Graphics card buying guide: which GPU for 1080p, 1440p and 4K

A graphics card is usually the most expensive part of a gaming PC, and the easiest to overspend on. These are the decisions that matter.

1. The chip sets the performance

The GPU chip (for example RTX 5060, RTX 5070, RTX 5080, or AMD's RX 9060 XT and RX 9070) decides how fast the card is. Different brands' versions of the same chip (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte and others) are usually within a few percent of each other. They differ mainly in cooling, noise, size and warranty, so the cheapest version of the chip you want is often the best buy.

2. Match it to your monitor

• 1080p: an entry-level current card handles most games at high settings.
• 1440p: the sweet spot for most gamers; a mid-range card with 12GB or more video memory.
• 4K: needs a high-end card, and upscaling (DLSS or FSR) helps a lot.

3. Video memory

New games use more video memory every year. 8GB is now limiting at higher settings; 12–16GB is safer for 1440p and 4K.

4. Power and size

Check your power supply wattage and connectors (many new cards use the 12V-2x6 connector), and measure your case: big triple-fan cards can be over 330 mm long.

5. New or used?

Used cards can be cheap, but check the remaining warranty and whether it transfers. Buying new from an Australian store gets you the full warranty and Australian Consumer Law protection.

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