As we move further into 2024, the quest for upgrading older yet decent systems like those running with the Intel Core i7-3770K is still a decent CPU for many PC enthusiasts and gamers. Initially released in 2012, the i7-3770K was a great processor for gaming and general computing tasks at that time. Its quad-core architecture, even though today’s performance is decent, makes it a viable option for those not ready to buy a completely new system.
We specifically target the best GPU options for breathing new life into systems powered by the i7-3770K. As games and software continue to evolve, pushing the limits of graphics technology, selecting the right GPU becomes crucial to unlock the full potential of older CPUs without causing a bottleneck.
We’ll review a range of GPUs that not only pair well with the i7-3770K but also offer the best balance between cost, performance, and options like the GTX 1650 to AMD Radeon RX 6600 is great for older CPUs like the i7-3770K in 2024.
Related: Best GPU For i7-3770
1. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
| Memory Size [VRAM] | 4 GB |
| Clock | 1485 MHz – 1665 MHz |
| Process Size | 12 nm |
| TDP | 75 W |
The GeForce GTX 1650 is a budget-friendly graphics card that offers good performance for its price point. It comes with 4GB of VRAM, which is ample memory for most gaming needs. The clock speed ranges from 1485 MHz to 1665 MHz, and the process size is 12 nm, a relatively efficient process technology. The TDP of the GTX 1650 is 75 W, making it an ideal option for small form factor builds.
One of the major advantages of the GTX 1650 over other budget graphics cards is that it is over 50 percent faster than the GTX 1050. Additionally, many models of the GTX 1650 don’t require extra power, making it even more attractive for those building a budget-friendly system.
However, the GTX 1650 struggles in more demanding games and is not quite capable of delivering smooth performance at max-quality 1080p. Additionally, it costs more than the GTX 1050 ti and the RX 570, making it less attractive to those who are on a tight budget.
In terms of gaming performance, the GTX 1650 is a decent option for gamers who are looking to play older games or less demanding titles at 1080p. However, if you’re looking to play more demanding games at high settings, you may want to consider a more powerful graphics card.
Reasons to Buy:
- Cost-Effective: Ideal for those on a tight budget.
- Low Power Consumption: This can often run without a dedicated power connector, which is great for older systems.
- Good 1080p Performance: Capable of running many games at medium settings in 1080p.
- Compact Design: Suitable for small form factor and older PCs.
Reasons Not to Buy:
- Limited VRAM: 4GB of memory might not be sufficient for future titles.
- Lower Future Proofing: Might struggle with upcoming more demanding games.
2. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super
| Memory Size [VRAM] | 4 GB |
| Clock | 1530 MHz – 1725 MHz |
| Process Size | 12 nm |
| TDP | 100 W |
The GeForce GTX 1650 Super is a more powerful version of the GTX 1650, offering improved performance for gamers. With 4GB of VRAM and a clock speed ranging from 1530 MHz to 1725 MHz, the GTX 1650 Super is a solid option for gamers who are looking for an affordable graphics card that can deliver good performance. The process size is 12 nm, which is efficient and helps to keep power consumption low. The TDP of the GTX 1650 Super is 100 W.
One of the biggest advantages of the GTX 1650 Super over the non-Super version is that it is much faster in 1080p gaming. This makes it a great option for gamers who are looking to play demanding games at high settings, and it is priced competitively to offer great overall value. Additionally, the GTX 1650 Super includes Turing NVENC, which is a feature that enables real-time video encoding, making it a great option for content creators as well.
Overall, the GeForce GTX 1650 Super is a great option for gamers and content creators who are looking for an affordable graphics card that can deliver good performance. Its improved performance over the non-Super version and competitive pricing make it an attractive option for those who are building a budget-friendly system.
Reasons to Buy:
- Enhanced Performance: Better than the standard GTX 1650, especially in 1080p gaming.
- Value for Money: Offers a significant performance upgrade for a slight increase in price.
- Efficient: Maintains good energy efficiency.
Reasons Not to Buy:
- Only 4GB VRAM: This might be limiting for some modern games, especially at higher settings.
3. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super
| Memory Size [VRAM] | 6 GB |
| Clock | 1530 MHz – 1785 MHz |
| Process Size | 12 nm |
| TDP | 125 W |
The GeForce GTX 1660 Super is a high-performance graphics card that offers excellent value for gamers. With 6GB of VRAM and a clock speed ranging from 1530 MHz to 1785 MHz, the GTX 1660 Super delivers good 1080p performance, making it a great option for gamers who are looking to play demanding games at high settings. The process size is 12 nm, which helps to keep power consumption low, and the TDP is 125 W.
One of the major advantages of the GTX 1660 Super over other graphics cards in its class is that it offers better value than the GTX 1660. This makes it an attractive option for those who are building a budget-friendly system and looking for a graphics card that can deliver good performance. The GTX 1660 Super is also a superstar in the entry-level graphics card market, offering performance that all but matches the more expensive GTX 1660 Ti.
However, one potential drawback of the GTX 1660 Super is that it only has three display outputs, which may be limiting for some users. Additionally, it does not include RT cores, which are necessary for real-time ray tracing in certain games. Despite these limitations, the GTX 1660 Super remains a solid option for gamers who are looking for an affordable graphics card that can deliver good performance.
Reasons to Buy:
- Strong 1080p Gaming Performance: Delivers smooth gaming experiences at higher settings in 1080p.
- 6GB VRAM: More memory headroom for modern and future games.
- Balanced Offering: A good blend of price and performance for mid-range gaming setups.
- Versatility: Capable of light 1440p gaming and VR experiences.
Reasons Not to Buy:
- Power Requirements: Higher power consumption compared to the GTX 1650 series.
4. AMD Radeon RX 6600
The AMD Radeon RX 6600 is a mid-range graphics card launched in October 2021. It’s part of AMD’s RDNA 2 lineup and is designed primarily for high-performance 1080p gaming. The RX 6600 features 1792 shading units and 8GB of GDDR6 memory on a 128-bit memory bus. With a game clock of 2044 MHz and a boost clock up to 2491 MHz, it aims to deliver a robust gaming experience. It also introduces support for features like ray tracing and AMD’s FidelityFX suite, enhancing visual fidelity and performance.
1080p Gaming: The RX 6600 excels in 1080p gaming, running most modern titles smoothly at high settings. It provides a seamless experience in popular games, often maintaining frame rates well above 60 FPS. 1440p Gaming: While primarily designed for 1080p, the RX 6600 can handle 1440p gaming at reduced settings. Players may need to adjust graphics settings for optimal performance in more demanding games.
The RX 6600 supports ray tracing but with limited performance compared to higher-end cards. In games with intensive ray tracing effects, the frame rates can drop significantly, especially at higher resolutions. Ray tracing is best experienced at 1080p with settings adjusted for a balance between visual quality and performance.
The RX 6600, when paired with older or less powerful CPUs, may experience bottlenecking, where the CPU limits the GPU’s performance potential. This is particularly noticeable in CPU-intensive games or applications. However, for most modern gaming builds, especially with CPUs equivalent to or better than the Ryzen 5 or Intel i5 series, this should not be a significant concern.
In summary, the AMD Radeon RX 6600 is a strong contender for 1080p gaming, offering good performance and modern features like ray tracing. However, its capabilities at 1440p are limited, and ray tracing performance is not on par with higher-end GPUs. It’s an excellent choice for gamers who want a balance between price and performance for mainly 1080p gaming setups.
Reasons to Buy:
- Excellent 1080p Performance: Ideal for gamers looking to maximize their 1080p gaming experience.
- Ray Tracing Support: Offers ray tracing capabilities, providing more realistic lighting and reflections in supported games.
- 8GB VRAM: The higher VRAM is advantageous for modern games that require more memory.
- Power Efficiency: Relatively lower power consumption makes it suitable for a wide range of systems.
Reasons Not to Buy:
- Limited 1440p Capability: Not the best choice for those primarily interested in 1440p gaming.
- Ray Tracing Performance: While it supports ray tracing, its performance in this area is outshined by Nvidia’s RTX series.
- Driver Stability: Some users report issues with driver stability, which can affect gaming and system performance.
- Potential CPU Bottleneck: In systems with older or weaker CPUs, the card’s performance might be bottlenecked.
Conclusion
The GPUs we discussed – the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650, GTX 1650 Super, GTX 1660 Super, and the AMD Radeon RX 6600 – each stand out in their own right. The GTX 1650 and GTX 1650 Super are excellent choices for budget-conscious gamers focusing on 1080p gaming. They offer good performance in most modern games without putting too much strain on the i7-3770K. The GTX 1660 Super, meanwhile, strikes a balance between price and performance, delivering enhanced capabilities for both 1080p and some 1440p gaming scenarios.
However, my personal recommendation for the best GPU to pair with the i7-3770K would be the AMD Radeon RX 6600. This choice is based on its overall performance, future-proofing features, and efficient power consumption. The RX 6600 not only excels in 1080p gaming but also provides adequate performance in 1440p with the right settings. Its 8GB of VRAM offers a more future-proof avenue, especially as games continue to demand more memory. Additionally, the inclusion of ray tracing, albeit not as powerful as Nvidia’s RTX series, is a welcome feature for gamers looking to experience more immersive graphics.
The compatibility of the RX 6600 with the i7-3770K should be smooth, offering a balanced experience without significant bottlenecks, particularly in gaming scenarios. While the i7-3770K may not leverage the full potential of the RX 6600 in some CPU-intensive tasks or games, this GPU still provides the best blend of modern features, performance, and price for users looking to rejuvenate their i7-3770K systems.