GPU tier list

How the tiers are set

We place every graphics card in a tier by its performance index, where the RTX 4090 is 100. S is 70 and above, A is 50 to 69, B is 30 to 49, C is 18 to 29, D is 8 to 17, and E is below 8. The tiers are bands of real performance, not marketing names, so a previous-generation card can sit above a newer cheaper one.

The index is our own estimate of gaming performance at 1440p. It is built from specifications and public benchmark knowledge, and it is reviewed when new cards launch. Two cards in the same tier are close enough that price, memory and power should decide between them.

What each tier is for

S tier cards are for 4K and for high refresh rates at 1440p. A tier handles 1440p at Ultra and entry 4K. B tier is the sweet spot for 1440p High and for 1080p Ultra with a high refresh monitor. C tier gives smooth 1080p High in almost everything. D tier is for 1080p at Medium, or older games at High. E tier is for esports titles and older games at Low to Medium.

Match the tier to your monitor first. A 1080p 60 Hz monitor gains nothing from an S tier card, and a 4K monitor is a poor fit for anything below A.

How to use the list when you are buying

Start from your monitor and your budget, not from the top of the list. Find the tier that matches your resolution and refresh rate, then compare the cards inside that tier on memory, power draw and price. Cards in the same tier are close in speed, so the cheapest one with enough video memory is usually the right buy. If two tiers fit your budget, the higher tier is the better pick only when your monitor can show the difference.

Check the card against your processor too. A tier S card in an old system will be held back, and you pay for speed you cannot use. The bottleneck calculator and best CPU for your GPU pages show how your processor affects the card you are considering.

How to read the value chart

The value chart divides each card's index by its launch price, so a higher bar means more performance per dollar when the card launched. It is not a buying guide for today. Prices move, used cards change the picture, and a cheap card with too little memory can be a bad deal even with a good ratio.