This category covers AMD Radeon graphics cards for gaming and desktop PCs, from entry-level cards for 1080p play to high-end models for 1440p and 4K. It suits builders upgrading an older PC, gamers planning a new build and anyone who wants Radeon features such as FSR upscaling.
How to choose an AMD Radeon graphics card
Resolution and frame rate. Decide what screen you play on before looking at models. A card that handles 1080p at high settings may struggle at 1440p or 4K, and a high-refresh monitor needs more GPU performance than a standard 60 Hz one.
Video memory. Newer games load large textures, and 8 GB can limit settings at 1440p and above. Cards with 12 GB or 16 GB leave more headroom, which matters if you plan to keep the card for several years.
Power supply and connectors. Check the card's recommended power supply wattage and the power connectors it needs. Some cards use two or three 8-pin connectors, so confirm that your PSU has enough free cables before ordering.
Case and motherboard fit. Measure the space for the card's length and thickness. Many performance cards occupy two and a half or three slots, and a small case or a crowded motherboard may not have room. The card needs a PCIe x16 slot.
Outputs and features. Count the DisplayPort and HDMI outputs against the monitors you use. If you care about ray tracing or upscaling, check which of these features the GPU generation supports, as newer Radeon generations handle them better.
AMD Radeon brands and partners
- AMD: designs the Radeon GPUs and the RDNA architecture they are built on, and develops FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), an upscaling technology that raises frame rates in supported games.
- Board partners: most Radeon cards are built by partner manufacturers who add their own coolers, fan designs and factory clock speeds. Two cards with the same GPU can therefore differ in noise, length and temperatures.
Available models and partner brands change over time, so check the product listing for the cards currently shown.
Frequently asked questions about AMD Radeon graphics cards
How much VRAM do I need in a Radeon graphics card?
For 1080p gaming, 8 GB is workable for many titles. For 1440p, 4K or heavily modded games, 12 GB to 16 GB is a safer choice. More memory does not make a slower GPU faster, but it prevents stuttering when textures no longer fit.
Will a Radeon graphics card work with an Intel processor?
Yes. A graphics card communicates with the motherboard through the PCIe slot, so it works with both Intel and AMD processors. The only requirements are a free PCIe x16 slot, enough power from the PSU and enough space in the case.
Do I need a new power supply for a Radeon card?
Not always. Compare the card's recommended PSU wattage and required power connectors with what your current unit provides. Entry-level cards often run on a modest supply, while high-end models usually need a stronger unit with several PCIe power cables.
Can I put a new Radeon card in an older PC?
Usually yes, provided the motherboard has a PCIe x16 slot and the case and power supply can accommodate the card. Newer cards work in older PCIe slots, sometimes with slightly reduced bandwidth. An old processor may hold back a fast card, so pair them sensibly.
