Quick Answer
For smooth Mortal Kombat 1 at 1440p, choose an RTX 5060 Ti or RX 9060 XT rather than overspending blindly. That tier gives a practical target of a stable 60 fps fight target, with SA pricing usually sitting around R8,000 to R16,000 for the relevant graphics-card class.
Recommended GPU Tier
The useful target is the GPU tier that matches the monitor. At 1440p, Mortal Kombat 1 needs enough shader power, VRAM, and cooling to keep frame pacing steady, not only a high average fps number. Pair the card with a Ryzen 5 or Core i5 class CPU, 16GB RAM as the floor, and a 1TB SSD if the PC will hold several large games.
Settings To Prioritise
Start with texture quality, upscaling, shadows, and ray tracing if the game supports it. A 60 fps target is easier to reach than a 144 Hz target, so do not buy a premium card for a basic monitor. If you stream, record clips, or use a high-refresh display, step up one tier to keep headroom.
SA Buying Notes
Check the Evetech GPU listing against your case and PSU before checkout. A card in the R8,000 to R16,000 band may still need a stronger power supply, a larger case, or better airflow. For Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, and Pretoria buyers, delivery is easier when the full basket is compatible the first time.
FAQ
Is RTX 5060 Ti or RX 9060 XT overkill for Mortal Kombat 1 at 1440p?
It is not overkill if you want smooth frame pacing and some settings headroom. It may be overkill if the monitor is only 1080p 60 Hz and you do not play heavier games.
How much VRAM should I aim for?
For this tier, 8GB is the floor and 12GB to 16GB is more comfortable. Higher resolution textures and future games make extra VRAM useful.
Should I upgrade the CPU first?
Upgrade the CPU first only if it is already limiting frame rates in other games. For most modern mid-range systems, the graphics card is the main lever at 1440p.
Pro Tip
Mortal Kombat 1 at 1440p as the monitor test: buy the GPU tier that reaches your fps target without forcing a new case or PSU.