Ranking the best and worst 1440p GPUs in 2025 starts with AMD’s RX 7700 XT. This is the cheapest card worth considering for 1440p gaming. It offers 12GB of VRAM and runs most games on high to ultra settings. For those reasons—being the cheapest and still delivering decent gaming performance—it lands in the elite tier.
Next up is the RX 7800 XT. It’s about $90 more expensive than the 7700 XT but provides 22% better performance and 4GB more VRAM. That 17% price jump for a performance and VRAM boost makes this a better deal overall. It’s also in the good tier, but it clearly ranks higher than the 7700 XT.
RX 7900 XT and RTX 5070 Ti Top the List of Best Value and Performance GPUs for 2025
For those with more budget, the RX 7900 XT sits comfortably in the best you can get tier. Priced at $650, it’s a solid pick. It handles 1440p gaming with ease—think 120+ FPS on ultra settings in demanding titles. With tariffs and fluctuating stock, this card holds its value well in the current market. The price-to-performance ratio here is hard to beat.
The RTX 5070 Ti also enters the best you can get tier. Even at $899, it’s a strong option. Though not cheap, it still undercuts other high-end options while delivering top-tier performance, 16GB of VRAM, DLSS 4, and improved ray tracing. It’s one of the newest cards out and offers arguably the best 1440p performance when considering feature set and future-proofing.
RTX 5070, RX 7900 XTX, RX 9700: Great GPUs for 2025, Terrible Value
The RTX 5070 currently sells for $699, which puts it in a tough spot. Despite being a powerful GPU, it’s not worth it at that price. Even at its MSRP of $549, 12GB of VRAM feels underwhelming in 2025. For those reasons, it goes into the decent GPU, bad deal tier.
The RX 7900 XTX, once AMD’s flagship, now struggles to justify its $1,000 price tag. Its gaming performance is similar to the RTX 5070 Ti but falls short in ray tracing and upscaling. Unless there’s a need for more than 16GB of VRAM, it’s not worth the premium. This GPU sits in the great GPU, bad deal tier.
Similarly, the RX 9700 and RX 9700 XT from AMD are powerful GPUs, but they both suffer from poor pricing. The RX 9700, priced at $870, performs close to the 7900 XT but loses in value. The RX 9700 XT, priced at $1,160, is the most advanced AMD card with strong ray tracing and productivity perks, but its high cost doesn’t make sense when the 5070 Ti offers so much at a lower price. Both go into the great GPU, bad deal tier.
RTX 5080 and RTX 4000 Series: Overspending and Outdated (GPU 2025)
The RTX 5080 is technically the fastest GPU here, and while it excels in 4K gaming, it costs nearly $1,400. The performance gain over the 5070 Ti doesn’t justify the $500 difference. Still, it’s a great GPU, bad deal, because some buyers will still want top performance regardless of cost.
As for the RTX 4000 series, they’re not worth buying in 2025. Production has stopped, and prices are inflated. The newer 5000 series cards offer better value and performance. Unless shopping used, avoid the 4000 series entirely—they belong in the do not buy tier.