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With the continuous advancement in technology, it is important for you to be equipped with the latest gadgets and bits and pieces in order to meet specific standards.
Hence, every person working in the digital creativity world will agree that it is extremely important to have a powerful graphics card. But which graphics card should you choose?
To answer this question, we will be reviewing a few of the best graphics cards under $100 in detail, to help you decide on which one to opt for. So, let’s dive right in!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Graphics Card Under 100
- OUR TOP PICK: MSI Gaming GeForce (GT 710 2GD3 LP)
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: ZOTAC GeForce GT 730 Zone Edition (ZT-71115-20L)
- BEST GAMING GRAPHICS CARD UNDER $100: GIGABYTE GeForce GT 1030 GV-N1030D5-2GL
Comparison Chart of the Best Graphics Cards Under $100
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Can You Find a Quality Graphics Card Under $100?
Gaming graphics cards required to power high-end games can be quite expensive. However, you can opt for ones that are under $100, but bear in mind that you might have to sacrifice a feature or two. Cards with 2 GB of memory usually fall in the $100 range and you can find one that meets your requirement while staying in budget.
MSI Gaming GeForce (GT 710 2GD3 LP)
2 GB graphics cards come with a high-speed VRAM that also offers a variety of performance software, making them a great option. Sometimes, it is not that important to opt for a higher number of GB; 2 GB graphics cards also offer great performance.
You need a graphics card that can work with your cooling system so it doesn't overheat. Just because you’re opting for a cheaper alternative doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to enjoy a good gaming experience.
Review of the Best Graphics Cards Under $100
It can get a bit hard to find the best graphics card for your gaming experience, especially since they can be quite expensive to purchase. However, there are a lot of options available in the market that you can opt for without breaking the bank. Keeping that in mind, we have devised a list of some of the best graphics cards under $100 for you to go through and choose.
Best Overall:
MSI Gaming GeForce (GT 710 2GD3 LP)
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The GT 710 works very well in most cases. It is an inexpensive option. But for a very small investment, it allows you to play a wide variety of games, and requires a small investment. Also, it is user-friendly, so anyone can easily handle it without facing any issues.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Not only is this particular graphics card inexpensive, but it also consists of components that are extremely budget-friendly. It features a small, compact design, which makes it perfect for a smaller build. It also features Afterburner overclocking capabilities, 2 GB DDR3 RAM, and a 954 MHz core. It has enough features to allow you to play the majority of games smoothly.
Who Will Use This Most
People who do designing work, basic animations, or are gamers will appreciate this option for sure. It features a GeForce GT 710 chip that makes it a great option for both beginners, as well as for advanced gamers to boost their system.
Bottom Line
Although the 710 chip is an older model from NVIDIA, it is a strong option that can handle some titles once equipped with some decent graphics settings. With this graphics card, you can expect to step up your setup. It is a simple, well-built, and an overall rounded card that offers you great performance without putting a dent in your wallet.
Best for the Money:
ZOTAC GeForce GT 730 Zone Edition (ZT-71115-20L)
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users report that this is a quiet graphics card. You need to power it with the motherboard, and no external power is required. It requires 26 watts when under stress. This graphics card is not the fastest you’ll get, but it is a good option if you’re using the card for movies, videos, and other normal apps.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What makes this stand out is that it features 4 GB of RAM, which is twice as much as all the other options mentioned above. With the extra RAM, this graphics card is able to outperform other options.
It can render complex images and models easily. It is also compatible with every MS operating system since the XP. Also, it supports a 4K Quad HD resolution along with it being triple-display ready, as well.
Who Will Use This Most
Although this graphics card features a 4 GB RAM, it is slow. Therefore, it would be a good choice for those who currently are not using a graphics card or have one that offers a low performance. It is a great option for all those who wish to upgrade their animation game.
Bottom Line
While this unit is an outdated option despite having a larger RAM, it is a good option for all those looking for an upgrade. It is a cheap option that offers a handful of features and benefits compared to other options, making it a great investment.
Best Gaming Graphics Card Under $100:
GIGABYTE GeForce GT 1030 GV-N1030D5-2GL
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users report that this unit offers a decent upgrade. You can use it easily, as it doesn’t come with any pins or connectors. Instead, it requires you to simply slot it home. It offers a silent performance and also features a heat sync option that allows the card to stay cool even after you’ve used it for a long period.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like that this graphics card is built using the latest technology. It offers you two options to choose from; the passive version, which offers a silent performance, and the fan version, which offers extra cooling.
Moreover, it features 2 GB of RAM and supports a screen resolution of up to 4096×2160 at 60 Hz. It features a clock with a base speed of 1468 MHz. Plus, the AORUS feature allows you to overclock the card as well, when needed.
Who Will Use This Most
It is a good option for casual gamers, as well as people who often work with 3D modeling applications. Despite having 2 GB of RAM, you can still play a variety of games on high settings. It is best for those who like playing games that aren’t too graphically advanced.
Bottom Line
Considering the price, it is a good graphics card for gaming. It offers an amazing gameplay experience for even high requirement games. It is considered to be one of the best options that you should definitely consider.
Editor's Pick:
Gigabyte GV-N1030OC-2GI Nvidia GeForce GT 1030 OC
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
You can use this graphics card for almost any non-AAA title. It also supports most of the older AAA titles that were released before 2015-16 at a decent setting. It is also very easy to install; you simply need to just pop it into the slot on the motherboard. It is a good way of upgrading your system without having to spend a lot.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It leaves a mark on us because it is a 4k graphics card. It is an affordable option that is both easy to use and install, and offers good overall performance. You can play a variety of games, such as Fallout 4, Star Wars, Battlefront, etc. You can even play Fortnite at a medium setting.
Who Will Use This Most
We believe that this is a great option for all those who spend their time playing games. It is also excellent for both casual to medium gaming. Its aluminum base makes it a highly durable option, and it is very easy to use, as well.
Bottom Line
This graphics card is one of the few newer card options that can actually boot the Legacy bios. It is a great option for all those people who are still using their old computers and want to upgrade without having to empty their accounts. All you need is this graphics card for a major upgrade.
5. MSI AMD Radeon R72402364P
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
As per recent buyers, this graphics card is easy to install. You don’t require any additional power connectors; the card draws the power from the PCI bus instead. It comes with a small cooling fan that offers a silent performance. Also, it is an easy-to-use graphics card that serves its purpose.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like that this unit is Crossfire-compatible, which means you can run two cards in tandem as a one graphics unit instead. You can use this card to give your system performance a boost. It features a decent amount of RAM and a fast core that allows you to do medium to high-intensity jobs. You can use it for both gaming and video editing.
Who Will Use This Most
According to us, those who watch a lot of HD videos will find this graphics card a good option. It can be used by gamers or people who prefer watching movies or streaming TV shows. However, if you are someone who plays modern games, you might not like the performance of this graphics card that much.
Bottom Line
Overall, this card offers you both flexibility and versatility. It is great if you want to improve your performance but don’t want to spend on an upgrade. Also, it is a good option for people who use their computers for streaming and watching movies, etc. It is a cheap option you should definitely consider.
Conclusion
Everyone knows that graphics cards can make a huge change in your gaming, streaming, and overall user experience. Therefore, you need to have one that can offer you a wide variety of features.
However, buying a graphics card can be quite expensive, which is why we’ve compiled some of the best units that are under $100 to provide you with an amazing performance so you can choose one that suits your requirements.
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