The game universe has a new kid on the block. It is still in closed beta access mode but the results from those who have accessed it are nothing short of positive. Valorant has more in common with CS:GO. The game is not only adventurous but also well polished. Everything about Valorant is an exact blueprint of the gunplay except for the fact that at times the gunfight can change into a knife fight or arrow shooting. There is no terrorist or counter-terrorist, just a hero shooter model to stick to. So, if you are an ardent fan of CS:GO and would like some variety with a similar touch, then Valorant is the game for you.
Quick Peek of the Best Graphics Cards for Valorant
Valorant is the first game of its kind from the stables of Riot. It is a game that has been optimized to be played on a wide variety of PC hardware. If your PC is Windows 7. 8 or 10, 64 bit, then you are good to go but if you love to fully enjoy the potential of this game then high-end rigs would be the best. All in all, your baseline requirements are not expensive.
As we mentioned earlier, Valorant seems to hail from the same stump as CS:GO. This is a game that is extremely competitive hence the need to have a good rig that will deliver and give you the best that the game has to offer.
Contents of this Page
Other Things You Need to Consider
There are several things you will have to consider since the GPU does not deliver on its own. So what exactly do you have to check for?
The Monitor
Your monitor comes into play in two ways. First and foremost, the monitor resolution determines the amount of graphical power that you will require. For instance, a 1440p monitor requires more graphical power as compared to a 1080p resolution. The monitor refresh rate is also another factor. Buy a GPU that has an FPS that is of a similar rate or close to it.
The CPU
Valorant is not a game that will overwork your CPU. This is especially true considering that you can play it on a Windows OS of 64 bit. But still, check your CPU capacity so that nothing lags your performance.
Other games on your PC
Even though Valorant is not greedy for graphics, the other games that you play on your PC might just be demanding. Simply avoid this power struggle by buying a graphic card that will meet the demands of every game.
Top 10 Best Graphics Card For Riot Game’s Valorant
In this review, we get to look at some of the best graphics cards for tactical first-person shooter games like Valorant. Here is a list we came up with and fits everything in the line of performance and price.
1. Asus GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
Tech Specs:
GPU Architecture: Turing | Base Clock: 1350 MHz | Boost Clock: 1545 MHz | Memory Speed: 14000 MHz | Memory Configuration: 11 GB GDDR6
As much as Valorant is a game that can be played by all gamers no matter their level of experience, the professionals will always want something that matches their skill. The RTX 2080 Ti will do just that. This is not a 240 frames per second kind of card instead there are plenty of frames here so that you don’t have to lower your settings.
You can also opt for this GPU if you do not want to worry about upgrading in the future. Yes, the 2080 Ti will be an overkill for the regular user but it will make your gaming experience not just faster but richer plus it is a great investment.
2. MSI GeForce RTX 2070 TRI FROZR
Tech Specs:
GPU Architecture: Turing | Base Clock: 1410 MHz | Boost Clock: 1620 MHz | Memory Speed: 14000 MHz | Memory Configuration: 8 GB GDDR6
More frames mean a lot if you play fast-paced FPS games like Valorant, and most of the time, you sacrifice graphics quality in exchange for higher frames. With the MSI GeForce RTX 2070 TRI FROZR, you get the best of both quality and performance.
The graphics card has up to three DisplayPort 1.4 output and one HDMI 2.0b output. The card is specifically designed to handle high-quality tsks, which is why it can easily handle graphically-intensive programs with ease.
The graphics card should be able to handle Valorant with ease that you can easily hit over 200 frames per second in max settings even at 1440p resolution. Since it utilizes the new Turing architecture, you can make use of Nvidia’s real-time light-controlled GPU.
The MSI RTX 2070 TRI FROZR also utilizes VirtualLink, an open industry standard that allows next-gen VR headset to connect with PCs and other devices using a high-bandwidth USB Type-C connector. Basically, what the USB Type-C does is speed up the VR setup time to make your VR experience more convenient.
If you are using a monitor that supports G-Sync, you can further make your experience better by making the right adjustments to sync your card with your monitor’s refresh rate. With this setup, you will experience a game without tearing and stuttering.
3. MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 2060 Super
Tech Specs:
GPU Architecture: Turing | Base Clock: 1470 MHz | Boost Clock: 1695 MHz | Memory Speed: 14000 MHz | Memory Configuration: 8 GB GDDR6
The RTX 2060 super is the best card when it comes to 240 Hz gaming. This makes it an effective all-rounder for Valorant players. You can turn your settings to the maximum and get 255 frames every second or turn them down and get something below 340 frames each second. These are great figures for a 240 Hz monitor. Just set everything to the maximum. As much as this is a powerful GPU for high-performance gaming, do not use it for extremely demanding titles.
4. PowerColor Red Devil AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
Tech Specs:
GPU Architecture: RDNA | Base Clock: 1770 MHz | Boost Clock: 1905 MHz | Memory Speed: 14000 MHz | Memory Configuration: 8 GB GDDR6
When compared to the Founder’s Edition card design, the Red Devil RX 5700 XT is slightly bulkier and heavier. Because of the power that the card can produce, we like how the card features three fans to allow better heat dissipation. Together, the card can manage to run quietly even when under load.
The overall design of the card doesn’t just look durable but it also feels solid. Unlike other high-end cards, this one has its own backplate to make it look more presentable and more solid at the same time. Together with the fin stack, the card has an open-air design to promote better airflow.
You will also find how the Red Devil RX 5700 XT features a total of four display connectors: three DisplayPorts and one HDMI port. If you are planning to have three displays, then the card should be able to handle your demands.
What’s nice about the RX 5700 XT is how it has a redesigned cooling hardware to support and ensure cooler temperature when used. For Valorant, the card is easily one of the best cards you can use to get super high frames without spending as much as our top picks.
5. EVGA GeForce RTX 2060 Super
Tech Specs:
GPU Architecture: Turing | Base Clock: 1650 MHz | Boost Clock: 1680 MHz | Memory Speed: 14000 MHz | Memory Configuration: 8 GB GDDR6
If you are looking for an alternative RTX 2060 Super card, then this will surely be among your top choices. The card works well if you own a monitor that supports over 144 Hz. With the right graphics settings and adjustment, you can easily hit frames of over 250 even at max settings when playing Valorant.
For a graphics card so powerful like the RTX 2060 Super card, games that aren’t graphically demanding will surely be easy to handle.
6. EVGA GeForce GTX 1660 Super
Tech Specs:
GPU Architecture: Turing | Base Clock: N/A | Boost Clock: 1830 MHz | Memory Speed: 14000 MHz | Memory Configuration: 6 GB GDDR6
We already talked about the GTX 1660 and now we look at the GTX 1660 Super. This is the GPU for you if you do not want to lower your settings but will not mind doing so occasionally. You will receive 205 frames per second. Of course, this is low compared to what you get with a 240 Hz monitor but you can get 275 Hz frames per second when you lower your settings. This is great for playing Valorant especially if you are not obsessed with graphics among other distractions.
7. MSI AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT
Tech Specs:
GPU Architecture: RDNA | Base Clock: N/A | Boost Clock: 1845 MHz | Memory Speed: 14000 MHz | Memory Configuration: 8GB GDDR6
If you are a budget builder or someone looking for entry-level cards you can snag, the AMD RX 5500 XT is among the perfect options you should never miss.
Compared to other mid-range and entry-level cards in the market, the RX 5500 XT has high VRAM. Because of this, you can ensure that the card will handle Valorant just as well. If you are also planning on running other, more graphically demanding games, you can do so with little adjustment in the graphics settings.
Even though it performs just as good as Nvidia’s 1650 Super card, it still falls short in other areas. Among the things the card doesn’t have is Nvidia’s Ray Tracing technology. But the card does make up for what it doesn’t have in other areas.
At 1440p resolution, the 5500 XT 8 GB card doesn’t perform great when handling AAA title games, but it does run fast-paced FPS games well at both 1080p and 1440p resolution, averaging over 60 FPS.
If you’re looking for something that can handle your demands without being too expensive, this is the card for you.
8. EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming
Tech Specs:
GPU Architecture: Pascal | Base Clock: 1506 MHZ | Boost Clock: 1708 MHz | Memory Speed: 8008 MHz | Memory Configuration: 3 GB GDDR5
The GTX 1060 is another worthy contender when you are shopping for the best graphic cards for Valorant. If you have a monitor with a higher resolution, let’s say, 1440p or 240hz, then this should be your card. Yes, its an overkill but nothing beats getting over 200 FPS consistently.
This is also a great card for players who will be playing AAA games frequently and even if you turn your settings down, you will still be getting 60 FPS plus but if you will only be playing Valorant then no need to get this card.
Remember, we initially mentioned that the type of card you buy is also determined by the demands of the other games played on your PC apart from Valorant.
9. ASUS GeForce GTX 1650 (Overclocked Edition)
Crowned as the king of budget, the GTX 1650 allows you to play at 240 Hz frames per second. You will of course, only achieve this by lowering your settings. It’s best when you are just starting out on competitive gaming but cannot afford anything expensive. Just get yourself a decent monitor. A 144 Hz monitor will work or you can try a 240 Hz one if you can afford it and have the equivalent experience.
10. MSI GeForce GTX 1050 TI GAMING X
Tech Specs:
GPU Architecture: | Base Clock: 1468 MHz | Boost Clock: 1354 MHz | Memory Speed: 7008 MHz | Memory Configuration: 4 GB GDDR5
The GTX 1050 Ti is a large model but it also has enough room for two fans so that heat is properly dissipated. The GPU has a higher boost clock and is quieter and cooler during gaming. It is a budget option for gamers who don’t get overwhelmed with compactness. The design might seem a bit bland but that should not be a bother if you are aiming for performance.
11. EVGA GeForce GTX 1050
Tech Specs:
GPU Architecture: Pascal | Base Clock: 1354 MHz | Boost Clock: 1455 MHz | Memory Speed: 7008 MHz | Memory Configuration: 2048 MB GDDR5
The GTX 1050 is a great contender when it comes to FPS games like Valorant. Why is this so? It’s because it performs excellently in eSports plus you do not have to break the bank in order to buy it. A resolution of 1080p should go beyond 100 FPS. Below this, you will notice drops but they won’t be as intense as those seen with the GTX 1030. If you want 100 FPS even at a higher resolution? A 1440p monitor should do. A low demanding game like Valorant should still give you great gaming experience even at this level.
12. Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030
Tech Specs:
GPU Architecture: Pascal | Base Clock: 1468 MHz | Boost Clock: 1227 MHz | Memory Speed: 6‎008 MHz | Memory Configuration: 2 GB GDDR5
The GeForce GT 1030 is a graphics card that was launched three years ago. It consists of a 14nm and it also supports DirectX12. Why is this an important element? Well, this means that this GPU can support any modern game.
Talk of a small chip that contains 1,800 million transistors, 384 shading units, 16 ROPs and 24 texture mapping units. The operation frequency is 1228 MHz and if this is not enough for you, you can boost it up to 1468 MHz. The memory runs at 1502 MHz.
The Nvidia GeForce GT 1030 is a great option for gamers who cannot spend much but still want to enjoy an optimum performance. If your monitor resolution is 1080p then this GPU is for you. 100 FPs is still good enough but if you can afford to spend more, then continue reading this review.
13. MSI GeForce GT 730 Kepler
Tech Specs:
GPU Architecture: Kepler 2.0 | Base Clock: 1006 MHz | Boost Clock: 1253 MHz | Memory Speed: 5000 MHz | Memory Configuration: 1024 MB GDDR5
For a game that has such vivid imagery, you may be surprised to know that Valorant can run rather smoothly on a low-profile graphics card like the MSI GeForce GT 730 Kepler. The GT 730 Kepler has 2 GB of 64-bit GDDR5 VRAM with a core clock of 1006 MHz, more than enough to run Valorant at 60 FPS. It is compatible with a wide variety of monitors since it has multiple display output ports: HDMI, DVI-D, and VGA.
Unfortunately, the GT 730 Kepler doesn’t have a DisplayPort, nor does it have enough power to run Valorant at 144 FPS or higher. You would need a more up-to-date graphics card like the MSI Gaming X GeForce GTX 1050 Ti to run the game at those frame rates. Nevertheless, if you’re looking to build a gaming rig for the sole purpose of playing Valorant at decent settings, the GT 730 Kepler is an excellent option.
System Requirements: Factors to consider before deciding on the right graphics card.
Finding the best GPU for Valorant is easy when you have the right kind of information. In this review, we intend to provide you with comprehensive information where you can quickly pick the card that you require. There are benchmarks. The ones we mentioned earlier are just general requirements. Here, we delve deeper.
The Gaming Performance
The adrenaline in gaming is worth it when your GPU can allow you to play any game at its best quality. Of course, going for the best means digging deeper into your pockets. Most of the best performing cards are above $1,000. You already know the minimum requirements of playing Valorant and therefore you can use this information to get something cheaper while you save up for something better. Figure out how much you are willing to spend. Just ensure that the clock speed and The V RAM are up to the task.
The Clock Speed
How fast does your GPU process information? This is what is referred to as the clock speed. The more the clock speed, the faster the GPU processes information. The result is better frames per second and less lagging. You should have at least a minimum clock speed of 980 MHz but why settle for less if you can get more?
The cooling system
Cooling is necessary because heavy gaming will always heat up your machine. Overheating normally shortens the lifespan of your GPU and if it does not shorten it, the worst will happen. Of course, your GPU won’t last forever but try and get one that will give you longer service. A card with two or more fans would be the best in case you are a competitive gamer. Just ensure that the fans actually deliver and are not a sales ploy.
Power
Power usage is also another essential factor when choosing a GPU. The truth is that, the better the GPU, the more it will have to use from its PSU. If you can have something extra, you can purchase a great power supply unit so that there is more than enough power per component of your PC. If you cannot afford to spend extra then 300 to 500W should suffice. The good thing is that Valorant as a game does not require high power consumption but again, it depends on your card.
Video and professional applications
If you will be using your PC for other functions like video editing while not playing then a workstation GPU will be suitable. Such cards are stable plus reliable. These are not your common cards and you might just opt to get a cheaper option.
Memory
If your PC has a discreet card then the card has its own memory where data is stored so that it can be relayed to the screen when required. So check the memory of your discreet GPU and how much bandwidth capacity it offers. If you are dealing with a 4K display then you will need a GPU with more graphics RAM. This is also a requirement when buying faster GPU cards.
AMD or Nvidia
There are many GPU brands out there but when the dust finally settles, there are only two names, AMD or Nvidia. Which should you choose? AMD makes the upper mid-range and budget-priced GPUs. Nvidia is the champion of the high-end market and its cards easily outperform those made by AMD. The brand you settle for is determined by the level of performance that you require plus the capacity of your monitor. Both of these brands synchronize the refresh rate between the video card and the display so as to prevent tearing. If your monitor cannot support this process then you can settle for something else out of the two.
Valorant is the hot new shooter, and we can see why.
Our impressions: https://t.co/3XCoGTDec1 pic.twitter.com/LyOD3P3Lpl
— GameSpot (@GameSpot) April 9, 2020
The Bottom line
We won’t choose a winning card simply because all the cards discussed are suitable for different reasons and especially prices. Just ensure that the card you get has a memory capacity of 4 GB. Check its form factor, the more compact, the better. Then finally check the Thermal Design Power. This has to do with the card’s ability to dissipate heat and how many watts it will require. Last but not least, check the power connectors and how much power they draw. The maximum standard is 75 watts. Valorant is a great game. We only hope that it does not remain in beta mode for long.
Recap: The 10 Best GPU for Valorant In 2020
- ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1650 OC
- Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030 Low Profile Graphics Card
- EVGA GeForce GTX 1050 Gaming, 2GB GDDR5, DX12 Graphics Card
- Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1060 Windforce OC 3GB GDDR5 Graphics Card
- MSI Computer Video Graphic Cards GeForce GTX 1050
- Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6G Graphics Card
- MSI GeForce GT 730 Kepler GDDR5
- MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 2060 Super 8GB GDRR6 256-bit
- MSI GAMING GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDRR6
- NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 2080 Ti Founders Edition
