The Best PCI Express X16 Graphics Cards in 2024

Overview

The PCI Express connection slot is frequently used to add additional components to PCs. For a faster connection, PCI Express X16 Graphic Cards require a PCI Express x16 slot. They are an excellent method for upgrading your graphics card without endangering your PC.

These cards were first restricted to a small number of specialized local computer retailers. But these days, you may also get them online through e-commerce websites. If you want to replace or update the integrated graphics card in your system, PCI Express X16 graphics cards are a great option.

 

PCI Express X16 graphics cards can handle up to 4K resolution and Full HD quality videos. Additionally, they are compatible with a wide range of brands and models and can operate in any PCIe slot. They also possess the most cutting-edge technology.

Consider a few things before buying a PCI Express X16 graphics card. First, make sure your system is compatible. Make sure your new PC can support PCI Express x16 if you're buying one. With the correct graphics card, you'll be able to take advantage of additional features and better performance. And don't forget to pick a model that is adaptable.

Your whole gaming experience will be improved by the increased video quality and faster speeds offered by these graphics cards. They are really effective and simple to use on a computer. A PCI Express X16 graphics card is a good option to consider if you're looking for a high-quality GPU for gaming.

Top Picks

If you're in a rush, take a look at the fast selection of our favorites, or scroll down to read our whole list with in-depth reviews of the Best PCI Express X16 Graphics Cards in 2024. Each of the devices on this list has been chosen to reach the ideal balance between compatibility, performance, memory, speed, and interface.

• Best Overall: MSI GAMING GeForce GT 710 1GB

• Runner-Up: Asus GeForce GT 710 1GB

• Premium Pick: Radeon Pro WX 4100 4GB

• Best Value: ZOTAC GeForce GT 730 Zone Edition 

• Best Performance: PNY NVIDIA Quadro P400 Professional

Are PCI Express X16 Graphic Cards Worth It?

PCI Express X16 Graphic Cards are more expensive, but are they worth it? This is a common question, and the answer depends on your individual requirements.

Consider acquiring PCI Express X16 Graphic Cards if you need a new graphics card for your PC. These cards can provide your computer an astounding level of performance. Since the PCIe interface is quick, users can transfer data up to four times faster than they could with conventional DDR3 memory. Users may now play higher-resolution games, edit videos, and complete other difficult tasks thanks to the fast bandwidth.

The utilization of a graphics card is beneficial for digital workstations even if many individuals might not recognize its advantages. On many computers, graphics cards can take the place of the integrated graphics unit, improving task efficiency and the entertainment experience.

Your computer can run more quickly and RAM can be made available by the graphics card. This is so that your computer cannot use the memory that a dedicated card has all to itself. It is more effective for gaming because it has a bigger capacity than your computer's RAM. A graphics card can boost your computer's performance in addition to freeing up memory.

The fact that a graphics card speeds up your computer is another advantage. A graphics card not only increases efficiency but also frees up your CPU to perform other tasks. These advantages alone make PCI Express X16 Graphic Cards wholly justifiable.

The top 5 PCI Express X16 graphic cards for gaming in 2022 are listed below if you're seeking for a powerful GPU.

Detail Reviews Of Top 5 Best PCI Express X16 Graphics Cards

1. MSI GAMING GeForce GT 710

(Best Overall)

Product’s Specifications

• Graphics Coprocessor: Nvidia GeForce

• Brand: MSI

• Graphics Ram Size: 1 GB

• GPU Clock Speed: 954 MHz

Reasons to buy

• A low-profile design makes better use of available space.

• Efficiency improvement and temperature reduction.

• Performance increased by 80%.

• 64-bit 1GB DDR3 VRAM.

• Really low ESR.

• A rich and smooth gaming experience.

Reasons to avoid

• Memory is low

Product Summary

The low-profile MSI GeForce GT 710 1GB, WDDR3 graphics card has a fan and an HDMI output. The greatest PCI Express X16 graphic card available is this one. The most recent displays are compatible with this card.

The Afterburner feature on this budget-friendly graphics card is helpful for overclocking. By overclocking the graphics card, you can get faster visuals rendering and more fluid gaming. You may record in-game footage and keep track of temperature and frame rates with the software. You won't be distracted by background noise while playing your favorite games because it has no fans and makes no noise.

It supports Nvidia’s CUDA technology and makes GPU acceleration in Adobe Photoshop possible. The GT 710 is a wonderful choice if you're looking for a cheap gaming PC. Furthermore, it works with the Windows operating system. The GT 710 is a low-cost alternative that is easily compatible with any motherboard that has a PCI-E slot, unlike other gaming cards.

This card utilizes just 19 W of power and operates at a clock speed of 954 MHz. VGA, DVI, and HDMI video output interfaces are supported. This graphics card provides a fluid gaming experience and is 80% faster than an integrated graphics card.

2. Asus GeForce GT 710 1GB Graphics Card

(Runner Up)

Product’s Specifications

• Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce GT 710

• Brand: ASUS

• Graphics Ram Size: 1 GB

• GPU Clock Speed: 954 MHz

Reasons to buy

• The heat sink's construction incorporates passive cooling.

• Microsoft Windows 10 offers total support for DX12.

• Performance monitoring is made easier with GPU Tweak II.

• 1 GB of GDDR5 RAM.

• Low-profile design.

• Support for multiple displays.

Reasons to avoid

• Low memory

Product Summary 

Despite its affordable pricing, ASUS GT 710 is a superb graphics card that provides a lot of performance. It has a remarkable 0 dB thermal design that quietly dissipates heat. It is a great option for your PC build because of its low noise level and Auto-Extreme Technology's high quality and performance. The heat sink and passive cooling game's smooth, silent operation.

The most recent GeForce architecture is found in the GeForce GT 710. It has 1GB of GDDR5 memory installed. It has a 64-bit memory bus and operates at 5,012 MHz. Although not designed for gaming, this graphics card works well with multiple monitor setups. 4K displays can be supported by its numerous HDMI connectors.

For gamers who demand a top-notch experience, there is the Asus GeForce GT 710. It has a passive cooling system and is simple to install thanks to its single-slot design. This GPU can connect up to four 4K monitors thanks to its small size.

The NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 "Kepler" graphics processor is still used by the Asus GT 710. It also has four HDMI outputs, which is different from other GT 710 graphics cards. Super Alloy Power II components on this card enable it to function at a high level. Additionally, it supports multiple monitor connections and is multitasking optimized. You can easily keep an eye on the performance with GPU Tweak II.

The GT 710 is a fantastic option for newcomers and thrifty gamers as a low-end graphics card. It supports CUDA technology and 4K resolution, both of which are particularly beneficial for playing video games. Additionally, this GPU supports OpenGL 4.5 and DirectX 12.

3. AMD 100-506008 Radeon Pro Graphics Card

(Premium Pick)

Product’s Specifications

• Graphics Coprocessor: ATI Radeon 9550

• Brand: AMD

• Graphics Ram Size: 4 GB

• GPU Clock Speed: 925 MHz

• Video Output Interface: PCI

Reasons to buy

• 16 COMPUTE UNITS to accelerate heavy workloads.

• Using the GRAPHICS CORE NEXT.

• 4GB GDDR5 memory.

• Outstanding performance.

• Speed of memory: 8000 MHz.

Reasons to avoid

• No real-time ray tracing.

Product Summary 

The compact, low-power AMD Radeon Pro graphics card provides excellent graphics performance and display adaptability. It includes 4 GB of lightning-fast GDDR5 RAM and can support up to four high-resolution screens. This single-slot GPU has four Mini DisplayPort outputs for up to four 4K displays and a 300W power consumption. This card offers memory speeds of 8000 MHz.

The graphics card has up to 4GB of GDDR5 memory and is capable of using a reserved 300W of power. For the majority of 3D CAD workflows, this is adequate. With its robust technology, this AMD workstation graphics card can handle tough tasks. Fortnite, League Of Legends, and GTA 5's minimal system requirements are met, but you'll need to turn down the settings for optimal performance.

The graphics card has a low-profile form factor and is intended for workstation application. This GPU has a smaller endplate than a conventional full-height GPU. Four 4K displays can be driven via its four Mini DisplayPort outputs.

This card supports PCI Express 3.0 X16 and has a core clock of 1.13 GHz with a boost clock of 1.20 GHz. It includes 4 X Mini Displayport, OpenCL 2.0 with OpenGL 4.5, Fan Cooler, Crossfire, Vulkan 1.0, and 128 Bit Bus Width.

4. ZOTAC GeForce GT 730 Zone Edition

(Best Value)

Product’s Specifications

• Graphics Coprocessor: Nvidia GeForce

• Brand: ZOTAC

• Graphics Ram Size: 4 GB

• GPU Clock Speed: 902 MHz

Reasons to buy

• Aluminum core for more stability.

• Higher efficiency and lower temperature.

• Adaptive Vertical Sync Technology.

• Allows you to use numerous monitors at once.

• NVIDIA’s Unified Architecture.

Reasons to avoid

• Not a lot of overclocking potential.

Product Summary

The GeForce GT 730 Zone Edition graphics card from ZOTAC has a full-height bracket, four GB of GDDR5 RAM, and the ability to support three displays at once. Due to its low-profile design, it is simple to install and works with all current games, including those from the well-known PUBG series. It offers excellent value for the money given its cost and features.

For those with integrated graphics, the GeForce GT 730 Zone Edition is a fantastic upgrade. With NVIDIA's CUDA Cores and plenty of memory, it boosts 3D game performance and improves overall PC speed. As a result, a strong, reasonably priced video card that works well for web browsing, photo editing, and highly detailed gaming is produced. Advanced features including NVIDIA Surround, FXAA Anti-Aliasing Mode, and NVIDIA Adaptive Vertical Sync are available with this card.

The graphics and memory of the ZOTAC GeForce GT 730 are dedicated. Lossless multi-channel HD audio bit streaming and hardware-accelerated Blu-ray 3D playback are also supported. It has 384 CPU cores, an engine clock of 902 MHz, and a memory clock of 1600 MHz. You'll receive 1 DL-DVI-D. 1 x VGA. This device comes with one HDMI port. Additionally, this GPU comes with an extended warranty.

5. PNY NVIDIA Quadro P400 Professional

(Best Performace)

Product’s Specifications

• Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA Quadro K420

• Brand: PNY

• Graphics Ram Size: 2 GB

• Video Output Interface: DisplayPort

• Chipset Brand: NVIDIA

Reasons to buy

• Impressive performance

• Nvidia technologies

• Outstanding driver assistance.

• Three outputs for DisplayPort.

Reasons to avoid

• Pricer.

Product Summary

The NVIDIA Quadro QP400 offers exceptional performance for business applications by combining a 256-CUDA core Pascal GPU with a 2GB onboard RAM. It supports up to numerous 4K screens with HDR color and has a low profile, making it a fantastic option for a high-end workstation. It is also appropriate for HDR TVs.

In the market for a new graphics card, pros can consider the NVIDIA Quadro P400. A single 5K display at 60Hz and four 4K monitors at 60Hz are both supported by the best graphics card. It supports the most recent versions of OpenGL, Vulkan, and NVIDIA CUDA, and it has up to double the memory bandwidth of the previous generation.

The PNY NVIDIA Quadro QP400's two gigabytes (GB) of GDDR5 RAM makes it a great option for professionals. You can effortlessly watch 3D entertainment because to its fast memory. Three 4K screens and HDR color are supported by the graphics card. This makes it a good option for both the workplace and the home.

What to Consider When Buying The Best PCI Express X16 Graphic Cards

You might be asking how to choose the best PCI Express x16 card if you're considering purchasing a new graphics card. It is significant to remember that not all of these graphics cards are created similarly and are pricey. Therefore, be sure to take these criteria into account when selecting the optimal GPU for your system.

Performance

When purchasing PCI Express X16 Graphics cards, there are a few things to take into account. The performance comes first. To support demanding AAA games, ensure that the graphics card is quick and powerful. Choose the card that delivers the most value after comparing the cards' performance.

AMD vs. Nvidia

The brand is one of the most important factors to think about when purchasing PCI Express X16 Graphics Cards. Since these are the two most popular brands, you must choose between Nvidia and AMD GPUs. Both firms provide excellent GPUs, but to choose the best one for your system, you need to weigh each one's pricing and features.

Thermal Design Power

The Thermal Design Power of the graphics card should be taken into account when making a purchase. This shows how much energy is necessary to generate the most heat. Watts are used to represent this value. The rest of your computer's construction may be impacted by this value. You must confirm that the power source can manage the power required by the card. Good airflow is necessary for high power cards.

Memory

Although a memory card can be pricey, it is necessary for your gaming system. For subsequent usage, video data is stored there, and enough memory is required to execute the graphics software. You should pick a card that is compatible with your motherboard to ensure you have enough memory. Your graphics card's memory capacity has an impact on how fluidly you can play your favorite games as well.

Interface

A new graphics card purchase should take into account a number of crucial criteria. You must first select a PCI Express x16 slot. Check the motherboard's available space as well as any additional components that require a PCI Express x16 slot. It will assist you in selecting the appropriate card for the situation.

Price

The cost of PCI Express X16 graphics cards can be very high or very inexpensive. A top-of-the-line graphics card might be worthwhile to purchase, but if money is short, you should explore for less expensive options. Make sure to compare prices because PCI Express x16 graphics cards can be pricey.

FAQs

Is It Possible To Install A PCIe 4.0 Graphics Card In A PCIe 3.0 Slot?

A PCIe 4.0 card will work in a PCIe 3.0 slot because the new PCIe standard is backward compatible. SSDs operate in a similar way. A PCIe 3.0 x1 slot can accommodate a PCIe 4.0 x16 graphics card, but not the other way around.

You can use a PCI-Express 4.0 graphics card or storage device in a PCIe 3.0 slot because the PCI-Express version is backward and forward compatible. It will communicate using the most basic PCIe version. You might not notice a performance difference depending on the system.

Which PCIe Slot is Best for a GPU?

While the majority of gamers won't need the most PCIe lanes for their graphics card, high-end cards need up to eight or 16 lanes to operate at their best. The ideal PCIe slot for your GPU may usually be determined by the length of the graphics card's connector.

An x16 PCIe slot should be used to install a graphics card. For GPU, the first PCIe x16 slot is the best choice. Choose the top PCIe x16 slot if you're thinking of buying a gaming computer with a premium GPU. Nevertheless, a PCIe x4 slot can be a smart choice if you're utilizing a cheap graphics card.

Final Thought

Your gaming computer's graphics card can make or destroy it. PCI Express X16 Graphic Cards are the ideal option if you wish to replace the system's integrated graphics card. Compared to other sorts of cards, they are speedier and provide superior performance. We have examined the best 5 PCI Express X16 graphics cards in this article for 2022.

You can choose any of these cards based on your spending limit and system needs. We made an effort to choose just the best options, and we want to periodically update this page as better models are released. Please let us know by leaving a comment below if there is anything you feel we missed or if you have any suggestions.