What Is a 4GB Graphics Card?
In 2024, with gaming and technology advancing at a rapid pace, you might wonder if a 4GB graphics card still holds its ground. Is it still a viable option for gamers and content creators, or has it become obsolete in the face of newer, more powerful GPUs? This guide will explore the current relevance of 4GB graphics cards, what they can handle, and whether they’re still worth considering.
A 4GB graphics card has 4 gigabytes of video memory (VRAM), which it uses to store textures, frame buffers, and other graphical data. This amount of VRAM was once the sweet spot for mid-range gaming and everyday computing tasks. But with the rise of 4K gaming and more demanding applications, how does a 4GB graphics card fare today?
Can a 4GB Graphics Card Handle Modern Games?
Despite the ever-increasing demands of modern games, a 4GB graphics card can still hold its own, especially if you’re gaming at 1080p. Here are some high-end games that can run smoothly on a 4GB graphics card with optimized settings:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – With medium settings, this classic RPG still runs well on a 4GB card.
- Grand Theft Auto V – A 4GB graphics card can handle GTA V at medium to high settings without much trouble.
- Fortnite – Even on a 4GB GPU, you can enjoy this popular battle royale game at medium settings.
- Overwatch 2 – This fast-paced shooter remains accessible with a 4GB card, especially at medium settings.
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider – While demanding, this game is playable at low to medium settings on a 4GB GPU.
| Game Title | Resolution | Settings | Expected FPS |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | 1080p | Medium Settings | 45-60 FPS |
| Grand Theft Auto V | 1080p | Medium to High | 50-60 FPS |
| Fortnite | 1080p | Medium Settings | 60+ FPS |
| Overwatch 2 | 1080p | Medium Settings | 60+ FPS |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 1080p | Low to Medium Settings | 40-50 FPS |
These titles demonstrate that a 4GB graphics card is far from outdated and can still deliver a satisfying gaming experience, particularly for gamers who don’t mind dialing down the settings.
Popular 4GB Graphics Cards in 2024
If you’re considering a 4GB graphics card, here are a few models that still offer good value:
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 – A solid budget option that provides decent performance for 1080p gaming.
- Specs:
- Architecture: Turing
- Base Clock: 1485 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1665 MHz
- CUDA Cores: 896
- Memory: 4GB GDDR5
- Memory Speed: 8 Gbps
- Memory Bandwidth: 128 GB/s
- TDP: 75W
- Outputs: HDMI 2.0b, DisplayPort 1.4, DVI-D
- Latest Price: Approximately $150 – $200 (prices may vary depending on region and retailer)
- AMD Radeon RX 580 – Slightly older but still capable, the RX 580 handles most modern games well at medium settings.
- Specs:
- Architecture: Polaris
- Base Clock: 1257 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1340 MHz
- Stream Processors: 2304
- Memory: 4GB GDDR5
- Memory Speed: 8 Gbps
- Memory Bandwidth: 256 GB/s
- TDP: 185W
- Outputs: HDMI 2.0b, DisplayPort 1.4 (x3), DVI-D
- Latest Price: Approximately $120 – $180 (prices may vary depending on availability and condition, especially for used models)
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti – An older card, but still relevant for casual gaming and light content creation.
- Specs:
- Architecture: Pascal
- Base Clock: 1290 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1392 MHz
- CUDA Cores: 768
- Memory: 4GB GDDR5
- Memory Speed: 7 Gbps
- Memory Bandwidth: 112 GB/s
- TDP: 75W
- Outputs: HDMI 2.0b, DisplayPort 1.4, DVI-D
- Latest Price: Approximately $100 – $150 (prices can fluctuate due to stock availability and demand)
- AMD Radeon RX 570 – Another budget-friendly option, suitable for 1080p gaming with respectable performance.
- Specs:
- Architecture: Polaris
- Base Clock: 1168 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1244 MHz
- Stream Processors: 2048
- Memory: 4GB GDDR5
- Memory Speed: 7 Gbps
- Memory Bandwidth: 224 GB/s
- TDP: 150W
- Outputs: HDMI 2.0b, DisplayPort 1.4 (x3), DVI-D
- Latest Price: Approximately $100 – $140 (pricing is often influenced by availability and market conditions)
These GPUs offer a balance between price and performance, making them ideal for gamers and users on a budget.
Is a 4GB Graphics Card Still Worth It?
The answer depends on your needs and expectations. If you’re a casual gamer or someone who primarily plays esports titles, a 4GB graphics card can still meet your needs in 2024. It’s also a good choice for those who use their PC for everyday tasks like browsing, video streaming, and light content creation.
However, if you’re into more demanding games, 4K gaming, or content creation that requires handling large files (like 4K video editing), you might find a 4GB card limiting. In such cases, it might be worth investing in a GPU with more VRAM, such as a 6GB or 8GB card.
When considering whether to invest in a 4GB graphics card in 2024, it’s essential to think about future-proofing. As game developers continue to push the boundaries of graphics and as 4K monitors become more common, the demands on your GPU will only increase.
If you’re looking to future-proof your setup, spending a bit more on a card with more VRAM might save you from needing an upgrade sooner than expected. However, if you’re working within a tight budget, a 4GB card can still serve you well for the next few years, especially for less demanding tasks.
Conclusion
A 4GB graphics card, while not cutting-edge, is still a viable option in 2024 for many gamers and users. It strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it a great choice for those on a budget or those who don’t require top-tier graphics performance.
For more information on what a lower-tier GPU can do, check out our guide on What Games Can A 2GB Graphics Card Run. This will give you a clearer idea of the capabilities and limitations of different graphics cards.
For more detailed comparisons and a comprehensive guide to choosing the right GPU in 2024, check out this guide on Tom’s Hardware.
In conclusion, if your needs are modest and you’re not aiming for the highest settings in the latest games, a 4GB graphics card is still worth it in 2024. It offers a good entry point into PC gaming without breaking the bank, but for those looking to push the limits, investing in a more powerful GPU might be the better route.
FAQs
Q: Are 4GB Graphics Cards Worth It?
Yes, 4GB graphics cards are still worth it, especially for budget-conscious gamers and users who primarily play older or less demanding games at 1080p resolution. They offer a good balance between performance and price, allowing for decent gaming experiences in many popular titles. However, if you aim to play the latest AAA games at higher resolutions or future-proof your setup, you may want to consider a GPU with more VRAM.
Q: What Graphics Card is Coming to Nvidia in 2024?
In 2024, Nvidia is expected to release its latest generation of graphics cards, likely under the GeForce RTX 5000 series. These new GPUs will likely feature improved performance, enhanced ray tracing capabilities, and better power efficiency compared to previous generations. Nvidia is known for pushing the boundaries of graphics technology, so the 2024 lineup is eagerly anticipated by gamers and professionals alike.
Q: How Long Does It Take for a Graphics Card to Become Obsolete?
A graphics card typically becomes obsolete after about 3 to 5 years, depending on the rate of technological advancements and the demands of new software. However, this timeline can vary. For instance, high-end GPUs tend to have a longer lifespan due to their robust performance. Mid-range and budget GPUs, like 4GB cards, may start to show their age sooner, especially as new games and applications demand more resources.
Q: What is the New AMD GPU in 2024?
In 2024, AMD is expected to release its new Radeon RX 8000 series, building on the success of the RX 7000 series. These GPUs will likely feature advanced RDNA 4 architecture, offering improved performance, energy efficiency, and better support for ray tracing and AI-driven tasks. AMD continues to be a strong competitor in the GPU market, and the 2024 releases are highly anticipated.