Best Graphics Card for 4k Gaming

Best Graphics Card for 4k Gaming

4K resolution truly takes gaming to the next level. Each detail is so sharp that you can really appreciate the effort that game designers put into creating their masterpieces.

If you’ve already got a 4K screen and powerful CPU and RAM, all it takes is a 4K-ready GPU for you to enjoy gaming to the fullest. We scoured the web for the best graphics card for 4K gaming and came up with three options that are worth taking a closer look at.

Comparison Chart

Best Graphics Card for 4k Gaming Reviews

ASUS Dual GeForce GTX 1070

If you’re looking for outstanding performance, ASUS has a solution for you. The Dual GeForce GTX 1070 offers pretty much everything a serious gamer needs, if you’re willing to reach for it.

Review

The ASUS Dual GeForce GTX 1070 is simply a powerhouse. With 8GB of GDDR5 RAM and 1,797MHz clock boost in OC mode, you can enjoy the latest releases to the fullest. You can play most games at the highest settings, and maybe some of the newest ones at a bit lower for maximum performance.

If your GPU’s noise, or lack thereof, is important to you, this one might be a perfect choice. The two fans are extremely quiet so you won’t even notice them when gaming. In some cases, however, the card might go into overdrive and produce slightly louder noises. Luckily, this only happens on rare occasions.

If you’re into next-gen gaming, you’ll be happy to hear that this GPU is VR-ready. With two HDMI 2.0 ports, you can connect your monitors and headset simultaneously.

The GeForce GTX 1070 also comes with GPU Tweak II, a user-friendly software for monitoring every single aspect of the card’s performance. Adjusting the settings is easy and intuitive without having to read any instructions.

Of course, all of these features come at a price. This option is reserved for those who are willing to shell out for the best PC setup. Aside from the price, there’s really nothing that might dissuade you from considering this one.

PROS

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    Amazing performance
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    4K and VR-ready
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    Very quiet

CONS

  • Occasional overdrive noises
  • Quite expensive

ZOTAC GeForce GT 730 Zone Edition

If you’re on a budget (maybe because you’ve spent a lot on a 4K display) but still want a decent-performing GPU, you should consider the ZOTAC GT 730. It might not be what you’d consider state-of-the-art, but it’s certainly good enough, especially when you take the price into account.

Review

There are very few low-cost GPUs that can perform as well as this one. Even though the 2GB of DDR3 RAM and the 64-bit interface might not seem like much, it should be enough for those that don’t expect top-notch performance to get a good gaming experience out of this affordable GPU.

You can enjoy most classic games on high settings, but you might have to make some compromises if you want to play the latest releases in 4K. The 1,600MHz memory clock might not offer the highest bandwidth but it can be overclocked if needed.

The audio and video performance is where this card shines. Thanks to hardware-accelerated Blu-ray 35 playback, the GPU renders astounding visuals in 4K. The Dolby TrueHD decoding and lossless multi-channel audio bit streaming can satisfy the needs of any audiophile.

Of course, this doesn’t make it the best choice for hardcore gamers. It still isn’t powerful enough to handle new releases, so you might experience lags if you try playing them on high settings.

Also, since there are no fans, it might get very hot after prolonged usage. It shouldn’t cause any damage but might affect the GPU’s performance and life.

Still, the card is more than good enough for casual gamers that want to save up a bit. All in all, it offers great value for the money.

PROS

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    Very affordable
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    Decent performance
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    Great audio and video

CONS

  • Tends to overheat
  • Can’t keep up with modern games

Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030

This is another budget choice aimed primarily at casual gamers who are willing to settle for a decent performance. It offers great bang for the buck and features that are very rare in this price range. Despite a few shortcomings, it deserves to be in the run for the best graphics card for 4K gaming.

Review

As far as performance goes, the Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030 is pretty much what you would expect from an average budget GPU. It has 2GB of GDDR5 64-bit memory, which is enough for a smooth experience when playing most classic games at max settings, and new games at medium settings.

It comes with a DVI-D port and a gold-plated HDMI port, which provides lag-free and crisp 4K playback. With the right horsepower, you can expect a great performance and stunning visuals.

Gigabyte also ensured that the cooler meets gamers’ expectations. The 80mm fan paired with the aluminum base provides excellent heat dissipation, so prolonged use won’t be an issue. The chokes and capacitors are made of highly durable materials, so you can expect the card to have a long life.

The main issues that some users have encountered have to do with the installation. The instructions aren’t clear enough and the installation CD may malfunction. Aside from this, casual gamers have been pretty satisfied with the way it performs.

PROS

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    Affordable
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    Good build quality
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    Good heat reduction

CONS

  • Potential installation issues
  • Not suitable for serious gamers

Conclusion

If you’re not picky when it comes to a GPU and are willing to compromise the quality of some game features, either the ZOTAC GT 730 or the Gigabyte GT 1030 might do a good enough job. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth and have a pleasing 4K gaming experience.

On the other hand, if you want to enjoy most games at max settings and money is no issue, the ASUS Dual GTX 1070 might be your safest bet. It’s capable of great performance and in the conversation for the best graphics card for 4K gaming.

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