Can you remember the golden days when we could play games like Crysis 3, Watchdogs 2, Fallout 4, and so on with only a 1 GB graphics card? But now games demand more & more VRAM!
So, how much VRAM is enough for gaming? Is 6 GB sufficient??
Well, it mainly depends on the gameplay resolution. In this article, I will clarify whether 6GB GPU is the sweet spot for playing games at a decent resolution.
Keep reading till the end.
Why is VRAM So Important for Playing Games?
VRAM or Video RAM (Random Access Memory) is a part of the GPU to store image data for the computer to display. This dedicated graphics RAM ensures smooth graphics while playing games or doing other graphics-intensive work. So, more VRAM means more graphics rendering power.
VRAM aids all the graphics-related apps that mainly handle complex level image textures and render polygon-shaped 3D structures. That’s why GPU uses the VRAM, which is its ultimate weapon. So, gamers and 3D graphics professionals are in debt to VRAM.
The graphics memory stores image data and delivers graphics, display, imaging, and aids explicitly rendering apps.
VRAM is also called a frame buffer because it acts as a buffer between the computer display and the CPU. You’ll find GDDR (Graphics Double Data Rate) memory type only in graphics cards. But for the system RAM, you’ll see only the DDR-type memory.
Well, there is a big difference between RAM and VRAM because one is for storing the processor’s data, whereas the other one stores the image data for the dedicated graphics unit.
So, VRAM plays a crucial part in video games by improving image quality and reducing the loading time. I believe now you understand why GPU has memory and its role in playing games.
Are 6GB Graphics Cards Best for Playing Games at 1080p?
Noting can beat a dedicated GPU with a 6GB VRAM if you aim to play games at 1080p resolution. The good news is that a 6 GB graphics card is enough to play around 80% of high-end AAA-titled games. For this, having a decent CPU, PSU, and gaming monitor is also mandatory.
You must build the PC with the perfect CPU and GPU combo to play higher-resolution games. Otherwise, you will face bottleneck issues.
But is it possible to play games at 1080p with 6 gigs of GPU cards?
You’ll be delighted to hear the answer “YES” in your own voice when you play games at 1080p with it.
Nvidia shakes the 1080p gamers like a DJ by launching their GTX 1650, GTX 1660, and RTX 2060 series GPUs with 6GB of VRAM. And these cards can handle most games with 1920×1080 resolution in high settings.
However, you’ll see a stutter or lag in 1080p max settings in some games because those will provide high graphics even in medium settings. It is recommended to lower the game settings to play those games smoothly,
Let’s take a look at the benchmark to determine how GTX 1650, GTX 1660, GTX 1660 Ti, and RTX 2060 compete against each other. In this benchmark, I will show the FPS comparison between these cards for several games in 1080p max settings.
From the above benchmark, you can clearly see you can play most AAA-titled games with a 6GB GPU. However, you will get more FPS at 1080p from a powerful card like RTX 2060. So, choose your card as per your gaming requirements.
Can you Play Games at 4K with a 6GB Graphics Card?
If you’re going to play 4K games with your 6GB dedicated graphics, you won’t get decent FPS because 6 gigs of VRAM isn’t enough to render 3840×2160 pixels while gaming. For 4K gaming, getting a GPU with at least 8 GB or higher VRAM is recommended.
Rendering all those massive amounts of pixels needs more Video RAM, so you need at least 8GB to play games in ultra-high resolution. To be in the safe zone, getting a 12GB graphics card is recommended to get more FPS if you want to set the gameplay in 4K.
However, cards like 4090 are like caged beasts with 24 gigs of VRAM. When you free it and play games at 4K, you will get over 130 FPS in games like Horizon Zero Dawn. For the same game with 4K, you’ll get an average of 75 FPS with a 12GB RTX 3080. And with RTX 2080 Ti 11GB card, you’ll see around an average of 62 FPS.
Now, keeping those FPS in mind, think how many frames per second you will get if you play Horizon Zero Dawn in 4K with a 6GB graphics card like GTX 1660 Ti. I bet you won’t get more than 32 FPS.
And with an RTX 2060, you can see 38 FPS on average with ultra-high resolution. So, I suggest you play games at 1080p with high settings and 1440p with medium settings with a 6GB card. However, you can increase dedicated VRAM with some simple methods to improve gameplay.
What are the Best 6GB Graphics Cards for Gaming with 1080p Resolution?
You’ll find the best 6GB GPU cards both from AMD & Nvidia. However, in this 6GB VRAM segment, NVIDIA offers its 3 best cards: GTX 1650, GTX 1660, and RTX 2060. These cards also split into several models, like Ti and Super. In contrast, RX 5600XT is the perfect 6GB card from AMD.
Below is the list of the best 6GB graphics cards to play games with 1080p resolution:
Best Nvidia GTX 1650 Series Cards
- MSI Gaming x GeForce GTX 1650.
- MSI Gaming x GeForce GTX 1650 Super.
- Asus TUG Gaming GeForce GTX 1650 Super
- EVGA GeForce 1650 XC.
- Zotac Gaming GeForce GTX 1650 OC
- GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 1650 Mini iTX OC.
Best Nvidia GTX 1660 Series Cards
- Asus TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti.
- MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Ti.
- Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1660 Ti OC 6G.
- MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super.
- ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB GDDR6.
- ASUS TUF GeForce GTX 1660 Super Overclocked 6GB Edition.
Best Nvidia RTX 2060 Series Cards
- Zotac Gaming GeForce RTX 2060 Mini 6GB GDDR6.
- MSI GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6.
- ASUS Dual RTX 2060 Advanced 6G.
- Gigabyte AORUS GeForce RTX 2060 Super.
- ASUS ROG STRIX GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER OC.
- EVGA GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER XC Ultra Gaming.
Best AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT Series Cards
- Sapphire Radeon Pulse RX 5600 XT.
- XFX RX 5600 XT Thicc II PRO.
- GIGABYTE Radeon RX 5600 XT GAMING OC 6G.
- MSI Radeon RX 5600 XT MECH OC.
So, these are the best 6GB Graphics cards you can buy now.
FAQs
Is a 6GB graphics card a good option for gaming?
If your primary concern is gaming at 1080p with max settings to play mostly the AAA-titled games, go for a 6GB card. Additionally, you can play 4K games with lower settings in it.
How much VRAM do I need for gaming?
Go for at least 4GB GDDR5 GPU if you play entry-level games with 1080p graphics settings. 6GB GDDR6 is more than enough for playing 1080p or 1440p games with max settings. For 4K, you should go beyond 8GB GDDR6 or GDDR6X or more.
What games can I run on a 6GB GPU?
You can play games like Far Cry 6, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Cyberpunk 2077, Call of Duty Warzone, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, Deathloop, Days Gone, or even the latest Hogwarts Legacy. So, an RTX 2060 or GTX 1660 Ti is a great option to play these games.
Final Words
Many cards are available to play games in a higher resolution. But if you want to game at 1080p with ultra-high settings, a 6GB dedicated GPU is a great option. So, don’t waste extra money on extra VRAM or RAM when your primary concern is 1080p gaming.
However, you also need a good gaming monitor with 144Hz or more for a smooth in-game experience. Soon, 4K gaming will rule the game zone, and to be future proof get an 8GB graphics card. Till then, a 6GB GPU is all you need.
So, keep calm and game on! Best of luck.
