A tier list ranks graphics cards by performance into 6 groups: S, A, B, C, D, F. S is the top segment (RTX 5090, RTX 4090), F is obsolete. Within each tier cards are ranked by bench_score. We review the list every 30 days, accounting for new releases and price changes.

How is the tier list built?

The algorithm weighs 5 factors: Bench Score — relative performance (40%); price — value for money (25%); supported technologies DLSS/FSR/RT (15%); efficiency FPS/Watt (10%); VRAM size and type (10%).

How often is the tier list updated?

The tier list is reviewed every 30 days. When a new GPU/CPU launches we update within a week of release. Approximate prices are factored in — this affects the Value Score but not the tier itself.

Which GPU should I pick from tier B?

Tier B (mid-range) is the best pick for most: RTX 4060 Ti 16GB, RX 7800 XT, RX 7700 XT. The RTX 4060 Ti 16GB is the NVIDIA-with-DLSS optimum. The RX 7800 XT is the best in pure rasterization with 16 GB. Enough for 1440p ultra in most games.

Can I pick a GPU from a different tier than the CPU?

Yes, balance is what matters. S+S is the enthusiast flagship. An S GPU + A CPU works almost like S+S with no major bottleneck at 1440p+. An A GPU + B CPU is optimal for most. Do not pair an S GPU with a C CPU — that causes a CPU bottleneck. Use our bottleneck calculator.

What is the Value Score?

The Value Score (0–100) is a "cost of FPS" metric. It is (bench_score / price) × a normalization coefficient. The best value cards of 2026: RX 9070 (82/100), RX 7800 XT (76/100), RTX 4070 Super (74/100). The RTX 5090 has a low Value Score (55/100) — top performance, but a disproportionately high price.

Key figures

Unique FPSHQ metrics from this page's data

121

reference GPU models

456

CPUs in the catalogue

7,260

GPU pairs to compare

55,176

GPU + CPU pairs in the bottleneck calculator

191,275

games in the database

52,856

FPS measurement rows in the database

1,401

online PC tests completed

Reference GPUs by FPSHQ tier

S — 4K Ultra, A — 1440p Ultra, B — 1440p High, C — 1080p High, D — 1080p Medium, F — only old and esports games.

Data updated Nov 14, 2026

In short

What are FPSHQ GPU tiers and how many cards are in each?

The FPSHQ tier list splits 121 reference GPUs by performance score into six levels: S (3 cards) — 4K Ultra, A (12) — 1440p Ultra, B (20) — 1440p High, C (25) — 1080p High, D (32) — 1080p Medium, F (29) — only old and esports games. Tier boundaries are tied to model FPS in popular games, not to price or release year.

reference GPU models: 121
CPUs in the catalogue: 456
GPU pairs to compare: 7,260
GPU + CPU pairs in the bottleneck calculator: 55,176

updated Nov 14, 2026 · source: methodology, FPSHQ model estimate

Methodology and sources

This page uses the FPSHQ database: the GPU and CPU catalogue with synthetic benchmark scores, official game system requirements, FPS measurements from users of the FPSHQ app and the FPSHQ performance model. Calculated values are estimates, not a measurement of your exact configuration: the real result depends on drivers, settings and the rest of the hardware. More about the methodology →

Sources:

FPSHQ Team · Data updated Nov 14, 2026

Tier lists GPU and CPU 2026

GPU 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

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

Why an honest tier list matters

When the tier list is updated

Frequently asked questions about tier lists

Key figures

Reference GPUs by FPSHQ tier

What are FPSHQ GPU tiers and how many cards are in each?

Methodology and sources

Tier lists GPU and CPU 2026

GPU 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

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

Why an honest tier list matters

When the tier list is updated

Frequently asked questions about tier lists

Related

Key figures

Reference GPUs by FPSHQ tier

What are FPSHQ GPU tiers and how many cards are in each?

Methodology and sources

See also

All sections