Fortnite is undoubtedly one of the most popular games of the last decade, and a considerable part of the appeal is the captivating graphics. To get the most out of your experience, you’ll need not only a powerful CPU but a high-quality graphics card.
If you’re not sure where to begin, there’s no need to worry. This guide will help you find the best graphics card for all your Fortnite gaming needs, no matter what your budget may be!
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Why a Quality Graphics Card Is Needed When Playing Fortnite
A graphics card will deliver your game to your monitor without any issues, which is why it's crucial to have a high quality one. If you want to play it at the top settings, then you should go much higher than the minimum specs.
The game itself isn't all that demanding, but to play your best and enjoy it to the fullest, quality graphics are necessary. Gameplay should be smooth, without lagging, and should be able to handle high frame rates with ease, so your graphics really stand out.
Shadows, textures, effects, and more take full effect to immerse you in Fortnite with a good GPU.
Graphics Cards For Fortnite Compared
Image | Product Name | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Memory | Memory Bandwidth | GPU Cores | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1515 MHz | 1860 MHz | 8 GB | 448 GB/s | 2944 cores | ||
| 1350 MHz | 1545 MHz | 11 GB | 616 GB/s | 4352 cores | ||
| 1710 MHz | 1830 MHz | 6 GB | 336 GB/s | 1920 cores | ||
| 1350 MHz | 1650 MHz | 11 GB | 616 GB/s | 4352 cores | ||
| 1506 MHz | 1600 MHz | 8 GB | 256 GB/s | 1920 cores | ||
| 1156 MHz | 1471 MHz | 8 GB | 410 GB/s | 3584 cores |
Buying Guide: GPU/Video Card Requirements for Fortnite
Compatibility with CPU
An i5 is going to be sufficient for most GPUs, though if you can get an i7 or greater, then that’s even better. CPU does affect frames per second (FPS), so it does have some significance (though it’s not everything).
Graphics Card Features
GPU Cores
Simply put: the more cores, the better. CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) is the same as AMD’s Stream Processors, essentially, and the more of these that the GPU has, the better it will be at rendering incredible visuals.
GPU Clock Speed
Clock speed is actually more important than the number of cores the GPU has. Higher clock speeds mean quicker, snappier performance in gaming.
Memory
Also referred to as “VRAM," the more memory you have, the better off you're going to be. However, you don’t need an unrealistic amount of it with Fortnite.
Power Requirements
Dual 8-pin connectors are more commonly found with the higher-end cards, while the mid-range models are typically 6-pin. However, there are also some with both.
Design
Aftermarket coolers are generally quieter and cooler than reference coolers, though the latter pushes all heated exhaust air out the rear of the case. Aftermarkets push this air inside the case, which doesn't really help the CPU cooler.
Most GPUs will come with DVI ports, which is great as they're quite versatile. You can convert them to VGA and HDMI with simple adapters, which is nice to have when connecting to extra monitors.
Form Factor
Make sure the slot size works with your PC and that you have sufficient free expansion slots and physical PCIe slots on the motherboard. You’ll need to know whether it works with a single, dual, or triple slot and whether it’s low profile or not.
Price & Warranty
Make sure you have set a budget for yourself before you start window shopping. No matter what your budget is, there's sure to be at least a couple of solid options for you in this guide. Also, take a look at the warranty that comes with your GPU. A good warranty can save you quite a bit of cash and trouble in the long run.
6 Best Graphics Card for Fortnite Reviewed
1. EVGA 08G-P4-2287-KR GeForce RTX 2080 Ultra
- Real Boost Clock: 1860 MHz; Memory Detail:...
- Triple HDB fans and all-new 2.75 slot cooler...
- Adjustable RGB LED offers configuration...
- Built for EVGA Precision x1 - EVGA all-new...
Our Top Pick
Base Clock | 1515 MHz |
Boost Clock | 1860 MHz |
Memory | 8 GB |
Memory Bandwidth | 448 GB/s |
GPU Cores | 2944 cores |
TDP | 215 W |
If you're wondering, "what is the best graphics card for Fortnite?" then you've come to the right place. The EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Ultra has you covered, beating the system requirement for graphics card speed by far. Real-time ray tracing offers incredibly immersive, hyper-realistic graphics that anyone will get sucked into.
An all-metal backplate and adjustable RGB not only offer a cutting-edge, cool-looking design, but help create a very durable GPU. Dual HDB fans only help prolong the lifespan, providing high-performance cooling and a significantly quieter acoustic noise.
The iCX2 baseplate helps boost thermal conductivity by over 150% when compared to the original, with its heatpipe helping move airflow around the card. It would’ve been nice to see even brighter RGB LED lights as even at the highest setting they’re a bit dull, but it’s not a big deal.
The front panel comes with a nice selection of outputs: three DisplayPort 1.4 outputs, an HMDI 2.0b, and a USB Type-C port with the VirtualLink standard. This will allow you to use next-generation VR headsets to connect with your PC.
With the impressive overclocking and 8 GB of memory, gaming is incredibly fast, with seamless operation. If you’re searching for the biggest bang for your buck, this is it.
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2. NVIDIA GEFORCE RTx 2080 Ti
- 11GB GDDR6
- CUDA Cores: 4352
- Display Connectors: DisplayPort, HDMI, USB...
- Maximum Digital Resolution: 7680x4320
Best NVIDIA Graphics Card for Fortnite
Base Clock | 1350 MHz |
Boost Clock | 1545 MHz |
Memory | 11 GB |
Memory Bandwidth | 616 GB/s |
GPU Cores | 4352 cores |
TDP | 265 W |
The NVIDIA GeForce RTx 2080 Ti is often considered to be the most powerful out there. If you're okay with spending the cash to obtain it, you can be sure you won't regret it. The standalone giant is incredible for 4K PC gaming, though with a large footprint (754mm squared), you'll need to make sure you have room to accommodate it.
11GB of GDDR6 memory keeps it operating at 14Gbps, allowing it to offer 616GB/s of memory bandwidth, which is more than twice what most competitors can provide. While the boost clock is only around 90MHz higher than the base, you do get quite a bit of overclocking headroom thanks to the supreme Turing silicon it comes made with.
Real-time ray tracing an AI processing keeps Fortnite looking extremely realistic and detailed, not to mention running at incredibly fast speeds. RT and Tensor cores create much more complex lighting scenarios and natural shadows, as well.
As far as ports go, you’ll find the NV Link, which provides 50 times the transfer bandwidth of older technologies. In addition, you’ll find a USB-C video out port perfect for more modern monitors, along with the USB-C 3.1 GEN 2 port for UHD video.
To keep the card always cool, it features a full-length vapor chamber, along with a new dual-fan system. Despite being so complete, the entire system is actually very quiet. If you want the most recommended GPU for Fortnite, among other games, this is it.
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3. MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 2060
- Chipset: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
- Core clocks: 1710 MHz / 14 gbps
- Memory interface: 192-bit
- Video memory: 6gb gddr6. Power consumption:...
Best Budget Graphics Card for Fortnite
Base Clock | 1710 MHz |
Boost Clock | 1830 MHz |
Memory | 6 GB |
Memory Bandwidth | 336 GB/s |
GPU Cores | 1920 cores |
TDP | 190 W |
If you are looking for a more affordable graphics card for Fortnite, check out the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 2060. Based on Turing architecture, it uses TU106 with 4 extra shader clusters activated. You’ll find 30 RT cores, along with 250 Tensor cores on these GPUs.
With a boost clock/memory speed of 1720 MHz/14GBps, you can count on quick operation during gameplay. While the 6GB GDDR6 memory isn’t as generous as the others we’ve covered, it is still a solid choice for 1080p gamers who don’t need top specs.
Both energy efficient and quiet, we loved the addition of the idle-fan-stop, which many competitor products at this price point, are lacking. A triple slot with dual-fan thermal solution also keeps it cool during heavy gameplay.
Smooth, delay-free gameplay is ideal, and you’ll get exactly that with refresh rates up to 240 Hz, HDR, and much more. As the cheapest card with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, you’ll benefit from extremely realistic scenes that simply can’t be found on similarly priced cards.
With the ability to control it wirelessly through both Android and iOS devices, in-game video recording, and more, the GeForce RTX 2060 offers quite a bit for the price.
Also Recommended: Best Graphics Cards Under $500
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4. ASUS ROG STRIX GeForce RTX 2080TI
- Powered by NVIDIA Turing with 1665 MHz Boost...
- Supports up-to 4 monitors with DisplayPort 1....
- Auto Extreme and Max-Contact Technology...
- ASUS Aura Sync RGB lighting features a nearly...
Trusted Brand
Base Clock | 1350 MHz |
Boost Clock | 1650 MHz |
Memory | 11 GB |
Memory Bandwidth | 616 GB/s |
GPU Cores | 4352 cores |
TDP | 250 W |
It can be tough taking the step to buy the best graphics card for Fortnite PC use for a couple of reasons.
The first reason is that there are so many great options, and the second is because you don't want to spend a large chunk of money on something that’s not going to work the way you wanted it to. What you need is to go with a trusted brand, and ASUS ROG STRIX ranks at the top in this regard.
Their GeForce RTX 2080TI comes with ray tracing and Tensor/AI cores, which will make you feel like you're actually "inside" your Fortnite session instead of just staring at a screen. With 11GB GDDR6 memory, you'll also be able to take advantage of a 352-bit wide memory bus.
If you're looking for a nearly silent GPU, you'll love the silent mode it comes with. This mode moves the card into operating at slightly higher temperatures while still offering the same performance as "performance" mode.
Clocked at 1350 MHz with a 1650 MHz boost, it's incredibly fast so you won't have to deal with lagging, which can ruin the mood when you're in the game.
The triple slot design is quite hefty and requires a good amount of space, but you won’t need to worry about it overheating thanks to the triple-fan cooling solution it comes with. The LED lighting system and the ability to sync effects over AURA sync-enabled products is also pretty cool to look at.
Finally, the graphics card for Fortnite can also support up to 4 monitors with DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and a VR headset through multiple USB Type-C ports.
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5. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070
- Powered by the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070...
- 8GB GDDR5 (256-bit) on-board memory
- PCI Express 3.0 x16 interface
- NVIDIA CUDA technology
Best Graphics Card for Streaming + Fortnite
Base Clock | 1506 MHz |
Boost Clock | 1600 MHz |
Memory | 8 GB |
Memory Bandwidth | 256 GB/s |
GPU Cores | 1920 cores |
TDP | n/a |
These days, it seems like everyone wants to start their own Twitch account so they can stream Fortnite! However, many simply don’t gain subscribers due to how poor their graphics are. If you want to do it the right way, take a good look at the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070.
Powered by new NVIDIA Pascal architecture, it’s designed to deliver up to 3 times faster performance than the GTX 900 series. With a base clock of 1506 MHz, it’s not bad, and its clock rates even achieved over 1700 MHz in the gaming benchmarks, which was quite good.
You'll find that even while streaming, Fortnite runs smoothly along with other games in 4K. When you're streaming, you need reliability and stability, and the GTX 1070 Founders' Edition offers exactly that.
The die-cast aluminum body is very durable and rigid, and even comes with a modifiable back. However, the injection-molded metal cover does contribute to the card's relatively heavy weight (over 35 ounces).
With a radial fan solution and various openings to help dissipate heat, their cooling system is good enough. It's not one of the best on this guide and does generate a bit of noticeable noise, but it's workable.
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6. XFX Radeon Rx Vega 56
- Chipset - AMD Vega 56
- 8GB HBM2 Memory
- Crossfire ready
- AMD LiquidVR ready
Best AMD Graphics Card for Fortnite
Base Clock | 1156 MHz |
Boost Clock | 1471 MHz |
Memory | 8 GB |
Memory Bandwidth | 410 GB/s |
GPU Cores | 3584 cores |
TDP | 210 W |
Let's end our product reviews on a positive note by closing things out with the XFX Radeon Rx Vega 56. If you're in the market for cutting-edge technology, then you'll find this is one of the best graphics cards for you.
It's proven itself to be a great value contender against the GTX 1070 as well as many other higher-end models. While it lacks a DVI port for legacy display compatibility, it overall delivers a solid performance time after time.
The 8 GB HBM2 graphics memory clocks at 800 MHz to offer more leeway when it comes to higher resolutions and image quality settings. The dual-slot card is excellent for 1440p gaming, coming with one HDMI 2.0 and a whopping three DisplayPort 1.4 connectors. It would be a nice idea to add a DVI in the future, though.
With their hardware-controlled clock speed performance optimization, you can always rest easy knowing the card will be operating at the best performance level, no matter what the situation may be. It knows when to slow it down or when to ramp up the power.
The air-cooled card comes in a traditional blower design and stays consistently less than 50 dB, so there's not much noise to speak of. The core works incredibly smart and fast and delivers high frame rates, intense visuals, and exceptional detail.
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Fortnite Battle Royale: All About the Game
Fortnite is an addictive survival game, where the purpose is to simply stay alive and safe from the approaching storm.
It takes place in an open-world environment, and 100 players fight against each other, similar to The Hunger Games in many ways. As it's free to play, just about anyone can download it on their laptop, making it fun and accessible to play with friends.
However, as it is a competitive game, FPS is incredibly crucial to your survival in Fortnite. You need a high framerate, which good GPUs offer. Not only that but if you want graphics that look more realistic and don't put added stress on your computer, they’re also important.
A Quick Guide to Fortnite Graphical Settings
If you want to get the most out of the game and your GPU, then you should know which settings to use.
FPS
Higher framerates offer a much smoother image, especially when you pair that with a high refresh rate monitor. Try placing yours at "high," and you will likely get anywhere from 250 to 270 FPS out of it, which is much more than enough.
Resolution/Refresh Rate
It seems like almost everyone is on 1920 x 1080, though there are many playing at a 1440p resolution. However, it's really not necessary, and you'll need a powerful setup to handle that. You'll probably be just fine at 1080p.
Optimize Game Settings
If you want to know how to optimize game settings without sacrificing performance and visuals, then check out the following recommendations:
View Distance: Epic
Sure, your new graphics card for Fortnite can handle any view distance, but for excellent rendering quality and significantly reducing object pop-ins, the Epic setting will take off just a few frames for a field of view much easier on the eyes.
Shadows: OFF
Shadows cause a surprising amount of stress on GPUs. When you take into consideration all of the foliage, random piles of stuff, and animals, your frames per second will be negatively affected if you leave shadows enabled. If you don't want to completely disable shadows, even lowering them will help you out.
Anti-Aliasing: Medium
Disabling this will pronounce far-away shapes in contrast to the terrain, though your FPS will increase significantly. This will provide you with soft and smooth graphics – not fuzzy nor overly-detailed.
Textures: Epic
Going hand-in-hand with anti-aliasing, you can keep textures low if you need the extra video memory, though it’s not really going to make much of a difference in general.
Effects: Low
This will make things look "cooler," offering some more character and spark to your gameplay. However, the low effects setting goes well with disabled shadows and will get you a huge leap in framerate in return. However, if you're going with a GPU on this guide, you should be able to switch it to High without too significant of a framerate dip.
Troubleshooting Faulty Video Cards
Cleaning and Maintaining
If you want your GPU to not only work properly but to last as long as possible, you must know how to properly clean and maintain it.
- 1You’ll need a screwdriver so you can take apart the GPU components.
- 2Canned compressed air can go a long way, cleaning out dust and grime that has built up. It’s quicker and safer to use than a damp cloth or Q-tip.
- 3Isopropyl alcohol is also a great tool to disinfect important parts inside your PC.
- 4Try to do this at least once a month, at minimum. Dust can cause the GPU to get much hotter, which will lead to overheating and poor performance.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is a 2GB graphics card enough for Fortnite?
No, it’s probably not going to run well on just 2GB. You’ll probably be able to get it up and
Which model graphics card do I need for Fortnite Season 10?
Any of the aforementioned graphics cards will work more than great for Fortnite Season 10.
What’s a good compatible GPU for playing Fortnite on mobile?
Take a look at our #3 product above, the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 2060, which is compatible with iOS and Android devices.
What is a good FPS – do I need 144FPS for Fortnite?
You don't need 144FPS, but of course, that will make gameplay much smoother and snappier. However, anything over 60FPS is sufficient enough.
What type of graphics card is best for Fortnite, an NVIDIA or AMD?
You can use either! However, NVIDIA has a slightly better and more trusted reputation.
Which is better for Fortnite, an integrated or a dedicated graphics card?
A dedicated GPU is always recommended over an integrated model for Fortnite. Dedicated models will offer a reliable and significantly higher framerate, which is important and necessary in survival games like this one.
Is G Sync good for Fortnite?
Yes, G Sync is perfect for fast-paced gaming like you do in Fortnite. It's even better when you pair it with a powerful GPU.
Conclusion
Now that you've had the opportunity to learn all about the 6 best graphics cards for Fortnite, which one will you be using in your future battles? If you're still undecided, allow me to once again recommend the EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Ultra. It's what many pros use for an array of reasons.
One, it’s incredibly powerful with a large memory, and is incredibly fast. It has a supreme cooling system that will prevent it from overheating, with near-silent operation, as well.
However, what’s most important is that you find the graphics card that works best for you and your individual requirements. I hope this guide has helped you do exactly that.
Holly Curell is a US-based freelance writer & editor extraordinaire. With over a decade of writing technical manuals, blog articles, & even company communications, Holly has a passion for providing value to readers on everything she knows about tech-related topics. When she’s not writing, Holly enjoys reading, hiking, wine, & wandering the aisles of Trader Joe’s. Holly is currently based out of North Carolina, where she lives with her husband Ken & their three children.