Choosing a Best Graphics Card for Under $150 is one of the most important things you could do when building your PC.
It’s difficult to know which graphics card will work best for you, especially if you are new to building PCs or upgrading components. There are so many options and features that it can be overwhelming!
To make things easier, we have created this guide with our top picks for Best Graphics Card under 150 dollars in 2021. We hope this helps you choose the right one!
We reviewed and tested a ton of Graphics Cards to find the best. This article will review these graphics cards and explain why they were picked as our favorites.
At a Glance:
Best Graphics Card Under $150
MAXSUN GEFORCE GT 1030
- 4K Support
- Super compact
- Low Profile
- Overclocking Utilities
- G-Sync-Ready
Best Overall GPU Under 150
Gigabyte GV-N1030OC-2GI
- NVIDIA Pascal Architecture
- Stutter-Free Gaming
- One-Click Overclocking with XTREME Engine Utility
- GeForce Experience Ready!
Mini Gaming Graphics Card Under 150$
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Mini
- Smoother and faster graphics for your games
- It also Supports 4K resolution
- Support for Multiple-Display Setup (3 monitors)
- Maximum Performance through PCI Express 3.
- Great cooling system
- Premium Pure Aesthetics and Heat Sink
Every gamer wants to play the latest games with the highest settings, but most of us don’t have a big budget.
Luckily, we’ve assembled a list of the best graphics card for under 150 dollars. These cards will run any game you throw at them while staying within your budget.
Our recommendations are based on extensive research as well as testing by experts in their respective fields.
We hope that this guide helps you make an informed decision when buying your next graphics card for gaming or workstation use. Read on to find out which one is right for you!
Our Recommendations Best Graphics Card for Under $150
| Award | Design | Graphics Cards | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Graphics Card Under $150 | Best Pick | Check Price | |
| Best Overall GPU Under 150 | Staff Pick | Check Price | |
| Mini Gaming Graphics Card Under 150$ | Budget Pick | Check Price | |
| Best Graphics Card under 150$ |  | Check Price | |
| Best Low Budget GPU Video Card |  | Check Price | |
| Best GPUs under 150$ |  | Check Price | |
| Best budget graphics card |  | Check Price |
MAXSUN GEFORCE GT 1030
Best Pick
The Maxsun GeForce GT 1030 Graphics Card is our top pick for the best graphics card under $150 for several reasons.
Maxsun has created an extremely budget-friendly graphics card for casual gamers. It’s very affordable and can play most light games on low settings, but it also works very well for productivity-based graphics design.
The GT 1030 is a low-profile card, meaning it will fit in larger cases with ease.
The GT 1030 also has an extremely low TDP of 30 watts, which means it only uses about as much power as your average smartphone or tablet.
Its extremely low power requirement makes the GT 1030 a very good fit for overclocking as well as using as a headless graphics card.
The GT 1030 also has low heat output. This is good for people who are trying to build a silent PC or workstation, as it will not create as much heat as other graphics cards with a fan.
It is a powerful card with 4GB GDDR4 memory and has a 64-bit memory interface.
This card is the best solution for upgrading your desktop build to the latest GTX-10 generation GPUs.
The ultra-compact size makes it perfect for use in any case, especially in conjunction with small form factor machines. With the custom PCB design and MAXSUN’s own PCB engineering expertise, you can rest assured that your card will stand up to the test of time.
We like the GeForce 3D Vision Ready, Blu-ray 3D ready, CUDA with PhysX support which makes this card a great deal.
There is no need for additional power connectors, and it will work on all systems with a PCI Express 2.0 x16 interface.
We also really like Maxsun’s additional overclocking utilities with its graphics card to give your card a little boost.
Pros
- 4K Support
- Super compact
- Low Profile
- Overclocking Utilities
- G-Sync-Ready
Cons
- Lacks SLI/Crossfire support
Our Verdict:
The Maxsun GeForce GT 1030 is our choice for the best graphics card for under 150 dollars. Its extremely low power requirements make it great for overclocking as well as a headless system. The GT 1030 is a great budget-friendly option for gamers that want to play current games at high graphics settings.
Gigabyte GV-N1030OC-2GI
Staff Pick
The Gigabyte GV-N1030OC-2GI VGA card is another best graphics card for under 150.
It’s extremely affordable and can handle most games on medium settings.
The Gigabyte GV-N1030OC-2GI is a low-profile graphics card and features an 80mm fan and supports dual-link DVI-D and HDMI 2.0b ports.
This graphics card is compatible with Nvidia 3D Vision as well as Nvidia G-SYNC technology.
We tested this card on a Lenovo Y520 laptop and it performed well. It was able to run most games with decent settings, but if you are looking for a graphics card to play games on 60 fps Ultra settings, the Gigabyte GV-N1030OC-2GI is not for you.
The Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1030 graphics card is the perfect entry point into the world of gaming.
Based on the latest NVIDIA Pascal architecture, it offers a 2GB frame buffer, HDMI and DVI-D ports, super over-clocking capability, and one-click overclocking via the XTREME engine utility.
It’s fully compatible with NVIDIA Surround View, which you can connect to three monitors, placing them at the same time on the left, right, or center of your screen.
Your favorite games are easy to set up through GeForce Experience software – it helps you find the best settings by automatically optimizing crucial settings along with Game Ready drivers.
The 4005 MHz boost clock speed helps you enable the max performance of your card while keeping it cool and quiet, even during intense gaming.
Our Verdict:
The Gigabyte GV-N1030OC-2GI is our choice for the best GPUs under 150$. It has decent performance with medium to high settings. It is ideal for gamers on a budget, but it does lack 4K support.
Pros
- NVIDIA Pascal Architecture
- Stutter-Free Gaming
- One-Click Overclocking with XTREME Engine Utility
- GeForce Experience Ready!
Cons
- No 4K support
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Mini
Budget Pick
Get superior performance with the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Mini Gaming Graphics Card. Offering a 4GB 128-bit GDDR5 Memory, a 1354 MHz GPU, and a Boost Clock of 1430 MHz, this graphics card offers a much faster and smoother gaming experience.
The single and dual cooling fans offer a significant cooling effect, increase airflow, and allow graphics-intensive games to run smoothly.
Built with a display port for PC’s featuring a Display Port Interface as well as an HDMI port for GPGPU workloads, this graphic card supports multiple HD displays simultaneously.
The GPU produces a base clock speed of 1379 MHz, with a 1085 MHz boost when needed. This is enhanced by the exclusive ZOTAC technologies used to produce the Mini-series of graphics cards.
We love the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Mini because of its superior performance and thermal control. This is one of the best graphics cards with a good price tag.
If you want to have more screens for gaming, the GTX 1050 Ti is ideal for you as it supports Multiple-Display Setup. You can connect up to 3 monitors through its Display Port, HDMI, and Dual-link DVI ports.
With PCI Express 3.0 x16, this graphics card offers a smooth, stable performance. It also has an NVIDIA CUDA Technology that increases the speed of GPU processing tasks while conserving energy at the same time.
Our Verdict:
The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Mini offers superior performance at a lower price. It is perfect for gamers who are looking for mid-tier graphics cards that can handle their games smoothly.
Pros
- Smoother and faster graphics for your games
- It also Supports 4K resolution
- Support for Multiple-Display Setup (3 monitors)
- Maximum Performance through PCI Express 3.
- Great cooling system
- Premium Pure Aesthetics and Heat Sink
Cons
- Expensive than other models on this list
Vision Tek Radeon 7750
The VisionTek Radeon 7750 is a powerful, proven graphics solution for gamers.
Boasting up to 2 times the performance of integrated graphics processors, this card provides everything you need to play modern PC games with impressive visuals and smooth framerates.
Plus, this masterfully crafted card looks not only fantastic but also delivers quiet operation at thermally friendly low temperatures—all in a package that’s smaller than the competition.
This remarkable graphics card is ideal for the ultimate gaming experience.
A Radeon graphics card is the single best way to experience an immersive and ultra-realistic gaming experience.
The VisionTek 7750 lets gamers and enthusiasts play and stream their games in the highest available resolution, including 4k2k Ultra High Definition.
The card features 2GB of GDDR5 video memory for an incredible gaming experience at high resolutions and a clock speed of 800MHz. It also provides support for DirectX 11.2, OpenGL 4.3 as well as Full HD 1080p Blu-ray 3D movies.
We tested many cards but the VisionTek Radeon 7750 stood out for its reliability. With this card, you are guaranteed that your games will run smoothly at high FPS and resolutions.
You can comfortably run graphic-intensive applications such as Adobe Photoshop and play 4K high-definition videos. All these without compromising on your energy efficiency.
Our Verdict:
The VisionTek Radeon 7750 delivers enough power to run all types of games. It is an excellent option for gamers on a budget because it offers a good price for a dependable, high-performance card.
Pros
- Great performance for the price
- Ideal for all types of games and applications
- Dual 4K display setup
- 7.1 Surround Sound option
- Affordable Price
Cons
- There are some compatibility issues for Linux users
PNY GeForce GT 1030 graphics card
The GeForce GT 1030 graphics card is designed for fast video and graphic processing in home and office applications. Its low profile allows for installation in small form factor computers.
Its conservative design, aluminum body, and passive cooling make it ideal for quiet environments such as workstations or libraries.
GeForce GT 1030 graphics card is the new weapon of choice for gamers. With an average diameter of 25mm, it fits easily into every case.
The DVI-D and HDMI ports eliminate the need to upgrade your display, saving you cash. And, with NVIDIA Pascal architecture at its core, the GeForce GT 1030 graphics card delivers all the performance you need to game like a pro.
In terms of its cooling system, this card from Gigabyte has a Windforce 2X feature to cool the GPU effectively. It also has a unique fin design for maximum airflow and helps to reduce noise levels.
You can connect it with the motherboard via PCI-Express 3.0×16 to enjoy high-resolution games without experiencing any slowdown.
We have tested the Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030 and found that it can play modern games like Overwatch with impressive graphics.
You can even play PUBG at 60 FPS with this card if you adjust the settings downward. All these games and more work well with the GT 1030.
It is a great option for your gaming needs and provides amazing value for money.
Our Verdict:
The GT 1030 is a powerful graphics card that can be used for low-resolution games at 1080p resolutions. It offers excellent value for money and a great deal of performance.
Pros
- Very quiet to operate
- Good gaming graphics card under 150 -200$
- Consumes less power than other GPUs on the market.
- Multimedia capabilities can be used for video and photo editing.
- Ideal for entry-level gaming at 1080p resolutions.
Cons
- No 4K support
Radeon RX 570
The SAPPHIRE Pulse Radeon RX 570 is the next big thing in mainstream 1080p gaming.
You can game like a pro with high-performance features like VulkanTM 1.0 and DirectX 12, the latest APIs for stunning PC gaming experiences, and the latest display technologies for superior resolutions and refresh rates. And the SAPPHIRE NITRO+ cooling technology keeps your card cool as well as quiet so you can focus on your game.
It uses the award-winning GCN 4.0 architecture and is engineered for gamers who play anything from the latest MOBA’s to the most popular AAA title esports, or the most popular eSports titles.
Sapphire’s exclusive Dual-X cooling technology allows this card to run 10% faster, live 25% longer, and is built with a 6-phase power design for cleaner power.
It is built to meet the rigors of next-generation formats, including Virtual Reality, HDR, or any other future-proofing requirements that will come your way.
Lightning-fast Radeon graphics cards turn your PC into a super gaming machine.
Play your favorite online games on high to ultra-settings while listening to music or streaming videos or giving presentations.
Bring home the real deal with the Radeon RX 500 series graphics card and experience what it means to be an ultimate gamer.
We tested the RX 570 and found that it offers great 1080p gaming. Even graphically demanding games ran smoothly with this card, making it a wonderful choice for gamers on a budget.
Games we played on it include PUBG, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and Need for Speed Payback. All ran without a hitch on the RX 570.
You can even play demanding games at 1440p but will have to adjust the settings downward for optimal performance. The RX 570 is an excellent choice for 1080p gaming and is a great alternative to the GT 1030 if you have a slightly larger budget.
Our Verdict:
The RX 570 is a very good gaming graphics card under the 150$ -200$ range. We highly recommend it for smooth, quiet 1080p gaming at high or ultra settings.
Pros
- Quiet in operation
- Very powerful for 1080p gaming
- Overclocked and ready to go right out of the box.
- 4GB GDDR5 memory
Cons
- No 4K support
- Expensive
ZOTAC GeForce GT 1030 2GB GDDR5
The Zotac GeForce GT 1030 is a low-profile graphics card that boasts the latest Nvidia Pascal architecture.
You can now play your favorite eSports games at a smooth 60 FPS. It has been designed to deliver more than just casual performance with features like the latest DirectX12 that will enhance your gameplay.
This graphics card is made for gamers who want smooth 1080p experiences without hurting their pockets. It is very silent in operation and ensures excellent stability with its fan.
Its Pascal architecture makes it very energy efficient, requiring only 30W of power to operate. The Zotac GeForce GT 1030 uses 2GB of GDDR5 memory, so you can enjoy your games without any hiccups. It is also capable of playing the latest titles at low or medium settings at 1080p.
We found that this card offers smooth 1080p gaming on most titles with hardly any frame drops or lags that would affect your game.
We tested the GT 1030 with titles such as Battlefield 1, GTA V, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Overwatch. We also ran it through a variety of benchmark tests that we would perform on each graphics card we test. It performed better than our expectations and we were pleasantly surprised by its performance.
However, the GT 1030 is not for you if you are looking to play games at 4K. It would struggle to run most titles even at medium settings, so if you want a graphics card that can handle 4K games, look elsewhere.
Our Verdict:
The Zotac GeForce GT 1030 is one of the best cheap but good graphics cards.
It’s powerful enough to play most modern titles at 1080p with low or medium settings. In addition, it’s extremely quiet and runs very cool, so it will be a great addition to your PC build.
Pros
- Low power consumption
- Easy to install and no need for additional power
- Quiet in operation
- DirectX 12 Support
Cons
- Not suitable for 4K gaming
Best Graphics Card for Under 150 – Buying Guide
Most people are confused as to what exactly a good graphics card is. Some assume that getting the latest and greatest is always better, which isn’t necessarily true. The quality of the gaming experience you get depends on a lot of factors other than just the graphics card.
Today, we are going to talk about a couple of things that go a long way in determining what graphics card performs best for you. We would also go through some important things to look out for when selecting a gaming graphics card.
Your main focus when selecting a good gaming graphics card should be the games that you want to play.
Here are some features that you should look for in your graphics card if you’re playing the latest games:
1 – Resolution
Most of today’s titles are designed to be played at 1080p or 1440p. If you are planning on playing any of the latest games, then your graphics card should have a minimum of 2GB GDDR5 or higher memory.
You can still get away with playing games at 1080p on lower settings if your card has only 1GB of memory, but we wouldn’t recommend it.
2 – Power Consumption
Today’s graphics cards are very power-hungry. If you have a high-performance card in your computer, then you will need to ensure that your power supply has enough juice to power everything.
Some of the cards can draw more than 300W while running, which is why you should always get a power supply that is more than adequate for your system.
3 – DirectX 12 and Vulkan Support
DirectX 12 and Vulkan are the latest graphics APIs. If your card supports these APIs, then you will be able to take full advantage of the hardware resources on the card.
The APIs are much more efficient than their predecessors, so you will see an increase in performance.
4 – SLI and Crossfire Support
If you want to future-proof your investment, then you should select a card that supports SLI or Crossfire. This feature allows you to attach another graphics card to your system for improved performance. This second card is only active when you are playing games that need extra horsepower, which means that it will be inactive when you are using your computer for regular tasks.
Summary Best Graphics Card for Under 150
| Award | Design | Graphics Cards | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Graphics Card Under $150 | Best Pick | Check Price | |
| Best Overall GPU Under 150 | Staff Pick | Check Price | |
| Mini Gaming Graphics Card Under 150$ | Budget Pick | Check Price | |
| Best Graphics Card under 150$ | | Check Price | |
| Best Low Budget GPU Video Card | | Check Price | |
| Best GPUs under 150$ | | Check Price | |
| Best budget graphics card | | Check Price |
Conclusion!
When selecting a good graphics card, you need to consider where and how you use it. If you want to play the latest games, then you should look for a card with at least 2GB GDDR5 memory and DirectX 12 support.
If you plan on using your computer for non-gaming tasks, then you can choose a low-power card to reduce power usage and noise.
If you have a high budget, then choose the MAX SUN GEFORCE GT 1030. It is the best graphics card for gaming.
For those with a mid-range budget, we recommend the AMD Radeon RX 460 2GB and 4GB. For those on a tight budget, the NVIDIA GTX 1050 is also a great option. It is also priced very competitively and can easily handle games at 1080p.
We hope that this article helped understand the different types of GPUs available. If you have any questions or suggestions, then please leave us a message below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best affordable GPU?
The best affordable GPU is the AMD RX 460. It provides good performance at 1080p and comes in 2GB and 4GB variants.
What is the best GPU for gaming?
The NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti provides the best performance of any graphics card at 1440p and ultra-settings. However, it is also one of the most expensive GPUs. The GTX 1080 provides almost as good performance but is slightly more affordable.
Why are GPUs so expensive?
A GPU is expensive because it includes many different components, such as memory modules and extra circuitry. However, it also uses high-quality components that have a price premium.
Can I use a GPU for non-gaming applications?
Yes, you can. GPUs from Nvidia and AMD are great for computation tasks such as cryptocurrency mining.
Do I need a powerful graphics card on my PC?
Not necessarily. Essential tasks such as editing documents and surfing the web do not require a powerful graphics card.
