Black Friday 2025 has arrived, bringing gamers and PC builders a wave of deals on graphics cards across all price ranges. Whether you’re hunting for a budget-friendly GPU or aiming for the best high-end performer to power your 4K gaming setup, understanding current pricing, performance benchmarks, and sale timing is crucial. With early Black Friday sales underway and Cyber Monday right around the corner, now is the best time to strategize your GPU purchase and avoid missing out on coveted models that often sell out fast.
Current Landscape of GPU Pricing and Early Black Friday Sales
As we enter the heart of the 2025 holiday deals season, the market features competitive options from AMD, Nvidia, and Intel. Early Black Friday sales began as early as late October, with offers expected to run through November and peak during the actual Black Friday weekend extending into Cyber Monday.
AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 XT reclaims attention with prices recently dropping to around $650, delivering strong RDNA 3 architecture performance suited for high-fidelity 1440p and 4K gaming. The RX 9060 XT 16GB offers solid 1440p performance near the $350 mark, making it a compelling value pick in the mid-range segment.
Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, currently hovering around $750, stands out as a top choice for 1440p gamers who value the benefits of DLSS 4 AI-powered upscaling and reliable ray tracing support. For budget-conscious users, the RTX 5060 and 5060 Ti models may see some modest discounts, but the competition from AMD and Intel in this range is heating up.
Intel’s Arc B570 GPU continues to appear as an attractive entry-level option priced between $220–$250, especially when bundled with popular games. While Intel GPUs don’t yet rival AMD and Nvidia for raw performance, they offer strong value for casual gamers and newcomers on a tight budget.
Best Graphics Cards by Budget for Black Friday 2025
Under $200: Best Budget GPUs
Intel’s Arc B570 at around $209–$220 is currently the best budget pick, with 10GB VRAM and good game bundle options. The Arc A580, when restocked at $179, also offers solid value. Nvidia’s RTX 5050, despite DLSS 4 support, is less recommended due to performance limitations and lack of bundles.
Under $400: Best Mid-Range Cards
The AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB dominates this segment, offering 16GB VRAM and strong 1440p gaming capability with FSR4 upscaling. Nvidia’s RTX 5060 and 5060 Ti 16GB also compete here, but currently, the RX 9060 XT outperforms in many titles. Intel’s Arc A750 and B580 provide alternatives but generally fall short on pure gaming muscle.
Under $600: 1440p Gaming and Beyond
Here the battle heats up with the RTX 5070 12GB and AMD RX 9070 XT 16GB contending for supremacy. The 9070 XT offers more VRAM and tends to deliver better performance at this price point, especially for ray tracing-heavy and VRAM-demanding games. Nvidia still commands an edge for creative workloads and DLSS 4-supported titles.
Under $800: The Premium 1440p and Entry-Level 4K Tier
The RTX 5070 Ti at $750 remains Nvidia’s solid offering for gamers demanding excellent 1440p frame rates and decent 4K performance. However, at nearly $600, the RX 9070 XT presents tough competition, especially with AMD’s advancements in ray tracing and upscaling technology. If you prioritize path tracing or specific Nvidia features, the 5070 Ti is still worth considering.
High-End GPUs: Best Performance Regardless of Price
The Nvidia RTX 5080 at around $999 and the RTX 5090 towering at $2,500 cater to enthusiasts chasing the absolute best in raw power and next-generation features. Despite their high prices, these GPUs remain popular for ultra-high resolution gaming, creative professional workloads, and AI-accelerated tasks. AMD has no direct competitor at this tier currently, and Intel’s offerings don’t scale this high yet.
Key Trends and Considerations for Shoppers
- Timing is critical: Many GPUs sell out quickly during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Waiting too long for an ‘insane deal’ can backfire due to stock shortages and rising prices post-holiday.
- Driver and software updates: AMD recently reversed plans to limit optimization support for RX 5000 and 6000 series cards, ensuring better continued performance. Nvidia’s DLSS 4 generally provides superior upscaling in newer games compared to AMD’s FSR 4.
- Upcoming GPU refresh: Nvidia’s RTX 50 Super series, expected in early 2026, may bring slight performance gains but could come with higher prices due to rising VRAM costs driven by AI data center demand.
- Bundles matter: Intel currently offers compelling game bundles with certain Arc models, adding value. Nvidia’s recent Arc Raiders bundle expired early November, while AMD lacks a new bundle this year.
Conclusion: Buy Now or Wait?
Given supply constraints, price volatility, and the looming 50 Super series with uncertain pricing, the best advice for Black Friday 2025 is to act promptly. If you see a GPU matching your budget and gaming needs at or near MSRP during these sales, it’s wise to buy rather than chase improbable discounts later. AMD’s RX 9070 XT and Nvidia’s RTX 5070 Ti stand out as top contenders for most gamers seeking great all-around performance. Budget shoppers will find Intel’s Arc B570 an attractive option with strong bundles and affordability.
This Black Friday, whether you’re upgrading to 1440p gaming or pushing into 4K territory, the GPU market offers solid choices backed by improved drivers and new AI-driven upscaling technologies. Secure your GPU early, watch for deals from major retailers, and enjoy a powerful gaming experience heading into 2026.
Based on recent industry analysis, performance benchmarks, and current Black Friday retail pricing.
