If you’re an avid gamer looking to upgrade your setup for a more immersive and engaging gaming experience, then playing with a 1440p resolution is an excellent way to go. To get the most out of 1440p, you’ll need a top-performing graphics card that can handle modern games in high resolution. With so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to determine which GPU is the best for gaming in 1440p, especially if you factor in high refresh rates, and the FPS required to take advantage of said refresh rates.
The best GPU for 1440p at the moment is the RTX 4070, a highly powered GPU from Nvidia that offers better value than some of its more powerful siblings. To cover a wider range of budgetary needs, we’ve also compiled a list of the rest that are up for the job, along with some consumer advice to help you make an informed decision as you embark on this PC building journey.
If you are planning on playing games in 1440p at a high refresh rate, you will need to lower settings to ensure you hit the FPS required for smooth game play. With maxed out settings at a high refresh rate, you may need to opt for an RTX 4080 instead to save yourself from disappointment.
Benefits of gaming at 1440p
Gaming in 1440p resolution offers several benefits over lower the likes of 1080p. Here are some of the key benefits of gaming in 1440p:
- Improved graphics quality – With 1440p resolution, you’ll experience a significant improvement in graphics quality over 1080p. Games will look sharper and more detailed, with better texture.
- Increased immersion – Gaming in 1440p can provide a more immersive gaming experience, as you’ll be able to see more detail in the game world. This can enhance the feeling of being part of the game, making it more engaging and exciting.
- Better for multitasking & work – With a larger display area, you can also enjoy better multitasking capabilities. You can have multiple windows open at once, such as a game, chat program, and browser, without compromising on screen real estate.
Best GPU for 1440p 144Hz & 165Hz
MSI RTX 4070 Gaming X Trio 12G
- Ray tracing
- DLSS
- Ideal for 1440p gaming
The RTX 4070 exceeds the older RTX 3070 in nearly every category, with some games even seeing up to 40% improvement in performance. On average, the RTX 4070 outperformed its predecessor by around 20%. The Nvidia RTX 4070 is currently one of the best graphics card for most users on the market due to its superior performance at every resolution, without hurting the wallet.
While you will have to turn down settings to take full advantage of high refresh monitors in some games, you can rest assured that you are buying a high-quality GPU for 1440p.
Best AMD GPU for 1440p
ASUS TUF GAMING Radeon RX 6800 XT OC 16GB
- Incredible performance for the price
- Excellent for 1440p, with some 4K performance
- Previous generation
While AMD has a diverse range of GPUs available for 1440p gaming, the RX 6800 XT is a standout option at its current price. It is widely considered to be one of the best AMD 6000-series GPUs available, and while it is built with 4K in mind, it is better suited for high FPS at 1440p.
The AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT is a high-end graphics card that is specifically designed to meet the demands of gaming at high resolutions and refresh rates. It boasts impressive specs, including 4,608 stream processors, a base clock speed of 1825 MHz, a boost clock speed of 2250 MHz, 16 GB of GDDR6 memory, a memory bandwidth of 512 GB/s, and 72 RT cores.
Best GPU for 1440p 240Hz
ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4090 OC
- Best GPU money can buy
- Unbeatable performance, no matter the task
- Overkill for general 1440p gaming
When gaming in 1440p at 240Hz, there is only one GPU you should go for and that is the RTX 4090. The ASUS ROG Strix OC RTX 4090 is the ultimate choice. Not only does it boast incredible performance, but its also aesthetically superb.
The upgraded cooling system in the ROG Strix OC RTX 4090 incorporates a new vapor chamber and milled heat spreader, designed to enhance heat transfer and improve dissipation. These features work together to create an efficient and effective cooling system that can handle the high demands of demanding gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. The RTX 4090 is the ultimate graphics card and can handle any game in any resolution, no matter the settings.
Best budget GPU for 1440p gaming
ASUS ROG Strix AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT
- Most affordable in this round up while still offering excellent performance
- Less powerful than the other GPUs
The RX 6750 XT is capable of running graphics-intensive games in 1440p without any difficulty, matching the performance of the RTX 3070 in some instances. Generally speaking the RTX 3070 can come out on top but the current value in this card from AMD is incredible. Overall, the RX 6750 XT is a strong contender for those looking for a high-performing GPU in the 1440p gaming range with strict budgetary requirements in mind.
Playing games in 1440p resolution is a great way to experience improved graphics quality, increased immersion, and better multitasking capabilities. The RTX 4070 is currently the best graphics card on the market for 1440p gaming, offering high performance without being completely unaffordable. For those on a tighter budget, the RX 6750 XT or RX 6800 XT both offer the best value at the moment.
