Are you looking to upgrade your i5-3450 with a new GPU to play modern games at higher settings and frame rates? Choosing the right GPU can be a daunting task, especially if you’re on a budget. That’s why we’ve put together this article to help you find the best GPU that will pair perfectly with the i5-3450. We’ll provide you with some options that deliver excellent performance and value, allowing you to enjoy your favorite games without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, this article has got you covered. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect GPU for i5-3450!
Related: Best GPU For i5-3470
Best GPU for i5-3450
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650

Memory Size [VRAM] | 4 GB |
Clock | 1168 MHz – 1244 MHz |
Process Size | 14 nm |
TDP | 150 W |
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 is an affordable graphics card for gamers on a budget. It features 4 GB of VRAM, a clock speed of 1168 MHz – 1244 MHz, and a TDP of 150 W. Although it has a 14 nm process size, the GTX 1650 can still deliver a decent gaming experience for those who play modern games at 1080p resolution.
In terms of gaming benchmarks, the GTX 1650 can run games like Apex Legends and Fortnite at 60+ FPS on medium settings, while more demanding titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider can still achieve a playable frame rate at medium settings. If you’re looking for an affordable GPU that can handle modern gaming, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 is a solid choice for pairing with the i5-3450.
AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT

Memory Size [VRAM] | 4 GB |
Clock | 2310 MHz – 2610 MHz |
Process Size | 6 nm |
TDP | 107 W |
Next Up, The AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT is another entry-level GPU that offers decent 1080p gaming performance for those on a budget. This entry-level GPU can handle most games at 1080p resolution without any issues, making it an excellent choice for gamers who are looking for a cost-effective option. However, it might struggle at higher resolutions and graphical settings.
The Radeon RX 6500 XT features 4 GB of VRAM, clock speeds ranging from 2310 MHz to 2610 MHz, and a TDP of 107 W. The GPU’s 6 nm process size ensures that it is more power-efficient than its predecessors. In terms of gaming performance, the Radeon RX 6500 XT can run games like Doom Eternal at 98 FPS and Fortnite at over 70 FPS on high settings, while more demanding titles like Resident Evil Village can still achieve 75 FPS at a balanced preset. If you’re looking for an affordable AMD GPU for your i5-3450 build, the Radeon RX 6500 XT is definitely worth considering.
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super

Memory Size [VRAM] | 4 GB |
Clock | 1530 MHz – 1725 MHz |
Process Size | 12 nm |
TDP | 100 W |
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super is the best overall GPU for pairing with the i5-3450. It delivers excellent gaming performance, value, and price points. This budget graphics card features 4 GB of VRAM, clock speeds ranging from 1530 MHz to 1725 MHz, and a TDP of 100 W. Although it has a 12 nm process size, the GTX 1650 Super is much faster than its predecessor, the GTX 1650.
In terms of gaming benchmarks, the GTX 1650 Super can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with medium to high graphics settings and give a solid frame rate. Shadow of the Tomb Raider averaged 60 fps at 1080p high settings and Rainbow Six Siege can run at over 100 FPS on high settings, while more graphics-intensive games like Battlefield V can still achieve 60 to 70 FPS at medium to high settings. If you want the best overall GPU that delivers excellent performance and value for your i5-3450 build, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super is definitely the way to go.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you’re looking for the best GPU for the i5-3450, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super is the clear winner. It delivers excellent gaming performance, value, and price points. However, if you’re on a tight budget, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT are excellent alternatives. While they may not deliver the same performance as the GTX 1650 Super, they can still handle most modern games at 1080p. Ultimately, the choice of GPU comes down to your budget and gaming preferences, but any of these GPUs will provide a significant improvement over the integrated graphics of the i5-3450.