Top 5: Best Gaming Keyboards of 2025

Finding a powerful graphics card at an affordable price this year has become much easier. The modern market has moved away from the simple principle of “the more expensive, the better,” offering users an optimal balance of performance and cost. Today, the top budget video cards of 2025 are selected not only based on price but also on critical indicators such as stable FPS, temperature control, ray tracing support, and the presence of effective upscaling technologies, allowing you to choose the perfect solution for gaming and work without overpaying.

GeForce GTX 1650 G6: Basic Standard with Current Components

The legendary series received a reincarnation in 2025 with updated drivers and GDDR6 video memory. The TU117 graphics processor handles projects like Fortnite, CS2, and Valorant at 1080p without frame drops. The device shows stability in budget builds and does not overheat even in mini cases. It features a low-profile radiator with a dual-section fan. At the top of the budget video card list, this model remains relevant due to its adequate price and minimal power consumption — 75W TDP.

Radeon RX 6500 XT: Minimalism with FSR Onboard

The RDNA 2 architecture in a simplified configuration with 4GB GDDR6 offers decent performance in games using FidelityFX Super Resolution. The Navi 24 chip delivers up to 60 frames per second in games from 2022–2024 at high settings. The card is compatible with ray tracing, although it only copes with it by reducing the resolution. PCIe 4.0 support minimizes bandwidth losses. In the list of top budget video cards, the Radeon RX 6500 XT stands out for its compactness, technology support, and balanced thermal package.

Intel Arc A380: Entry-Level Gaming Card for Comfortable Gaming

The ACM-G11 graphics processor offers 6GB of video memory and XeSS technology support — an equivalent of DLSS. Medium-level texture settings in the latest generation games provide stable FPS around 45–50 frames. The cooling system noise level does not exceed 36 dB under load. Compatibility with DirectX 12 Ultimate grants access to current graphical features.

Radeon RX 7600: Mid-Range Class at an Economy Price

The device operates on the Navi 33 graphics core, offering 8GB of GDDR6 video memory and full ray tracing support. The second-generation FSR ensures smooth image rendering without critical loss of detail. The GPU frequency reaches 2.25 GHz, guaranteeing up to 70 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, medium settings, FSR Quality) with optimized assembly. The cooling system consists of three heat pipes and two fans. The RX 7600 rightfully holds a position in the top budget video card list as a representative of the affordable segment with characteristics typical of the mid-range class.

GeForce RTX 3050 6GB: Minimal Entry into the RTX System

The simplified version of the RTX 3050 with 6GB instead of the standard 8GB makes compromises but retains access to DLSS, ray tracing, and optimized NVIDIA Studio drivers. The GPU frequency reaches 1770 MHz, allowing smooth gameplay in high-density object games. The cooling system features a dual radiator with an aluminum core.

Arc A580: Step Forward in Price Step Back

Intel’s model with 8GB of GDDR6 video memory and full XeSS support is among the top best budget video cards of 2025. The ACM-G10 chip operates at a frequency of 1700 MHz and provides reliable ray tracing support at medium settings. The device consistently delivers 60 FPS in Forza Horizon 5 at maximum settings using intelligent upscaling technology. Built-in power-saving mechanisms reduce heating and extend fan life. When building a budget PC, this card strikes a reasonable balance between price and actual performance.

Radeon RX 6600: Focus on Efficiency

The graphics solution based on RDNA 2 architecture demonstrates high performance in games from 2021–2024 at 1080p on ultra settings. The GPU frequency reaches 2044 MHz, and the 8GB video memory handles high-resolution textures. The RX 6600 is equipped with a dual cooling system with copper pipes and speed control.

GeForce GTX 1630: Back to Basics

This model is designed for office and multimedia tasks with the ability to run undemanding games. The device features 4GB of GDDR6 and a trimmed Turing core with a frequency of 1740 MHz. Compared to other GTX 1630 models, it serves as an ultra-economical option for upgrading office stations. It operates with power supplies of 300W without the risk of overheating.

Radeon RX 6400: Compact Gamer’s Minimum

The Low Profile format, compatibility with miniature cases, and efficient passive cooling make the RX 6400 a popular choice for building a budget PC. It offers 4GB of video memory, RDNA 2 architecture providing basic FSR support. The device delivers up to 40 FPS in GTA V and Apex Legends at medium settings.

Arc A310: Absolute Minimum with an Upgrade Focus

This model with 4GB of video memory, a basic 1150 MHz GPU, and a minimal thermal package is aimed at users with limited budgets. The card handles popular online games at 720p resolution and is compatible with PCIe 4.0. It comes with a compact cooling system and operates at a TDP not exceeding 65W.

Top 10 Budget Video Cards in 2025: Plenty to Choose From

The top 10 budget video cards in 2025 demonstrate a shift towards practicality and flexibility. Manufacturers have implemented enhanced upscaling algorithms, optimized drivers, improved cooling systems, and balanced TDP, providing users with comfortable gaming experiences without excessive costs. With a reasonable approach, building a budget PC yields results comparable to mid-range systems from three years ago. A sensible configuration of the graphics processor, video memory size, and technology support forms the basis of an adequate choice.

Tactical thinking, resource management, and deep analytics are at the core of the genre that, despite changing gaming trends, remains relevant. The top 5 turn-based strategies on PC are not just hits, but key stages in the genre’s evolution. Let’s talk about them in more detail.

Civilization 6: Economy as the Art of Diplomacy

The game was released in 2016 and attracted 8 million players in two years. Developers focused on synthesizing culture, science, religion, and the military. The user chooses a civilization — from Egypt to Brazil — and develops it from the Stone Age to the future.

The innovation lies in the distributed structure of cities. Previously, all buildings were placed in one spot, now they are in separate districts. This added strategic depth. Tactical decisions in object placement directly impact the growth of science, culture, and production.

In the top 5 turn-based strategies on PC, Civilization 6 stands out for its complexity, smart AI, and multiple paths to victory. A successfully implemented multiplayer and frequent updates keep gamers engaged even after years.

Crusader Kings 3: Medieval Drama in Numbers and Relationships

Paradox Interactive released the game in 2020, turning genealogy into a grand strategy. The main focus is dynastic politics, where every decision affects several generations. The game world spans from Iceland to India, featuring real historical rulers and alternative storylines.

Conflicts for the throne, vassals, and dynasties come together in the most elaborate power model in strategies. Character statistics include 5 basic characteristics and dozens of traits that influence behavior. Every marriage, conspiracy, and title adds new elements to the political mosaic.

In the top 5 turn-based strategies on PC, Crusader Kings 3 holds a special position. It’s a simulator where victory is achieved not by force, but by calculation and patience. Which tactical project to try to understand the logic of the Middle Ages? The answer is obvious — this one.

Total War: Shogun 2 — Katana Precision and General’s Foresight

Developer Creative Assembly launched the project 2 in 2011. In the Sengoku era, the player takes control of one of the Japanese clans with the goal of claiming the shogun title. The strategic map combines diplomacy, economy, and army management, while tactical battles take place in real-time.

During the turn-based phase, players build cities, recruit troops, and negotiate with allies. Transitioning to battle activates large-scale battles with tens of thousands of units. The variety of units (samurais, monks, ninjas), weather effects, types of terrain — all influence the outcome.

In the top 5 turn-based strategies on PC, Shogun 2 stands out for the balance between the turn-based global map and dynamic battles. Metacritic rating — 90/100, sales exceeded 600,000 copies in the first month. The best turn-based strategies on PC rarely combine tactical precision with artistic aesthetics.

Panzer General II: Chess with Cannons

The project was released in 1997 and became a benchmark in the turn-based military tactics genre. The action unfolds during World War II. The game uses hexagonal maps, and units have characteristics: ammo, fuel, morale, experience.

The game offers three main campaigns: for Germany, Allies, and the USSR. Progression in the scenario depends on the effectiveness of actions — early completion of tasks brings bonus missions. Tactical decisions must consider terrain type, weather conditions, and balance of power.

The project is in the top 5 turn-based strategies on PC due to the strictness of the system, thoughtfulness of the interface, and historical accuracy. It’s in this game that a generation of strategists grew up, considering logistics more important than speed.

XCOM 2: Cold Tactics Against Alien Threat

Firaxis released the strategy in 2016. It continues the traditions of XCOM: Enemy Unknown but adds elements of guerrilla warfare and non-linearity. The player controls a resistance unit fighting aliens who have taken over Earth. Unlike its predecessors, the base is now mobile, changing tactical priorities.

Each mission is a combat assignment where a soldier’s death is irreversible. The cover system, flanking attacks, drone usage, and grenades — all require thoughtful actions. Difficulty scales dynamically: the more successful the operations, the more aggressive the enemy’s countermeasures.

The project made it to the top 5 turn-based strategies on PC thanks to its atmosphere, smart AI, and thoughtful management. Metacritic — 88/100, player and press recognition is absolute. Among the top PC strategies, this game is considered the standard of modern tactics.

Expert’s Choice: How to Distinguish Classics from Fleeting Hits

The top 5 turn-based strategies on PC encompass different time periods, approaches, and gameplay philosophies. Each project offers unique mechanics and scale. Games are selected not based on personal preferences but on their contribution to the genre’s development, relevance, gameplay depth, and innovations.

Unified evaluation criteria:

• number of mechanics and depth of tactical implementation;
  
• duration of relevance and mod support;
  
• player reviews and critics’ ratings;
  
• balance of difficulty and accessibility.

Turn-based strategies have long surpassed the niche genre. Today, they are a platform for complex simulations, deep historical reconstructions, and gameplay experiments. They not only entertain — they develop thinking, teach risk assessment, and managing consequences.

Choose a game from the top 5 turn-based strategies on PC and embark on adventures!

The top 5 turn-based strategies on PC show that the genre continues to evolve, offering players complex and engaging scenarios. Strategic games that can simultaneously train memory, logic, and foresight remain at the peak of interest. The best tactical projects are not always novelties but titles that have stood the test of time. They balance on the edge between an interactive novel and a chess game, offering a unique experience to everyone.

Choose one or several projects to try yourself as a great strategist.