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Best GPU for the Core i3-8100

Graphics cards this processor can feed at each resolution.

At 1080p

  1. GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop n/a · CPU holds it back 7.6%
  2. GeForce RTX 2070 $499 · CPU holds it back 7.6%
  3. GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop n/a · CPU holds it back 3.4%
  4. Radeon RX 6600 $329 · CPU holds it back 3.4%

At 1440p

  1. Radeon RX 7600 XT $329 · CPU holds it back 7.5%
  2. GeForce RTX 4060 $299 · CPU holds it back 4.4%
  3. Radeon RX 6700 $269 · CPU holds it back 4.4%
  4. GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop n/a · CPU holds it back 4.4%

At 4K

  1. Radeon RX 7800 XT $499 · CPU holds it back 6.5%
  2. Radeon RX 7900M n/a · CPU holds it back 6.5%
  3. Radeon RX 6800 XT $649 · CPU holds it back 2.6%
  4. GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop n/a · CPU holds it back 0.5%

Picks keep the CPU and GPU within 10% of each other. Prices are launch prices, not today’s shelf prices.

Graphics cards the Core i3-8100 can drive at each resolution

At 1080p the strongest card the Core i3-8100 can feed is the GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop, with 8 GB of video memory and a 100 W rating. Next in the list is the GeForce RTX 2070, which is held back by 7.6%.

At 1440p the strongest card the Core i3-8100 can feed is the Radeon RX 7600 XT (launch price $329), with 16 GB of video memory and a 190 W rating. Next in the list is the GeForce RTX 4060, which is held back by 4.4%.

At 4K the strongest card the Core i3-8100 can feed is the Radeon RX 7800 XT (launch price $499), with 16 GB of video memory and a 263 W rating. Next in the list is the Radeon RX 7900M, which is held back by 6.5%.

Memory, power and price

The ceiling climbs with resolution: GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop (index 23) at 1080p, Radeon RX 7600 XT at 1440p and Radeon RX 7800 XT (index 50) at 4K.

The picks draw between 100 W and 300 W and carry 6 to 16 GB of video memory, so the top of the list needs a power supply of about 750 W with this processor.

Questions

What is the best GPU for the Core i3-8100?

At 1080p, the strongest card in our list that this processor can feed without a CPU bottleneck above 10% is the GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop. At higher resolutions it can feed faster cards.

What is the best GPU for the Core i3-8100 at 4K?

The Radeon RX 7800 XT (index 50, 16 GB, 263 W) is the strongest card in our list that this processor can feed at 4K.

Updated October 3, 2026