Finding the best gaming graphics card under 100 can be a difficult task, especially if you don’t know what to look for or if you are on a tight budget.
The gaming industry is growing at an exponential rate and it’s no surprise that we’re seeing more graphic cards hitting the market every year. This makes choosing the right one even harder.
In this article, we will review the top best gaming graphics cards under 100 in 2021 so that you can find one within your budget and enjoy your favorite games in full HD with amazing frame rates!
After reading this article you will be able to make an informed decision when buying your next GPU for gaming or workstation applications.
We have also included a buyer’s guide with some tips on how to choose the best graphic card for your needs!
At a Glance:
Zotac GeForce GT 1030
- Ultra-quiet Low profile form factor for Small PC cases
- Power by GeForce GT 1030 Pascal architecture
- Integrated with industry’s best 2GB GDDR5 memory and 128-bit memory interface
- Memory clock speed 6.0 GHz
- Support PCI Express 3. 0 x16 bus interface
Best Cheap Graphics Card for Gaming
Asus GeForce GT 710
- Supports DX12
- Energy efficiency
- Very Affordable
- Three outputs
- Auto-Extreme technology
CHEAP WITH GOOD PERFORMANCE
EVGA GT 710 2GB DDR3
- Available at an Affordable Price
- Board Layout is Robust
- Great Micro-ATX Mobo
We all know that having the best possible hardware for your computer is important to have an excellent gaming experience.
However, most of us don’t have the money to buy top-of-the-line Graphics Cards from Nvidia or AMD. This means we need to find cheaper alternatives that will still allow us to play our favorite games in high settings.
- Best Gaming Graphics Cards Under 100 – Our Top Picks!
- MSI GeForce GT 730 Kepler
- Zotac GeForce GT 1030
- Asus GeForce GT 710
- VisionTek Radeon 5450
- EVGA GT 710 2GB DDR3
- ASUS AMD Radeon R7 250
- EVGA GeForce GT 1030 2GB
- Graphics Cards Under $100 Buyer’s Guide
- Summary – Gaming Graphics Cards Under 100
- Conclusion!
- Frequently Asked Questions
One way is to look for the best used GPU under 100 from friends or check out online places but the problem with used GPUs is that they could be faulty and you could waste your money on something useless.
We’ve done our research and testing and here are some of the top picks in this price range based on performance, value for money, and brand quality.
Best Gaming Graphics Cards Under 100 – Our Top Picks!
| Award | Design | Graphics Cards | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaming Graphics Card |  | Check Price | |
Best Pick | Check Price | ||
| Best Cheap Graphics Card for Gaming | Staff Pick | Check Price | |
| BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK GPU |  | Check Price | |
| CHEAP WITH GOOD PERFORMANCE | Budget Pick | Check Price | |
| Gaming Graphics Card Under 100 |  | Check Price | |
| BEST LOW PROFILE |  | Check Price |
MSI GeForce GT 730 Kepler
The MSI GeForce GT 730 graphics card is small in size, but big on features and performance. Its low-profile form factor is ideal for slim and small systems.
The innovative MSI Afterburner utility allows you to boost the core clock of your graphics card for increased performance in-game.
We love this card for its great price and performance as in our tests it was able to handle modern games with amazing frame rates.
We used it to play popular games such as GTA V, The Division, and Overwatch in 1080p. In Skyrim, we were able to achieve a solid 60fps at medium settings!
Considering that it is the best low-budget GPU video card, this is a solid card for gaming. It has 2GB DDR3 memory and a 64-bit memory bus.
The MSI GeForce GT 730 is designed for quiet operation, reducing noise by 20% compared to previous generation products.
The fan uses an advanced Airflow Control technology that produces a stronger yet quieter force.
The thermal design power (TDP) of the GeForce GT 730 is only 15W and the GPU temperature is kept in check without resorting to noisy and high-power fans thanks to MSI Afterburner overclocking utility and the use of low-profile components.
It allows you to freely adjust the power level, enabling you to control the performance when it comes to 3D gaming or hardcore video rendering.
Pros
- Power by GeForce GT 730 Kepler architecture
- Integrated with industry’s best 2GB DDR3 memory and 64-bit memory interface
- Support PCI Express 3. 0 x16 bus interface
- Universal viewing output (DVI, HDMI & VGA)
Cons
- The Low Profile form factor may not fit in some small chassis
Our Verdict:
If you are looking for the best graphics card under 100 to play the latest games in Full HD resolution, this is by far one of the best choices you can get. It’s really cheap and it will be able to handle the latest games at a very decent frame rate.
Zotac GeForce GT 1030
Best PickThe ZOTAC GeForce GT 1030 comes equipped with powerful NVIDIA Pascal architecture, a dedicated VR-ready processor, plus graphics-accelerating technologies to deliver smooth performance.
Now, you are ready to work, play, and create in VR with ultra-smooth visuals.
Add in the countless streaming apps that take advantage of its video-processing power and GeForce Experience support for auto driver updates and game optimization. Furthermore, it is superbly energy efficient with easy connectivity.
It is great for casual gamers who are budget conscious. It’s also right here in this top best graphics cards under 100 because it performs so well.
We choose the Zotac GeForce GT 1030 for its very low power consumption, 1080p performance, and super-quiet operation.
We tested many games with this card and we can say that it can handle most new games on high settings at 1080p.
On some very demanding games like FarCry 4, we had around 30+ FPS on high settings. It has 2GB of GDDR5 memory and a 64-bit memory interface.
This graphics card is built for gamers who demand high performance and excellent quality in games and multimedia applications.
It is engineered with a custom PCB and designed to harness the power of the latest NVIDIA Pascal architecture, the Zotac GeForce GT 1030 has a compact footprint that makes it perfect for small builds and HTPCs. It also runs silently while delivering smooth, stutter-free graphics in full HD.
In short, the NVIDIA Pascal architecture gives you the power to enjoy intense gaming, productive multitasking, and live video streaming.
Zotac GeForce GT 1030 graphics cards deliver incredible performance and efficiency, driving the latest displays and the most demanding virtual reality experiences.
Our Verdict:
We think that this is one of the cheap but good graphics cards because it delivers incredible performance on some demanding games. Pick this up if you want to play the latest games on high settings and a higher frame rate!
Pros
- Ultra-quiet Low profile form factor for Small PC cases
- Power by GeForce GT 1030 Pascal architecture
- Integrated with industry’s best 2GB GDDR5 memory and 128-bit memory interface
- Memory clock speed 6.0 GHz
- Support PCI Express 3. 0 x16 bus interface
Cons
- User registration required
Asus GeForce GT 710
Staff PickThe brand-new ASUS GeForce GT 710 optimizes essential aspects of graphics performance to deliver smoother and faster gameplay.
Its factory overclocked to perform faster than standard models, and even boasts the ability to reduce fan noise when running light on system resources by up to 50%. , this graphics card is built for gamers who demand high-performing and reliable products.
Additionally, you can count on the brand-new GeForce GT 710 to deliver faster, smoother, and richer graphics performance for your favorite online games.
We choose the Asus GeForce GT 710 because it’s very affordable and it delivers decent 1080p performance.
It is based on the Nvidia GT 710 graphics card with 1GB GDDR5 memory.
Auto-Extreme Technology with Super Alloy Power II components ensures superior stability, while GPU Tweak II lets you get in-game and quickly make clock adjustments for additional performance.
The ASUS GT 710 is perfectly suited for your HTPC or other multimedia PC in 24×7 reliable performance.
ASUS has added low-profile, quieter options in our customized version to ensure the best in class in HTPC/multimedia technology. It is also an affordable solution for entry-level gaming.
In our view, this is the best GPU under 100 dollars because it is the cheapest and yet it delivers high performance.
You can’t compare it with other high-end GPUs but if you want to play the latest games at 1080p, this is undoubtedly the best graphics card at a cheap price.
Our Verdict:
It is a decent graphics card but it delivers decent performance for the cheapest price. Two thumbs up from our side!
Pros
- Supports DX12
- Energy efficiency
- Very Affordable
- Three outputs
- Auto-Extreme technology
Cons
- Low memory size (1GB)
- Not as powerful as other high-end models
VisionTek Radeon 5450
The VisionTek Radeon 5450 is engineered to deliver a premium HD gaming experience in your home.
It will play your games the way they are meant to be played, with best-in-class performance and incredible, stutter-free 3D.
The Radeon 5450 is perfect for putting the most into your games and getting more from them. It is also media-centric, so you can count on it for all your entertainment needs.
It packs an incredible amount of power into a low-profile design and is also optimized for your multi-monitor setup.
Its 2GB DDR3 memory enables you to power through anything, while its support for DirectX11 offers realism that is second-to-none.
We choose the VisionTek Radeon 5450 because it delivers a neat performance with beautiful gaming.
Asus Radeon 5450 is equipped with the newest ATI Radeon HD 2400 Pro graphics processors which are based on ATI Avivo HD Technology and Microsoft DirectX 11 delivering the best visual quality, stunning 3D graphics, vibrant colors, and life-like animation for gaming and video entertainment.
It has a PCI-E 2. 1 x16 interface for smooth high-definition video playback, rendering, and manipulation.
The VisionTek Radeon HD 5450 Series GPUs are engineered to meet the demands of home theater and gaming enthusiasts.
It is most suitable for casual gamers and HD media users due to its entry-level price. If you want a graphics card under 100 dollars, we highly recommend the VisionTek Radeon 5450.
Our Verdict:
For playing the latest games, this graphics card is below average but for casual gamers and media users, it is the best.
A discreet graphics card that has a low-profile design and is perfect for multi-monitor setups. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of its competitors, but it gets the job done nicely. Overall, a simple yet beautiful visual experience!
Pros
- Perfect for casual gamers and media users
- Entry-level price
- High-Quality Performance
- Low profile design
Cons
- Not suitable for high-end games
EVGA GT 710 2GB DDR3
Budget Pick
The EVGA GeForce GT 710 delivers incredible performance, power efficiency, and gaming technologies that only NVIDIA Maxwell technology can offer.
This is the perfect upgrade for those looking to instantly boost graphics quality and enjoyment, whether upgrading from integrated graphics or seeking a low-profile upgrade option.
It is the very definition of future proof, thanks to Maxwell architecture that features incredible performance and power efficiency.
We installed the EVGA GT 710 2GB to our PC and we were really amazed by its decent performance for the cheapest price.
This graphics card is equipped with the NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 graphics processors which are based on the industry-leading 28nm technology.
It has a PCI-E 2. 0 x16 interfaces for smooth HD video playback, rendering, and manipulation.
It has a low-profile design with a passive cooler which is perfect for small form factors or slim-line PC systems.
It supports the latest industry standards like DirectX 11, OpenGL 4. 5, PCI Express 2. 0, and NVIDIA PhysX technology to bring your entertainment and gaming experience to a new level.
We chose the EVGA GT 710 2GB because of its low-profile design with passive cooler and decent performance.
You will be able to play all your games at decent settings without any FPS drops.
Our Verdict:
Whether you want to play games or do multimedia work, the EVGA GT 710 2GB is an excellent choice for its low-profile design which uses passive cooling technology.
If you are looking for a graphics card for under 100 dollars, the EVGA GT 710 2GB is a perfect choice.
Pros
- Available at an Affordable Price
- Board Layout is Robust
- Great Micro-ATX Mobo
Cons
ASUS AMD Radeon R7 250
The R7250-1GD5-V2 power supply gives you a 25% longer lifespan and enhances your computer system cooling thermal efficiency, delivering a silent performance.
Plus, the exclusive semi-passive fan slot design enhances graphics card reliability. Backed by a 2-year warranty, this card delivers superior services when it comes to reliability and stability.
This graphics card is engineered with the industry’s most advanced dust-proof fan designed to resist dust and particles for graphics cards’ longevity.
The patented wing-blade fans design delivers maximum airflow and enhanced 105C cooling for 28% more cooling capacity. An array of advanced ASUS innovations, including GPU Tweak II with XSplit Gamecaster provides intuitive performance tweaking and instant gameplay streaming.
It features a GPU clock speed of 925MHz. It also has 1024MB GDDR3 memory and 128-bit memory interface width.
We chose the ASUS AMD Radeon R7 250 for its high performance and decent price.
It’s pretty good considering the cheapest graphics card on our list is priced at 70 bucks. It is a good gaming graphics card under 100 dollars that can easily play your favorite games in 1080p resolution.
Our Verdict:
The ASUS AMD Radeon R7 250 is a great graphics card with decent performance and it has an extremely low price.
This GPU gives you the chance to play most of your favorite games in 1080p resolution with decent frame rates.
Pros
- Dust-proof fan
- Good budget graphics card
- Energy efficient
- Supports DX12
- Compatible with Tweak II software
Cons
- Comes with a memory size of 1GB which is not ideal for gaming
EVGA GeForce GT 1030 2GB
The EVGA GeForce GT 1030 graphics card is loaded with the latest innovative NVIDIA technologies, delivering incredible performance, unmatched power efficiency, and cutting-edge features.
This is a no-compromise solution that transforms your basic PC into a fast, gaming rig.
The is the new budget-friendly graphics card powered by NVIDIA Pascal architecture that delivers amazing performance, power efficiency, and gaming technologies.
This advanced graphics card brings PC gaming to a new era – the era of quality graphics at 1080p in Ultra settings on mainstream PCs.
With a single-slot design and just 2.5-slots wide, the cards fit perfectly into compact HTPC or SFF cases.
It has a passive cooler which is a major plus considering the tiny size of this card.
It means that, unlike other cards on the market, no additional cooling is required and system noise will be greatly reduced.
And it can support VR and low-level APIs such as DirectX 12 in up to three independent displays.
The EVGA GeForce GT 1030 SC is an Nvidia Pascal-based entry-level graphics card designed for smooth 1080p gaming in eSports titles, or for playing older games.
The card has a CUDA core count of 384, 40 TMUs, 16 ROPs, and a 192-bit memory bus handling 48.06 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
It is connected to the rest of the system using a PCI Express 3.0 16x connection. The card features no power connectors but draws all the power it needs directly from the motherboard slot.
Our Verdict:
The GT 1030 is a great card for those looking to build a small form factor system for playing eSports titles or older games at 1080p. It can even play some newer games like Overwatch and CS: GO at medium/high settings on older titles.
Pros
- Passive cooler
- Low profile form factor; can fit into compact builds with restricted airflow
- Good value for the money (especially the 2GB version)
- 3 Year Warranty
Cons
- No 4K Support
- Small memory size can make some of the latest games unplayable
Graphics Cards Under $100 Buyer’s Guide
Our article about the best graphics cards under 100 dollars is a result of many hours of researching and testing. We know many people don’t know how to choose a graphics card, or simply can’t afford to get an expensive one.
In this case, it’s best to look for some features that are most important to the games that you want. For example, if you’re looking for a graphics card to play Battlefield 4, then it’s safe to get one with a more powerful memory.
On the other hand, if you’re not a serious gamer and looking for a graphics card to use for your multimedia needs (watching movies or using programs), you should look for one with low power consumption. You have to evaluate your needs and choose wisely depending on what you need.
For our list, we chose some of the best graphics cards under 100 USD that will meet and maybe even exceed your expectations.
We have highlighted some of the features you should look for when choosing a graphics card under 100 bucks.
Power Consumption
It’s important to check the power consumption before buying a graphics card because it will affect how much electricity your card will use every day.
Power consumption is measured in watts, and you must have a minimum of 400W power supply to make it work.
If you don’t have enough power, your card will probably be damaged or even worse, it catches fire.
Brand
Many brands manufacture graphics cards, but ATI and NVIDIA are the most trusted. They have been building graphics cards for decades which makes them experts in this field.
You can never go wrong with an NVIDIA or ATI card because they will be there for you whenever you’re having any problems, and it’s safe to say that you won’t go wrong with one of their products.
Memory (VRAM)
The memory or Graphics RAM (VRAM) influenced the speed of your graphics card. The higher the VRAM, the faster you can run your games and programs.
For most modern games, 2GB of memory or higher is recommended. If you think about buying a graphics card with less than 1 GB of memory, we would recommend you reconsider because it will be a waste of money.
Screen Resolution
The higher the resolution, the faster your graphics card. That’s why, if you’re planning to play your games in 1080p (Full HD), then you should get a graphics card with at least 2GB of VRAM.
You should also consider the upcoming games that you want to play in the future.
Summary – Gaming Graphics Cards Under 100
| Award | Design | Graphics Cards | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaming Graphics Card | | Check Price | |
Best Pick | Check Price | ||
| Best Cheap Graphics Card for Gaming | Staff Pick | Check Price | |
| BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK GPU | | Check Price | |
| CHEAP WITH GOOD PERFORMANCE | Budget Pick | Check Price | |
| Gaming Graphics Card Under 100 | | Check Price | |
| BEST LOW PROFILE | | Check Price |
Conclusion!
We hope after reading our reviews, you have a better idea of which one will suit your needs best. Remember that the price is just as important as any other feature when it comes to buying a graphics card.
If you have a good budget go with MSI GeForce GT 730. It is one of the best GPUs under 100
If you are looking for cheap but good graphics cards then the EVGA GT 710 and ASUS GT 610 are the best options.
Our goal is to help make sure that you purchase a graphics card that will not only be good for now but also one you can use down the road as new games come out and your computer needs updated hardware.
If this was helpful, please share with friends or family who may need some advice too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which graphic card is best for gaming and cheap?
The NVIDIA GeForce GT 610 is the best graphics card for gaming that you can get for under $100. It’s cheap and has decent performance, but if you want to play games at 1080p resolution, then this one is not for you.
Which graphic card should I buy for gaming?
Taking into consideration your budget, we recommend you to buy the NVIDIA GeForce GT 730 if you’re looking for a graphics card for gaming under $100. It’s very cheap and capable of playing your favorite games in 1080p.
What graphic cards do I need?
The answer depends on what resolution you want to play your games at, so the first thing you should do is to check the screen resolution.
For 1080p, you must get at least 2 GB of memory, but if you’re looking for something with more power than that, then go for 4GB of memory or higher.
What’s the best graphics card for gaming under $100?
The best graphics card under 100 bucks is the ASUS GeForce GT 610 2GB DDR3. It has decent performance for gaming, and the memory is more than enough for most modern games.
