5 Best GPUs for 2K Gaming in 2024

The best GPUs for 2K gaming on the market.

best gpu for 2k gaming

If you are currently looking for the best GPU for 2K gaming, this post is exactly what you need. The market is flooded with different options so it might be difficult to pick up an optimal variant. 2K monitors are a golden mean between high-res 4K displays and standard 1080p ones. Therefore, 2K resolution is something that offers a premium viewing experience at a reasonable price.

Top 5 Best GPUs for 2K Gaming

  1. Asus GeForce RTX 2070 - Our Choice
  2. PNY GeForce GTX 1660 - Runs cool and quiet
  3. GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 2060 - Fast performance
  4. ASUS ROG Strix Radeon RX 5600 - On/off button for RGB lighting
  5. Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2060 - Custom PCB

It is a short overview of the top GPUs for 2K gaming that will simplify your choosing process. Check out the list below and decide what features your graphics card should possess. Get the best GPU for 2K gaming and create a powerful computer build. 

1. Asus GeForce RTX 2070

Our Choice
best gpu for 2k gaming

Stream Processors: 2304 | Core Clock: 1845 MHz ( MHz boost) | Memory: 8GB | Memory Clock: 8 Gbps | Power Connectors: 8-Pin | Outputs: 1 x HDMI, 3 x DisplayPort

  • ✚ Sufficient Quad HD performance
  • ✚ Supports Ray tracing and DLSS
  • ✚ No overheating problem
  • Weak overclocking potential
  • Poor 4K performance
Rating

ASUS DUAL RTX 2070S O8G guarantees noiseless performance and powerful gaming capabilities. It is based on NVIDIA’s new Turing GPU architecture and equipped with 0dB dust resistant fans. Such cooling system improves the cooling by 50%. Thanks to the ASUS’ GPU Tweak II software, you may easily overclock and monitor it. If you are looking for the best GPU for 2K gaming featuring ray tracing technology and flawless Quad HD performance, RTX 2070 is an optimal variant.

However, it is unclear why this GPU has a ROG triple-fan design. Let me explain what I mean. The GPU’s architecture is not suitable for a considerable overclock so such design seems useless. Undoubtedly, you face no thermal issues while the temperatures are very low. And it cannot but pleases us. Anyway, overheating isn’t typical of all dual-fan RTX graphics cards.

2. PNY GeForce GTX 1660

Runs cool and quiet
best gpu for 2k 165hz gaming

Stream Processors: 1536| Core Clock: 1815 MHz ( MHz boost) | Memory: 6GB | Memory Clock: 12 Gbps | Power Connectors: 8-Pin | Outputs: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0b, DVI-D

  • ✚ Impressive 1080p gaming
  • ✚ Cool and noiseless performance
  • ✚ Reasonably priced
  • ✚ Suitable for mini-ITX towers (6.61-inch long)
  • 1 HDMI and DisplayPort only
  • Without additional functions
Rating

Like a previous option, PNY GeForce GTX 1660 comes with a top-notch NVIDIA Turing architecture. It guarantees immersive graphics performance. This model can easily compete with the GeForce GTX 1070 and flawlessly run the most popular games. However, it is developed without any additional parts ‒ just a standard construction. Unlike Asus Dual EVO OC, it doesn’t have a backplate, a dual BIOS switch, or flashy RGB lights. Although PNY GTX 1660 is a sturdy graphics card with uncomplicated build, singular DVI and HDMI connections, it has all features to be the best GPU for gaming.

One more thing that distinguishes GTX 1660 from alternatives is its compact size. Being 6.61 inches long, it fits mini-ITX tower cases. However, it still has two slots and is thicker than most similar models (around 5 inches wide). PNY GeForce GTX 1660 is a tiny GPU ensuring impressive 1080p gaming. What is more, it is noiseless, fast, and cool. Choosing this graphics card, you shouldn’t worry about the size ‒ it is compact enough to fit any PC build.

3. GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 2060

Fast performance
graphics card for 1440p

Stream Processors: 1920 | Core Clock: 1770 MHz ( MHz boost) | Memory: 6GB | Memory Clock: 14 Gbps | Power Connectors: 8-Pin | Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.0b

  • ✚ Faster than WINDFORCE OC 8G
  • ✚ Powerful and silent cooling system
  • ✚ RGB LED
  • Still not the quietest option
Rating

Gigabyte RTX 2060 WINDFORCE is equipped with two originally-designed fans. The air is split by the triangular fan edge and flows through the 3D curves of the blade. According to Gigabyte, it improves airflow. The graphics card features a 3D Active Fan technology that ensures semi-passive cooling. The fans don’t work in case the load is low; they are activated only when it’s necessary.

Two heat pipes are directly connected with the GPU through the fin stack. The heatsink is also directly connected with the memory and VRMs. Thanks to RGB lighting, this graphics card looks cool inside your tower case.

4. ASUS ROG Strix Radeon RX 5600

On/off button for RGB lighting
gpu for 2k gaming 144hz

Stream Processors: 2304 | Core Clock: 1670 MHz ( MHz boost) | Memory: 6GB | Memory Clock: 12 Gbps | Power Connectors: 1 x 8-Pin 1 x 6-Pin | Outputs: 1 x HDMI, 3 x DisplayPort 

  • ✚ Impressive 1080p and decent 1440p performance
  • ✚ Comes with headers for fan and RGB control
  • ✚ On/off button for RGB lighting
  • ✚ Silent cooler
  • The most expensive 5600 XT
  • Cheaper alternatives, like Sapphire Pulse, show better performance
Rating

ASUS ROG Strix Radeon RX 5600 is a qualitative product fitted with a reinforced frame, customizable Aura Sync RGB lighting, improved cooling performance (triple Axial-Tech fans) and Max Contact technology. I suppose these features are enough to call it one of the top-rated AMD graphics cards.

Radeon RX 5600 XT was developed to combine a low price (around 300 bucks) and better performance. In general, they achieved this goal but still, in comparison with cheaper competitors, like Sapphire Pulse, it is not as fast and costs more. At the same time, Radeon RX 5600 is more reasonably-priced than Radeon RX 5700 and RTX 2060 Super. If we look at GPUs in this price category, we will see that AMD did a great job. Asus ROG Strix RX 5600 XT O6G shows decent performance, delivers 60+ fps at 1080p with ultra settings and offers qualitative 1440p gaming at reduced settings.

5. Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2060

Custom PCB
best amd gpu for 2k gaming

Stream Processors: 1920 | Core Clock: 1755 MHz ( MHz boost) | Memory: 6GB | Memory Clock: 14 Gbps | Power Connectors: 8-Pin | Outputs: 1 x HDMI, 3 x DisplayPort 

  • ✚ Custom PCB with 6+2 power phase construction
  • ✚ Factory overclock up to 1830MHz GPU boost
  • ✚ WindForce 3X cooler
  • ✚ Full-cover metal backplate
  • Quite long
  • Lacks NVLink support
Rating

Although we have already reviewed one RTX 2060 model, we will take a look at one more. Why is this GPU different from others in the line? First off, it uses a PCB with a 6+2 power phase construction. What is more, the factory overclock is equal up to 1830MHz. These improvements are more than enough to guarantee a flawless gaming experience.

The card is equipped with Gigabyte’s WINDFORCE 3X cooler so the overclock is monitored. The cooler itself consists of three fans that spin in opposing directions to improve airflows. Plus, advanced fan blades ensure better airflow. When you don’t play, the fans rest, and the system operates silently. The GPU is directly connected to four heat pipes so the heat is maximally transferred. If you combine this model of Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2060 with other hardware, you will get the performance expected from the best GPU for 2K gaming.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
best gpu for 2k gaming
Asus GeForce RTX 2070
Our Choice
  • Stream Processors: 2304
  • Core Clock: 1845 MHz
  • Memory: 8GB
  • Memory Clock: 8 Gbps
CHECK PRICE
best gpu for 2k 165hz gaming
PNY GeForce GTX 1660
Overclocked
  • Stream Processors: 1536
  • Core Clock: 1815 MHz
  • Memory: 6GB
  • Memory Clock:12 Gbps
CHECK PRICE
graphics card for 1440p
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 2060
Windforce
  • Stream Processors: 1920
  • Core Clock: 1770 MHz
  • Memory: 6GB
  • Memory Clock: 14 Gbps
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the Best GPU for 2K Gaming?

best gpu for 2k 165hz gaming

For gamers, the most important part of the computer is a graphics card. That’s pretty understandable. This component cooperates with other hardware, like CPU, RAM, and a display to create a super-realistic picture on the screen. Unlike experienced gamers, newbies are not good at technical jargon and don’t really know what GPU they need. Therefore, we have prepared some useful tips on how to choose the best GPU for gaming.

Working out what GPU You Need

To understand how much you have to spend on the best GPU for 2K gaming, you should consider the factors below:

Display resolution: What will you choose ‒ 1080p or 4K when playing games?

Budget: What sum are you ready to say farewell to? Undoubtedly, the more you spend, the better performance you get.

Future upgrades: Do you plan to update your system?

System specs: Make sure your GPU is compatible with the rest of the hardware.

Intel Core i3 and Core i5, or AMD Ryzen 3 and 5 processors are best suited for 1080p and 1440p gaming. If you have Intel Core i5 and i7, or AMD Ryzen 5 and 7 processors, choose GPUs supporting 1440p gaming and 4K. An optimal amount of RAM for today is 8GB; however, 16GB wouldn’t hurt either. In case you are involved in some heavy-duty online activities, choose 32GB.

Speaking about the budget, you should get the most expensive GPU you can afford. Give up the idea of saving some money now and then upgrading the card. It won’t work. If you really need the best GPU for gaming, be ready to invest a little. By the way, monitor the market and compare prices in different shops; thus, you can find an optimal variant.

Which Resolution is the Best for You?

best gpu for 2k gaming

1080p, 1440p and 4K are three different configurations. Each next resolution is more advanced than the previous one. In simple words, a 1080p display requires the lowest graphics card options, while a 4K screen ‒ the highest ones.

FAQ

  • • What GPU do I need for 1440p?

If you are currently looking for the best graphics card for 1440p, Asus GeForce RTX 2070 is an optimal variant. It costs around 500 bucks. But for this money, you will get the power of GTX 1080 Ti with a ray-tracing feature.

  • • What graphics card do I need for 2K?

In this case, your choice mainly depends on your budget. You may pick up a 1050 Ti or 1060 6GB; or it can be an RX card like A 460, 470, 480, 560, 570, or 580. Any of these cards may become the best GPU for 2K gaming for your particular PC build.

  • • What should my GPU usage be when gaming?

If you strive for the best gaming experience, your GPU usage should be between 99%-100%. If it is lower, it means you have a low GPU usage problem. Consequently, you get less FPS and lower performance while gaming. 

  • • Does 144Hz increase FPS?

144Hz doesn’t increase your fps. It shows how many frames your monitor can draw. If you have a 144Hz monitor, it can draw 144 fps. So, if you play a game at 90 fps, you lose 54 extra fps.

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