Here are the best bang per buck gaming graphics cards for May 2011, as compiled by Tom's Hardware:
Price | Graphics card
- 65 | Radeon HD 5570 DDR3
- 75 | Radeon HD 5670
- 115 | Radeon HD 5770 (Radeon HD 6770)
- 175 | Radeon HD 6850
- 210 | Radeon HD 6870
- 245 | Radeon HD 6950 1 GB
- 275 | Radeon HD 6950 2 GB
- 340 | 2 x Radeon HD 6850 in CrossFire
- 420 | 2 x Radeon HD 6870 in CrossFire
- 550 | 2 x Radeon HD 6950 2 GB in CrossFire
As with the April 2011 recommendation, a Radeon HD 5570 DDR3 should be the minimum for a decent graphics card for a new rig, or an upgrade to the built-in graphics of your motherboard.
If you're looking for something in the mid-range, the Radeon HD 6850 is still your best bet. This card could also be the base for an upgrade to a Crossfire configuration for dual graphics card happiness.
Need more graphics muscle? Two Radeon HD 6950 2 GB cards in CrossFire is for you. Just make sure you are already 'packed' in the main processor department before even thinking of this combo. ;)
- Read the Best Graphics Cards For The Money: May 2011 article by Tom's Hardware
