If you’re running an Intel Core i5-4590 on your PC, you might be thinking about giving your gaming experience a boost with a new graphics card. The i5-4590, while a bit older now, still holds its own in many gaming and general computing tasks. But to really get the most out of your games, especially the newer titles, you’ll need a GPU upgrade that complements this trusty processor.
In this guide, we’re diving into the world of GPUs to find the best matches for your i5-4590. Whether you’re on a budget, looking for something mid-range, or willing to invest a bit more for higher performance, there’s a GPU out there that can elevate your gaming experience. Currently, these GPUs you can pair with i5-4590: The GTX 1650 and GTX 1660 Super, and the AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT, weighing their pros and cons in relation to your i5-4590.
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1. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
| Memory Size [VRAM] | 4 GB |
| Clock | 1923 MHz – 2039 MHz |
| Process Size | 6 nm |
| TDP | 53 W |
As someone who’s upgraded a few PCs over the years, I can confidently say that the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 is a real game-changer for i5-4590 systems, especially if you’re on a tight budget. This card is a perfect step up from older GPUs or integrated graphics, bringing a noticeable improvement to your gaming experience without costing a fortune. In my experience, it’s great for popular titles at 1080p – games like ‘Fortnite’ and ‘League of Legends run smoothly and look fantastic. Plus, its low power consumption means you won’t need a new power supply, which is a relief. It’s not just for gaming, either; I’ve found it does a decent job with light video editing and graphic design tasks, making it a solid all-rounder for general use.
Reasons to Buy:
- Affordable Upgrade: If you’re watching your wallet, this GPU gives you more bang for your buck.
- Energy Efficient: It meshes well with the i5-4590, keeping power use in check.
- Versatile Performance: Beyond gaming, it handles everyday graphic tasks pretty well – a nice bonus.
Reasons to Not Buy:
- Limited Longevity: With 4GB VRAM, it might not keep up with future graphically demanding games.
- Some Limits on Gaming: Dreaming of ultra settings or 1440p gaming? This card might not be the best fit.
2. AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT
| Memory Size [VRAM] | 4 GB |
| Clock | 2310 MHz – 2610 MHz |
| Process Size | 6 nm |
| TDP | 107 W |
Upgrading to the AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT can be a smart move if you’re using an i5-4590, especially if you’re looking for a bit more punch in your gaming setup. This GPU impressed me with its capability to deliver solid performance in the latest games at 1080p. It’s a step above entry-level cards and offers a good blend of price and performance. Based on my experience, it’s particularly appealing if you’re into games that demand a bit more from your system but don’t want to overspend. The RX 6500 XT, while not a powerhouse, is quite efficient and aligns well with the i5-4590, offering a smooth gaming experience without overwhelming your CPU.
Reasons to Buy:
- Modern Gaming: Handles most new games at 1080p with good frame rates.
- Efficient: A good match for the i5-4590, providing efficiency and balanced performance.
- Value for Money: Offers decent gaming capabilities without a hefty price tag.
Reasons to Not Buy:
- VRAM Limitations: 4GB VRAM might not be enough for future gaming demands.
- Limited hardware: The RX 6500 XT doesn’t have a video encoder. This means that you’ll need to use your CPU for encoding.
- Not for High-End Gaming: If you’re aiming for ultra settings in 1440p, this card might fall short.
3. 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 stands out as an excellent middle-ground GPU for those with an i5-4590. Personally, I’ve recommended this card to many who want a significant upgrade from basic GPUs without stretching their budget too much. It’s a noticeable step up from the standard GTX 1650 and brings to the table enhanced performance for 1080p gaming. From my experience, it can handle a variety of games with higher settings than the RX 6500 XT, making it a versatile choice for gamers who want a bit more from their system. Its efficiency is commendable, especially when paired with the i5-4590, ensuring you get better performance without putting extra strain on your CPU or power supply.
Reasons to Buy:
- Superior 1080p Performance: Ideal for those who want better frame rates and graphics in their games.
- Energy Efficient: Complements the i5-4590, balancing power with efficiency.
- Affordable Upgrade: Strikes a sweet spot between price and enhanced gaming capabilities.
Reasons to Not Buy:
- Limited for Future Gaming: With 4GB VRAM, it might struggle in future, more demanding titles.
- Not for 1440p Enthusiasts: If you’re keen on ultra settings in 1440p, this might not be your best pick.
4. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super
| Memory Size [VRAM] | 6 GB |
| Clock | 1530 MHz – 1785 MHz |
| Process Size | 12 nm |
| TDP | 120 W |
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super is a step up for those using the i5-4590, especially if you’re aiming for a substantial boost in your gaming experience. This card has been a personal favorite to recommend, as it hits that sweet spot of price-to-performance ratio. It’s excellent for gaming at 1080p and even manages to handle 1440p pretty well. However, it’s worth noting that the i5-4590, being an older processor, might bottleneck in very demanding games or at higher resolutions. This doesn’t detract from the fact that the GTX 1660 Super is a fantastic choice for most gaming needs and can bring new life to your i5-4590 setup.
Reasons to Buy:
- Great for 1080p and 1440p: Offers high frame rates and good graphics quality in most games.
- Balanced Performance: A well-rounded GPU for the price, offering a notable upgrade.
- Efficient and Compatible: Pairs nicely with the i5-4590, considering its age and capabilities.
Reasons to Not Buy:
- Potential Bottlenecking: In CPU-intensive games or higher resolutions, the i5-4590 might limit its performance.
- Not for Cutting-Edge Gaming: If you’re chasing the highest settings in new, demanding titles, you might want to consider a more potent combo.
Conclusion
- The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 and GTX 1650 Super are both great for budget-conscious gamers who want a noticeable improvement in 1080p gaming. They offer good performance without the risk of significant bottlenecks.
- The AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT is a step up, especially for modern games at 1080p, but with only 4GB VRAM, its future-proofing is limited.
- The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super stands out as the best overall option for the i5-4590. It provides a significant boost in both 1080p and entry-level 1440p gaming. While there’s a potential for bottlenecking in CPU-heavy games or at higher resolutions, this GPU generally offers the best balance of performance and price, making the most of the i5-4590’s capabilities.
Considering these factors, my personal recommendation for i5-4590 users would be the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super. It’s a versatile and powerful GPU that can dramatically improve your gaming experience while still being a cost-effective upgrade. This card strikes the right balance between enhancing your current setup and keeping an eye on the future, ensuring you get the most out of your gaming sessions with the i5-4590.