A lag-free and fast gaming experience is not easy when you are using a Ryzen 5 1600. To get a smooth, lag-free gaming experience you have to back it up with a powerful GPU.
It lacks processing power when compared to other newer-generation processors. That is why you have to compensate for the performance difference with a powerful GPU.
Finding the best GPU for Ryzen 5 1600 can be a bit frustrating. There are far too many possibilities to choose from.
The following article will go through all the major aspects you need to consider before buying a GPU. There will be detailed reviews of the best GPUs we have evaluated so that you can wisely make your choice based on your demands.
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Buying Guide of Purchasing GPU for Ryzen 5 1600X
You don’t want to waste money on something that won’t help you. We’ll tell you what to look for in terms of GPU factors.
#Clock Speed
The performance of a graphics card’s cores is determined by clock speed. It’s also often known as the engine clock. Megahertz is the unit of measurement for clock speed. The greater the performance, the more megahertz ratings are.
You need a GPU with the quickest base clock speed to have the best gaming experience. If you want exceptional performance, go for the faster cards. Cards with a slower base clock speed will struggle to play games at high settings.
#Memory Speed & Bandwidth
The raw performance of a GPU is influenced by memory speed and bandwidth. GPUs with higher bandwidths are better at transferring files quickly.
These days, GDDR5 RAM isn’t adequate. Get a GPU with GDDR6 RAM if possible. Better still, get GDDR6X memory.
#Graphics Card VRAM Capacity
A GPU’s texture handling capability is determined by its VRAM or virtual memory. To run properly with high textures, today’s games require a massive amount of VRAM.
For 60FPS and 1080P gameplay, a minimum of 6GB VRAM is recommended. If you want to play at Ultra settings or at a resolution higher than 2K, you’ll need a GPU with at least 8GB VRAM.
#CUDA Cores & Stream Processors
NVIDIA uses CUDA cores in its GPUs, while AMD uses stream processors. Both of these do the same function: they process graphical data.
A GPU’s performance can be improved by having more CUDA cores or Stream processors. The GPU’s generation and architecture are also crucial. Don’t just go with the GPU with the best score without thinking about the architecture.
#RT cores or Ray Tracing Ability
NVIDIA developed a novel concept called Ray Tracing. With real-time rays and reflections, it can make your game appear stunning.
AMD is also working on Ray tracing cores, despite the fact that the technique is limited with NVIDIA GPUs.
You can also use DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, with RT cores. This is a terrific feature as it allows you to play games at 4K resolution without any problems.
However, the use of RT cores is entirely optional. It has very little effect on your overall gaming experience.
#GPU Architecture
The architecture of a GPU is the most important factor in determining its performance. Older generation cards are always being replaced with newer generation cards that have a completely new architecture.
The latest Lovelace architecture GPU, the GTX 3080, for example, outperforms NVIDIA’s Pascal architecture GPU GTX 1080.
The same may be said with AMD. RDNA2 architecture RX6700XT outperforms RDNA architecture RX 5700XT.
GPUs of the most recent generation always outperform GPUs of prior generations. So consider the GPU’s architecture before making your decision.
#TDP/ Thermal Power Design
The Thermal Power Design (TDP) is a heat dissipation indicator. It also gives an estimate of how much electricity the GPU will need.
PSUs rated at 450 to 500 watts work nicely with most entry-level GPUs. However, if you want to step up your game, you’ll need at least a 750-watt power supply.
If the GPU is not given adequate power, the system will crash. It’s critical to figure out how much electricity you’ll require. If your present PSU is insufficient for your new GPU, it’s time to upgrade.
#Form Factor
An important aspect of a GPU to consider is its form factor. Essentially, it refers to the size of the GPU you will receive. Depending on its design, a GPU can occupy up to three motherboard slots.
Due to several heat sinks, fans, and cooling shrouds, modern GPUs can be big and hefty. A GPU must be thermally stable in order to attain optimal performance. You’ll also need enough ventilation and heat transfer area to keep your GPU cool. As a result, you must consider the GPU’s form factor.
Top 5 GPUs for Ryzen 5 1600
After thoroughly researching the market and available options, we have evaluated the five best GPUs for Ryzen 5 1600. These GPUs were ranked and reviewed based on their pricing and performance.
ASUS GeForce RTX 2060

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RTX 2060 should be the ideal choice for every gamer out there looking for performance within a decent budget. It holds all the cards. It’s affordable, powerful, and dependable. This can be a wise choice for you if you are looking for the most optimum performance.
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060

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MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 is the peak of the performance. It’s for the gamers who want the ultimate gaming experience. The card slips past most of the gamers due to its hefty price. But the money is worth spending. You can enjoy a great gaming experience with this absolute beast.
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1080 AMP

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The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1080 AMP is an excellent choice if compared with other entry-level cards. This card can meet all your gaming needs with its pure raw performance. The card also adds to the aesthetic of your build with the customizable spectra lighting system.
EVGA GeForce GTX 1070

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The GTX 1070 is a good deal if you have a tight but decent budget. You can get this card for around $600. With this card, you can enjoy a sweet gaming experience. It can deliver such fantastic performance with a meager budget.
EVGA GeForce GTX 1060

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The EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 is a cheap, entry-level graphics card for people who only want to play esports title games or enjoy games without much thinking about the graphics and FPS. If you have trouble managing your budget and still want to dive into gaming, the GTX 1060 should be your priority. You can play most games at low-medium settings with pretty stable FPs with this GPU.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are RTX cards worth the money?
To be honest, RTX cards are made for gaming enthusiasts. If you are in competitive gaming or E-sports minded, getting an RTX card will not benefit you much. RTX cards can give you mind-boggling graphics but not stable FPS.
Do AMD GPUs have ray tracing?
AMD cards do not have ray tracing technology yet.
Can I use SATA or Molex adapters to plug in power pins?
Yes, you can use SATA or Molex adapters if your PSU does not have enough power pins.
Do all GPUs have a VGA port?
Recent GPUs do not come with a VGA port. You can use a VGA to HDMI or VGA to Display port adapter.
My GPU fans are not spinning. What should I do?
All GPUs now have intelligent fan control. That means if your GPU temperature is not high enough, the fans will turn off automatically. However, consult with a technician if your fans are not still spinning even after hitting 80 degrees.
Wrapping Up
What was once considered to be nerdy is now a craze. Gaming has caught the world with a blast. The recent pandemic brought a lot of new gamers into the field. To stay ahead in the battle, you need a monstrous GPU by your side.
Our choice as the best GPU for Ryzen 5 1600 is ASUS GeForce RTX 2060. All in all, this GPU is a combination of affordability, performance, and durability. It peaks all the categories by a mile. RTX 2060 is the optimal card anyone should get.
However, if you are not bound by budget and get a serious card, the MSI Gaming RTX 3060 is the best choice for you. Crafted with NVIDIAs latest Ampere architecture, the RTX 3060 is the ultimate GPU to dominate the games.
It would be our pleasure if our article could assist you in deciding on getting a new GPU. We know how mesmerizing it can be when choosing a product. That is why we tried to give you our honest review in the simplest way possible.
Happy gaming!