Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) is revolutionizing the world of game development with its powerful new features like Nanite, Lumen, and an overall more dynamic workflow. However, to harness the full potential of UE5, you'll need a robust graphics card capable of handling its demanding requirements. Whether you're a game developer, a 3D artist, or someone exploring the possibilities of UE5, choosing the right GPU is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the 5 best graphics cards for Unreal Engine 5 currently available that can take your UE5 projects to the next level, plus a few Honorable Mentions if you're trying to avoid breaking the bank.
5 Best Graphics Cards for Unreal Engine 5 in 2024:
1. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
2. AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
3. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
4. AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
5. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti
5 Best Graphics Cards for Unreal Engine 5 in 2024 (Honorable Mentions):
1. NVIDIA RTX 3090
2. NVIDIA RTX 3080
3. AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT 6900XT
1. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
Key Specs:
CUDA Cores: 16,384
Base Clock: 2.23 GHz
Boost Clock: 2.52 GHz
Memory: 24 GB GDDR6X
TDP: 450W
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 is currently the flagship GPU in the GeForce RTX lineup and is designed to tackle the most demanding tasks with ease. Its 24 GB of GDDR6X memory ensures that it can handle large-scale UE5 projects without breaking a sweat. The RTX 4090 shines with features like Ray Tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), making it a top contender for any serious Unreal Engine 5 developer and why it's #1 on our list of the best graphics cards for Unreal Engine 5. (Plus, our Video Editor is equipped with a 4090, allowing them to create stunning animations in Unreal Engine 5 like our CyberPunk Vehicles trailer.)
Why It’s Great for UE5:
Unparalleled Performance: With 16,384 CUDA cores and a boost clock of 2.52 GHz, the RTX 4090 offers unmatched performance, making it ideal for running UE5’s Nanite virtualized geometry and Lumen dynamic lighting.
Massive Memory: The 24 GB of VRAM is perfect for handling large textures and complex scenes, crucial for UE5's next-gen capabilities.
Future-Proof: The RTX 4090 is built to last, ensuring you won’t need to upgrade for several years.
Considerations:
Power Consumption: With a TDP of 450W, you’ll need a robust power supply and cooling solution to support this GPU.
Price: As a top-tier card, the RTX 4090 is expensive, making it a significant investment.
2. AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
Key Specs:
Compute Units: 96
Base Clock: 2.3 GHz
Boost Clock: 2.5 GHz
Memory: 24 GB GDDR6
TDP: 355W
The AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is AMD’s answer to NVIDIA’s high-end GPUs. It offers excellent performance with its 24 GB of GDDR6 memory, and it’s designed to handle the complex tasks that UE5 throws at it. AMD’s RDNA 3 architecture enhances performance and efficiency, making it a solid choice for game developers and 3D artists.
Why It’s Great for UE5:
High Performance: The RX 7900 XTX can easily manage UE5’s most demanding features, thanks to its high clock speeds and ample VRAM.
Advanced Features: AMD’s Ray Tracing and FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) technologies enhance visual fidelity and performance.
Cost-Effective: While still premium, it’s generally more affordable than NVIDIA’s flagship cards, offering a good balance of price and performance.
Considerations:
Driver Support: Historically, AMD has had less consistent driver updates compared to NVIDIA, which might impact performance in some cases.
Power Consumption: Though lower than the RTX 4090, it still requires a substantial power supply.
3. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
Key Specs:
CUDA Cores: 9,728
Base Clock: 2.21 GHz
Boost Clock: 2.51 GHz
Memory: 16 GB GDDR6X
TDP: 320W
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 offers a great balance between performance and cost. With 16 GB of GDDR6X memory, it’s more than capable of handling most UE5 projects, especially for indie developers and smaller studios. It features all the next-gen technologies that NVIDIA is known for, including Ray Tracing, DLSS, and more, making it a powerful tool for Unreal Engine 5, and one of the best graphics cards for Unreal Engine 5 this year.
Why It’s Great for UE5:
Strong Performance: The RTX 4080’s 9,728 CUDA cores and 16 GB of VRAM provide ample power for high-quality real-time rendering and development in UE5.
Efficient Power Usage: With a TDP of 320W, it’s more power-efficient than the RTX 4090, making it easier to manage in a standard desktop setup.
Cutting-Edge Tech: DLSS and Ray Tracing support ensure you can leverage UE5’s advanced visual capabilities.
Considerations:
Memory Limitation: While 16 GB is sufficient for many projects, it may fall short for the most complex UE5 scenes.
Price: Still a high-end card, the RTX 4080 is expensive, though more accessible than the 4090.
4. AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
Key Specs:
Compute Units: 60
Base Clock: 2.1 GHz
Boost Clock: 2.4 GHz
Memory: 16 GB GDDR6
TDP: 300W
The AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT offers a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much in terms of performance. With 16 GB of GDDR6 memory, it’s well-equipped for UE5, particularly for those who may not need the absolute top-of-the-line hardware but still want strong performance.
Why It’s Great for UE5:
Great Value: The RX 7800 XT offers a solid balance between performance and cost, making it ideal for mid-range setups.
Competent Performance: It’s powerful enough to handle most of UE5’s features, including Lumen and Nanite, with ease.
Lower Power Draw: With a TDP of 300W, it’s easier to integrate into systems with less robust power supplies.
Considerations:
Mid-Tier Performance: While capable, it won’t match the performance of the 7900 XTX or the RTX 4080, making it less suitable for extremely demanding projects.
Driver Consistency: As with other AMD cards, driver support can sometimes be less consistent than NVIDIA.
5. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti
Key Specs:
CUDA Cores: 7,680
Base Clock: 2.31 GHz
Boost Clock: 2.61 GHz
Memory: 12 GB GDDR6X
TDP: 285W
For developers on a tighter budget, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti is a fantastic option. Despite being more affordable, it still packs a punch with 7,680 CUDA cores and 12 GB of GDDR6X memory. It’s well-suited for UE5 development, especially for those focusing on less resource-intensive projects or who are just getting started.
Why It’s Great for UE5:
Affordability: The RTX 4070 Ti offers great performance for its price, making high-quality UE5 development accessible to more people.
Good Performance: It can handle most UE5 features, including real-time Ray Tracing and DLSS, with relative ease.
Energy Efficient: With a TDP of just 285W, it’s one of the more energy-efficient cards on this list, making it easier to cool.
Considerations:
Memory Limitation: The 12 GB of VRAM may be limiting for highly complex scenes or larger projects.
Not Top-Tier: While capable, it’s not designed for the most demanding UE5 tasks, which might require higher-end hardware.
Honorable Mentions:
While they might not make the list for best graphics cards for Unreal Engine 5 in 2024, for those who want strong performance in Unreal Engine 5 without the cost of the latest models, the NVIDIA RTX 3090, RTX 3080, and AMD Radeon 6900 XT are excellent options to consider. The RTX 3090, with its 24 GB of GDDR6X memory, and the RTX 3080, with 10 GB or 12 GB, both offer substantial power for handling UE5's demanding features like Nanite and Lumen, making them suitable for complex game development tasks. Similarly, the AMD Radeon 6900 XT, with 16 GB of GDDR6 memory, provides solid performance, especially for those who prefer AMD’s architecture.
While these cards are from previous generations, they remain highly capable and can often be found refurbished or used at more accessible prices, making them a cost-effective solution for developers looking to get the most out of Unreal Engine 5 without breaking the bank.
Choosing the best graphics cards for Unreal Engine 5 largely depends on your specific needs and budget. Whichever GPU you choose, make sure it aligns with the complexity of the projects you plan to undertake in UE5. As this powerful engine continues to evolve, having the right hardware will ensure that your development experience is smooth, efficient, and future-proof.
