The most powerful and high-end graphic card are very expensive, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get a good one if you’re tight on budget. The graphics card under 50 are mostly used for onboard graphics replacement and for simple tasks such as photo and video editing, and HD video playback.
You can use these graphics card for playing older titles at a good screen resolution and graphics settings.
A cheap graphics card under 50 increases the performance of the PC and the overall graphics performance too. A good graphics card makes sure that the motherboard resources are consumed fully and fast and smooth performance is achieved.
If you’re looking for the best graphics card under 50, here in this post I’m going to present a list of the top most products available on the market.
Top-Rated Graphics card under $50
Things you MUST KNOW before choosing your Best Graphics Card under $50
When you’re going to choose the best graphics card under 50, you’ll have to prioritize some of the features over another. When you’re going to purchase a graphics card under 50, you’ll have to pay a lot of attention to its features. If you understand your requirements properly, you’ll be able to choose the right product for your rig.
Following are the factors that will help you shortlist the graphics card that fall in this category:
Size
Size is one of the most important factors when it comes to buying a graphics card under 50. The graphics cards are designed to fit with a variety of different form factors. For example, there are ATX form factors and some are the low profile cases.
It is imperative that you first measure your case’s size and consider the connector types and then go for a graphics card. Nothing is worse than buying your favorite graphics card only to find out it doesn’t fit in your system.
Cooling and Noise
For some people, noise is very troublesome and they consider as a big minus point. If you’re one of those, go for a graphics card that is equipped with a cooling system that doesn’t create much noise. However, the cheaper graphics cards are not mostly equipped with a fan and they have a heat sink only.
Thus, you have to make sure that the PC case is properly ventilated so that there is no build-up of heat or dust inside.
Memory
Most of the tech geeks believe that the larger the graphics card’s memory, the better is its performance. However, this is not the case always. The GPU ready data is stored in GDDR3 or GDDR5 which is the dedicated memory of the graphics card.
Most of the high-end graphics cards are equipped with a high memory but if you’re going for a cheaper option, you must consider the bandwidth. The storage bandwidth is the main factor that affects the overall memory of the graphics card.
Performance
Take a look at the specifications of the graphics card. It is better to go through the benchmark tests and check the amount of RAM and clock speed. Other things that can affect the performance are: the maximum resolution and the number of screen outputs.
Also, make sure that other hardware components such as the processor and RAM are powerful enough to give you the performance boost you want from the graphics card.
Our Top Picks
We are going to review graphics card from various companies that fall in the budget category. These cards are very useful especially if you’re planning to upgrade your system’s graphics performance.
The good thing about these budget cards is that they operate quietly and remain cool throughout the time. Following are our top picks for the best graphics cards under 50:
1. Asus GeForce GT 710 Graphics Card – (Best powerful graphics card)
Specs
- CUDA cores: 192
- Base clock: 954 MHz
- Clock speed: 5012 MHz
- Memory: 2 GB DDR5
- Interface: PCle 2.0 X 16
Asus GeForce GT 710 Graphics Card Review
We have chosen the Asus GeForce GT 710 in the ‘under 50’ category of graphics cards because it costs just a little more than 50. The card is powerful and I know our readers won’t mind paying just $6 more to enjoy the handy features.
The card features the Kepler architecture and it is equipped with 192 CUDA cores and a base clock of 954 MHz. It is an entry level graphics card that is good for web surfing, working with documents, emails, and running daily use apps. The graphics card can also let you play 1080p video smoothly along with good sound quality.
The GeForce GT 710 is a dual-width card as it is equipped with a lumpen passive cooler. The power consumption of this card is only 19W. The card also includes DirectX 12 support and support for resolutions up to 2560 X 1600 pixels. It features HDMI and VGA connectors too, and there is support for up three simultaneous displays.
Pros
- It features premium alloy components.
- There is silent passive cooling for a quiet performance.
- The GPU Tweak II makes overclocking easier.
- The user interface is intuitive.
2. EVGA GeForce 210 Passive – (Best fan-less design)
Specs
- CUDA cores: 16
- Memory interface: 64 bit
- Memory clock: 1200 MHz
- Bus interface: PCle 2.0
- Max resolution: 2560 X 1600 MHz
- Memory: 1 GB DDR3 SDRAM
- Recommended PSU: 300 W
EVGA GeForce 210 Passive Review
This Nvidia graphics card features Digital Video Interface and supports both Digital and VGA signals. The graphics cards deliver immense processing power and that too at an affordable price. It is very easy to install and there are instructions provided too for a smooth setup.
Though it can’t cope up with something that is graphically intense, but it is quite useful for watching videos, normal computing, and doing other online stuff. The graphics card occupies only a single slot and is a good option for you if you want to upgrade the outdated onboard graphics with a good one that features DVI and HDMI display ports. Overall the graphics card delivers excellent performance; the video quality is good and comes with passive cooling.
Pros
- It delivers smooth video with accurate colors.
- The visual immersion offers more dynamic experience.
- It features good compatibility and performance for all OpenGL applications.
- It is equipped with HDMI.
- It has a compact fanless design.
- It operates very silently.
Cons
- Isn’t good for playing video games.
3. Gigabyte GeForce GT 420 2 GB DDR3 – (Best for upgrade)
Specs
- CUDA cores: 48
- GPU Clock: 700 MHz
- Memory clock: 1600 MHz
- Memory size: 2 GB DDR3
- Memory interface: 128-bit
- Bus interface: PCle 2.0
- DirectX: 11
Gigabyte GeForce GT 420 2 GB DDR3 Review
The Gigabyte GeForce GT 420 is a powerful and affordable graphics card; it comes with 48 CUDA cores and a 2 GB DDR3 memory. The graphics card is good for watching HD videos, light gaming, photo and video editing. You can also play games of older titles at decent graphics settings on this powerful graphics card. The card supports Windows 10, Ubuntu, and Linux.
To make sure that you don’t have any issues while installation, install the latest Nvidia GeForce drivers from the official website of Nvidia and then use it with Windows 10.
Pros
- It is good for upgrading onboard graphics of older PC.
- It is equipped with all the display connectors.
- It delivers efficient cooling.
Cons
- There are some issues with the driver.
4. ZOTAC GeForce GT 710 2 GB – (Best Overall)
Specs
- CUDA cores: 192
- Memory: 64 bit DDR3
- Interface type: PCl Express 2.0
- Core clock: 954 MHz
- Memory clock speed: 1600 MHz
- Output ports: VGA, DVI, HDMI
ZOTAC GeForce GT 710 2 GB Review
The ZOTAC GeForce is a powerful graphics card; it is equipped with 192 CUDA cores which are more than enough for a budget graphics card. This is a dedicated graphics card that is suitable for multi-monitors for non-gaming purposes. The card is a low profile one and it can easily fit into a compact case. There is no need of external power which makes it a good option for those who are looking for a graphics card with low power consumption.
The card features a passive cooling solution that allows it to operate silently. The good thing about this card is that it has a good gaming potential too, and you can play titles such as Resident Evil 4, GTA 4, Call of Duty 4, and others with decent graphics settings and playable frame rates. Though it is not as good as most of the high-end gaming cards, but it will allow you to play some of the titles without any lag or stuttering.
Pros
- It operates quietly due to fanless design.
- It is a low profile graphics card.
- It consumes very low power.
- It allows you to connect up to 3 displays.
- It is perfect for upgrading your current system.
- It can run a lot of games.
Cons
- It isn’t suitable for the AAA titles.
5. MSI ATI Radeon HD6450 1 GB – (Best low profile design)
Specs
- Stream processors: 160
- Memory: 1 GB DDR3
- Memory clock: 1333 MHz
- Interface: 64 bit
- Resolution: 2560 X 1600
MSI ATI Radeon HD6450 1 GB Review
The MSI ATI Radeon is one of the best graphics card under 50; it features a Radeon HD6450 chipset with a 625 MHz engine clock and 1 GB DDR3 memory. The graphics card supports real-time video capturing along with multi-thread support. It has an overall low profile design; there is one slot that saves a lot of space and clutter and works perfectly for small and compact cases. The graphics card also supports 7.1 high bitrate audio transmissions and deep color.
The graphics card can support two monitors simultaneously and can support a resolution of 2560 X 1600. The card plays HD DVD graphics and Blu Ray as well. This graphic card can act as an upgrade if you have an old PC that can’t play the HD videos. The graphic card comes with a CD but you steel need to download a driver from the website. Also, make sure that you keep on updating the GPU unit so that you’re able to play your favorite games.
Pros
- It features one slot and a low profile design.
- It features multi-thread support and real-time video capturing.
- It is equipped with all solid capacitors.
- It is compatible with Linux.
Cons
- Installation is a bit complex.
6. EVGA GeForce 8400 GS 1 GB – (Best for visual immersion)
Specs
- CUDA cores: 8
- Base Clock: 520 MHz
- Memory clock: 1200 MHz
- Memory: 1 GB DDR 3
- Recommended: PSU
EVGA GeForce 8400 GS 1 GB Review
The EVGA GeForce 8400 graphics card is packed with features and is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a budget solution. You can play games as well as play HD DVD movies using this graphic card. Though you can play only entry level games such as Counter Strike or Doom without any issue, playing the high level games can be a bit fussy. The card consumes very low power and is good if you want an option that keeps your system cool.
The card features Nvidia GigaThread technology which is the latest one. This technology enables thousands of threads to execute in parallel in the card’s core. The technology makes sure that the graphics power works at its fullest efficiency so that the programs run smoothly. The card also features True 128-bit floating point HDR that allows you to experience cinematic for a perfect graphics experience.
Pros
- It provides visual immersion for a more dynamic experience.
- The unified shader architecture improves the visual quality.
- It features good compatibility and performance for the OpenGL application.
- The Nvidia PureVideo HD technology gives the best HD experience.
Cons
- Fan is a bit problematic.
7. EVGA GeForce GT 610 2 GB DDR3 – (Best for easy installation)
Specs
- CUDA cores: 48
- GPU clock: 810 MHz
- Memory clock: 1000 MHz
- Memory size: 2 GB DDR 3
- Memory interface: 64 bit
- Bus interface: PCl Express 2.0
- Direct X: 12
- Output ports: VGA, DVI, HDMI
EVGA GeForce GT 610 2 GB DDR3 Review
The GT 610 is one of the newest budget graphics cards. The card is equipped with 48 CUDA cores and an active cooling solution which includes a heatsink and a fan. The card is powerful and comes with a 2 GB DDR3 memory. The overall design is compact and it is good for low profile cases. You can play games such as GTA 4, Far Cry 2, Fallout 3, Diablo 2 and others on low medium setting at HD resolution or 720 p.
The graphic card is a good option if you’re willing to upgrade your onboard graphics or build a multimedia PC. It supports Linux and Windows 7/8/10 and is equipped with all the display ports including VGA, HDMI, and DVI.
Pros
- It is very easy to install.
- It is quite and powerful.
- It delivers good value for money.
- It is a low profile card.
Cons
- Fan is not durable.
8. MSI GeForce 210 1024 MB – (Best for dual monitor setup)
Specs
- CUDA cores: 16
- Memory: 1 GB DDR3 VRAM
- Memory clock: 1000 MHz
- Base clock speed: 589 MHz
- Interface: PCl Express 2.0 X 16
- Maximum resolution: 2560 X 1600
MSI GeForce 210 1024 MB Review
The MSI GeForce 210 is built on the 40 nm process and is based on the GT218 graphics processor. This graphics processor is a very small chip and has a small die area. The card features 16 shading units, 8 texture mapping units, and 4 ROPs. The GPU functions at a frequency of 520 MHz while the memory runs at 400 MHz.
For this graphics card, Nvidia has combined 512 MB DDR3 memory with the GeForce 210 that are connected to each other through the 64-bit memory interface. It is a single slot card and doesn’t require any additional power connector. The Display outputs of this graphic card include VGA, DVI, and Display Port.
Pros
- It has a low profile design.
- It works well for dual monitors.
- It is easy to install.
- It delivers excellent value for money.
Cons
- Not meant for gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a motherboard with DDR3/DDR4 RAM support the GDDR5 graphics card?
The RAM or system memory has nothing to do with the graphic card’s VRAM. So if the motherboard is equipped with a DDR 3 or DDR 4 RAM it doesn’t matter at all. The VRAM is integrated on the graphics card and it works as a separate memory along with the GPU. So, the compatibility factor doesn’t matter here and the graphic card’s memory isn’t affected by the motherboard or CPU. The only thing that you should consider is whether the motherboard has the PCle x16 slot, doesn’t matter it is PCle 2.0, 3.0, or 3.1.
How to know if the graphics card is compatible with the motherboard?
Most of the latest graphic cards are equipped with PCle x16 connector, and if your motherboard is equipped with a PCle x16 then the card is compatible with it. However, it might happen that if you have tan outdated motherboard, it doesn’t work with a new graphic card. If you’re more concerned, you can go through the motherboard manual or visit the website to know about its compatibility with different graphic cards
Should I change my PSU for a new graphics card?
The power requirement of every graphic card is different, and you must consider it so that you can check whether your existing PSU would be enough. If you have a graphic card that requires 400W recommended PSU, and your existing PSU delivers only 300 W, then you must consider changing the PSU. It is always recommended that you go for a higher wattage PSU then the one recommended in the PSU manual. If you’re already thinking to upgrade the PSU, you must keep in mind that the mid-level and high-level graphics cards require 6-pin and 8-pin power connectors.
Can I play the latest games on the best graphics card under 50?
No, you cannot play the latest games on the best graphics card under 50 because these games require a higher resolution. However, if you plan to invest a little more and buy a graphic card for $100, you’ll be able to play the latest titles at 720 p/ 900 p or 1080 p resolution. If you’re planning to play the latest games, you’ll have to invest more than just $50.
Which is better: single fan or dual fan graphics card?
Graphics cards are available with the same GPU for single, double, and even triple fan setups. The single fan graphics cards are cheaper than the multiple fan setups. The graphics cards that are equipped with dual or triple fans provide a better cooling solution and an improved overclocking potential too.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market to buy the best graphics card under 50, then this list would meet your requirements as it reviews all the graphics cards in this category. Nvidia offers more variety of budget graphics cards as compared to AMD, but both brands have good cards under 50.
Now that you’ve gone through the list of the best graphics card under 50, you must be thinking which one is the best? We recommend going for the Zotac GeForce GT 710 2 GB because it is a powerful graphics card and gives a smooth gaming performance. The Asus GeForce GT 710 has a powerful memory and it is good for gaming too. Investing in a low budget graphics card will not only help you save money, but also provide an immersive experience along with low energy consumption.
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