The WORST GPUs to Buy in 2025 (And what to get Instead)

Summary

In this video, the Skybolt channel breaks down the graphics cards you should avoid in 2025, offering practical alternatives for gamers looking to upgrade their systems. With the graphics card market being inflated, the video warns against cards like the RTX 5060, 5060 Ti, and the RTX 5070, citing issues like insufficient VRAM and high prices. It also compares these models with more value-for-money options from Intel and AMD, such as the Intel Arc B580 and RX 970 series, providing gamers with smarter choices for their next GPU upgrade.

Takeaways

• 😀 Avoid buying the RTX 5060 in 2025 due to its insufficient 8GB VRAM, which struggles with modern games like Grand Theft Auto 6.
• 😀 The Intel Arc B580 offers better performance for $100 less than the RTX 5060, especially in AAA games, thanks to its superior VRAM.
• 😀 For those considering the RTX 5060Ti 8GB, avoid it in 2025, as its 8GB VRAM is inadequate for modern gaming, even with DLSS4 and ray tracing.
• 😀 Instead of the RTX 5060Ti 8GB, consider used GPUs like the RX6750 XT or RX6800, both offering more VRAM (12GB or 16GB).
• 😀 The rumored RX960 XT 8GB is another GPU to avoid unless it is very cheap, as 8GB VRAM with a 128-bit memory bus will limit its performance in 2025.
• 😀 The RTX 5070 is not recommended due to its underwhelming performance, despite being marketed as an upgrade to the 4070. The RTX 4070 Super is a better option.
• 😀 If you're eyeing the RTX 5070, consider the AMD RX 9700 instead, which offers 16GB of VRAM and better ray tracing and frame generation technologies at a similar price.
• 😀 The RTX 5080 is overpriced and underperforming, with only 16GB of VRAM and minimal gains over the previous generation's 4070 Ti.
• 😀 A better alternative to the RTX 5080 is the RX 7900 XTX, which offers 24GB of VRAM and superior overall performance at a comparable price.
• 😀 The RTX 5090 is far too expensive for gamers, priced at around $35,000. It is intended for professionals working in AI and specialized fields, not casual or even serious gamers.

Q & A

Why should I avoid the RTX 5060 in 2025?

The RTX 5060, which hasn't launched yet, is expected to be underwhelming due to its limited 8GB VRAM, especially for AAA games. Even the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB struggles in terms of performance, and its 128-bit memory bus isn't sufficient for modern gaming demands, making it a poor investment for 2025.

What is a better alternative to the RTX 5060?

A better alternative to the RTX 5060 is the Intel Arc B580, which offers superior performance for AAA games at higher graphical settings, even at 1080p. It comes with more onboard memory, which is crucial for future gaming titles that will demand more VRAM.

Why is VRAM so important for modern graphics cards?

VRAM (Video RAM) is critical for handling textures and graphical data in modern games. As games demand higher-quality textures and advanced features like ray tracing and DLSS, more VRAM is necessary to ensure smooth performance. Graphics cards with less than 8GB of VRAM may struggle with newer, graphically intensive titles.

Should I buy the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB in 2025?

No, the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB is not recommended in 2025. It has insufficient VRAM (8GB with a 128-bit bus), which will limit its performance in graphically demanding games. Even with features like DLSS and ray tracing, the card's memory is too limiting for future-proof gaming.

What is a good used alternative to the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB?

Used alternatives like the RX 6750 XT or RX 6800 are solid choices. These cards come with 12GB and 16GB of VRAM, respectively, offering better longevity for future games that require more memory.

Why should I avoid the rumored RX 960 XT 8GB?

The rumored RX 960 XT with 8GB of VRAM may not be worth it in 2025 due to its limited memory. Unless the price is extremely low (around $200 or below), it is expected to be a poor choice for gaming, as modern titles require more VRAM for smooth performance.

What makes the RTX 5070 a poor choice in 2025?

The RTX 5070 underperforms compared to the older RTX 4070 Super despite being priced similarly. The card uses the newer GDDR7 memory, but its GPU core lacks sufficient power, making it a weak offering in 2025. It's overpriced for the level of performance it provides.

What is the best alternative to the RTX 5070?

The RX 9700 is a better alternative to the RTX 5070. It offers 16GB of VRAM, better performance per dollar in ray tracing, and superior rasterization, all at a similar price point. AMD has managed to match Nvidia's performance in frame generation, making it a more compelling option.

Why should I avoid the RTX 5080?

The RTX 5080 is overpriced for its performance. It has only 16GB of VRAM, which is insufficient given its high cost (around $1,400), and it offers minimal performance improvement over the RTX 4080. It’s a poor value proposition in 2025.

What alternatives should I consider instead of the RTX 5080?

Instead of the RTX 5080, consider getting the RTX 5070 Ti or the RX 7900 XTX. Both alternatives offer better value with similar or superior performance, including more VRAM and better overall value for money.

Why is the RTX 5090 not recommended?

The RTX 5090 is priced exorbitantly at around $35,000, which makes it a completely impractical choice for gamers. It’s targeted at professionals in AI and other industries, not gamers. If you have that kind of budget, it would be better used for more practical investments.

What should I do instead of buying the RTX 5090?

Instead of the RTX 5090, consider using that money for more practical purposes like paying off debts, saving, or investing in more reasonable hardware. The RTX 5090 is overkill for gaming and only makes sense for niche professional use.