Building a quality gaming PC is the dream of many technology and gaming enthusiasts. Within this universe, the GPU (video card) plays a crucial role, being responsible for delivering stunning graphics and fluid performance. However, with so many options on the market and a wide range of prices, the question remains: how much to invest to guarantee a satisfactory gaming experience?
In this article, we will explore how much to set aside in your budget to purchase a quality GPU. We will cover different categories of cards, their specifications, values ​​and the impact that each choice can have on the performance of your games. Keep reading so you don’t make a mistake when investing in the most important component of your gaming setup!
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Understanding the role of the GPU in performance
A GPU It is one of the most important components in a gaming computer, as it is responsible for processing graphics and rendering the images you see on the screen. Modern games require ever-increasing graphics capacity, and choosing a good graphics card can be the difference between running games on Full HD a 60 FPS or face constant crashes, compromising the gaming experience.
In addition to influencing overall performance, the video card is essential to ensure immersion in realistic virtual environments. It determines the quality of textures, the level of detail of animations and the fluidity of visual transitions. Technologies such as ray tracing, which simulates lighting and reflections in real time in an incredibly realistic way, make games much more immersive and visibly attractive.
Therefore, understanding the role of the GPU goes beyond just looking at specification numbers. It also reflects how you will benefit from your machine’s performance in the long term, whether for high-end gaming or graphics-intensive applications. Allocating a good budget to this component can be the key to obtaining a balanced and long-lasting configuration.
Entry-level GPUs: An affordable option
The segment of Entry GPUs is one of the most sought after options by Brazilian players, especially those who want to play games on Full HD without compromising the budget. In recent years, this category has gained new momentum, with models that offer good value for money and a balanced gaming experience. However, it is essential to be careful to avoid dubious offers for video cards with lower-than-expected performance.
Currently, the price of entry-level GPUs varies between R$ 1.300,00 e R$ 1.800,00with some fluctuations depending on the model and seasonal promotions. A popular example is the AMD Radeon RX 6600which offers consistent performance at 60 FPS with medium or high graphics quality. This card has been a favorite choice for many gamers, combining affordability with the ability to run a variety of modern titles.
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Another interesting option within this category is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060which features superior performance, allowing you to run games at high or ultra settings. Although its price is generally close to R$ 2.000,00it is often found in promotions with more competitive prices. This card is ideal for those looking for more robust graphics performance without entering the mid-range GPU segment.
Generally speaking, the average cost of a GPU for play in Full HD revolves around R$ 1.600,00being an excellent reference for those who want to invest in this category. Models like the Radeon RX 7600 and the RX 6600 itself are highly recommended, balancing price and quality. However, it is important to remember that higher values ​​do not always mean greater performance, as can be seen when comparing cards such as the RTX 4060 with the RX 7600, whose FPS difference is small, but the cost can vary considerably.
Intermediate GPUs: For those who want to run games in QHD
When we talk about run games in QHD (Quad HD)mid-range GPUs offer an excellent balance between cost and performance. To achieve this resolution with high graphic quality and consistent frame rates, it is necessary to invest in more robust models, which guarantee the necessary power to deliver an immersive experience. Currently, prices for this category vary widely, ranging from R$ 2.300,00 a R$ 4.300,00depending on the model and market conditions.
Among the most affordable options, we find AMD Radeon RX 7600 XTwhich delivers acceptable performance for QHD resolution in less demanding games, but is not exactly the most suitable for those looking for high graphic quality. On the other hand, plates like NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti offer a significant leap forward, especially with the introduction of technologies such as DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), which improves performance without compromising visuals.
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In the highest range, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPERconsidered one of the best mid-range GPUs for those who want to play in QHD with everything on high or ultra. Its price is a little higher, but frequent promotions can put it within many players’ budgets. In terms of competition, the AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT is another choice that combines a competitive price with efficient performance, being an option that delivers many frames per second.
It is important to highlight that, when analyzing the cost-benefit of these cards, performance does not increase proportionally to the price. In other words, paying twice as much for a GPU doesn’t necessarily mean getting twice as much FPS. This is especially evident when comparing models like the Radeon RX 7800 XT with the RTX 4070, where the first offers superior performance in several scenarios and still has a lower cost. This discrepancy reinforces the importance of researching and choosing carefully.
In general, the average cost of an intermediate GPU for QHD is around R$ 3.500,00considering competitive models that balance price and quality. This price range suits both players who are looking for something more affordable and those who have greater margin to invest. Whatever your choice, mid-range GPUs are ideal for those looking for high-level graphics performance without needing to invest in high-end options.
Top-of-the-line GPUs for the most demanding gamers
When it comes to running games on 4K resolution With maximum graphics quality, top-of-the-line GPUs are essential. However, this category of cards is also the most expensive, reflecting the latest in technology and performance. Currently, prices for high-end GPUs range between R$5,400.00 and impressive R$13,700.00depending on the model chosen and promotions on the market.
Among the most affordable options in this category, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti stands out for delivering consistent 4K performance at a relatively lower cost. On the other hand, at the top of the scale, we have NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090which not only dominates the market in terms of power, but also has a price that surpasses R$ 13.000,00. Although the price difference between these cards is significant, performance also reflects this contrast, with the RTX 4090 offering impressive results in graphics applications and games.
If the objective is to balance cost and benefit, models such as AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT ea RX 7900 XTX appear as interesting alternatives. The RX 7900 XT, for example, offers an excellent 4K experience for a lower price than GPUs like the RTX 4080 and RTX 4090, which generally exceed R$ 8.000,00. The RX 7900 XTX is an intermediate model within the high-end category, ideal for those who want robust performance without spending the price of an RTX 4090.
In terms of average cost, the investment in a high-end GPU for 4K is around R$ 7.500,00taking into account the most competitive cards on the market. Although the cost is high, it is possible to find more affordable options that still guarantee an immersive and fluid gaming experience. Whether for gaming, video editing or 3D modeling, high-end GPUs meet the demands of the most demanding gamers and professional content creators.
Final considerations
Choose the GPU ideal for your gaming PC requires a good understanding of your needs and the available budget. From the entry options, which offer an interesting value for money for games in Full HDup to mid-range GPUs, which balance price and performance to QHD resolutionsit is possible to find models that adapt to the most diverse player profiles.
For those seeking the pinnacle of graphics performance, high-end GPUs are the right choice, providing immersive experiences in 4K and cutting-edge technologies such as ray tracing and DLSS. However, it is important to remember that higher values ​​do not always guarantee a proportional gain in performance, reinforcing the importance of researching and carefully evaluating before purchasing.
Whatever your choice, investing in a planned way in a suitable GPU can transform your gaming experience. Now that you know the main models and price ranges, which GPU do you consider ideal for your setup? Share your opinions and let’s debate the best choice for each gamer profile!
Source: https://www.hardware.com.br/artigos/orcamento-gamer-gpu/