Best GPUs for Path Tracing: Next-Gen Lighting Picks 2025

Mastering Path Tracing with the Best GPUs in 2025 ⚡

South African gamers craving true-to-life lighting effects know path tracing is the gold standard in realistic visuals. But unlocking these next-gen shadows and reflections demands the best GPUs for path tracing — rigs with muscle and efficiency built for intense ray-tracing loads. Whether you’re upgrading your gaming beast or crafting a workstation powerhouse, the right graphics card can make all the difference.

Dive into the best options that deliver stunning realism without burning your wallet or power supply.

Why Choose Top GPUs for Path Tracing in 2025?

Palit GeForce RTX 5060 Ti Infinity 16GB Graphics Card / 16GB GDDR7 / 4608 Cuda Cores / 128-bit Memory Interface / Boost Clock : 2572 MHz / 28Gbps Memory Speed / PCI Express® Gen 5 / NE7506T019T1-GB2061S

R9799.00In Stock

XFX SWIFT AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT OC 16GB Graphics Card - Black / 16GB GDDR6 / 2048 Stream Processors / 128-bit Memory Interface / Boost Clock : 3320 MHz / RX-96TS316B7

R8499.00In Stock

XFX Mercury AMD Radeon RX 9060XT OC White Gaming Edition with 16GB GDDR6 HDMI 2xDP, AMD RDNA 4 / RX-96TMERCW9

R9199.00In Stock

Palit GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GameRock 16G / 16GB GDDR7 / 28Gbps Memory Speed / PCI Express® Gen 5 / NE7507T019T2-GB2030G

R17999.00In Stock

XFX SWIFT AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT OC Triple Fan 16GB GDDR6 GPU - White / AMD RDNA 4 Architecture / 3rd Gen Radeon Raytracing Accelerators/ AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution 4.0 Upscaling Technology / RX-96TS316W7

R8499.00In Stock

MSI GeForce RTX 5060 8G Gaming Trio OC Graphics Card / 8GB GDDR7 / 3840 Cuda Cores / 128-bit Memory Interface / Boost Clock : 2625 MHz / PCI Express® Gen 5 / 912-V537-021

R8499.00In Stock

Path tracing simulates light bouncing in 3D spaces to create ultra-realistic scenes. Unlike traditional rasterization, it paints every pixel with advanced lighting accuracy. However, this comes at a hefty performance cost — only the most capable GPUs can handle the workload smoothly.

Among South African gamers, NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX series stands out for seamless ray tracing and AI enhancements. You’ll find great choices in the NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics cards category, with models built for both budget-savvy setups and enthusiast rigs.

AMD’s Radeon graphics cards also have made significant strides in ray tracing performance, blending raw power with efficient workloads for true value. Check out the AMD Radeon graphics cards range if you want a solid alternative to NVIDIA.

Top GPU Picks Supporting Realistic Lighting in 2025 🚀

1. NVIDIA RTX 40 Series: Power and Precision

NVIDIA’s latest RTX 4080 and 4090 cards are leaders in path tracing. With thousands of dedicated ray-tracing cores and tensor cores for AI, they crush demanding titles while keeping frame rates high. These cards boost real-time lighting effects like global illumination and soft shadows, essential for immersive gameplay.

Browse the NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics cards starting around R15,150 to find your perfect match for high-end ray tracing.

2. AMD Radeon RX 7000 Series: Efficient Ray Tracing

AMD’s RX 7900 XTX and XT cards have boosted ray tracing hardware this generation. They balance impressive rasterisation performance with growing ray tracing capabilities. Ideal for gamers looking to experience path tracing effects without premium pricing.

See the full AMD Radeon range for options tailored to different budgets and gaming ambitions.

3. Intel Arc GPUs: The Rising Contender

New on the scene, Intel Arc graphics cards offer competitive ray tracing performance with smart pricing. Their advanced Xe cores support path tracing workflows, making them a potential choice for gamers seeking alternatives or secondary GPUs.

Explore the latest Intel Arc graphics cards designed for tomorrow’s lighting effects.

Powering Your High-End GPU Rig 🔧

Palit GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GameRock 16G / 16GB GDDR7 / 28Gbps Memory Speed / PCI Express® Gen 5 / NE7507T019T2-GB2030G

R17999.00In Stock

MSI GeForce RTX 5070 12GB SHADOW 3X OC / PCI Express Gen 5 / 6144 Cuda Cores / 12GB GDDR7 / DirectX 12 Ultimate / 912-V532-008

R13999.00In Stock

MSI GeForce RTX 5070 12GB Shadow 2X OC Graphics Card / 6144 Cuda Cores / 192-bit Memory Interface / Boost Clock : 2542 MHz / NVIDIA Blackwell & DLSS 4 / TORX Fan 5.0 / Nickel-Plated Copper Baseplate / 912-V532-011

R11999.00In Stock

Palit GeForce RTX 5070 Infinity 3 12GB Graphics Card / 12GB GDDR7 / 6144 Cuda Cores / 192-bit Memory Interface / Boost Clock : 2512 MHz / NVIDIA Blackwell & DLSS 4 / NE75070019K9-GB2050S

R10799.00In Stock

MSI GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16G Ventus 3X OC / 16GB GDDR7 / 28Gbps Memory Speed / PCI Express® Gen 5 / 912-V531-092

R19999.00In Stock

SAPPHIRE NITRO+ RX 9070 XT Gaming OC 16GB Graphics Card / 16GB GDDR6 Memory / 4096 Stream Processors / 256-bit Memory Interface / Boost Clock : 3060 MHz / AMD RDNA™ 4 Architecture / 64 Ray Accelerators / 11348-01-20G

R14999.00In Stock

Remember, advanced GPUs need solid power delivery. A high wattage, fully modular power supply ensures stable operation and easier cable management. Corsair’s power supplies are a trusted pick here, with models designed specifically for gaming rigs.

Check out the Corsair power supply range for reliable options. If you want the cleanest build, consider their full modular power supplies.

A Gamer’s Path to Blazing-Fast Realism ✨

Whether upgrading from older GPUs or building fresh, pick your card based on realistic path tracing needs, budget, and future-proofing. For serious workstations, explore the workstation graphics cards that push professional rendering to new heights.

And if you’re still browsing, our comprehensive GPU selection has something for every South African gamer or creator.