Best Budget RTX GPU for 1440p Gaming Under $400 (2025-2026 Buyer's Guide)

RTX 5060 ($299) vs RTX 4060 Ti comparison for 1440p gaming under $400. RTX 5060 offers 23-32% better performance with DLSS 4, but 8GB VRAM limits
Best Budget RTX GPU for 1440p Gaming Under $400 (2025-2026 Buyer's Guide)
Finding the perfect budget graphics card for 1440p gaming has become increasingly challenging in 2025, as NVIDIA's latest generation brings both impressive performance gains and controversial design choices. With prices fluctuating and VRAM requirements climbing, choosing the right GPU under $400 requires careful consideration of performance, longevity, and real-world value.​ Current Market Landscape: What $400 Gets You The budget GPU market under $400 in October 2025 presents three primary contenders: the new RTX 5060 at $299, various RTX 4060 Ti options, and aging RTX 3070 cards. Each option comes with distinct advantages and compromises that significantly impact long-term gaming satisfaction.​ Current pricing reveals the RTX 4060 Ti 8GB available for approximately $329 , while the 16GB variant commands $419 – just above our budget limit. The RTX 5060 maintains its $299 MSRP more consistently than higher-tier cards, making it an accessible entry point into RTX 50-series technology.​ …