The video card market in 2025 has simplified access to modern technologies. Entry-level and mid-range solutions have started working with ray tracing, upscaling, and new APIs without overpaying. Budget video card models at the top provide reproducibility, stability, and adaptability for multitasking. The review is based on specific parameters, results, and scenarios.
RX 7600 — mid-range performance at a starting price
The model confidently handles tasks of the modern gaming segment, adapts to resource-intensive engines, and integrates well into builds with Ryzen 5 or Intel i5 12-14th gen processors. The device is suitable for users focused on stability and visual depth in games, including narrative AAA projects where lighting quality and object density are important. The RX 7600 is also used in streaming systems where simultaneous graphics load and encoding are required.

Architecture and specifications: RDNA 3, Navi 33, 2655 MHz, 8 GB GDDR6, 128-bit, 288 GB/s, TDP 165 W, ray tracing, FSR 2.2.
RTX 3050 6GB — simplified access to DLSS and RT
The RTX 3050 continues the top budget video cards: aimed at gamers who require a clear balance between image quality and frame rate. DLSS support significantly expands the card’s capabilities in projects with dense geometry and lighting. The RTX 3050 is also suitable for novice developers using Unreal Engine with active shadow tracing. It is used in student and work configurations for rendering and basic 3D visualization.
Architecture and specifications: Ampere, GA107, 1770 MHz, 6 GB GDDR6, 96-bit, 168 GB/s, ray tracing, DLSS 2.x, TDP 115 W.
RX 6600 — a reliable foundation for uncompromising gaming
The model provides a high level of versatility. The RX 6600 is used in builds for streaming, editing, and gaming stations. Thanks to stable frequency and moderate heat generation, the video card demonstrates reliability during extended use. Scenarios include FPS games, strategies, and popular projects with FSR support. Due to the optimal combination of price and parameters, the card is often used in configurations for internet cafes.
Architecture and specifications: RDNA 2, Navi 23, 2044–2491 MHz, 8 GB GDDR6, 128-bit, 224 GB/s, FSR, DirectX 12 Ultimate, TDP 132 W.
Arc A580 — wide bandwidth and intelligent scaling
A representative of Intel’s new generation of graphics solutions. The model is ideal for working with AV1 encoding, multi-display environments, and simultaneous multitasking. High memory bandwidth allows using Arc A580 in editing systems and editors like DaVinci Resolve. The video card, also in the top list of budget solutions, demonstrates good compatibility with Linux environments and configurations for low-latency streaming.
Architecture and specifications: Xe-HPG, ACM-G10, 1700 MHz, 8 GB GDDR6, 256-bit, 512 GB/s, XeSS, ray tracing, TDP 185 W.
RX 6500 XT — compactness and speed for 1080p
A solution for users with limited space in the case and the need to run demanding games at medium-low settings without sacrificing frames. The RX 6500 XT proves to be a suitable solution for systems based on microATX. It is often used in schools, offices, and esports training stations. Suitable for games like Rocket League, Apex, and other online action games.
Architecture and specifications: RDNA 2, Navi 24 XT, 2610–2815 MHz, 4 GB GDDR6, 64-bit, 143 GB/s, FSR, PCIe 4.0, TDP 107 W.
Arc A380 — entry-level gaming with XeSS
The card performs well under budget constraints. It is used in entry-level configurations for gaming clubs and home multimedia stations. It also demonstrates high efficiency in games with XeSS support. With 6 GB of memory, it is used in projects with non-standard resolutions (e.g., 1440×900, 1600×1024) and in systems with ultrawide monitors.
Architecture and specifications: Xe-HPG, ACM-G11, 2000 MHz, 6 GB GDDR6, 96-bit, 186 GB/s, XeSS, RT, TDP 92 W.
RX 6400 — a workhorse for quiet configurations
The model is used in professional environments where low noise and compactness are critical. The RX 6400 integrates successfully into mini-ITX cases, remote access servers, and media players. It performs well in games up to 2022 on medium-low settings, as well as in environments like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and other 2D/3D systems with basic loads.
Architecture and specifications: RDNA 2, 2321 MHz, 4 GB GDDR6, 64-bit, 112 GB/s, FSR, HDMI 2.1, TDP 75 W.
GTX 1650 G6 — classic with new memory
A video card from the top list of budget solutions suitable for economical upgrades of office systems and laptops with eGPUs. It is also used in cyber cafes, systems for MOBAs, and competitive shooters. It has broad compatibility with software, including Adobe Suite and OBS Studio. Used in home use, YouTube streaming, and light video editing.
Architecture and specifications: Turing TU117, 1590 MHz, 4 GB GDDR6, 128-bit, 192 GB/s, NVENC, TDP 75 W.
Arc A310 — starting point with technologies
An optimal choice for a limited budget, especially in educational institutions, public libraries, and terminal systems. Supports AV1 encoding, works in multi-monitor configurations. Ideal for light streaming, playing 4K content, and retro gaming. Used in systems with limited power consumption.
Architecture and specifications: Xe-HPG, 1150 MHz, 4 GB GDDR6, 64-bit, 112 GB/s, XeSS, AV1, TDP 65 W.
GTX 1630 — rethinking the office level
The model is used to create quiet, reliable workstations. The video card shows good adaptability in office tasks, video conferences, and educational simulators. It is often used in digital signage, POS terminals, and budget all-in-one PCs. Minimum power requirements allow using the card with 250–300 W blocks.
Architecture and specifications: Turing, 1740 MHz, 4 GB GDDR6, 64-bit, 96 GB/s, CUDA, Vulkan, TDP 75 W.
Comparison, tasks, positioning: top budget video cards of 2025
The top budget video cards of 2025 cover the entire range of needs — from economical office builds to gaming in Full HD and multitasking streaming environments. Performance ranges from basic 40–50 FPS in online games to stable 90+ FPS in graphically rich titles with scaling technologies enabled.
For convenience, a summary table reflecting the main differences and usage scenarios is presented:

Model | Video Memory | GPU Frequency | Technologies | Suitable for |
---|---|---|---|---|
RX 7600 | 8 GB GDDR6 | 2655 MHz | FSR 2.2, RT, AV1 | AAA games, 1080p/1440p, rendering, streaming |
RTX 3050 6GB | 6 GB GDDR6 | 1770 MHz | DLSS 2.x, RT, Reflex | DLSS gaming, tracing, Unity/UE5 projects |
RX 6600 | 8 GB GDDR6 | 2491 MHz | FSR, DX12U | Universal gaming, Full HD, streaming, editing |
Arc A580 | 8 GB GDDR6 | 1700 MHz | XeSS, RT, AV1 | Editing, multi-monitor tasks, Linux, streams |
RX 6500 XT | 4 GB GDDR6 | 2815 MHz | FSR, PCIe 4.0 | Compact builds, MOBA/FPS, online games |
Arc A380 | 6 GB GDDR6 | 2000 MHz | XeSS, RT | Entry-level gaming, AV1 encoding |
RX 6400 | 4 GB GDDR6 | 2321 MHz | FSR, HDMI 2.1 | Quiet systems, office, compact cases |
GTX 1650 G6 | 4 GB GDDR6 | 1590 MHz | NVENC, CUDA | Emulators, streaming video, MOBA, 2D graphics |
Arc A310 | 4 GB GDDR6 | 1150 MHz | XeSS, AV1 | Education, AV center, multimedia, terminal PCs |
GTX 1630 | 4 GB GDDR6 | 1740 MHz | CUDA, Vulkan | Office solutions, budget builds, multimedia |
Top 10 budget video cards of 2025: key points
The modern market offers a wide range of possibilities even within a limited budget. Basic models like Arc A310 or GTX 1630 solve tasks of office graphics and multimedia playback. The mid-range class is represented by RX 6600 and RTX 3050 — versatile platforms for Full HD gaming with good thermal control and drivers.
RX 7600 and Arc A580 represent a step up to a higher league without a significant budget increase. They are used in production tasks, streaming, and rendering, expanding the horizons of budget PC builds. Each model incorporates modern technologies — ray tracing, FSR, DLSS, XeSS, hardware-accelerated codecs. The top budget video cards of 2025 reflect a smart balance between potential and necessity.