Best Budget GPUs for Stable Diffusion in 2025

Introduction

Stable Diffusion has revolutionized AI image generation, allowing anyone with a capable GPU to create stunning artwork on their own hardware. But which graphics card offers the best bang for your buck?

In this guide, we’ll analyze the best budget options for running Stable Diffusion locally, with a focus on VRAM capacity, generation speed, and overall value.

Why VRAM Matters Most

When it comes to Stable Diffusion, VRAM (Video RAM) is king. Here’s why:

• Model Loading: SDXL base model requires approximately 6GB of VRAM
• Higher Resolutions: 1024x1024 generation needs more memory than 512x512
• ControlNet & LoRAs: Additional models consume extra VRAM
• Batch Processing: Multiple images at once requires proportionally more memory

Minimum Requirements by Use Case

Use Case	Minimum VRAM	Recommended VRAM
SD 1.5 (512x512)	4GB	8GB
SDXL (1024x1024)	8GB	12GB+
SDXL + ControlNet	10GB	16GB+
Flux	12GB	24GB

Top Budget Picks

Best Under $300: RTX 3060 12GB

The RTX 3060 12GB remains one of the best value propositions for AI workloads:

• VRAM: 12GB GDDR6
• Used Price: ~$199
• New Price: ~$289
• SDXL Speed: ~5 images/minute

The 12GB of VRAM allows you to run SDXL with room for ControlNet and multiple LoRAs. The used market is flooded with ex-mining cards, driving prices down.

Pros:

• Excellent VRAM for the price
• Widely available used
• Full NVIDIA ecosystem support

Cons:

• Slower than RTX 40-series at same VRAM
• Higher power consumption

Best Under $500: RTX 4060 Ti 16GB

For those wanting current-gen efficiency with ample VRAM:

• VRAM: 16GB GDDR6
• New Price: ~$449
• SDXL Speed: ~8 images/minute

Pros:

• Modern Ada Lovelace architecture
• Low power consumption (165W TDP)
• Future-proof VRAM capacity

Cons:

• Lower memory bandwidth than RTX 3090

Best Used Value: RTX 3090

The RTX 3090 has become a legend in the AI community:

• VRAM: 24GB GDDR6X
• Used Price: ~$700
• SDXL Speed: ~12 images/minute

Pros:

• 24GB handles any current model
• Strong used market availability
• Excellent performance/dollar used

Cons:

• High power consumption (350W)
• Large physical size
• Can run hot

AMD Alternative: RX 7900 XTX

If you’re open to AMD, the RX 7900 XTX offers:

• VRAM: 24GB GDDR6
• New Price: ~$899
• SDXL Speed: ~10 images/minute (with ROCm)

AMD support has improved significantly with ROCm, though NVIDIA still offers a smoother experience.

Our Recommendations by Budget

Budget	Best Choice	VRAM	Why
Under $200	RTX 3060 12GB (used)	12GB	Best VRAM per dollar
$300-500	RTX 4060 Ti 16GB	16GB	Efficient, modern
$500-800	RTX 3090 (used)	24GB	Maximum VRAM value
$800+	RTX 4070 Ti Super	16GB	Fast + efficient

Conclusion

For most users getting into Stable Diffusion, the RTX 3060 12GB at around $199 used offers unbeatable value. If you need more performance and have the budget, a used RTX 3090 provides 24GB of VRAM at a fraction of its original cost.

The key is prioritizing VRAM over raw compute power—a 12GB card will outperform an 8GB card in real-world AI workflows, even if the 8GB card is “faster” on paper.

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Last updated: January 2025. Prices are approximate and subject to market conditions.