Four Old GPUs Still Dominating Performance in 2025 Gaming

URGENT UPDATE: In a surprising development for gamers, four older GPUs have proven to be remarkably effective in 2025, defying expectations amidst the rise of cutting-edge technology. As the latest GPU models boast advanced features like RDNA 4 and DLSS 4.0, these older models continue to satisfy the needs of casual gamers and those on a budget.

The GTX 1080 Ti, launched in March 2017, still impresses with its 11 GB of GDDR5X VRAM and 3,584 CUDA cores. Recent benchmarks show that it can deliver a smooth 90–100 FPS in Forza Horizon 5 at 1080p extreme settings, and maintains an average of 55 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at high settings. While it faces challenges at 1440p, it remains a top choice for those gaming at 1080p, as confirmed by the Steam Hardware Survey.

Similarly, the Radeon RX 5700 XT, released in mid-2019, continues to perform well, thanks to its 8 GB of GDDR6 and 2,560 stream processors. It supports AMD’s FSR 3 and 3.1 upscaling, boosting frame rates in popular titles like Ghost of Tsushima and God of War Ragnarök by 10–20%. This mid-range card excels in 1440p gaming, offering substantial value for players unwilling to invest in the latest hardware.

The GTX 1660 Ti, launched in February 2019, also makes the list, delivering an impressive 60–65 FPS in the upcoming title Arc Raiders on low settings. When paired with the right hardware, it can achieve up to 85–90 FPS on medium settings with FSR 3 Quality enabled. This GPU remains a strong option for 1080p gaming, demonstrating that older technology can still compete effectively.

Finally, the RTX 2080 Ti, unveiled in September 2018, still holds significant relevance in gaming and creative workloads. With 4,352 CUDA cores and 11 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, this GPU is capable of 1440p gaming and is currently available on the used market for around $200–$250. Despite lacking support for newer features like DLSS 3, its optimization and driver support make it a viable option for budget-conscious gamers.

As the gaming landscape evolves rapidly, these older GPUs remind us that technological obsolescence can be overstated. They continue to deliver robust performance, particularly for casual gamers and those with less demanding workflows. The findings underscore the importance of value in the gaming community, showing that not every player needs to upgrade to the latest hardware to enjoy an exceptional gaming experience.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor the impact of these GPUs in the gaming world.