
- Used RTX 4080s are often the value pick here: almost RTX 5080 speed for much less.
A tier: high end
- 4K in most games with upscaling, and very smooth 1440p.
- Cards: RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 4070 Ti Super, RTX 4070 Super, RTX 5070, Radeon RX 7900 XTX, RX 7900 XT and RX 7900 GRE.
- The RX 7900 XTX's 24GB of memory makes it a strong used buy for long-term 4K.
B tier: upper mid-range
- The sweet spot for 1440p gaming at high settings.
- Cards: RTX 4070, RTX 3080 and 3080 Ti, RTX 3090, Radeon RX 9070 XT, RX 9070, RX 6800 XT, RX 7800 XT and RTX 5060 Ti 16GB.
- This is where the used market shines: last generation's high-end cards cost far less than their launch price (MSRP).
C tier: mid-range
- 1080p at ultra settings, or 1440p at medium.
- Cards: RTX 3060 Ti, RTX 4060, RTX 5060, Radeon RX 6700 XT, RX 6750 XT, RX 9060 XT, GTX 1080 Ti and RTX 3060 12GB.
D and E tiers: entry level and budget
- 1080p at high or medium settings and esports games.
- Cards: Intel Arc B580 and B570, Radeon RX 6600, RTX 2060, RTX 3050 and the GTX 1660 family.
- Check the memory: 6GB and 8GB cards struggle with high textures in new games.
NVIDIA vs AMD vs Intel
NVIDIA GeForce
Stronger ray tracing, DLSS upscaling (with multi frame generation on the RTX 50 series) and CUDA, which most creative and AI software is built around. You usually pay more for the same raster performance.
AMD Radeon
More memory for the money and strong performance per pound, especially used. FSR 4 upscaling needs an RX 9000 series card; older Radeons use FSR 3. Ray tracing has improved a lot with the RX 9070 generation.
Intel Arc
The Arc B580 and B570 are good-value 1080p and 1440p GPUs with 12GB and 10GB of memory. Drivers have improved a great deal, but Arc works best in a modern PC with Resizable BAR switched on.
Tips before you buy a GPU
- Match the resolution: buy for the monitor you use. A C-tier card is plenty for 1080p; 4K needs A or S tier.
- Get enough memory: 12GB or more is safer for 1440p in new games.
- Check your power supply: high-end cards can need 750W or more. Use our PSU calculator.
- Check it fits: partner cards can be over 330mm long. See will it fit?
- Think about the upgrade: a jump of at least one tier is usually needed to feel the difference.
- Buying used: compare against today's typical price before you buy, and pay through eBay checkout so you're covered by the Money Back Guarantee.