Before you buy a new graphics card

01. Start with your screen

Write down your monitor resolution and refresh rate, the games you play and your target frame rate. These are more useful than choosing the biggest model number.

02. Measure your current limit

Compare performance with reduced resolution and settings. Check independent benchmarks for the exact games and resolution you care about, including frame-time behaviour.

03. Check the physical fit

Read the card’s dimensions and your case clearances. Consider cooling space, not just whether the card technically fits.

04. Check power and connections

Compare the manufacturer’s power-supply guidance with your exact PSU model, connectors and system. Never mix modular PSU cables from different supplies.

05. Consider the whole system

CPU limits, memory pressure, storage stalls or a slow display can reduce the benefit. Include cooling and power costs in the upgrade budget; buy only once the constraint is clear.