Figuring out the cost of a graphics card is important if you’re into computers. These cards do a lot—they make things look awesome on screen and help run different programs.

They’ve changed a bunch over time, getting cooler features and doing more stuff. Because everyone wants great-looking visuals, there are tons of choices out there, and that affects how much they cost.

So, if you’re thinking, how much does a graphics card cost? It all hinges on your needs and desires.

How Much Do Graphic Cards Cost?

After doing some digging, I found that the average cost for a graphic card is around $330. ^[1] No matter what you’re using it for – whether it’s for fun, gaming, or serious work – there’s a graphic card that fits your needs.

The market for graphic cards has options for everyone’s budget. There are cheaper ones for those looking to spend less, and more expensive models for those wanting top-notch performance. Let’s check out these different price options:

• Entry-Level: Entry-level graphic cards are wallet-friendly, priced between $70 to $200. These cards are perfect for folks who want to use their computers casually or are watching their spending. They handle tasks like browsing the web, watching videos, and light gaming pretty well. While they may not have the latest gaming tech, they work just fine for beginners and everyday computer use.
• Mid-Range: Mid-range graphic cards fall between $300 and $1,000. These cards offer a sweet spot between cost and performance. They step up your gaming experience and handle heavier tasks like video editing and 3D work. Great for gamers and creators looking for a good mix of price and power.
• High-End: At the high-end, we’ve got graphic cards that go beyond $1,000. These cards are made for hardcore gamers, pros in fields like animation and VR, and tech enthusiasts. They give unparalleled performance, support cool features like ray tracing, and are perfect for running games at top quality. If you’re after the absolute best, these cards are where it’s at.

Average Cost of a Graphics Card by Brand

There’s some confusion about where graphics cards come from and who sells them. Let’s clear that up! Companies like NVIDIA make the technology for these cards, while brands like MSI, EVGA, Gigabyte, XFX, and ASUS sell them.

All these brands sell the same kind of card from NVIDIA, called the GTX GeForce. But the prices can be a bit different. EVGA cards can be pricier, sometimes hitting $800 for the newest RTX 2080. However, Gigabyte typically comes at a lower price.

Average Cost of Graphics Card by Model

Since 2019, different graphics cards like GTX 1050, GTX 1080, and the newer RTX 2080 have become popular. Recently, the RTX 2080 has caught more attention. Usually, as the card model gets higher, its price also goes up.

In my view, spending about $1,000 on an RTX 2080 might not be necessary for most gamers. The top-tier cards are better for serious gamers who spend lots of time gaming, streaming on Twitch or YouTube, or competing in esports.

For hobbyists seeking good performance, a 1070 or 1080 would be satisfying. Newcomers to PC gaming wanting to play modern games can comfortably start with a 1050 or 1060 for a good gaming experience.

Average Cost of External Graphics Cards for Laptops

Looking at eGPUs, the average price comes to about $350.80. This doesn’t include the actual graphics card, though. You’ll have to buy that separately and then put it in the external GPU. It might seem like a lot, but there are some good ones for around $200.

But if you want the newest and best graphics card, be ready to spend more on your eGPU. For example, the Gigabyte Aorus can do graphics like an RTX 2070, but it’s over $600.

Factors Affecting the Average Cost of a Graphic Card

I’ve got a good grip on what makes graphic cards cost what they do. These things are key in deciding the price, and they’re pretty important to know.

• Brand and Model: The brand name and model of a graphic card play a big role. Famous brands with a good rep usually cost more because they’re known for being reliable and powerful. But, there are lesser-known brands that offer good quality without the hefty price tag.
• Performance: How well a graphic card works, like its speed and multitasking ability, affects the price. Cards built for gaming or professional work cost more, as they have strong hardware for a top-notch experience.
• Memory Size: The memory a graphic card has to be a big deal. Cards with more memory handle tough tasks better, like 3D work or video editing, but they’ll cost you more.
• Cooling System: Graphic cards need good cooling to stay in top shape. Cards with fancy cooling tech, like special fans or liquid cooling, can be pricier but keep things from overheating.
• Special Features: Extra cool stuff like real-time ray tracing or AI-powered features make a card’s price go up. They give you great graphics but come at a higher cost.

Factors to Consider When Evaluating Graphic Card Costs

As technology gets better, graphic cards are really important for lots of things like games and making stuff. So, if I want to know if a graphic card is good, I look at a few things.

• How Good It Is for the Price: I check how good the card is compared to its price. Some cards are fancy and work great, but they can be really expensive. Others are cheaper but might not work as well. So, I try to find one that’s good and doesn’t cost too much.
• What I Need It For: I think about what I’ll use the card for. For games, I might want one with awesome picture quality and speed. But if I make videos or do other creative stuff, I might need a card that’s good at editing and making things look cool.
• Will It Last: I think about the future. Technology changes fast, so I want a card that will still be good later on. It’s smart to get one that can be updated easily when new things come out. That way, I won’t have to buy a new one all the time.

Tips for Finding the Best Deals on Graphic Cards

Finding affordable graphic cards is important for tech lovers. Here are three ways to get good deals:

• Spot Sales and Offers: Keep an eye on online shops for special deals. Sign up for updates to know about quick sales and discounts.
• Compare Prices: Don’t rush into buying. Check prices from different sellers online. Look at shipping costs and what customers say before deciding.
• Check Refurbished Options: Look at used or fixed-up cards for savings. Find trustworthy sellers and check if there’s a warranty for a safe buy.