Which graphics card to choose in 2026? The DSGate guide
Which graphics card to choose in 2026? The DSGate guide
Choosing your graphics card in 2026 means navigating between prices that change every week, new models arriving en masse, and technical specs that can quickly become obscure. At DSGate, we assemble gaming PCs in France from our Parisian workshop, and we test each configuration before shipping it. This guide is based on our real-world experience—not on copied manufacturer specifications.
We'll get straight to the point: which card for which use, at what price, and with what concrete in-game results.
What you need to understand before buying
The graphics card (GPU) is the component that has the most impact on your in-game performance. It's what transforms calculations into images displayed on your screen. The more powerful it is, the more you can play at high resolutions (1080p, 1440p, 4K) with high details while maintaining a comfortable frame rate (FPS).
Three criteria really matter when choosing:
VRAM (video memory) — This is the dedicated memory of the card. In 2026, 8GB is the strict minimum for gaming at 1080p. With 10 to 12GB, you're comfortable at 1080p ultra and 1440p. And 16GB becomes necessary for 4K or very texture-intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077 with Ray Tracing Overdrive enabled.
Target resolution — There's no point in buying an RTX 5070 if you're playing on a 1080p 60Hz screen. Conversely, an RTX 3050 is not designed for 1440p ultra. Your screen dictates the GPU, not the other way around.
Price/performance ratio — In times of price tension (and 2026 is one such time, with rising demand for AI and memory shortages), every euro counts. We'll show you exactly where the best investment lies.
The 7 graphics cards in our range
At DSGate, we have selected seven GPUs that cover all gaming needs from +700€ to 2000€+ total PC budget. Here is our complete range, from the most affordable to the most powerful.
RTX 3050 — The entry into gaming (~190-220€)
The GeForce RTX 3050 remains a relevant option in 2026 for anyone who wants to game at 1080p without breaking the bank. Its 6 to 8GB of GDDR6 is sufficient for the vast majority of competitive titles: Fortnite, Valorant, CS2, and League of Legends run without difficulty with high FPS at medium to high settings.
Its strengths: a low price, low power consumption (130W), and support for DLSS (NVIDIA's AI upscaling) which allows for free FPS gains on compatible games.
Its limitations: at 1440p, it quickly shows its limits. And 6 to 8GB of VRAM starts to be tight on some recent AAA titles with high-resolution textures.
At DSGate, we typically pair it with a Ryzen 5 5500 or an i5-10500 for budget gaming configurations that perform well in competitive play.
Who is it for? Tight budgets, competitive 1080p gamers, first gaming PCs.
Intel Arc B570 — The new quality/price ratio (~249-270€)
This is the card no one knows about yet, and that's a shame. The Intel Arc B570 comes with 10GB of GDDR6—2GB more than the RTX 3050 and the RTX 5060. This additional memory makes a real difference at 1080p ultra and starts to open the door to 1440p.
Intel's Battlemage (Xe2) architecture has made huge progress compared to the first-generation Alchemist. Drivers are stable, Ray Tracing is supported, and XeSS (Intel's equivalent of DLSS) works on a growing number of games.
At 239€, it positions itself between the RTX 3050 and the B580, offering an excellent performance/price compromise. We have it in stock at DSGate and it powers several of our mid-range gaming configurations.
Who is it for? Those who want more than an entry-level card without blowing their budget. Ideal for ultra-smooth 1080p.
Intel Arc B580 — The sweet spot (~299-365€)
The B570's big sister steps up to 12GB of GDDR6 on a 192-bit bus, with 20 Xe2 cores (compared to 18 for the B570). The performance gain is between 15 and 25% depending on the game compared to the B570.
In practice, the B580 rivals the RTX 4060 in most benchmarks—often at a lower price and with 4GB more VRAM (12GB vs 8GB). This is a strong argument for the longevity of your setup.
At 1080p, it runs almost everything on ultra at over 100 FPS. At 1440p, it maintains 60 FPS and more on recent AAA titles with high settings. Paired with a Ryzen 5 5600X or an i5-13400F/14400F, it's a balanced setup that leaves nothing on the table.
Who is it for? The gamer who wants a solid card for 3-4 years, capable of handling 1080p ultra and 1440p high without stress.
RTX 3070 — The still powerful former high-end (~300-350€)
The RTX 3070 is a previous-generation (Ampere) card that remains remarkably effective in 2026. With its 8GB of GDDR6X on a 256-bit bus and 5888 CUDA cores, it offers superior raw performance to the B580 and is close to the RTX 5060 Ti in many games.
It can now be found at the end of stock or second-hand at very attractive prices (300-350€). It's an excellent deal for anyone who wants solid 1440p performance without paying the price of the current generation. DLSS is obviously supported (but in version 2, without the Multi Frame Generation of DLSS 4).
Its weakness: only 8GB of VRAM. That's enough in 2026 for most games, but it's a limiting factor for years to come, especially in 1440p ultra with high-resolution textures.
At DSGate, we offer it in mid-to-high-end configurations with a Ryzen 5 5600X or 5700X, a proven combo that gets the most out of this card.
Who is it for? Bargain hunters who want high-end 1440p without paying the price of a new latest-gen card.
RTX 5060 — The new NVIDIA entry-level (~330-375€)
The RTX 5060 is the entry-level card in the RTX 50 series (Blackwell). It features 8GB of GDDR7 on a 128-bit bus—the same amount of VRAM as the RTX 3050, but with much faster memory and access to DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation.
On paper, it's an attractive choice for 1080p ultra and 1440p. In practice, its price is an issue: the MSRP is 299€, but prices fluctuate wildly in 2026. We've seen it climb to 375€ some weeks, which makes it less attractive compared to a B580 at a stable price with 12GB of VRAM.
If you find it at 300-320€, it's a good buy thanks to DLSS 4 which can double perceived FPS. Above 340€, look instead at the RTX 3070 or a discounted RTX 5060 Ti.
Who is it for? Those who absolutely want the latest-gen NVIDIA and find a good price.
RTX 5060 Ti — The premium mid-range (~390-440€)
The RTX 5060 Ti is the first GPU in the RTX 50 series accessible at a reasonable price—at least when found on sale. Its MSRP is 399€, but regular promotions bring it down to the 360-380€ range for the 8GB version. The 16GB GDDR7 version starts closer to 550€.
Its real asset: DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation. This technology generates additional frames using AI, which can double perceived FPS in compatible games. It's a game-changer for demanding titles. It also features 4th generation Ray Tracing, significantly better than on Intel Arc or RTX 30 cards.
Paired with an i5-14400F, a Ryzen 5 5700X, or an i7-14700K, it allows for playing at 1440p ultra without compromise on the vast majority of current titles.
Who is it for? Gamers aiming for uncompromising 1440p ultra, or those who want a PC that will last for the next 4-5 years.
RTX 5070 — The high-end (~580-700€)
The RTX 5070 is the high-end GPU in the Blackwell series designed for demanding gamers. With 12GB of GDDR7 on a 192-bit bus, 6144 CUDA cores, and a TDP of 250W, it establishes itself as the benchmark for ultra 1440p gaming and comfortable first forays into 4K.
Its performance is about 12 to 15% higher than the RTX 4070 at 1440p. DLSS 4, 4th gen Ray Tracing, and NVIDIA Reflex 2.0 are all part of the package. It's also a very capable card for content creation: video editing, 3D rendering, streaming.
The downside: 12GB of VRAM in 2026 for a card costing 600€+, some would have preferred 16GB. For ultra 4K with Ray Tracing, you sometimes need to enable DLSS to maintain stable FPS.
At DSGate, we pair it with an i7-14700K or a Ryzen 7 5700X for premium configurations, with 32GB of DDR4 or DDR5 RAM depending on the platform.
Who is it for? Gamers who want the best at 1440p and comfortable 4K, and content creators.
Comparison: specs at a glance
| RTX 3050 | Arc B570 | Arc B580 | RTX 3070 | RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 Ti | RTX 5070 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~190-220€ | ~249-270€ | ~299-365€ | ~300-350€ | ~330-375€ | ~390-440€ | ~580-700€ |
| VRAM | 6-8 GB GDDR6 | 10 GB GDDR6 | 12 GB GDDR6 | 8 GB GDDR6X | 8 GB GDDR7 | 8/16 GB GDDR7 | 12 GB GDDR7 |
| Bus | 128-bit | 160-bit | 192-bit | 256-bit | 128-bit | 128-bit | 192-bit |
| Power | 130W | 150W | 190W | 220W | 150W | 180W | 250W |
| Upscaling | DLSS 2 | XeSS 2 | XeSS 2 | DLSS 2 | DLSS 4 | DLSS 4 | DLSS 4 |
| Ray Tracing | Gen 2 | Gen 2 (Xe) | Gen 2 (Xe) | Gen 2 | Gen 4 | Gen 4 | Gen 4 |
| Target | 1080p medium | 1080p ultra | 1080p ultra / 1440p | 1440p high | 1080p ultra / 1440p | 1440p ultra | 1440p ultra / 4K |
| Min. PSU | 450W | 500W | 550W | 600W | 550W | 600W | 650W |
Which GPU for which game?
The figures below are estimates based on available public benchmarks. We will soon publish our own tests conducted on DSGate PCs assembled in our workshop—with screenshots and MSI Afterburner data to back them up.
Competitive games (1080p, high settings)
| Game | RTX 3050 | Arc B570 | Arc B580 | RTX 3070 | RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 Ti | RTX 5070 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fortnite | ~90 | ~125 | ~155 | ~175 | ~160 | ~220 | ~280 |
| Valorant | ~180 | ~250 | ~300+ | ~350+ | ~320 | ~400+ | ~500+ |
| CS2 | ~100 | ~140 | ~170 | ~200 | ~180 | ~250 | ~320 |
| Apex Legends | ~80 | ~110 | ~130 | ~155 | ~140 | ~180 | ~230 |
AAA Games — 1080p high settings
| Game | RTX 3050 | Arc B570 | Arc B580 | RTX 3070 | RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 Ti | RTX 5070 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | ~45 | ~60 | ~75 | ~85 | ~80 | ~100 | ~130 |
| Black Myth Wukong | ~40 | ~55 | ~65 | ~75 | ~70 | ~90 | ~115 |
| Hogwarts Legacy | ~50 | ~65 | ~80 | ~90 | ~85 | ~105 | ~135 |
AAA Games — 1440p (QHD) high settings
| Game | RTX 3050 | Arc B570 | Arc B580 | RTX 3070 | RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 Ti | RTX 5070 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | ~25 | ~40 | ~50 | ~60 | ~55 | ~70 | ~95 |
| Black Myth Wukong | ~20 | ~35 | ~45 | ~55 | ~50 | ~65 | ~85 |
| Hogwarts Legacy | ~30 | ~45 | ~55 | ~65 | ~60 | ~75 | ~100 |
Note: these values are indicative (estimated average FPS). Actual FPS vary depending on the CPU, RAM, drivers, and in-game settings. Our full tests are coming soon—stay tuned.
Which CPU to pair with your GPU?
Choosing a graphics card is not done without thinking about the processor. A GPU that is too powerful for the CPU creates a bottleneck, and you lose performance. Here are our recommended combinations.
DDR4 Platform — The core of our range
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (~99-110€) — The perfect entry-level CPU for the RTX 3050 and B570. 6 cores, 12 threads, AM4 socket. It won't limit these cards at 1080p. However, it starts to bottleneck a B580 or an RTX 3070 in very CPU-dependent games.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (~140-160€) — The AM4 sweet spot. 6 cores / 12 threads with higher IPC than the 5500. It's the ideal companion for the B580 and RTX 3070. A 5600X + B580 combo is one of the most balanced configurations in our range.
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X (~170-190€) — 8 cores / 16 threads. This is the choice for gamers who also stream, edit, or do intensive multitasking. It pairs perfectly with the RTX 3070, RTX 5060 Ti, and even the RTX 5070 without becoming a limiting factor.
Intel i5-10500 (~99-110€) — The ultimate budget option on the Intel side. 6 cores / 12 threads, LGA 1200 socket. For a budget setup with an RTX 3050 or with an RTX 3070 B580 or higher.
Intel i5-13400F / 14400F (~150-170€) — 10 cores (6P+4E), LGA 1700. These two CPUs are almost identical in gaming—the 14400F is a simple refresh. It's the Intel equivalent of the 5600X: ideal with the B570, B580 or RTX 3070.
Intel i7-14700K (~320-350€) — 20 cores (8P+12E). The high-end DDR4 for configurations with RTX 5060 Ti or RTX 5070. No possible bottleneck, even in the most CPU-demanding games.
DDR5 Platform — Our showcase configurations
AMD Ryzen 5 7600 (~€189) — The DDR5 entry point on the AM5 socket. 6 cores / 12 threads, Zen 4 architecture. Excellent for gaming, future-proof thanks to the AM5 platform. We offer it in 3-4 showcase configurations at DSGate for customers who want to invest in DDR5.
Intel Core Ultra 225 / 225F & Ultra 245 (upcoming) — The new Arrow Lake DDR5 generation. We will test them as soon as they are available and update this guide.
The right combo in summary
| GPU | Recommended CPU (DDR4) | Alternative CPU (DDR5) |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 3050 | Ryzen 5 5500 / i5-10500 | — |
| Arc B570 | Ryzen 5 5500 / i5-13400F | Ryzen 5 7600 |
| Arc B580 | Ryzen 5 5600X / i5-14400F | Ryzen 5 7600 |
| RTX 3070 | Ryzen 5 5600X / 5700X | Ryzen 5 7600 |
| RTX 5060 | Ryzen 5 5600X / i5-14400F | Ryzen 5 7600 |
| RTX 5060 Ti | Ryzen 7 5700X / i7-14700K | Ryzen 5 7600 |
| RTX 5070 | Ryzen 7 5700X / i7-14700K | Ryzen 5 7600 |
The Intel Arc case: why we believe in it at DSGate
If you follow the GPU market, you know that Intel was not a credible player just two years ago. The first Alchemist generation (A750, A770) had catastrophic drivers and compatibility issues galore.
Battlemage changes the game. Drivers have improved significantly, compatibility with recent games is there, and the performance/price ratio has become unbeatable in the €250-€350 range.
At DSGate, we have the B570 available in quantity. We test it in real conditions on every machine that leaves our workshop. And the conclusion is clear: for a gamer aiming for 1080p with a controlled budget, it's the most interesting card on the market right now.
Are Arc cards perfect? No. Some older games (before DirectX 12) can cause performance issues. And Intel's software ecosystem (video capture, streaming) is less mature than NVIDIA's. But for playing current and future titles, it delivers.
The VRAM trap: how much do you really need?
In 2026, VRAM quantity has become a hot topic. Several recent games already exceed 8 GB of usage at 1080p with ultra textures. And the trend is only accelerating.
At 1080p: 8 GB is enough for most games at high settings. But at ultra (maximum textures), some titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Black Myth Wukong, or the upcoming GTA 6 exceed this limit. With 10 to 12 GB, you're good to go.
At 1440p: 10 GB is the comfortable minimum. 12 GB will keep you comfortable for the next 2-3 years.
At 4K: 16 GB is recommended, especially with Ray Tracing enabled.
This is why the Arc B570 (10 GB) and B580 (12 GB) are particularly smart choices in 2026: they offer more VRAM than their NVIDIA competitors at the same price. And this is also why the RTX 3070 and RTX 5060 with their 8 GB, despite their excellent raw performance, present a risk to long-term durability.
DLSS vs XeSS vs FSR: which upscaling to choose?
The three major upscaling technologies (AI image reconstruction to boost FPS) are now well established. Here's what you need to remember.
DLSS 4 (NVIDIA — RTX 50 series) is the most advanced. Its Multi Frame Generation function generates additional frames between each frame calculated by the GPU. The result: spectacular FPS gains (sometimes 2x) with excellent image quality. This is the major advantage of the RTX 5060, 5060 Ti, and 5070 over previous cards.
DLSS 2/3 (NVIDIA — RTX 30 series) remains excellent for classic upscaling. DLSS 2 on RTX 3050 and 3070 significantly improves FPS with minimal visual impact. No Multi Frame Generation, but a very real gain.
XeSS 2 (Intel) has made great progress. Image quality is good, and it also works on NVIDIA and AMD GPUs (in DP4a mode, less efficient). On Arc B570/B580, it runs natively and offers significant gains.
FSR (AMD) is an open-source solution that works on all GPUs. Quality is decent but lags behind DLSS and XeSS in quality mode. Its advantage: universal compatibility.
Our recommendation based on your total PC budget
The prices below correspond to complete assembled PCs, tested, with Windows 11 Pro installed and ready to play. Assembly, cable management, and testing are included — this is the difference between buying components in bulk and receiving a machine that works right out of the box.
Budget around €730-€750 → i5-10500 or Ryzen 5 5500 + RTX 3050 The entry ticket into PC gaming at DSGate. 1080p medium/high on competitive games, it's enough for Fortnite, Valorant, and CS2.
Budget around €850-€950 → Arc B570 + Ryzen 5 5500 or i5-13400F The new sweet spot. 10 GB of VRAM, ultra-smooth 1080p, and a good balance between GPU and CPU.
Budget around €999-€1100 → Arc B580 + Ryzen 5 5500 or 5600X The best compromise in our range. 12 GB of VRAM, comfortable ultra 1080p and high 1440p. It's our most requested configuration — and for good reason.
Budget around €999-€1100 → RTX 3070 + Ryzen 5 5500 or 5600X The old high-end at a controlled price. Solid 1440p performance, DLSS 2, and a proven combo. The RTX 3070 has returned to the market at attractive prices (€280-€350). Beware of 8 GB of VRAM for the long term.
Budget around €1180-€1300 → RTX 5060 + Ryzen 7 5700X or RTX 5060 Ti + i5-14400F The RTX 50 series brings DLSS 4 which makes a real difference. Configurations designed for 1440p with headroom.
Budget around €1300-€1600 → RTX 5060 Ti + i7-14700K or Ryzen 7 5700X The premium choice for uncompromised ultra 1440p. DLSS 4, Ray Tracing Gen 4, and a CPU that doesn't bottleneck anything.
Budget €1600+ → RTX 5070 + i7-14700K or Ryzen 7 5700X The top of our range. Ultra 1440p, comfortable 4K, and headroom for the next 4-5 years. It's also the ideal configuration for content creators who also game.
Frequently Asked Questions
RTX 5060 or Arc B580? If the RTX 5060 is at €300-€320, it's a defensible choice thanks to DLSS 4. But above €340-€350, the B580 with its 12 GB at a stable price (€299-€310) is a better investment, especially for the longevity of the configuration.
RTX 3070 or RTX 5060 Ti? The RTX 3070 offers 85-90% of the 5060 Ti's performance in pure rasterization, for less money. But the 5060 Ti has DLSS 4 (massive FPS gains) and Ray Tracing Gen 4. If you play games with RT and DLSS, the 5060 Ti is worth the extra cost. Otherwise, the 3070 remains an excellent choice.
Ryzen 5 5500 or 5600X? The 5600X has an IPC (performance per cycle) superior by about 10-15%. If your budget allows, the 5600X is always the better choice. But the 5500 at €100 is unbeatable for the tightest configurations — it won't bottleneck an RTX 3050 or a B570.
Should I wait for the next generation? In hardware, waiting means never buying. If you need a PC now, current cards are excellent. The next wave is not expected until late 2026 at the earliest.
Is my PC's power supply powerful enough? Count on a minimum of 450W for an RTX 3050, 500-550W for mid-range cards (B570, B580, RTX 5060), 600W for an RTX 3070 or 5060 Ti, and 650W for the RTX 5070. All our DSGate PCs come with a power supply sized for the installed graphics card.
Which AMD CPU to choose on AM4? The Ryzen 5 5500 is sufficient for entry-level GPUs. The 5600X is the sweet spot for the mid-range. And the 5700X with its 8 cores is the ideal choice for high-end GPUs and multitasking.
Is PCIe 4.0 sufficient for current GPUs? Yes. No current gaming graphics card saturates PCIe 4.0 x16. The Arc B570/B580 also operate on PCIe 4.0 x8, which causes no measurable problem in gaming.
What is the warranty at DSGate? Our PCs are assembled in France with 2 years of spare parts availability. In case of a GPU issue, we intervene directly — no need to contact the manufacturer yourself.
This guide is regularly updated to reflect price and availability changes. Last updated: April 2026.
All our gaming PCs are assembled in our workshop in Paris and tested before shipment. Discover our range on dsgate.fr.
EP Digital Solutions — DSGate contact@dsgate.fr
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- RTX 3050 vs Arc B570 vs Arc B580: the 2026 entry/mid-range showdown
- RTX 5060 Ti at €360: is it worth the extra cost vs Arc B580?
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- Intel Arc B570: the best card under €250?
- RTX 5060 vs Arc B580: 8 GB DLSS 4 or 12 GB XeSS 2?
- 8 GB, 10 GB, 12 GB or 16 GB of VRAM: how much do you really need?
- Ryzen 5 5500 vs 5600X vs 5700X: which AM4 CPU for your build?
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