Best budget GPU: used picks by price bracket
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Under $300
| Pick | VRAM | Fair value | eBay median | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla P40 | 24GB | $300 | $350 | eBay |
| RTX 3060 12GB | 12GB | $275 | $380 | eBay |
| RX 6700 XT | 12GB | $230 | $365 | eBay |
$300–$500
| Pick | VRAM | Fair value | eBay median | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 4060 Ti 16GB | 16GB | $380 | — | eBay |
| RX 6800 XT | 16GB | $380 | $490 | eBay |
| RTX 4070 Super | 12GB | $480 | $800 | eBay |
$500–$800
| Pick | VRAM | Fair value | eBay median | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 7900 XT | 20GB | $650 | $700 | eBay |
| RTX 5060 Ti 16GB | 16GB | $550 | $817 | eBay |
| RX 9070 XT | 16GB | $725 | $975 | eBay |
How we pick
Within each bracket we rank by VRAM, then by generation — because on a budget, memory decides what a card can still do in two years (game texture pools and local-AI model sizes both keep growing). Speed-per-dollar matters less than the capability floor. Gamers chasing frame rates should also read the “vs fair” badges on the full price table and time their purchase.
FAQ
What is the best budget GPU under $300?
By VRAM-per-dollar, NVIDIA Tesla P40 leads our under-$300 bracket at a fair value of $300. For local AI at this price, prioritize 12GB over speed.
Is a used GPU safe to buy?
Generally yes with basic diligence: buy from sellers with returns, check photos for physical damage, and assume older mining-era cards (30-series especially) need a thermal-pad question asked. Our model pages carry per-card condition notes.
What budget GPU should I get for local AI?
VRAM decides what you can run: 12GB (RTX 3060 12GB class) runs 13–14B models at Q4, 16GB opens 30B-class MoE models. Below $300 the 12GB cards are the sweet spot; the used Tesla P40 is the wildcard 24GB pick for homelab tinkerers.