Any teenager or gaming enthusiast looks at the quality of the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and the memory capacity of the Graphics cards before deciding to buy a PC or a laptop.
It highlights the importance of the GPU and places it alongside the Central processing unit (CPU). Hence, we can say that if we consider the CPU as the brain behind the computer, the GPU is as essential as the occipital lobe.
The CPU has a few cores to focus on serial processing whereas the GPUs have thousands of smaller cores for multitasking.
Without wasting any more time, let us dive into the reviews of the best graphics cards available in India.
Table of Contents
Best GPU for PC Gaming
Best High-End Graphics Card (GPU) – 4K Gaming, VR
1. MSI GTX 1080 TI Gaming X Video Graphic Cards
- 11GB 352-bit GDDR5X
- Core Clock 1569 MHz (OC Mode), 1544 MHz (Gaming Mode), and 1480 MHz (Silent Mode)
- Boost Clock 1683 MHz (OC Mode), 1657 MHz (Gaming Mode), and 1582 MHz (Silent Mode)
- 1 X DL-DVI-D 2 X HDMI 2.0 2 X DisplayPort 1.4
- 3584 CUDA Cores
- PCI Express 3.0 X 16
The compulsive gamer would love the GeForce GTX graphics cards as they are the most advanced of all the cards in the industry. You get unprecedented performance, power efficiency, and next-gen gaming experiences.
The advantage of these GeForce GTX cards is that they are VR (Virtual Reality) ready. You get the opportunity to discover next-gen VR performance with features such as low latency, plug-and-play compatibility with the leading headsets.
This card ensures that get the highest quality of VR audio, physics, and haptics that enables you to hear and feel every moment.
This graphics card uses the latest gaming technologies as the Pascal-powered graphics cards are capable of meeting the next generation displays that include VR, ultra-high resolutions, and multiple monitors. The Nvidia GameWorks technologies ensure smooth gameplay and provide a cinematic experience. Also, you enjoy the benefit of revolutionary 360-degree image capture.
Performance wise, these Pascal-powered graphics cards give a superior performance and power efficiency. These cards support DirectX 12 features. Therefore, gaming enthusiasts get the fastest, smoothest, and most power-efficient gaming experiences.
- All games work at ultra-settings at 60fps minimum
- These cards do not heat up easily
- The fans are noiseless
- This graphics card doubles the performance on Adobe after effects
- The price is a discouraging factor, but you get attractive discounts at Amazon
2. Zotac GeForce ZT-P10810G-10P Graphic Card
- GPU Brand – Nvidia
- Clock Frequency – GPU – 1506 MHz
- Clock Frequency – Turbo – 1620 MHz
- CUDA Cores – 3584
- Memory Amount – 11264 MB (352 Bit)
- Memory Type – GDDR5X
- Memory Clock Frequency – 1376 MHz
- DirectX version – DirectX 12
- Interface – PCI-Express 3.0 X 16
- Power Connector Types – 2 X PEG8
This powerful graphics card, based on Nvidia Pascal architecture, is the latest addition to the gaming platform. It is game ready as it comes equipped with extreme gaming horsepower, next-gen 11 GBps GDDR5X memory, and a sturdy 11GB frame buffer.
Pascal, the world’s most advanced GPU architecture enables you to discover gaming as you have never experienced before. Gamers can experience massive gaming horsepower with 3584 NVidia CUDA Cores and 12 billion transistors.
You can expect three times the performance of the previous-generation graphics when you use this card. Also, you enjoy breakthrough gaming technologies and exciting VR experiences.
This best VR graphics card gives you the power and performance you need for driving the latest displays such as VR, the high-resolution, and multiple monitors. Nvidia GameWorks technology ensures the smoothest gameplay and fantastic cinematic experiences. It includes the 360-degree image capture, even in VR.
If you want to experience the next-gen VR performance, the lowest latency levels, and plug-and-play compatibility with all leading VR handsets, this is the card you should go for. Also, you get the opportunity to enjoy amazing VR audio, physics, and haptics.
- This graphics card comes with extremely compact physical dimensions
- The product comes with a DVI port
- You also get two additional ports, HDMI 2.0b, and DisplayPort 1.4
- The card comes with an out of the box overclock
- Compared to the other cards, it is a bit noisy
- In spite of the compact size, it is large for the small PC cases
- The price of the card can discourage many enthusiasts
3. Zotac GeForce ZT-P10710B-10P Graphic Card
- GPU Brand – GeForce GTX 1070 Ti
- CUDA Cores – 2432
- Video Memory – 8GB GDDR5
- Engine Clock – Base 1607 MHz and Boost 1683 MHz
- Memory Clock – 8 GHz
- PCI Express – 3.0
- Display outputs – 3 X DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0b, and DL-DVI-D
You get the best of Pascal architecture in the GTX 1070 and the GTX 1080 series. The most significant advantage of this graphics card is that it is the smallest GTX 1070 Ti in the market at 8.3 inches. Hence, you can fit it into almost all PCs.
This top quality 4K and VR graphics card is a game changer in many ways. The GeForce Experience enables you to update your drivers, capture and share videos, optimize settings, and share screenshots. The high-quality drivers ensure to provide the ultimate gaming experience.
Achieve faster SLI performance by utilizing all available SLI keys to double the available transfer bandwidth. Firestorm helps you to extract every ounce of performance from your Zotac graphics card. It is easy to tweak and tune because of the optimized user interface. It presents users with various features like clock speed adjustments, fan control, GPU monitoring functions, and so on.
The One Click facility available in the 1070 Ti Amp Extreme and AMP edition ensures out of the box performance. Revolutionize cooling with IceStorm technology.
The technology utilizes direct copper contact to help draw away the heat from the core. It also uses thermal heat pads on all components that generate heat thereby maximizing cooling efficiency. This fusion of cooling technologies enables gamers to enjoy a higher level of performance.
The Metallic Exoarmor is a functional aesthetic to the IceStorm cooling system. It provides protection and durability. This card comes with an advanced lighting system known as Spectra that make the card shine. The Eko fans have dual blades and go beyond traditional fan designs. Hence, it increases the airflow by 30% thereby allowing for more dissipation of heat.
- The dual fan card is the smallest graphics card available in the market
- You have this card with double and triple fans
- IceStorm cooling technology is a powerful and effective one
- It is one of the noiseless graphics card available today.
- It is an expensive card
- The triple fan card is a bigger one. Hence, you need more space
Best Mid-Range Graphics Card (GPU) – Full HD Gaming
4. Zotac Amp Edition GeForce GTX 1060
(6GB DDR5 PCI-e Graphics Card with IceStorm Cooling)
- GPU Brand – GeForce GTX 1060 Mini
- CUDA Cores – 1280
- Video Memory – 6GB GDDR5
- Engine Clock – Base 1506 MHz and Boost 1708 MHz
- Memory Clock – 8,008 MHz
- PCI Express – 3.0
Zotac Graphics cards have a reputation for being game ready and delivering extraordinary performance. The perfectly tuned graphics cards offer game-changing experiences.
These Zotac Graphics cards come equipped with ultra-fast FinFET and next-generation memory technologies. As these cards support DirectX12 features, you experience a quantum leap in the performance levels while ensuring power efficiency at the same time.
Each of these graphics cards come with Nvidia GameWorks Technologies that ensure smooth gameplay, cinematic experiences, and revolutionary 360-degree image capture even in VR Plus. These features enable to drive the latest displays including VR, high-resolution, and multiple monitors.
With an overall size that measures 6.85 inches, the Mini-Series is a compact appliance capable of fitting into almost all PCs. The 1060 AMP devices have dual fans, but they are also compact with an overall size of around 8.27 inches. The 1060 series come equipped with IceStorm cooling technology to balance the airflow and downward pressure. The Freeze technology ensures quiet performance.
These graphics cards are compatible with VR as you discover next-gen VR performance, low latency, and plug-and-play compatibility with almost all the leading headsets. The VR audio, physics, and haptics enable you to hear and feel every moment with absolute clarity.
- Excellent performance
- Well balanced acoustics and cooling
- Top build quality with overclocking headroom
- 5-year warranty
- No backplate included
- No LED lighting
- Price is a vital issue
5. MSI GAMING GeForce GTX 1060
(6GB GDDR5 DirectX12 VR Ready)
- GPU Brand – GeForce GTX 1060 6GT OC
- CUDA Cores – 1280
- Video Memory – 6GB GDDR5 (192-Bit)
- Engine Clock – 1506 MHz to 1708 MHz in Silent Mode, 1569 MHz to 1784 MHz in Gaming mode, and 1594 MHz to 1809
- MHz in OC Mode
- Memory Clock – 8008 MHz in Silent and Gaming modes, 8108 MHz in OC Mode
- PCI Express – 3.0
- Display outputs – 3 X DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0b, and DL-DVI-D
Mid-level gamers would love to have this graphics cards in their laptops and PCs as it offers unprecedented performance, power efficiency, and next-gen gaming experiences. All the GeForce GTX graphics cards conform to these specifications.
This card is VR ready as you discover high-level VR performance with the lowest latency and plug-and-play compatibility with all the leading headsets driven by Nvidia VRWorks Technologies. Enjoy excellent VR audio as the physics and haptics of this graphics card let you hear and feel every moment with a high degree of clarity.
The Pascal-powered cards can meet the stringent demands of next-generation displays that include VR, ultra-high resolutions, and multiple monitors. The Nvidia GameWorks technologies allow gamers to enjoy the smooth gameplay and deliver cinematic experiences. Also, they can experience the revolutionary 360-degree image capture.
These Pascal-powered cards support DirectX12 features. Hence, they deliver the fastest, smoothest, and the most power-efficient gaming experiences.
The MSI TORX 2.0 Fan technology allows the TWIN FROZR VI to achieve new levels of cooling as the design generates 22% more air pressure. The Dispersion fan blade with its steep curved design accelerates airflow thereby increasing its effectiveness. The Traditional fan blade ensures a steady flow of air to the heat sink. The ZeroFrozr technology eliminates fan noise by stopping the fans in low-load situations.
- The innovative cooling technology eliminates heat
- The revolutionary silencing technology eliminates noise
- Extra cool LED lighting
- Airflow control technology in the heat sink provides a fresh gaming experience
- Avoids unnecessary blocking of PCI slots as this card takes up two expansion slots instead of 3.
- Comparatively expensive
- The card is bigger than other Founders Edition cards
- No SLI support
- No overclocking of memory
6. Asus GeForce GTX1050Ti – 4GB DDR5 Cerberus OC Edition
(CERBERUS-GTX1050TI-O4G)
- GPU Brand – GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
- CUDA Cores – 768
- Video Memory – 4GB GDDR5 9128-Bit)
- Engine Clock – Base 1341 MHz to 1366 MHz and Boost 1455 MHz to 1480 MHz
- Memory Clock – 7008 MHz
- PCI Express – 3.0
- Display outputs – 1 X DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0b, and DL-DVI-D
Compared to the high-end graphics card, this card delivers satisfactory performance and decent gaming experience. Gamers can enjoy games like League of Legends, Overwatch, and PUBG.
The highlight of this graphics card is the presence of a sturdy backplate to reinforce the circuit board. The dual fan design provides a higher level of airflow thereby ensuring the cooling factor. The IP5X-certified fans display resistance to dust and thus increase the lifespan of the fans.
It is easy to plug and play without feeling the need for any additional power. The Industry Only Auto-Extreme Technology with Super Alloy Power II delivers excellent quality thereby making these graphics cards extremely reliable.
Boost the performance with GPU Tweak II as you banish lag with Wtfast technology. The XSplit Gamecaster enables you to stream in real time.
- Noiseless operation during gaming
- Fans turn off when idling
- Include backplate for additional protection
- RGB Lighting
- Many users feel that the performance is unsatisfactory compared to the price
- An incremental update is available on the last gen
- DVI output does not include analog signals
7. Zotac GeForce GTX 1050 Ti OC Edition
(ZT-P10510B-10L 4GB PCI Express Graphics Card)
- GPU Brand – GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
- CUDA Cores – 768
- Video Memory – 4GB GDDR5 (128-Bit)
- Engine Clock – Base 1392 MHz and Boost 1506 MHz
- Memory Clock – 7 GHz
- PCI Express – 3.0
- Display outputs – DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0b, and DL-DVI-D
Action games need a fast and powerful graphics card to function correctly. The Zotac GeForce GTX 1050 Ti OC edition satisfies all the requirements that a full HD graphics card requires.
Using this Pascal-powered card, you can turn your PC into a gaming rig. The innovative Nvidia Game Ready Technologies let every gamer experience the latest games in their full glory.
- This card does not require any additional power from PCIe
- The compact size of the card allows you to fit it into any PC.
- Cost wise, this graphics card provides a great gaming experience
- You get an extended warranty on registering with the Zotac website
- The card offers DirectX12 support and comes with Pascal architecture and is a pre-overclocked GPU.
- The absence of Freezetech entails that the card can get overheated
- There is no backplate for additional protection and no RGB lighting
- The fans do not turn off during idle operation. Hence, they are comparatively noisy
8. Asus INTL PH-GTX 1050TI-4G PCIe Graphics Card
- GPU Brand – Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
- CUDA Cores – 768
- Video Memory – 4GB GDDR5 (128-Bit)
- Engine Clock – Base 1290 MHz and Boost 1392 MHz
- Memory Clock – 7008 MHz
- PCI Express – 3.0
- Display outputs – DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0b, and DL-DVI-D
Some of the attractive features of this graphics card include dual-ball bearing fans for reducing spinning friction thereby enhancing the lifespan of the fans and increasing cooling efficiency. You do not need any additional power for plug-and-play gaming.
This graphics card is a highly reliable graphics card for full HD gaming as it comes equipped with Industry Only Auto-Extreme Technology with Super Alloy Power II. Enable real-time streaming and tweak the performance with GPU Tweak II with XSplit Gamecaster.
The Nvidia Ansel technology is a novel way to capture in-game screenshots. The Nvidia GameWorks provides an interactive and cinematic experience while delivering extremely smooth gameplay.
- Highly efficient graphics card
- Available at reasonable prices
- Capability to handle all games at HD
- No need for additional power, hence perfect for upgrades
- No SLI support
- Can handle all games, but you need to drop some games to medium level
Verdict: This graphics card is ideal for HD gaming considering the performance and the price.[/su_note]
Best Budget Entry-Level Graphics Card (GPU)
9. Zotac Nvidia GT 1030 Graphics Card
(2GB GDDR5 64-bit DVI-D HDMI / Pascal / Firestorm / 384 CUDA Core / DirectX12)
- GPU Brand – GeForce GT 1030
- CUDA Cores – 384
- Video Memory – 2GB GDDR5
- Engine Clock – Base 1227 MHz and Boost 1468 MHz
- Memory Clock – 6 GHz
- PCI Express – 3.0
- Display outputs – VGA, HDMI 2.0b
This graphics card is a low profile card that can be built into the smallest of cases. This graphics card is a budget entry-level graphics card that can run games at 1080p comfortably. This card is ideal for new gamers as it enables them to play games like Tomb Raider, GTA V, and so on at medium level settings.
This card can fit into any PC or laptop. Hence, it is a flexible one. Gamers who do not want to spend too much on acquiring the high-end cards can settle for these graphics card. Powered by Pascal architecture, this card can enhance your entire PC experience.
- Offers VGA and HDMI 2.0b display outputs
- Excellent performance in eSports and DirectX9 based games
- Extremely affordable
- Not as good as the SMD Radeon RX 550 in the DirectX12 Vulkan-based games
10. Zotac Nvidia GT 730 Graphics Card
(2GB, DDR5, PCIe)
- GPU Brand – GeForce GT 730
- CUDA Cores – 384
- Video Memory – 2GB GDDR5 (64-bit)
- Engine Clock – 902 MHz
- Memory Clock – 5010 MHz
- PCI Express – 2.0
- Display outputs – VGA, HDMI, and DL-DVI
The Zotac Nvidia GT 730 graphics card has a compact design that enables it to fit into all computers. It comes equipped with Blu-ray 3D playback and offers a decent screen resolution of 2560 X 1600p. Therefore, you get good-quality visuals when you use this graphics card.
The graphics card comes loaded with 64-bit 2 GB GDDR5 RAM that runs at a clock speed of 5010 MHz thereby allowing for a seamless gaming experience. You can play your action-packed games without any hassles.
This graphics card is compatible with all types of Windows operating systems including Windows 8 and Vista. It comes with different connectivity options including VGA, HDMI, and DL-DVI. You get a good level of efficiency on using this best graphics card for under ₹ 10,000.
- Offers triple display options
- Good for DirectX9-based games
- Presence of heat sink and fan reduces overall heating of the card
- Cannot play the modern, fast-paced games in high settings
11. Gigabyte GeForce GV-N710D3-2G
(2GB, PCI-Express Graphics Card)
- GPU Brand – GeForce GT 710
- Video Memory – 2GB DDR3 (64-bit)
- Engine Clock – 954 MHz
- PCI Express – 2.0
- Display outputs – D-Sub, HDMI 2.0b, and DL-DVI-D
This graphics card comes with a low-profile design allowing for space-saving features. Building this card into your PC system is easy. You get ultra-cooling features with low RDS on MOSFET design. The Ferrite Core Choke design ensures low power loss. The solid capacitor ensures a longer lifespan for the card.
It provides for a much-improved HDMI display because of the gold-plated durable large contact area connectors to enable optimum signal transfer between connections.
You can tune the clock speeds, voltage, and fan performance using the cutting edge intuitive interface.
- Extremely affordable
- Any day better than integrated graphics
- Good for playing games like GTA V under normal settings
- Not suitable for intense gaming sessions
We have reviewed about 11 graphics cards in various categories such as high-end, mid-range, and the entry-level budget rates. You can see that higher the configuration, higher is the price and the performance of the graphics cards.
Gamers cannot do without installing high-quality graphics cards as it helps to enhance the gaming experience. This review should make it easy for you to understand the different types of graphics cards available on the market.
Graphics Card Buying Guide
Let us concentrate on the different types of GPUs and graphics cards in this article. We shall also see which of these graphics cards are suitable for gaming, education, and business.
Before going into the intricacies of these devices, let us have a TLDR (Too Long Didn’t Read) version of what types of graphics cards and GPUs are best suited for your purpose.
| Purpose | GPUs Recommended | Sample SKUs |
| Gaming or Multimedia | Nvidia GeForce GTX 10-Series AMD RX 400-Series Intel Iris Plus | Nvidia GTX 1080 AMD RX 480 Iris Plus 650 |
| Workstation | Nvidia Quadro Intel HD Graphics | Nvidia Quadro P5000 Intel HD Graphics P630 |
| Everyday use or Mainstream laptops and Super Thin laptops | Intel HD Graphics Intel Iris Plus 640 | Intel HD Graphics 630 |
| Budget Gaming | Nvidia GeForce GTX 10-Series | Nvidia GeForce GTX 10-Series |
We shall proceed to discuss the different types of graphics cards. Let us make things simple to understand by explaining the functions of a graphics card in a nutshell.
The primary responsibility of a graphics card is to render images from the computer to the monitor. They do it by converting the processed data to a digital or an analogue signal capable of displaying on a monitor.
Note that all computers have graphics cards, but you need specific types of cards for performing demanding tasks like playing games or rendering quality video.
Different Types of Graphics Cards
Fundamentally, there are two types of graphics cards
- Integrated Graphics
- Discrete Graphics (Aka Dedicated)
Integrated Graphics
As the name suggests, the integrated graphics is a GPU embedded in the motherboard. It entails that there is no additional card.
You find them in laptops as well as computers. There is no way you can upgrade these GPUs unless you swap the entire processor for a higher version. Almost all the refurbished laptops and computers come with such integrated graphics.
Discrete Graphics
Note: Discrete Graphics cards are also known as Dedicated Graphics cards.
The discrete graphics is an add-on graphics card that fits into an expansion slot on the motherboard. The advantage of using such graphics cards is that you can upgrade them by swapping this part with a recent one thereby keeping your computer up to date.
The Dedicated graphics cards are usually for gaming enthusiasts, CAD professionals, and video editors and so on as they require a powerful solution when compared to the general computer user who uses the computers for browsing the web and doing office work.
Understand the difference between the graphics card and the GPU. Many people confuse the two by assuming both are the same. It is not so. The GPU is the brain of the card that does all the visual processing. Hence, the GPU is a part of the graphics card.
Does the name matter a lot?
For example, NVidia’s Quadro caters to the company’s workstation-class video cards whereas GeForce GTX satisfies the gaming enthusiasts.
Similarly, AMD GPUs carry the Radeon name followed by an alpha-numeric suffix that designates the performance of the chip.
AMD Radeon R3 and R5 are entry-level chips whereas the R7 and R9 represent higher-end performance lines. The higher the number, the newer is the generation.
You can also find some AMD GPUs having the letter ‘X’ at the end. Such chips have a reputation of being a faster version of the original GPU.
GPU Specs
Let us now look into the GPU specs.
GPU Lines
Nvidia Quadro – Great for engineering tasks
Nvidia Quadro is a heavy-duty GPU. You can find this graphics card in almost all mobile workstations for performing heavy lifting for programs like AutoCAD or the Unreal 4 Engine.
The latest generation of Quadro GPUs performs three times better than the existing ones. They have twice the computing power and memory of its predecessors. If you want to make the next blockbuster film or design the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Nvidia Quadro is the best solution. Built on Pascal architecture, they feature more CUDA cores than their Maxwell counterparts.
- Positive aspects – Excellent for VR and Research, Gamed designing, and Engineering
- Negative aspects – Very heavy, Low battery life, and expensive
Nvidia GeForce – Excellent for gaming
Any gamer, casual or professional would love to have the Nvidia GeForce GTX line in their computers and laptops.
Except for the entry level 1050 and 1050-Ti chips, all the 10-series GPU are compatible with VR. It enables the smallest of laptops to provide the greatest of gaming experience.
The latest GPU, the GTX 1080-Ti displays a 35% better performance than the regular 1080. The exciting features of this GPU are the 1.6 GHz clock book, 12 billion transistors, 3584 CUDA cores, and 11 GB video memory.
- Positives – Excellent for Gaming, VR, and Multimedia
- Negatives – Does not suit gamers with a tight budget
AMD Radeon RX – Affordable, Discrete
Usually, you associate AMD Radeon GPUs with large computers. However, this company has a presence in the mobile systems as well. The current AMD GPUs are good enough to provide terrific gaming experience on traditional games like Rise of the Tomb Raider, and so on. Of the AMD cards available today, the RX 480 is compatible with both Oculus and VR.
Recently, AMD has announced a new laptop GPU named Vega Mobile. Experts expect it to meet the standards of the Nvidia Max-Q GPUs. The Vega Mobile is a discrete chip that can deliver high frame rates without consuming much power.
- Positive features – High performance and efficiency, affordable
- Negative features – Gamers do not get a complete VR solution
Intel Iris plus Graphics – Satisfactory
Intel’s Iris plus Graphics tries to narrow down the gap between integrated and discrete graphics. This GPU is best for the casual and mid-tier gamers. The Pro Chips version allows you to play games like the League of Legends and so on comfortably. You can find the Iris plus Graphics GPUs combining with the discrete chips to perform heavy duty jobs as well.
- Positives – Good for mid-level gaming activities
- Negatives – Disappointment for professionals looking for top quality graphics performance
Intel HD Graphics
Most of the business laptops like the HP Elitebook 1030 G1 and the portable ones like the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 have Intel HD graphics chip. The advantage is that it shares memory with the Intel CPU. It is also a good chip that enables streaming and running less-taxing games comfortably.
Depending on the task you wish to do, you can have a discrete chip helping you out. However, this is not the chip you would like to have if you are a top-level gamer.
- Positives – Affordable, portable, and versatile
- Negatives – Unsatisfactory performance
We have seen different types of graphics cards and understood its importance in providing a better gaming experience. People involved in heavy-duty engineering and architectural jobs need high-quality GPUs to deliver quality output.
Source: Nvidia, GeForce, Zotac
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Shiva Kumar is a 25-year-old Blogger from India. He is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert. Constantly funny – Randomly Serious!
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