If you’re an owner of an i5-7500 processor and looking to upgrade your gaming experience without breaking the bank, If you’re searching new graphics card to pair with your i5-7500 processor, you may be overwhelmed by the countless options available. Finding the perfect GPU that balances both performance and affordability can be a daunting task. But fear not, we’ve done the research for you and have compiled a list of the best GPUs for i5-7500 that will take your gaming experience to the next level. In this article, we’ll explore the features and gaming benchmarks of each GPU, so you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect GPU for your needs.
Related: Best GPU For i5-7600K
Best GPU for I5-7500
1. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super is the best budget GPU for the Intel Core i5-7500, especially for those looking to enhance their gaming experience without a substantial investment. This GPU stands out in the entry-level market, offering the capability to smoothly run most modern games at 1080p with medium to high settings. Its balance of cost, performance, and efficiency makes it an ideal upgrade for those who want to game comfortably at 1080p.
GPU Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Memory Size (VRAM) | 4 GB |
| Clock Speed | 1530 MHz – 1725 MHz |
| Process Size | 12 nm |
| TDP | 100 W |
Gaming Benchmarks
| Game Title | Resolution | Graphics Settings | Average FPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 1080p | Highest Settings | 60 |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 1080p | Max Settings | 83 |
| Apex Legends | 1080p | Max Settings | 100 |
| Fortnite | 1080p | Epic Settings | 140 |
Positive and Negative Aspects
Positives:
- Delivers a solid gaming experience at 1080p, suitable for popular titles.
- Low power consumption makes it a fitting match with the i5-7500.
- Offers good value for users seeking a cost-effective upgrade.
Negatives:
- Limited VRAM may hinder performance in newer, more graphically intensive games.
- Not suitable for higher-resolution gaming or advanced features like ray tracing.
Summary
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super is a smart choice for i5-7500 users, particularly those focused on 1080p gaming. It offers a balance between performance and cost, making it an attractive option for budget gamers looking to play current games at satisfactory frame rates.
2. AMD Radeon RX 6600
The AMD Radeon RX 6600 is a strong contender for those with an Intel Core i5-7500, particularly for users aiming to play current games at high settings in 1080p and explore 1440p gaming. This GPU’s blend of performance and efficiency makes it a solid upgrade for those looking to enhance their gaming experience significantly. Its 8 GB of VRAM and RDNA 2 architecture ensures smooth gaming and a degree of future-proofing for upcoming titles.
GPU Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Memory Size (VRAM) | 8 GB |
| Clock Speed | 2044 MHz – 2491 MHz |
| Process Size | 7 nm |
| TDP | 132 W |
Gaming Benchmarks
| Game Title | Resolution | Graphics Settings | Average FPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortnite | 1080p | Medium Settings | 172 |
| Apex Legends | 1080p | High Settings | 135 |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | 1080p | High Settings | 94 |
| God of War | 1440p | Original Settings | 67 |
Positive and Negative Aspects
Positives:
- Excellent for 1080p gaming, handling most modern games with ease.
- Adequate for entry-level 1440p gaming, providing versatility for different gaming needs.
- Efficient power consumption aligns well with the capabilities of the i5-7500.
Negatives:
- May not offer the best frame rates for more graphically intensive games at 1440p.
- Lacks some advanced features, such as ray tracing.
Summary
The AMD Radeon RX 6600 is a compelling upgrade for i5-7500 users who are looking to improve their gaming experience significantly. It offers reliable performance for 1080p gaming and can adequately handle 1440p in many scenarios, making it a versatile choice for a range of gaming preferences.
3. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 is a versatile and powerful GPU that pairs exceptionally well with the Intel Core i5-7500. It’s a suitable choice for users seeking a significant upgrade in gaming performance, capable of handling the latest titles at high settings in both 1080p and 1440p. In addition to its gaming prowess, the RTX 3060, with its 12 GB of VRAM and support for ray tracing and DLSS, also stands out for content creation, video editing, and other demanding tasks, making it a comprehensive choice for gamers who also engage in productivity and creative work.
GPU Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Memory Size (VRAM) | 12 GB |
| Clock Speed | 1777 MHz |
| Process Size | 8 nm |
| TDP | 170 W |
Gaming Benchmarks
| Game Title | Resolution | Graphics Settings | Average FPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 1080p | High Settings | 75 |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 1440p | High Settings | 65 |
| Fortnite | 1080p | Epic Settings | 115 |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | 1440p | High Settings | 60 |
Positive and Negative Aspects
Positives:
- Superior performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming.
- Ample 12 GB VRAM is advantageous for creative applications and multitasking.
- Future-proof with support for ray tracing and DLSS technology.
Negatives:
- May be slightly overpowered for the i5-7500, potentially leading to underutilization in some scenarios.
- Requires a good cooling system and power supply due to its higher power consumption.
Summary
For the Intel Core i5-7500, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 stands out as the best choice. It offers the best balance of high-performance gaming at both 1080p and 1440p, along with the capability to handle demanding productivity tasks. While it’s a more powerful option and may not be fully utilized by the i5-7500 in all scenarios, its future-proof features like ray tracing and DLSS make it a valuable long-term investment. The RTX 3060 is ideal for those seeking to significantly enhance their gaming experience and engage in content creation or other graphical work.
Conclusion
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super: For those on a tight budget, this GPU is my recommendation. It’s a sensible pick for significantly improving 1080p gaming without a hefty investment. Ideal for casual gamers who want a noticeable upgrade from older GPUs.
- AMD Radeon RX 6600: This GPU strikes a good balance between price and performance. It’s my pick for users who need better performance at 1080p and wish to explore gaming at 1440p without stretching their budget too much.
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060: From my perspective, this is the best overall GPU for the i5-7500. It not only excels in gaming at both 1080p and 1440p but also offers substantial productivity prowess. Its future-proof features, like ray tracing and DLSS, make it a worthwhile long-term investment, especially for users looking to maximize their system’s capabilities.
FAQ?
What is the best GPU for the i5 7500?
The AMD Radeon RX 6600 is the best GPU for pairing with the i5-7500 processor, thanks to its excellent 1080p gaming performance and modern features like ray tracing and DLSS. It’s a great value for its price and offers smooth gameplay without any lag or stuttering.
Best Budget GPU for i5-7500?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super is the best budget GPU for pairing with the i5-7500 processor. It offers great value for its price and can run most modern games at 1080p resolution with medium to high mix graphics settings.