Tier lists GPU and CPU 2026
An objective ranking of 2,400+ graphics cards and 900+ processors. We factor in prices, DLSS/FSR/RT support, value for money and efficiency.
GPU tier list
Tier S — The best of the best
Top segment: high performance with no compromises. Great for 4K gaming, VR enthusiasts and content creators.
Tier A — Premium
Excellent performance for high-refresh 1440p (144 Hz+) and 4K with DLSS. The best price-to-FPS in the high price segment.
Tier B — Mid-Range
The optimal mid-range for high-refresh 1080p and 1440p on high settings. The sweet spot for most gamers.
Tier C — Budget
A budget option for 1080p in most games. Good for esports (CS2, Valorant, LoL) and undemanding AAA titles.
Tier D — Budget / Old
Old or very cheap models. They handle 1080p in esports and less demanding games. Buy only if you have no budget at all.
Tier F — Obsolete
Effectively obsolete. We do not recommend buying even used. Suitable only for office work.
CPU tier list
Tier S — The best of the best
Tier A — Premium
Tier B — Mid-Range
Tier C — Budget
Tier D — Budget / Old
Tier F — Obsolete
How the FPSHQ tier list is built
Our tier list is the result of an algorithm that weighs 5 factors:
- Bench Score (40%) — relative performance in average games. The basis for tier placement.
- Price (25%) — weekly price monitoring at major stores. We factor in both official and grey-market sales.
- Supported technologies (15%) — DLSS, FSR, XeSS, hardware ray tracing, AV1, PCIe 4.0/5.0 support.
- Efficiency (10%) — FPS per watt. Important for noise and the electricity bill.
- VRAM amount and type (10%) — critical for 4K, AI tasks and long-term relevance.
Why an honest tier list matters
Many sites write tier lists based on subjective impressions or vendor marketing. We build ours on numbers: bench_score from independent benchmarks (TechPowerUp, GamersNexus, 3DMark) and real store prices.
When the tier list is updated
The tier list is reviewed every 30 days. Out-of-cycle updates happen when new GPUs/CPUs launch (the first week after release) and on significant price changes (more than ±15% from the average).