Old Graphics Cards for Gaming

Author: Ілля | Published: 27.05.2025 | Category: Computers

Old Graphics Cards for 1080p Gaming: Are Older GPUs Still Viable for 1080p Gaming in 2025–2026?

This article examines Old Graphics Cards for Gaming, models that remain relevant for 1080p gaming in 2025, highlighting their strengths and limitations. In 2025, the graphics card market offers a wide range of modern models with support for advanced technologies like ray tracing and AI-driven frame generation (DLSS 3.0, FSR 3.1). However, not all gamers are ready to spend large sums on new flagship GPUs, especially if their goal is comfortable gaming at 1080p (Full HD) resolution. Fortunately, several older graphics cards, released 5–9 years ago, can still deliver solid performance in modern games at high or medium settings.

Criteria for Selecting Graphics Cards for 1080p

For comfortable 1080p gaming in 2025, a graphics card must meet several key requirements:

VRAM Capacity: Modern games, even at 1080p, may require 6–8 GB of VRAM for stable performance at high settings. Cards with 4 GB are considered outdated for most AAA titles.
Performance: The card should deliver a stable 60+ FPS in most games at high or ultra settings, and up to 120 FPS in online games.
Technology Support: Ray tracing and upscaling technologies (DLSS, FSR) are not mandatory for 1080p but can enhance graphics quality and performance.
Energy Efficiency and Compatibility: Older cards often consume more power, so consider power supply requirements and compatibility with modern systems.

Based on these criteria, web sources, and posts on X, we’ve compiled a list of older graphics cards that remain viable for 1080p gaming in 2025.

Top Old Graphics Cards for Gaming 1080p

1. NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti (2017)

Specifications: 11 GB GDDR5X, 352-bit bus, base clock 1480 MHz.
Performance at 1080p: The GTX 1080 Ti remains one of the most powerful cards of its era. In 2025, it can run all modern AAA games (e.g., S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl) at ultra settings with 60+ FPS. In less demanding titles like Counter-Strike 2 or Valorant, it easily achieves 120+ FPS.
Advantages: Large VRAM capacity, high performance, strong driver support from NVIDIA.
Disadvantages: No support for DLSS or ray tracing, high power consumption (250 W), outdated 16nm process.
Recommendation: Ideal for gamers seeking maximum 1080p performance at an affordable price on the second-hand market.
For even more budget-friendly gaming, consider the non-Ti GTX 1080 or GTX 1070 models.

2. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super (2019)

Specifications: 8 GB GDDR6, 256-bit bus, base clock 1605 MHz.
Performance at 1080p: The RTX 2070 Super delivers a stable 60+ FPS in all modern games at high settings. With support for DLSS 1.0 and ray tracing, it enhances graphics quality in supported games.
Advantages: Ray tracing and DLSS support, good energy efficiency (215 W), relevance in 2025.
Disadvantages: 8 GB VRAM may be insufficient for some new games at maximum settings.
Recommendation: Great for gamers wanting a blend of performance and modern technologies at a reasonable second-hand price.

3. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti (2020)

Specifications: 8 GB GDDR6, 256-bit bus, base clock 1410 MHz.
Performance at 1080p: The RTX 3060 Ti provides 60+ FPS in most AAA games at ultra settings and up to 100+ FPS in online games. DLSS 2.0 support boosts performance in ray-traced games like Cyberpunk 2077.
Advantages: Excellent price-to-performance ratio, DLSS 2.0 and ray tracing support, energy efficiency (200 W).
Disadvantages: 8 GB VRAM may be limiting in the most demanding games.
Recommendation: One of the best options for 1080p gaming in 2025, especially on the second-hand market.

4. AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (2019)

Specifications: 8 GB GDDR6, 256-bit bus, base clock 1605 MHz.
Performance at 1080p: The RX 5700 XT delivers 60+ FPS in most modern games at high settings. In 2025, it supports FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), boosting performance in compatible games.
Advantages: Competitive 1080p performance, FSR support, affordable on the second-hand market.
Disadvantages: No ray tracing support, AMD drivers may be less stable than NVIDIA’s.
Recommendation: Good choice for AMD fans who don’t need ray tracing.

5. AMD Radeon RX 6600 (2021)

Specifications: 8 GB GDDR6, 128-bit bus, base clock 2044 MHz.
Performance at 1080p: The RX 6600 is one of the best budget GPUs for 1080p in 2025, delivering 60+ FPS in most AAA games at high settings and 100+ FPS in online games. FSR 3.1 support significantly enhances performance in new titles like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.
Advantages: High energy efficiency (132 W), FSR support, affordable price.
Disadvantages: Narrow 128-bit memory bus, no ray tracing.
Recommendation: Ideal budget option for 1080p gaming, especially for new or lightly used cards.

6. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (2020)

Specifications: 8 GB GDDR6, 256-bit bus, base clock 1500 MHz.
Performance at 1080p: The RTX 3070 delivers 60–100 FPS in all modern games at ultra settings in 1080p. With DLSS 2.0 and ray tracing support, it remains relevant for graphically demanding games.
Advantages: Excellent performance, modern technology support, energy efficiency (220 W).
Disadvantages: 8 GB VRAM may limit performance in the latest games at maximum textures.
Recommendation: Great for gamers playing at 1080p and occasionally 1440p.

Tips for Choosing an Older Graphics Card

CPU Compatibility: For optimal 1080p performance, pair these GPUs with mid-range CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 5 3600, Ryzen 5 5600X, or Intel Core i5-13400. Posts on X suggest that the i5-13400 pairs well with GPUs like the RTX 3060 Ti or RX 6600 XT.
Second-Hand Market: Buying used GPUs (e.g., GTX 1080 Ti or RTX 2070 Super) can significantly reduce costs, but check the card’s condition to avoid overheating or chip degradation issues.
Driver Updates: NVIDIA and AMD continue to support older GPUs with driver updates, improving performance in new games.
Power Consumption: Ensure your power supply meets the GPU’s requirements (e.g., GTX 1080 Ti needs a 600 W PSU).

Conclusion

In 2025, older graphics cards like the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti, RTX 2070 Super, RTX 3060 Ti, RTX 3070, AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT, and RX 6600 remain excellent options for 1080p gaming. They deliver stable 60+ FPS in most modern titles at high or ultra settings, with DLSS and FSR support in newer models adding flexibility. For budget-conscious gamers, these GPUs offer the best price-to-performance ratio, especially on the second-hand market.