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Now, one of the most essential pieces of equipment for any graphic designer is a high-quality graphics processing unit (GPU). A good GPU can make all the difference when it comes to rendering images and videos quickly, smoothly, and accurately.
When it comes to choosing the best GPU for graphic design, there are a lot of factors to consider. You’ll want to think about things like memory bandwidth, core count, clock speed, and more. Additionally, you’ll need to consider your budget and whether or not you’re willing to invest in a top-of-the-line card that will give you the best possible performance.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best GPUs currently available for graphic design work. We’ll look at professional GPUs, budget options, and naturally, the best high-end units too. If you’re a professional graphic designer who needs the best performance, you’ll find this article helpful.
Products at a glance
- BEST GPU FOR GRAPHIC DESIGN
ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4090 OC
- GPU: AD102
- CUDA cores: 16,384
- VRAM: 24GB GDDR6X
- Memory bus: 384-bit
- Bandwidth: 1,008 GB/sec
- Base clock: 2235 MHz
- BEST GPU FOR ENTRY-LEVEL GRAPHIC DESIGN
XFX Speedster SWFT319 Radeon RX 6800
- GPU: Navi 21 XL
- Stream Processors: 3840
- VRAM: 16 GB
- Bandwidth: 512.0 GB/s
- Base Clock Speed: 1700 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 2105 MHz
- BEST MID-RANGE GPU FOR GRAPHIC DESIGN
ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 4070 Super OC Edition
- 12GB GDDR6X VRAM
- PCIe 4.0
- AD104 GPU
- 7168 CUDA cores
- 192-bit memory bus
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Gigabyte Radeon RX 7900 XT
- GPU: Navi 31
- Stream processors: 5,376
- VRAM: 20GB GDDR6
- Bandwidth: 800.0 GB/s
- Base clock speed: 1784 MHz
- Boost clock speed: 2534 MHz
How we picked
For this guide, we have looked at GPUs from several manufacturers, researched, and reviewed them. Then, we shortlisted the ones we thought were the best for graphic designing. The cards have been selected based on specs like performance, price, features, clock speed, memory, and more. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for new GPUs for creative professionals – so check back here for the latest updates.
- Most power GPU available
- Surprisingly efficient power consumption for a top-end card
- AV1 Encoding and Dual NVENC
- Benefits from DLSS 3.5 technology
- In all honesty, needs a powerful build to be beneficial
- Premium power comes with premium pricing – this card is expensive
- Will be too big for some smaller builds
If you want the absolute best graphics card for your creative endeavors, then we think that the RTX 4090 is the way to go. In our review of RTX 4090, we found that the card can handle whatever task you throw at it – be it high-resolution gaming, 3D rendering, or graphic designing.
Now, of course, the RTX 4090 doesn’t come cheap, but it is the most powerful card out there currently. In the review, we also found that it offers unmatched performance for 4K gaming and creativity – and we’ll explain more about this in a second.
To start with, the RTX 4090 is the high-end graphics card that sits at the top of the NVIDIA 40-series lineup. The card packs in 16384 CUDA cores – these units are essential to add textures, lights, and other realistic effects to the graphics. Now, 16,384 is A LOT – so you can expect smooth performance for most graphically demanding tasks like illustrations and digital graphics.
Further, you get 24 GB GDDR6X, which is not only fast but also provides more than enough storage for your complex assets like textures and other multimedia files. The more VRAM there is, the less effort it takes for the GPU to access these files. Think of it as a readily available storage, so the GPU doesn’t have to access files from system memory, which is slower. To further enhance performance, the card has a 384-bit memory bus, which should ensure faster data transfer.
Now, the original RTX 4090 comes with a 2.52 GHz boost clock speed and a 2.23 base clock speed. However, if you go for partner cards like the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 OC here, then you might be able to unlock slightly better speeds, like 2.64 GHz.
The RTX 4090 comes with one HDMI 2.1a port and three DisplayPort 1.4a, which allows for connecting multiple peripherals. In fact, NVIDIA claims that you can plug in up to four 4K monitors, so connectivity shouldn’t be an issue.
What users say
Unsurprising for its specs and power, users on Amazon highly praised the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 OC for its performance and efficiency, which of course was mirrored in our review too. One reviewer generously comments that whether “you’re a hardcore gamer or a content creator, this card’s exceptional performance and features will undoubtedly elevate your computing experience”, and another five-star rating comes with the description of an “incredible level of performance that pushes the boundaries of gaming realism”.
- GPU: Navi 21 XL
- Stream Processors: 3840
- VRAM: 16 GB
- Bandwidth: 512.0 GB/s
- Base Clock Speed: 1700 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 2105 MHz
- Good value for money, and has tons of VRAM
- Excellent 1440p performance
- Decent boost clock speed potential of 2.1 GHz
- Limited ray tracing potential
- Has since been replaced by the 7800 XT, so no longer latest gen card
If you’re just starting out and you need a GPU for your setup, then we think that the RX 6800 is a suitable option. For this guide, we have chosen the XFX Speedster SWFT319 Radeon RX 6800, as it comes with a good cooling system; and of course, it’s also the unit we got hands-on with in our RX 6800 review.
To start with, the RX 6900 XT has 3840 stream processors, which is AMD’s version of ‘CUDA cores’ – so more stream processors should translate into better performance. Further, this card has a boost speed of up to 2,105 MHz and is set with 240 texture mapping units and 96 ROPs which should help you accomplish your creative tasks quicker. More excitingly, this card has 60 RT cores, making it capable of real-time ray tracing as Team Red finally catches up with Nvidia, who implemented the tech two years prior.
Coming to the memory specs, the GPU has a 16GB GDDR6 VRAM, which is slightly slower than the GDDR6X. However, 16GB is a good amount of storage, and it should speed things up for you. Further, you get a 256-bit memory bus, which, combined with the VRAM, should ensure speedier data transfer. For creative professionals, this means that the GPU can access complex assets quickly without having to switch to the system memory, which is slower.
What users say
The XFX Speedster SWFT319 Radeon RX 6800 is another highly rated card on Amazon, with the majority of users choosing to give it a 5-star review. Unsurprisingly, what they liked about it the most was its performance, especially considering its value. To bring up a few examples, one user commented that it’s a “high value product and works great”, and another that it’s “good value for the money and would recommend”. Finally, one user mentioned that in their opinion, there are “no better GPUs that can be bought new at this price point”.
- 12GB GDDR6X VRAM
- PCIe 4.0
- AD104 GPU
- 7168 CUDA cores
- 192-bit memory bus
- Great for 1440p, and should breeze through creative tasks
- Graphics prowess from 7168 CUDA cores
- Represents better value than RTX 4070
- Limited benefits at lower resolutions
- 16-pin power connector and adapter
If you want a GPU for 1440p resolution, then we think that the RTX 4070 Super is a good option. In our review, we found that the Super version offers more value than the base model RTX 4070. Plus, it is one of the best GPUs for 1440p resolution – with good reasons.
The RTX 4070 Super delivers a 2.48 boost clock speed and a 1.98 base clock speed, which are very similar to the base model RTX 4070. Now, if you go for one of the partner cards, like the ASUS TUF RTX 4070 Super OC Edition here, you can get a slight bump in these speeds. With the Asus card, you get a boost clock of 2,565 MHz, which the OC mode can push to 2,595 MHz.
Similarly, both cards have a 12 GB GDDR6X memory configuration, along with a 192-bit memory bus. These memory specs are more than enough to give you enough speed and performance for your creative tasks.
As mentioned, in our review of the RTX 4070 Super, we saw that the card tackled 1440p gaming easily and delivered decent framerates for 4K gaming. So, for creative tasks, you should be able to handle 1440p resolution quite easily and even foray into 4K a little.
With an NVIDIA-powered GPU, you can get access to several features and technologies targeted at creative professionals. You can make use of NVIDIA Studio, Ansel, Omniverse, and much more.
What users say
On the whole, there’s been a thoroughly positive response to the ASUS TUF RTX 4070 Super OC on Amazon, with some of its most popular traits being its performance, build quality, and temperature. Of course, the latter two are fairly expected from ASUS TUF Gaming. In particular, one user praises how its “powerful, quiet, and built like a tank”, and another that “everything looks really good, runs really high framerate, but with really low temps”.
- GPU: Navi 31
- Stream processors: 5,376
- VRAM: 20GB GDDR6
- Bandwidth: 800.0 GB/s
- Base clock speed: 1784 MHz
- Boost clock speed: 2534 MHz
- Good for 1440p and 4K
- 20GB GDDR6 memory
- 320-bit memory bus
- High power draw
- Can’t beat NVIDIA at ray tracing
If you are looking for the best AMD GPU for graphic designing, then we think that the RX 7900 XT is a good pick. As mentioned in our AMD RX 7900 XT review, with the price cuts, and powerful performance, the GPU offers good value in 2024.
To start with, the RDNA 3 GPU is built on the Navi 31 die, which means you get more power efficiency than RDNA 2, along with enhanced ray tracing. Further, the GPU comes with 5,376 Stream Processors, so you can expect smooth performance while gaming or creating.
Next, the GPU has a base clock speed of 1,378 and a boost clock speed up to 2,394 MHz – which is more or less on par with other GPUs. The main highlight here is the 20GB GDDR6 memory and the 320-bit memory bus, both of which should translate into speedy processing of graphics and also give you scope for future proofing.
In our review, we saw that the RX 7900 XT could easily tackle 1440p gaming and deliver a decent performance for 4K gaming. This means that the GPU performs well while handling graphically intensive tasks like graphic designing and video editing.
How to pick the best GPU for graphic design
Here’s what you can consider before buying a GPU for graphic design –
Compatibility
In terms of compatibility, you will have to look at physical compatibility as well as software compatibility.
- The GPU that you have selected should be compatible with other components in your setup.
- Then, the card should physically fit into the PC case. Some newer GPUs are bulkier in size, so make sure the dimensions would fit.
- While it is easier to pair CPUs and GPUs, you also have to pay attention to compatibility with the motherboard.
- Also, make sure that the GPU works with your PSU.
Use case
To start with, you need to consider your usage and requirements. The easiest way to determine this is by looking at recommended specs for the software you primarily use and then finding compatible hardware.
Further, you also need to look at your workflow and then get a GPU that best fits your needs. For instance, if you work with 2D design, then a powerful graphics card might be an overkill. However, you’d need a high-end graphics card if your work involves 3D design or video editing – you can check out the best GPUs for Photoshop for reference.
VRAM
Think of VRAM as the RAM for graphics cards. This is dedicated memory in the GPUs that stores textures, images, and other files that the GPU can access readily instead of having to look through the slower system memory. This means VRAM saves time and helps GPU deliver faster performance. We’d recommend having at least 8GB VRAM in your GPU for graphic design and 16GB if you deal with heavier software and workflow.
Other features
In addition to the specs mentioned above, you should also look for features that would make your work easier. For instance, NVIDIA’s Studio or Omniverse can help with creative tasks. Similarly, AMD also offers a suite of tools to make creating content easier. It is worthwhile to check these features before you buy a graphics card.
Do graphic designers need a good GPU?
Yes, but it does depend on what kind of ‘heavy lifting’ you need to do with your work. We’d say that an RTX 3080 is likely going to be overkill for the occasional photo editing, but if you’re having to work with multiple large files and make changes very quickly – a quality GPU should be in your arsenal.
Is AMD or Nvidia better for graphic design?
Honestly – there’s not a whole lot in it for most people, it really just comes down to preference. Both brands have quality GPUs that are well worth considering for graphic design.
