In 2024, the Intel i5-4460 may be considered an older processor, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still deliver decent performance for gaming and other demanding tasks. To get the most out of this CPU, it’s essential to pair it with a suitable GPU. When it comes to choosing the best GPU for the i5-4460 in 2024, there are several factors to consider, such as budget, performance, bottleneck, and power consumption. This guide explores four GPUs that cater to different gaming preferences and budgets, ensuring your setup delivers optimal performance.
Best GPU for i5-4460
1. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
| Memory Size [VRAM] | 4 GB |
| Clock | 1923 MHz – 2039 MHz |
| Process Size | 6 nm |
| TDP | 53 W |
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 is a budget-friendly GPU that is effective for 1080p gaming. It provides satisfactory performance in titles like ‘Doom’, ‘Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’, and ‘Total War: Warhammer II’. However, it faces strong competition from AMD’s Radeon RX 570, which offers better performance in several games and often comes at a more attractive price point. The GTX 1650’s performance in ‘Shadow of the Tomb Raider’, ‘Monster Hunter: World’, and ‘The Witcher III’ is overshadowed by the RX 570, especially in high and ultra settings. While it’s a viable option for gamers with a tight budget, those who can extend their budget slightly might find better value in other GPUs like the RX 570 or RX 580​​.
Reasons to Buy:
- Good for 1080p gaming, handling popular titles smoothly.
- Budget-friendly, suitable for gamers with a tight budget.
- Generally energy-efficient, which can be beneficial for smaller setups.
Reasons to Not Buy:
- Struggles with more demanding games, especially in higher settings.
- Ray tracing capabilities are limited, and not ideal for cutting-edge graphics.
- Outperformed by competitors like AMD’s RX 570 in several titles, suggesting there may be better value options available.
2. AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT
| Memory Size [VRAM] | 4 GB |
| Clock | 2310 MHz – 2610 MHz |
| Process Size | 6 nm |
| TDP | 107 W |
As someone who appreciates the balance between cost and gaming performance, the AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT caught my attention. It’s a compact powerhouse that’s quite fitting for those using an Intel i5-4460, especially for gaming at 1080p. In my experience, this GPU manages to deliver satisfactory frame rates in several popular titles at this resolution, making it a reliable choice for casual gaming sessions.
While the RX 6500 XT does its job well at 1080p, it’s important to note its limitations. In more demanding games or when attempting to push to 1440p, the performance isn’t as robust. Moreover, its ray tracing capabilities, though a nice addition, don’t quite stand up to the more advanced options out there. This is something to consider if you’re keen on experiencing the latest in gaming graphics.
Despite its strengths in delivering decent frame rates at 1080p, the RX 6500 XT may face limitations in more demanding scenarios, particularly in games that require higher VRAM or 1440p resolution. Additionally, its ray tracing capabilities, while present, are not comparable to higher-end models, making it less suitable for gamers who prioritize this feature. However, the card’s lack of hardware-accelerated media encoding and limited memory might be drawbacks for some users​
Reasons to Buy:
- Good performance for 1080p gaming.
- An affordable option for budget-conscious gamers.
- Low power consumption, suitable for energy-efficient builds.
Reasons to Not Buy:
- Only 4GB of memory, which may be limiting for some games and tasks.
- Lacks hardware-accelerated media encoding.
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 is a GPU that I’ve found to offer an excellent balance between price and performance, In my experience with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super, paired with an Intel i5-4460 processor, it’s clear this GPU is a solid choice for gamers who focus primarily on 1080p gaming. It handles games like ‘Fortnite’, ‘Overwatch’, and ‘League of Legends effortlessly at high settings, offering a smooth and enjoyable experience.
The GTX 1650 Super manages to strike a balance between affordability and performance, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers. However, when it comes to more demanding titles or higher settings, particularly in CPU-intensive games, the i5-4460 may become a bottleneck, limiting the GPU’s performance potential.
For resolutions higher than 1080p, the GTX 1650 Super starts to struggle, failing to maintain high frame rates. This limitation is more pronounced when coupled with the older i5-4460, as the processor may not keep pace with the GPU’s demands at these higher resolutions. Overall, the GTX 1650 Super is a practical choice for gamers with moderate needs and a limited budget, providing a balanced gaming experience at 1080p.
Reasons to Buy:
- Strong performance in 1080p gaming, especially in popular and less demanding titles.
- Energy-efficient, reducing power consumption and heat output.
- Good value for money, appealing to gamers on a tighter budget.
Reasons to Not Buy:
- Limited performance in 1440p and in CPU-intensive games.
- Potential bottleneck issues with the i5-4460 in more demanding scenarios.
4. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super
| Memory Size [VRAM] | 6 GB |
| Clock | 1530 MHz – 1785 MHz |
| Process Size | 12 nm |
| TDP | 125 W |
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super provides strong gaming performance, especially in 1080p resolution. It handles most modern games well in this setting, often allowing for high to maximum graphic settings. In 1440p, while it can manage medium settings effectively, it might struggle with the highest settings in more demanding games. However, in CPU-intensive tasks, there could be a bottleneck with the i5-4460, as the processor might not fully leverage the GPU’s capabilities
From a practical standpoint, if you’re aiming to extract the best performance from an i5-4460, the GTX 1660 Super is a great option. It’s often available in the second-hand market, making it an accessible upgrade. Its balance of price, performance, and availability makes it a smart choice for gamers looking to enhance their setup without a significant investment.
Reasons to Buy:
- Excellent 1080p performance, suitable for most modern games.
- Capable of 1440p gaming at medium settings.
- Good value, especially if found in the second-hand market.
Reasons to Not Buy:
- Potential CPU bottleneck in CPU-heavy tasks or the most demanding games.
- Limited performance boost in certain scenarios compared to non-Super GTX 1660.
Conclusion
In wrapping up this guide on GPUs for the Intel i5-4460, here’s my takeaway from a personal perspective:
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650: Budget-friendly and perfect for entry-level 1080p gaming. Ideal for casual gamers not chasing high frame rates.
- AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT: A step up in performance, suitable for gamers wanting a bit more power at a reasonable price.
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super: Hits the sweet spot between performance and cost. Great for those who want good gaming without overspending.
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super: The best pick for maximizing i5-4460’s capabilities. Offers excellent performance for more demanding gaming needs.