Black Friday Graphics Card Deals Explained
Black Friday is one of the best times of the year to upgrade your gaming PC with a new graphics card. If you have been running older hardware or are struggling to hit smooth frame rates in newer games, this is the moment to look for big discounts on Nvidia RTX and AMD Radeon GPUs.
Both Nvidia and AMD offer a wide range of graphics cards aimed at different types of gamers and creators. Knowing what to look for will help you spot real deals instead of just big red sale stickers.
Choosing Between Nvidia RTX and AMD Radeon
Nvidia RTX and AMD Radeon are the two main GPU families for gaming PCs. They both power modern games at high resolutions and frame rates, but they have some differences that matter when you are shopping during Black Friday.
- Nvidia RTX cards are known for strong ray tracing performance, advanced features like DLSS frame generation, and great support in many popular PC games.
- AMD Radeon cards usually compete on price to performance and often give you more raw frames per second for the money, especially at the mid range and sometimes the high end.
When comparing deals, focus on how each card fits your setup:
- 1080p gaming: Look at lower to mid tier RTX and Radeon cards. These will be cheaper and still excellent for esports and most AAA titles at medium or high settings.
- 1440p gaming: Aim for stronger mid range GPUs that can handle higher detail and still keep high frame rates.
- 4K gaming: Check for discounts on higher end RTX and Radeon models that are built for ultra settings and future games.
Do not forget about your monitor. There is no point buying a super powerful GPU if your screen is locked at 60 Hz and 1080p, unless you are upgrading the monitor soon as well.
How to Spot a Real Black Friday GPU Deal
Black Friday ads can be confusing, with lots of crossed out prices and limited time offers. A graphics card that looks like a bargain might only be a small discount from its normal price. Here are a few simple tips to help you decide if a deal is actually good.
- Know the normal price: Before Black Friday, check typical prices for the GPU models you want. Then compare those to the sale price, not just the claimed original price.
- Check the exact model: Graphics cards have many versions from different brands with slightly different names. Make sure you are looking at the same amount of video memory and similar cooler designs when comparing.
- Watch for older generations: Some of the best deals are on previous generation RTX and Radeon cards. They can still be great value, but compare their performance to current models so you know what you are getting.
- Balance the rest of your PC: A powerful GPU paired with a very old processor can cause a bottleneck. Make sure your CPU, power supply, and case space can handle the new card.
If you are unsure, aim for a card that comfortably handles your most played games at your monitor resolution. Chasing the absolute top tier is expensive and often not necessary for a smooth, enjoyable experience.
Making the Most of Your Black Friday Upgrade
Once you have picked a card, there are a few things you can do to get the best performance out of your upgrade.
- Update your graphics drivers after installation to make sure your new GPU runs the latest games properly.
- Use built in tools like Nvidia GeForce Experience or AMD Software to optimize game settings.
- Check your power supply wattage and cables in advance so you can install the new card without surprises.
- Keep your case airflow clean and clear so the GPU can stay cool and maintain high boost clocks.
Black Friday can be an ideal moment to finally leave stutter and low detail settings behind. Whether you go with Nvidia RTX for features like ray tracing and upscaling or AMD Radeon for strong value and high frame rates, taking a little time to compare prices and specs will help you land a graphics card that feels like a genuine upgrade.
If you plan your purchase around your resolution, favorite games, and budget, Black Friday deals on Nvidia and AMD GPUs can give your PC a serious performance boost that lasts for years.
Original article and image: https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/these-are-the-lowest-prices-on-every-black-friday-graphics-card-from-nvidia-amd-and-intel-at-amazon-newegg-best-buy-walmart
