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Realistic lighting and reflections in modern games
Quick Answer: For most users, the RTX 4080 Super 16GB ($950-$1,100) offers the best balance of VRAM, speed, and value. Budget builders should consider the RTX 4070 Super 12GB ($599), while professionals should look at the RTX 5090 32GB.
Ray tracing transforms game visuals with realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows. But it's demanding - you need dedicated RT cores and upscaling. NVIDIA leads here.
Compare all recommendations at a glance.
| GPU | VRAM | Price | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
RTX 4070 Super 12GBBudget Pick | 12GB | $599 | 1080p ray tracing, 1440p with DLSS | Buy |
RTX 4080 Super 16GBEditor's Choice | 16GB | $1,149.99 | 1440p ray tracing, Path tracing playable | Buy |
RTX 5090 32GBPerformance King | 32GB | $1,999 | 4K ray tracing, Full path tracing | Buy |
Detailed breakdown of each GPU option with pros and limitations.
Entry point for playable ray tracing. DLSS 3 essential for maintaining framerates.
Best For
Limitations
Great ray tracing at 1440p. Handles Cyberpunk path tracing at 60fps with DLSS.
Best For
Best ray tracing GPU ever made. 4K path tracing becomes viable with DLSS 4.
Best For