Best graphics card under 150 | Top 7 GPUs in 2022

Due to the worldwide pandemic (Covid-19), prices of many things raised unconventionally. With the rising prices of many products, prices of some electronics have also gone high. Graphics cards are one of those products whose prices have skyrocketed. A good GPU is getting harder to find when you are under a tight budget.

Even in these hard times, we have managed to bring 7 best graphics card under 150. 

After researching for continuous hours, we have come up with a list of graphics cards that are under 150 USD. So, this article is going to present you with the 7 best graphics cards that you will find under 150. Among all the GPUs, we want to entitle the XFX Radeon RX 550 4GB as our overall best choice as this card is able to give maximum service within this price range.

We couldn’t get any GDDR6 cards under this budget. So, all of the cards that we are going to discuss are GDDR5 cards.

Overall Best Choice

The XFX Radeon RX 550 Core Edition has beaten other graphics cards in terms of features and taken the top spot on our list. Enjoy smooth gameplay with the highest settings and watch movies in exclusive resolution. With the revolutionary FinFET 14 technology, this card will keep the performance at its highest peak. Engineered with the amazing GCN architecture that can be found in the next-generation graphics cards. This card is compatible with popular AMD utilities such as Eyefinity, LiquidVR, CrossFire, and other technologies. After all, you are getting a 4GB GDDR5 under $150.

  • Stream Processors: 512

  • Clock Speed (MHz): 1100

  • Boost Speed (MHz): 1203

  • Memory Clock (MHz): 6000

  • Memory Size: 4GB GDDR5

  • Memory Bus: 128 bit

  • Interface: PCI Express® 3.0

7 best graphics card under 150 you can find during the pandemic

Before we go any further, let’s take a look at the comparison table so that you can get an overall idea of all the graphics cards that we have selected. Viewing this comparison table will be helpful when you are in a hurry.

GPU

Memory Size

CUDA Cores/Stream

Core Clock (MHz)

Boost Clock (MHz)

Memory Clock
(MHz)

    Buy Now
Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030 OC
2 GB

384 Units

1290

1544
6008

ASUS Phoenix GeForce GT 1030 OC Edition

2 GB

384 Units

1278

1531
6008

XFX Radeon RX 550 Core Edition

4 GB

512 Units

1100
1203
6000
Sapphire Radeon R9 270
2 GB
1280 Units
920
945
5600

MSI NVIDIA GEFORCE GT 1030 AERO ITX OC

2 GB

384 Units

1265
1518
6008

ASUS GeForce GTX 750Ti

2 GB

640 Units

1072
1150
1350
AMD RADEON PRO WX 2100
2 GB

512 Units

925
1219
1500

1. Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030 OC: Compact GPU, good for overclocking

Product Specification:

  • Clock Speed (MHz): 1290
  • Boost Speed (MHz): 1544
  • Memory Clock (MHz): 6008
  • Memory Size: 2 GB GDDR5
  • Memory Bus: 64 bit
  • Resolution: 4096×2160 @60 Hz
  • Multi-Screen Supports: Yes (up to 2)
  • Interface: PCI Express 3.0
  • Dimensions: 6.6” x 4.4” x 1.05”
  • CUDA Cores: 384 Units
  • Outputs: 2 (DVI, HDMI)
  • Recommended PSU: 300W
  • OS Compatibility: Windows 7-10 (32 & 64-bit), Linux (64-bit)

Key Features:

  • Custom-Design Cooler: This compact graphics is effective for heat dissipation with the combined performance of its 80mm fan and aluminum base. So, it keeps the temperature low while delivering the highest performance.

  • Ultra-Durable Components: It has some of the most durable components such as low RDS MOSFET. Ferrite core metal chokes, low ESR solid capacitor, and etc. These ultra-durable components increase the lifespan of this card.

  • Smooth 4k Support: With a gold-plated HDMI port, this card supports playing 4k videos smoothly. It also has one DVI-D port.

  • AORUS Graphics Engine Utility: Featuring an intuitive interface and cutting edge functionalities, this software will get you a total command on voltage, fan performance, power target, and fan speed.

  • One-click Super overclocking: You can overclock easily with just one click with the AORUS Graphics Engine utility. Therefore, play your desired games with the best settings by fulfilling the requirements.

  • Warranty: Depending on the area and seller, you can expect to get a 2-year warranty with this GPU.

Negatives:

  • While not using the GPU’s dedicated driver, this card works fine on windows 10. After installing the GPU driver, the images may seem to be blurry.

  • Although this card can bring 4k resolution for video, it is not a high-end card for gaming.

The Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030 OC is a really good graphics card for under 150 dollars. For editing or other graphics work, you can definitely go for this card. It may not be the best choice for gaming, but it is able to offer 4k resolution. With a compact design and custom fan, this card will provide a swift look to your system.

This card can serve you for a long period of time as it certainly has some of the durable components. The high-quality capacitors and chokes will enhance the performance while the fan and aluminum base will keep it cool at all times.

Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030 OC

Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030 OC

2. ASUS Phoenix GeForce GT 1030 OC Edition: Best for compact setup and home entertainment

Product Specification:

  • Clock Speed (MHz): 1278
  • Boost Speed (MHz): 1531
  • Memory Clock (MHz): 6008
  • Memory Size: 2GB GDDR5
  • Memory Bus: 64 bit
  • Resolution: 7680 x 4320
  • Multi-Screen Supports: Yes (Up to 3)
  • Interface: PCI Express 3.0
  • Dimensions: 7.3” x 4.4” x 1.4”
  • CUDA Cores: 384 Units
  • Outputs: 2 (DVI, HDMI)
  • Recommended PSU: 300W
  • OS Compatibility: Windows 7-10 (32 & 64-bit), Linux (64-bit)

Key Features:

  • Absolute for Gaming: Compared to iGPU, you get 6 times better gaming performance. The boost clock speed is 1531 MHz when it is in overclock mode.

  • IP5X-Certified Fan: The fan is designed to be dust resistant under the certification of International Protection Marking (IP5X). Even under acute conditions, you will get optimal performance and improved reliability. Again, the dual-ball bearing extends the lifespan of the fan.

  • Super Alloy Power II: This card is made using an industry-first 100% automated production process known as “Auto-Extreme Technology”. The Super Alloy Power II components are effective for getting better performance under load.

  • GPU Tweak II: The GPU Tweak II comes with an all-new UI that makes it easier to overclock. This function removes redundant processes and automatically allocates all available resources. So, get the maximum performance with just one click.

  • One-click Performance Up: The Gaming Booster app will tune-up the performance for an efficient gaming experience. With just a single click, it will turn off windows services, visual effects, and system memory will be freed.

  • Good for Editing: Compared to other iGPUs, this card can get you 11 times better performance for photo and video editing.

  • Enhanced Multimedia Experience: Compared to Intel® Core™ i5, this card will bring an upgraded multimedia experience with 1.5 times faster performance.

  • Warranty: Depending on your region and retailer, a 2-year warranty may provide for purchasing this card.

Negatives:

  • You may not get the ultimate performance for playing some of the latest high-end games.

  • You may need to update the BIOS to get the full potential of this card. But it may not be necessary in all cases.

The ASUS Phoenix GeForce GT 1030 OC Edition is just excellent for outstanding performance and gaming. Built with Super Alloy Power II components that will reduce power loss, decrease buzzing under load, reduce temperature, and enhance power for bringing unsurpassed reliability. Moreover, the IP5X-certified dust resistance fan comes with dual ball bearings that increase its lifespan up to 2 times.

You can enjoy 11x better performance while you are editing videos or photos. Again, this card will level up your gaming experience up to 6x compared to iGPU. As a result, this graphics card is certainly the best choice for home entertainment or compact PC build.

ASUS Phoenix GeForce GT 1030 OC Edition

 

ASUS Phoenix GeForce GT 1030 OC Edition

3. XFX Radeon RX 550 Core Edition: Editor’s Choice

Product Specification:

  • Clock Speed (MHz): 1100
  • Boost Speed (MHz): 1203
  • Memory Clock (MHz): 6000
  • Memory Size: 4GB GDDR5
  • Memory Bus: 128 bit
  • Resolution: 4096 x 2160
  • Multi-Screen Supports: Yes (up to 6)
  • Interface: PCI Express® 3.0
  • Dimensions: 6.7” x 4.8” x 1.6”
  • Stream Processors: 512
  • Outputs: 3 (DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort)
  • Recommended PSU: 450W
  • OS Compatibility: Windows 10 (32 & 64-bit), Linux (64-bit)

Key Features:

  • GCN Architecture: This card is engineered with the 4th generation Graphics Core Next architecture. By enabling smooth gameplay in various MOBA games, this card has become a desirable choice for gamers.

  • FinFET 14nm Technology: For extraordinary performance, this card is built with the revolutionary FinFET 14 technology. This will come in handy for quiet and cool gaming.

  • Support AMD LiquidVR Technology: The LiquidVR technology from AMD is awesome for the ultimate VR experience. This graphics card also features this technology.

  • Support AMD CrossFire Technology: You can insert another AMD GPU in your system and crossfire with this GPU. AMD CrossFire is an advanced technology that will push the limit of graphical performance.

  • Compact Solid Design: This card is a compact-designed card with solid build quality. With a single fan, it is capable enough to keep your system cool. This makes it highly compatible with micro-ATX or mini-ITX systems.

  • AMD Eyefinity Multi-display Support: You can adjust up to 6 displays with this graphics card and the AMD Eyefinity technology is efficient for protecting your eyes while you're looking at your display for a longer period of time.

  • Master Audio: Whether you are gaming or watching movies, the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD will allow you to enjoy a studio-quality sound experience.

  • Warranty: You may get a 2-year warranty with this XFX graphics card.

Negatives:

  • You may not play some of the latest games like Valorant or Fortnite with this GPU, you will see a message in your display saying “A d3d11 compatible GPU is required”.

  • The single fan may not be efficient enough to keep the system cool in extreme conditions.

Most people are not used to the term ‘XFX’ and they often ask a common question, that is – “Is Xfx a good brand?”. To be totally honest, we will say – Yes, XFX may be new to the industry but it is a good brand. This American company focuses on making power supplies, graphics cards, motherboards, and other PC components. Before manufacturing AMD graphics cards, they used to produce only Nvidia cards. They switched to make AMD video cards in 2009.

The XFX Radeon RX 550 Core Edition is made to get you an optimized resolution for the most popular displays out there in the market. Engineered with the 4th generation GCN architecture, this card will surely provide high-quality graphics by supporting native asynchronous shaders. This card is a very good choice when you are under a limited budget and looking for a suitable GPU for your mini-ITX or micro-ATX system.

XFX Radeon RX 550 Core Edition

XFX Radeon RX 550 Core Edition

4. Sapphire Radeon R9 270: Relatively old but packs quite a punch

Product Specification:

  • Clock Speed (MHz): 920
  • Boost Speed (MHz): 945
  • Memory Clock (MHz): 5600
  • Memory Size: 2GB GDDR5
  • Memory Bus: 256 bit
  • Resolution: 4096 x 2160
  • Multi-Screen Supports: Yes
  • Interface: PCI Express 3.0
  • Dimensions: 9” x 4.3” x 1.4”
  • Stream Processors: 1280
  • Outputs: 4 (2xDVI, HDMI, DisplayPort)
  • Recommended PSU: 500W
  • OS Compatibility: Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10 (32 & 64-bit), Linux (64-bit)

Key Features:

  • Sapphire Dual-X Cooling Technology: The term “Dual” refers to 2 cooling fans that are highly advanced. In order to keep the GPU totally cool, these fans are coupled with multiple heat pipes.

  • AMD App Acceleration: This feature helps you to accelerate the applications that are most demanding. It really comes in handy when you are doing tasks like video encoding.

  • Mantle Support: A great feature for the game developers as they can operate directly with the GCN architecture. This reveals a new possibility of discovering a new world of performance and immersion.

  • AMD Eyefinity Support: featuring AMD Eyefinity 2.0 technology, this card will let you enjoy immersive gameplay. Also, this works incredibly well for multi-displays.

  • AMD Crossfire Ready: This is a Crossfire ready graphics card that gives you an option to upgrade your graphics in the future by adding another AMD GPU.

  • Warranty: Your retailer may provide a 2-year warranty when you purchase this card, but it depends on the region too.

Negatives:

  • Try installing the drivers from the internet rather than using the driver CD that comes with the graphics card.

  • You may not be able to play some of the latest games as this card doesn't support DirectX 12.

  • The cooling fans may create noise when they are at their full speed.

The Sapphire Radeon R9 270 is a true graphics card that can offer 1080p gaming with the highest settings. Although it can support a maximum of DirectX 11.2, it can do the job quite well. This card is built with AMD 28nm GCN architecture, which is highly acclaimed. Therefore, whether you are using a 4K display or combining multiple displays, you will surely get an outstanding resolution.

This graphics card not just only stops by providing higher resolution but also offers you some of the innovative technologies from AMD. Technologies like App Acceleration, AMD ZeroCore, AMD HD3D, AMD PowerTune are enough to elevate your gaming experience to another level.

Sapphire Radeon R9 270

 

Sapphire Radeon R9 270

5. MSI NVIDIA GEFORCE GT 1030 AERO ITX OC: Good choice for mini-ITX system

Product Specification:

  • Clock Speed (MHz): 1265
  • Boost Speed (MHz): 1518
  • Memory Clock (MHz): 6008
  • Memory Size: 2GB GDDR5
  • Memory Bus: 64 bit
  • Resolution: 4096 x 2160 @ 60 Hz
  • Multi-Screen Supports: Yes (up to 2)
  • Interface: PCI Express 3.0 x16
  • Dimensions: 5.8” x 4” x 1.5”
  • CUDA Cores: 384 Units
  • Outputs: 2 (HDMI, SL-DVI-D)
  • Recommended PSU: 300W
  • OS Compatibility: Windows 7-10 (32 & 64-bit), Linux (64-bit)

Key Features:

  • Perfect for Any Case: There is a saying that - “Good things come in small packages”. Well, it is certainly true for MSI GT 1030 AERO ITX graphics card. Because of having a small form factor, this card will fit any PC case virtually or horizontally.

  • Solid Capacitors: Built with solid capacitors that can serve for 10 years under full pressure.

  • Efficient Performance in Low Temperature: Get brilliant graphics for any kind of video and picture editing work. Not only this card has a powerful graphics engine but also has an award-winning NVIDIA Pascal™ architecture.

  • Military Class 4 Components: This card is built with the MIL-STD-810G certified components that are outstanding for proving durability.

  • AfterBurner Overclock Utility: This is probably the world’s most widely used overclock utility giving full access to your graphics card with a detailed overview. Moreover, you can use it as an Android or iOS app for wireless control.

  • Warranty: You might get a 2-year warranty with this card.

Negatives:

  • This is a budget-friendly GPU capable of running high-end games in the decent way possible. You can't expect to run the latest games in high settings with this card.

The MSI NVIDIA GEFORCE GT 1030 AERO ITX OC is an excellent choice for micro-ATX or mini-ITX systems. It will provide the amount of power you need to do any graphical work smoothly. This GPU is built with the award-winning NVIDIA Pascal™ architecture, which is certainly a state-of-the-art technology.

Furthermore, you will get some of the solid components that are MIL-STD-810G certified and some durable capacitors that can run under heavy load for 10 years. Honestly, we haven’t found any major issues or negatives for this graphics card. Just make sure to run this card downloading the latest drivers.

MSI NVIDIA GEFORCE GT 1030 AERO ITX OC

MSI NVIDIA GEFORCE GT 1030 AERO ITX OC

6. ASUS GeForce GTX 750Ti: A really good alternative for 1050 ti

Product Specification:

  • Clock Speed (MHz): 1072
  • Boost Speed (MHz): 1150
  • Memory Clock (MHz): 1350
  • Memory Size: 2GB GDDR5
  • Memory Bus: 128 bit
  • Resolution: 2560×1600
  • Multi-Screen Supports: Yes
  • Interface: PCI Express 3.0
  • Dimensions: 8.6” x 4.5” x 1.5”
  • CUDA Cores: 640 Units
  • Outputs: 4 (2xDVI, HDMI, VGA)
  • Recommended PSU: 450W
  • OS Compatibility: Windows 7-10 (32 & 64-bit), Linux (64-bit)

Key Features:

  • Premium Alloy Components: Built with premium components that allow this card to run 15% faster and 2.5 times longer than the reference.

  • ASUS Dual-Fan Cooling: This technology is able to emit 3 times less noise while maintaining 2 times greater airflow.

  • Smooth Gameplay: This graphics card will make any gameplay smooth for its 1150Mhz boost clock. This will also bring better performance for other types of graphics works.

  • OC Mode: Enjoy outstanding gaming and run high-end games while overclocking the GPU. As a result, this card will offer more performance than reference.

  • GPU TWEAK: This intuitive interface allows you to control fan speed, clock speed, voltage, and more.

  • Real-Time Streaming: The GPU TWEAK also helps you to stream your favorite gameplay and share it with the world.

  • NVIDIA Boost 2.0 technology: This is an intelligent monitoring technology that gives an overall preview of clock speed and ensures the highest frame rate while you are gaming.

  • Solid Capacitors: While the fans run at full speed, there will be no buzzing sound for the concrete chokes. And the capacitors have almost 50,000 hours of lifespan, which is 2.5 times greater than the traditional ones.

  • Warranty: We can't say for sure, but we are guessing you will get a 1 or 2-year warranty with this card.

Negatives:

  • Some users found red sparkles on the screen and observed the card starts giving errors immediately after the PC goes into sleep mode.

The ASUS GeForce GTX 750Ti will keep your system cool even under intense gaming or under heavy load with its twin optimized fans that are expertly placed by the engineers. Also, it is equipped with some exclusively-formulated alloy materials in order to boost performance to the next level.

NVIDIA Boost 2.0 is another great technology letting you monitor the clock speed and ensuring the GPU remains at its highest peak while you are playing games. On top of that, GPU TWEAK comes with an intuitive interface offering a new level of customization, which includes overclocking, targeting GPU temperature, and unlocking voltage.

ASUS GeForce GTX 750Ti

ASUS GeForce GTX 750Ti

7. AMD RADEON PRO WX 2100: A hidden gem from AMD for graphics works

Product Specification:

  • Clock Speed (MHz): 925
  • Boost Speed (MHz): 1219
  • Memory Clock (MHz): 1500
  • Memory Size: 2GB GDDR5
  • Memory Bus: 64 bit
  • Resolution: 5120 x 2880
  • Multi-Screen Supports: Yes
  • Interface: PCIe® 3.0 x16
  • Dimensions: 9.5” x 6.4” x 2.5”
  • Stream Processors: 512
  • Outputs: 3 (Display Port 1.4, 2x Mini-DisplayPort 1.4)
  • Recommended PSU: 300W
  • OS Compatibility: Windows 7 (64-bit), Windows 10 (64-bit), Linux (64-bit)

Key Features:

  • 4th Gen GCN Architecture: This card parallelly follows graphics and arithmetic instructions for its 4th Gen GCN (Graphics Core Next) based architecture.

  • Graphics for Professional Workflows: In order to boost up professional applications, this graphics card supports up to 1.25 TFLOPS.

  • 8 CU Compute Units: In order to accelerate some of the demanding workloads, this card features 8 CU compute units.

  • Color Precision: This card is 10-bit color supported for bringing the next level of details and precise color.

  • AMD Eyefinity Technology: Now, professionals can work with 3 displays simultaneously for versatile multi-tasking.

  • AMD Radeon™ ProRender: This is a photorealistic rendering engine accessing incredible resolutions fast and easily.

  • 4K and 5K Display Support: This GPU is able to run a single 5k display at 30Hz and 3 4k displays at 60Hz.

  • Comprehensive API Support: This GPU is compatible with some of the most popular technologies from AMD like Vulkan, OpenCL, OpenGL, and DirectX.

  • Warranty: You may get a limited warranty for 3 years at the time of purchasing this GPU.

Negatives:

  • You might face some trouble operating this graphics card with Windows 10 Pro.

  • This GPU is mainly dedicated to professional visual works. Therefore, you may not get satisfactory performance while gaming.

You may not have heard much about AMD RADEON PRO WX 2100 graphics card as it is a limited edition card built mainly for running professional applications. However, it is not like you can’t do gaming at all. Rather, you will be surprised with its performance while playing some of the latest games. It is truly a hidden gem from AMD.

Compared to the previous AMD FirePro W2100 graphics cards, this particular version has undergone some upgrades. Therefore, it is capable of performing 20% better than other cards, which are in the same row. Here is a competitional chart between RADEON PRO WX 2100 and NVIDIA P600 graphics card –

Workstation Compatibility:

And here is a list of Workstations that are suitable with this GPU –

Work Station

Precision Workstation T3620 MT
Precision Workstation 7820 Tower

Precision Workstation T7820XL Tower
Precision Workstation T7920XL Tower

Precision Workstation 7920 Tower

Precision Workstation 5820 Tower

Precision Workstation T5820XL Tower

Precision Workstation 3630 Tower

Precision Workstation 3630XL Tower

AMD RADEON PRO WX 2100

AMD RADEON PRO WX 2100


Conclusion

These are certainly some of the best graphics cards available in the market in 2021 at this price point. Yes, we agree that you may find a better choice than these 7 GPUs. In that case, we welcome your choice and encourage you to buy it. But we can assure you these 7 graphics cards won’t let you down and you won’t regret purchasing any of these cards. If you are looking for a graphics card for Ryzen 5 3600 processor, then we suggest you read our Best Budget Graphics Card for Ryzen 5 3600 article. We hope reading this article has benefited you a lot and thanks for being with us.

 

Hi! I am Tanzil, I would like to think of myself as a Tech Nerd. The interest in computers, related parts, accessories, and new technologies have been growing constantly in me. Eventually, the interest became a passion and the passion became a habit. I like to express this habitual knowledge through writing. Therefore, I spend my leisure time writing on computers and technology.

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