What's the best graphics card upgrade for an RTX 2060 based on my setup?
What's the best graphics card upgrade for an RTX 2060 based on my setup?
I aim to enhance my existing graphics card without needing to replace the power supply or motherboard. I’m currently limited to medium resolution (2560x1440) with around 30-40 frames per second.
My setup includes: Windows 11 Pro, NVidia GeForce RTX 2060 (6GB GDDR6), Corsair RM850x power supply (850W continuous), MEG Z490 UNIfy motherboard (PCI Express x16 Gen 3), and a Corsair dual-fan liquid cooling system.
My monitor is a ViewSonic VX2728-QHD, which should support higher performance.
I plan to run games such as Skyrim at full resolution and maintain a stable 60fps or better.
I want to upgrade my current graphics card without having to replace either my power supply or my motherboard.
How much have you allocated towards your GPU purchase? Where are you located? What is your preferred site for purchase? How old is your PSU? What processor and ram have you paired with your motherboard?
your budget for a new gpu is quite limited.
the best options available are likely used radeon 6750xt or 6800 models.
you might want to look for newer radeon 7700 xt, but I think you won’t find much chance there.
after searching for a while, I haven’t found anything in this price range.
but since I’m not from the US, maybe I’m missing something.
currently, gpu prices are quite high overall.
gpu prices
the radeon 6750xt is around 40% to 50% faster than your existing GPU.
it also offers twice the VRAM, which will be very useful, especially for newer games at 1440p.
it works just as well as the rtx 2080Ti or rtx 3070 in pure raster mode.
i wouldn’t suggest looking for cards like the rtx 3070 or 3070Ti because of their 8GB VRAM limits.
another choice could be the rtx 4060Ti (16GB version), but I doubt you’ll find one under $400.
it’s much more energy-efficient and delivers similar performance to the 6750xt, plus it includes modern nvidia features like DLSS.
your power supply is still in good condition, even if it’s a few years old.
your processor should not be a bottleneck for such cards, so you’ll notice a noticeable improvement in performance even with a modest upgrade budget.
I'm currently playing on a xx60 tier card from the first generation of RTX. The closest match to my setup in the 3xxx series is a 3050, which is only slightly less powerful than my 2060. There isn't a fresh card that will instantly change things, especially since finding something under $400 without a 3050 feels tough. If you're aiming for a Nvidia card above others (which is normal), it's difficult to find options with sufficient VRAM these days. Most cards up to around $400 are hitting their limits at 8GB of VRAM unless you opt for the Oddly Persistent RTX 3060 with 12GB.
This card will offer a clear improvement over your 2060. However, since you're running at 1440p, performance will drop noticeably compared to any card you install. You should weigh whether you prioritize speed or visuals—1080p is usually the sweet spot.
'High resolution' doesn't always mean 'high settings,' and most users prefer high settings with whatever their screen displays. 1440p isn't a massive jump in quality, but it does significantly increase pixel count.
We're in an unusual pricing situation where prices for GPUs have risen across the board as 3xxx cards become outdated. The 5xxx series is launching, while the 4xxx is nearing its end of life. Right now, a 3060 sits between $300 and $400. A 4060 is in the $400-500 range, which isn't much better than a 2060. You're looking at about a 35% performance boost, but this drops when you factor in 1440p. The 128-bit memory bus on the 4060 will struggle to maintain consistent frames at higher settings.
The 192-bit bus in the 2060 is the reason you often see low FPS in games like Skyrim. It's not just about VRAM or GPU power—it's more about the game's resolution requiring more bandwidth.
What you really need is a card with a higher memory capacity than the 192-bit bus. A used 3070 would provide a much bigger performance leap at 1440p compared to a 4060. And... you can find one for under $300 used—that's what I'd consider if you were in my position.