The GPUs that are actually worth buying in 2026

Choosing a graphics card in 2026 isn’t just about raw performance anymore. VRAM limits, upscaling technologies, and long-term value now matter as much as frame rates. In its latest roundup, Tom’s Hardware highlights eight GPUs that strike the best balance between performance, features, and price right now.

Rather than chasing halo products, the list focuses on cards that make sense for real buyers — across 1080p, 1440p, and 4K gaming.

Radeon RX 9070 XT takes the Top spot

At the top of the ranking sits the Radeon RX 9070 XT. Tom’s Hardware points out that its performance comes close to NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, but at a noticeably lower price.

With 16 GB of VRAM, the RX 9070 XT avoids many of the memory-related bottlenecks starting to appear in modern games. It also delivers solid ray tracing results and benefits from AMD’s latest FSR 4 upscaling. As a result, it stands out as a strong option for both 1440p and 4K gaming without pushing into extreme pricing territory.

RX 9070 offers better value than RTX 5070

Just behind it is the Radeon RX 9070 without the XT suffix. While slightly slower, it retains the same 16 GB of VRAM and distinguishes itself with lower temperatures and strong power efficiency.

Tom’s Hardware highlights price-to-performance as its main advantage. Compared to the GeForce RTX 5070 — which ships with only 12 GB of VRAM — the RX 9070 looks like the safer long-term choice, especially as newer titles continue to demand more memory.

RTX 5070 Ti leads NVIDIA’s lineup

NVIDIA’s highest-ranked entry is the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, which rounds out the top three. Based on the Blackwell architecture, it brings support for DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Generation (MFG), two features that significantly boost performance in supported games.

While its VRAM capacity is more conservative than AMD’s offerings, Tom’s Hardware still considers it the most balanced Blackwell-based GPU available today, particularly for players invested in NVIDIA’s software ecosystem.

RTX 5070 shines today, faces limits tomorrow

The GeForce RTX 5070 also earns a place on the list thanks to its strong cost-per-frame results. Right now, it delivers excellent performance for its price, especially when paired with DLSS 4 and MFG.

However, Tom’s Hardware flags its 12 GB of VRAM as a potential concern. Looking ahead, that memory limit could restrict performance in future releases. For buyers focused on longevity, the Radeon RX 9060 XT with 16 GB of VRAM emerges as a compelling alternative for 1440p gaming.

Budget picks focus on smart upscaling

Among more affordable options, the GeForce RTX 5060 stands out as a solid entry-level choice for 1080p gaming. In demanding titles, its performance relies heavily on DLSS 4 and MFG, which help extend its usability beyond raw hardware limits.

At the very bottom of the pricing ladder, Intel Arc B570 remains the minimum sensible option. It doesn’t compete at the top end, but it offers a modern feature set at the lowest possible cost, making it suitable for tight budgets.

The RTX 5090: Power without value

One notable inclusion is the GeForce RTX 5090, ranked seventh. Tom’s Hardware describes it as a technology showcase – the most powerful gaming GPU available, complete with 32 GB of VRAM capable of handling 4K gaming with ray tracing enabled.

That power comes at a steep cost. With pricing far beyond what most gamers can justify, the RTX 5090 serves more as a statement product than a practical recommendation.

Best GPU by Resolution (2026)

What this list says about GPU buying in 2026

Taken together, Tom’s Hardware’s rankings reflect a clear shift in priorities. VRAM capacity, upscaling quality, and long-term value now weigh as heavily as peak performance. GPUs that balance these factors rise to the top, while overpriced flagships and memory-constrained models fall behind.

For buyers in 2026, the smartest choice isn’t the fastest card on the market — it’s the one that will still make sense two or three years down the line.