Best Graphics Cards Under $100 – Updated Picks
Not every PC build demands a high-end GPU. Whether you’re building a media center, upgrading an aging office PC, or looking for ultra-light gaming, there are still a few graphics cards under $100 that offer reasonable performance for basic tasks.
In this update, we’ve rounded up real, currently available GPUs that you can find under $100—mostly used or refurbished, but also including a few new entry-level models for basic needs.
List of Best Graphics Cards Under $100
AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB (Used)
Once a mid-range gaming beast, the RX 580 (especially the 8GB version) can still handle light 1080p gaming and is widely available in the used market for under $100. Price for new at the time of writing is $112.99
This card is capable of running modern eSports titles like Fortnite, Valorant, and Apex Legends at medium to high settings. However, it struggles with newer AAA games at ultra settings and may lack driver optimization for recent releases.
Best For: Budget 1080p gaming, eSports titles, retro gaming emulators.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti
A legendary low-power card that still performs well for older or low-spec games. No external power connector needed, making it ideal for older PCs with weak PSUs.
The 750 Ti is suitable for light gaming and legacy titles like CS:GO, Dota 2, or Minecraft. It lacks support for modern DirectX 12 features and can’t handle recent titles effectively.
Best For: Entry-level gaming, HTPC builds, older systems with tight power limits.
NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 (New / Low Profile)
Still sold new in many cases, this low-profile card is often under $100 and supports 4K video output. It’s not for gaming, but it’s great for general desktop work and media PCs.
It handles video playback, YouTube, Netflix, and general computing well. It can only manage very low-end gaming performance and lacks proper gaming drivers for some titles.
Best For: Video playback, multi-monitor setups, office workstations.
AMD Radeon R7 250 / R7 360
These legacy AMD cards occasionally dip below $100 used. They’re old but still support DirectX 12 and basic 1080p workloads.
You can expect medium settings in very old games or indie titles. These are not ideal for demanding software or high-res displays, but they are functional for lightweight needs.
Best For: Basic rendering tasks, ultra-light gaming, backup GPUs.
Intel Arc A310 (New)
Intel’s most basic discrete GPU offering supports AV1 encoding and modern drivers. It’s occasionally available around the $100 mark. Not powerful, but modern in features.
Capable of playing older or well-optimized games at 1080p with low to medium settings. Its real strength lies in hardware encoding, driver support, and future-proof codec features. It also includes support for ray tracing, though it performs poorly in those workloads.
Best For: Light multimedia work, basic gaming, future-proof codec support.
Final Verdict
If you’re building a very tight-budget PC or need a temporary GPU, these sub-$100 options will get the job done. Just remember—most of these are best sourced used and should be checked for condition and warranty.
- RX 580 is the strongest overall performer under $100 (used).
- GT 1030 is best for modern compatibility and HTPC setups.
- GTX 750 Ti is the best low-power option for older rigs.
- Intel Arc A310 provide modern codec support and stability for basic tasks.
For real gaming or creative workloads, consider stretching to the $150–$200 range for a major performance jump.
FAQ
1. Are new graphics cards under $100 good for gaming?
Generally, no. Most new sub-$100 GPUs lack the power for modern games.
2. Is buying a used GPU safe?
Yes—just check the seller ratings, return policy, and condition. Used RX 580s and GTX 750 Tis are usually solid.
3. Do these cards support 4K video playback?
Yes—especially the GT 1030, Arc A310, and T400.
4. Can I use these GPUs for video editing or 3D rendering?
Only for very basic tasks. These cards aren’t ideal for heavy rendering workloads.
5. Should I wait for price drops or go with used gear now?
Used gear under $100 has stabilized. It’s unlikely prices will drop further significantly.
