The Best and Worst Graphics Cards for Running Normal Games in 2019

In 2019, the landscape of gaming graphics cards was quite diverse, ranging from integrated solutions to dedicated high-performance cards. If you were not enthusiastic about spending money on a powerful graphics card, you had some interesting options. This article aims to explore which graphics cards were capable of running normal games and what could be considered the lowest performing options in that year. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of what you can expect from different graphics card choices.

Intel HD Graphics: A Surprising Performance

One of the perhaps surprising discoveries of 2019 was the success of Intel's HD Graphics solutions in gaming. Intel introduced several new processors with enhanced integrated graphics, such as the UHD Graphics series. These were sufficient to run many of the games released in 2019, even demanding titles like FIFA 19. Intel UHD Graphics are integrated into the processor, requiring only a minimum of 16GB of RAM to handle most of the games from that year.

Ryzen APUs: The Better Option

AMD's Ryzen processors, known for their excellent performance-to-price ratio, brought with them their own range of integrated graphics through their APU (Accelerated Processing Units) solutions. These APUs often outperformed Intel's equivalent UHD Graphics in terms of performance, making them a more potent option for gaming. However, despite their advancements, there was still no definitive "worst" graphics card for gaming based purely on AMD's lineup alone. The performance varied depending on the specific model and game in question.

The Minimum Configuration: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 2GB

For those who insisted on running all the games released in 2019 at a decent level, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 2GB became the de facto minimum requirement. This entry-level graphics card was able to provide a more consistent and better gaming experience compared to Intel UHD Graphics or even the Ryzen APUs in some cases. The GTX 1050 2GB was particularly good at handling games with lower performance demands, making it a solid choice for new players or those on a budget.

Conclusion

While Intel HD Graphics and Ryzen APUs were capable of handling many games in 2019, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 2GB was the bare minimum card that could consistently run all games of the year. Whether you were looking for an integrated solution or a dedicated graphics card, the choice really came down to your budget, performance needs, and level of dedication to gaming in 2019.