Old GPUs Still Thriving in 2025: 4 Models Delivering Value Now

UPDATE: As of October 2025, several older GPUs are proving their worth in the gaming market, defying expectations amidst a flood of new hardware releases. These models remain highly relevant for casual gamers, delivering impressive performance without breaking the bank.

The GTX 1080 Ti, launched in March 2017, still holds its ground as a powerhouse. Equipped with 11 GB of GDDR5X VRAM and 3,584 CUDA cores, this card achieves 90–100 FPS in Forza Horizon 5 at 1080p on extreme settings and maintains an average of 55 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 on high settings. Despite its age, the GTX 1080 Ti remains a strong option for gamers sticking to 1080p resolutions, reminding us that older technology can still deliver solid frame rates.

Meanwhile, the Radeon RX 5700 XT, a mid-2019 release, continues to impress. With 8 GB of GDDR6, this GPU fully supports AMD’s FSR 3 and 3.1, enhancing frame rates in titles like Ghost of Tsushima and God of War Ragnarök by 10–20%. Although it lacks ray-tracing capabilities, the RX 5700 XT remains a formidable mid-range option for 1440p gaming, proving to be an excellent value for gamers.

The GTX 1660 Ti, introduced in February 2019, marked a significant shift in the accessibility of high-end graphics. Recent benchmarks show it delivering 60–65 FPS on low settings in Arc Raiders, with the potential to reach 85–90 FPS on medium settings with FSR 3 Quality upscaling. This performance at 1080p solidifies its legacy, demonstrating that it still meets the demands of today’s casual gamers.

Finally, the RTX 2080 Ti, unveiled in September 2018, remains a relevant choice for 1440p gaming. With its impressive 4,352 CUDA cores and 11 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, it delivers robust performance in creative workloads. Selling for around $200–$250 on the used market, it competes closely with newer models like the RTX 3070. However, its lack of support for modern features such as DLSS 3 limits its optimization in newer titles.

These GPUs highlight a key trend in the gaming industry: the pace of technological advancement may be rapid, but older models can still provide excellent performance for gamers who don’t need the latest features. As the gaming landscape evolves, these older cards remind us that not every gamer needs to upgrade to enjoy a quality experience. The ongoing relevance of these GPUs emphasizes the need for informed purchasing decisions, particularly for those gaming on a budget.

As gaming technology continues to advance, keep an eye on these older models—they might just be the perfect fit for your gaming setup.