11 Best Graphics Card for 2023: As technology evolves at an exceptional pace, staying ahead of the game in computer graphics becomes increasingly crucial. Whether you are a gamer, content creator, or simply someone who demands top-quality visuals, having the best graphics card is paramount. With 2023 just around the corner, it's time to delve into the cutting-edge world of graphics cards and explore the eleven finest options available in the market. From mind-blowing performance to unrivaled visual fidelity, these graphics cards are poised to redefine the way you experience digital content in the coming year. Stay tuned as we uncover the top contenders for the title of the best graphics card for 2023.
Overall Score: 9/10
The MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 is a dedicated graphics card with impressive specifications. With a clock speed of 1710 MHz for the GPU and 1807 MHz for the memory, it provides a smooth gaming experience. The card features DisplayPort x 3 (v1.4a) and HDMI 2.1 x 1 output interfaces, allowing for high-definition displays. Its maximum display resolution is 7680 x 4320, providing stunning visuals. The MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 is a great upgrade option for gamers looking for improved performance. It offers excellent value for money, allowing users to push the card to its limit without experiencing stuttering or overheating. However, it is important to be mindful of the card's limit to avoid crashes. Overall, this graphics card delivers exceptional performance and is a worthy investment for gamers.
Key Features
- NVIDIA Ge Force RTX 3060 12GB GDDR6 dedicated graphics card
- 1710 MHz GPU clock speed and 1807 MHz memory clock speed
- Display Port x 3 (v1.4a) and HDMI 2.1 x 1 output interfaces
- 7680 x 4320 maximum display resolution
Specifications
- Dimension: 9.30Lx1.70Wx4.90H
Pros
- Smooth gaming experience
- High-definition displays
- Excellent value for money
- Allows pushing the card to its limit without issues
Cons
- Runs slightly hot
- May crash when pushed beyond its limit
- Default fan settings may be too low for normal users
The MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 is a powerful and reliable graphics card that offers significant performance improvements for gaming. It provides smooth gameplay, high-definition displays, and excellent value for money. While it may run slightly hot and have limitations when pushed to the extreme, it delivers exceptional performance within its specifications. Overall, this graphics card is a solid choice for gamers looking to upgrade their system and enhance their gaming experience. Whether you’re playing the latest AAA titles or streaming content, the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 delivers impressive visuals and reliable performance.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 V2 OC Edition is a powerful gaming graphics card that offers exceptional performance and advanced features. With NVIDIA Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors, 2nd Generation RT Cores, and 3rd Generation Tensor Cores, this graphics card delivers impressive gameplay and AI capabilities. It features an Axial-Tech Fan Design for improved cooling and an OC mode for enhanced performance. The card is compatible with PCIe 4.0 and offers multiple connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a. With its efficient design and high-quality components, the ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 V2 OC Edition is a top choice for gamers and technology enthusiasts.
Key Features
- NVIDIA Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors
- 2nd Generation RT Cores
- 3rd Generation Tensor Cores
- OC mode
- Axial-Tech Fan Design
Specifications
- Color: DUAL-RTX3060-O12G-V2
- Dimension: 7.87Lx4.84Wx1.49H
- Size: RTX 30 Series
Pros
- Powerful GPU performance
- Improved cooling system
- Multiple connectivity options
Cons
- Pricey compared to other options
- Limited availability compared to other ASUS models
- Not the best value for money
The ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 V2 OC Edition is a high-performance gaming graphics card that offers impressive power and advanced features. With its efficient design and enhanced cooling system, it delivers exceptional gameplay and AI capabilities. However, it comes with a higher price tag compared to other options in the market and may not provide the best value for money. Additionally, availability of this particular model may be limited compared to other ASUS graphics cards. Overall, if you’re willing to invest in top-notch GPU performance and don’t mind the higher price, the ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 V2 OC Edition is a solid choice for gamers and technology enthusiasts.
Overall Score: 8/10
Upgrade your gaming experience with the ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge OC graphics card. Featuring the NVIDIA Ampere architecture, this card delivers stunning visuals with 2nd Gen Ray Tracing Cores and 3rd Gen Tensor Cores. It also boasts 12GB 192-bit GDDR6 memory, 15 Gbps speed, and PCIE 4.0 compatibility. The IceStorm 2.0 Cooling system, Active Fan Control, and Freeze Fan Stop ensure optimal temperature management. With its 4K and VR readiness, along with multiple display support, this graphics card is perfect for gaming enthusiasts. The ZOTAC RTX 3060 Twin Edge OC offers impressive performance and value for money.
Key Features
- NVIDIA Ampere architecture, 2nd Gen Ray Tracing Cores, 3rd Gen Tensor Cores
- 12GB 192-bit GDDR6, 15 Gbps, PCIE 4.0; Boost Clock 1807 MHz
- Ice Storm 2.0 Cooling, Active Fan Control, Freeze Fan Stop, Metal Backplate
- 8K Ready, 4 Display Ready, HDCP 2.3, VR Ready
- 3 x Display Port 1.4a, 1 x HDMI 2.1, Direct X 12 Ultimate, Vulkan RT API, Open GL 4.6
Specifications
- Dimension: 8.80Lx4.60Wx1.50H
- Size: AMD Ryzen 5
Pros
- Impressive gaming performance
- Advanced cooling system
- High-quality visuals and smooth frame rates
- Versatile display options
- Great customer support
Cons
- Possible overheating issues
- Inadequate power supply can cause instability
The ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge OC is a powerful graphics card that offers impressive gaming performance and value for money. With its NVIDIA Ampere architecture and advanced cooling system, it delivers stunning visuals and smooth frame rates. The 12GB GDDR6 memory and PCIE 4.0 compatibility ensure high-speed data transfer and optimal gaming experience. The graphics card is also 8K and VR ready, making it perfect for gamers who want to enjoy immersive gameplay. While there may be some possible overheating issues and the need for an adequate power supply, the overall performance and customer support make it a great investment. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a professional, the ZOTAC RTX 3060 Twin Edge OC is a solid choice.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
The SHOWKINGS Radeon RX 580 8GB Graphics Card is a high-performance GPU designed for PC gaming and office use. With its powerful AMD Radeon RX 580 chipset and 8GB GDDR5 memory, it provides computer enthusiasts with a superior gaming experience. The card supports up to three monitors and delivers high-definition display effects with its multiple output ports. The dual cooling fans ensure optimal cooling performance and quieter gameplay. It is also versatile, suitable for gaming, office work, design, and audio/video applications. The card comes with a 2-year limited warranty and professional after-sales service. Overall, the SHOWKINGS Radeon RX 580 8GB Graphics Card offers excellent value for its performance and features.
Key Features
- AMD Radeon RX 580 8G chipset
- 8GB GDDR5 memory
- 3X Display Port + 1X HDMI Port
- PCI-Express 3.0 x16 interface
- Dual cooling fans
- Multifunctional use
Specifications
- Dimension: 10.63Lx5.31Wx1.57H
Pros
- Superior gaming experience
- High-definition display effects
- Powerful cooling performance
- Versatile for various applications
- 2-year limited warranty
Cons
- Some confusion about the power source
- May not fit in all PC cases
- Occasional driver issues
The SHOWKINGS Radeon RX 580 8GB Graphics Card offers impressive performance and features at an affordable price. It delivers a superior gaming experience with its powerful chipset and ample memory. The high-definition display effects and versatile usage make it suitable for both gaming and non-gaming applications. The dual cooling fans ensure optimal performance and quieter operation. However, there might be some confusion about the power source and compatibility with certain PC cases. Additionally, occasional driver issues may arise. Overall, the SHOWKINGS Radeon RX 580 8GB Graphics Card is an excellent choice for budget-conscious computer enthusiasts who desire a reliable GPU for gaming and other tasks.
Overall Score: 8/10
The XFX Radeon RX 580 GTS XXX Edition is a high-performance graphics card featuring the latest Polaris architecture, XFX double dissipation cooling technology, and AMD VR ready premium. It offers enhanced performance and efficiency with its 4th gen GCN graphics cores and revolutionary next finfet 14 process technology. The XFX RX 580 GTS XXX Edition delivers a virtually stutter-free and low latency experience, making it perfect for remarkable virtual reality environments. With multiple factory GPU overclocked settings and a minimum power requirement of 500 watts, this graphics card provides optimal cooling and performance for gaming and multimedia. It also includes advanced features such as dual BIOS and compatibility with leading VR headsets.
Key Features
- Polaris architecture with 4th gen GCN graphics cores
- XFX double dissipation cooling technology
- AMD VR ready premium for virtual reality
- Multiple factory GPU overclocked settings
- Dual BIOS for advanced performance
- Compatible with leading VR headsets
Specifications
- Dimension: 10.63Lx1.57Wx4.88H
- Size: RX 580
Pros
- Enhanced performance and efficiency
- Optimal cooling and performance
- Virtually stutter-free and low latency experience
- Multiple GPU overclocked settings
- Dual BIOS for advanced performance
- Compatible with leading VR headsets
Cons
- No dust caps included
- Runs a bit warm compared to NVIDIA
- Lacks dust covers for unused ports
- Clunky replacement for GTX 970 on Linux
The XFX Radeon RX 580 GTS XXX Edition is a powerful and efficient graphics card that delivers exceptional performance for gaming and multimedia. With its advanced features and compatibility with leading VR headsets, it offers an immersive virtual reality experience. The XFX double dissipation cooling technology ensures optimal cooling and performance, while the multiple factory GPU overclocked settings allow for customized performance. Although it lacks dust caps and runs slightly warm compared to NVIDIA, the XFX RX 580 GTS XXX Edition remains a great choice for those looking for a high-quality graphics card at an affordable price. Overall, it delivers excellent value for its performance and features.
Overall Score: 9/10
The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 Gaming OC 12G (REV2.0) Graphics Card is a powerful and affordable option for gamers. With its NVIDIA Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors, 2nd Generation RT Cores, and 3rd Generation Tensor Cores, it delivers impressive performance and visuals. The graphics card features 12GB of GDDR6 memory and a 192-bit memory interface for smooth and high-quality graphics. It is perfect for 1440p gaming and can handle triple-A titles at medium settings with ease. The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 Gaming OC 12G (REV2.0) Graphics Card is also known for its quiet operation and excellent cooling while gaming. It comes with multiple HDMI ports and is compatible with dual monitors. Overall, it is a reliable and future-proof graphics card for gamers looking for a balance between performance and affordability.
Key Features
- NVIDIA Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors
- 2nd Generation RT Cores
- 3rd Generation Tensor Cores
- Powered by Ge Force RTX 3060
- Integrated with 12GB GDDR6 192-bit memory interface
Specifications
- Color: Aspic
- Dimension: 11.10Lx4.61Wx1.61H
Pros
- Powerful and affordable option
- Smooth performance for 1440p gaming
- Quiet operation and excellent cooling
- Multiple HDMI ports for dual monitors
Cons
- Possibility of coil whine
- Requires caution during installation
The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 Gaming OC 12G (REV2.0) Graphics Card is a great choice for gamers who value both performance and affordability. With powerful features like NVIDIA Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors and 2nd Generation RT Cores, it delivers smooth and high-quality graphics for 1440p gaming. The card runs quietly and stays cool even during long gaming sessions. While there is a possibility of coil whine and the need for caution during installation, the overall performance and value of this graphics card make it a worthy investment. Whether you’re a casual gamer or looking to upgrade, the GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 Gaming OC 12G (REV2.0) Graphics Card is a reliable option that will enhance your gaming experience.
Overall Score: 9/10
Upgrade your low-end gaming PC with the MSI Gaming GeForce GT 1030 4GB GDRR4 Graphics Card. This budget-friendly graphics card is designed for small cases with low power supply and delivers smooth gameplay for low-end games. The card features 4GB GDDR4 video memory and a boost clock of 1430 MHz. With a dimension of 5.91Lx0.75Wx2.72H, it easily fits into compact systems. The MSI GT 1030 4GB GDRR4 is equipped with a DisplayPort and HDMI output for connecting to multiple displays.
Key Features
- Chipset: NVIDIA Ge Force GT 1030
- Video Memory: 4GB GDDR4
- Boost Clock: 1430 MHz
- Memory Interface: 64-bit
- Output: Display Port x 1 (v1.4a) / HDMI 2.0b x 1
Specifications
- Dimension: 5.91Lx0.75Wx2.72H
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Low profile design
- Suitable for small cases and low power supply
- Smooth gameplay for low-end games
- Multiple display connectivity options
Cons
- Limited overclocking capability
- Not suitable for high-end gaming
Overall, the MSI Gaming GeForce GT 1030 4GB GDRR4 Graphics Card is an excellent choice for upgrading your low-end gaming PC. With its budget-friendly price, low profile design, and compatibility with compact systems, it offers a great solution for gamers with small cases and low power supply. The card delivers smooth gameplay for low-end games and supports multiple display connectivity options. Although its overclocking capability is limited and it is not suitable for high-end gaming, it provides impressive performance within its price range. If you’re looking to enhance your gaming experience without breaking the bank, this graphics card is definitely worth considering.
Overall Score: 9/10
Upgrade your gaming experience with the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB GDRR6 Graphics Card. Powered by the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 chipset, this graphics card offers a boost clock of 1807 MHz and 8GB GDDR6 video memory for exceptional performance. The 128-bit memory interface allows for fast data transfer, while the DisplayPort, HDMI, and DL-DVI-D outputs provide connectivity options. With Twin Fans and Ampere OC technology, this graphics card ensures efficient cooling and improved overall performance. Its compact dimensions of 8.07Lx1.77Wx4.41H make it suitable for various PC builds. Enhance your gaming visuals and enjoy a smooth, immersive gaming experience with the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 Graphics Card.
Key Features
- Chipset: NVIDIA Ge Force RTX 3050
- Video Memory: 8GB GDDR6
- Boost Clock: 1807 MHz
- Memory Interface: 128-bit
- Output: Display Port x 1 (v1.4a) / HDMI 2.1 x 1 / DL-DVI-D x 1
Specifications
- Dimension: 8.07Lx1.77Wx4.41H
Pros
- Powerful Ge Force RTX 3050 chipset
- 8GB GDDR6 video memory for smooth performance
- Efficient cooling with Twin Fans and Ampere OC technology
- Multiple output options for connectivity
- Compact dimensions for easy installation
Cons
The MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB GDRR6 Graphics Card is a top-notch choice for gamers looking to upgrade their graphics performance. With its powerful chipset, ample video memory, and efficient cooling system, this graphics card delivers exceptional performance and ensures a smooth gaming experience. The multiple output options provide flexibility in connecting to various display devices, and its compact dimensions make it a suitable choice for different PC builds. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 Graphics Card will elevate your gaming visuals and take your gaming experience to the next level.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Experience superior performance with the GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Eagle OC 8G Graphics Card. Powered by NVIDIA DLSS 3, this graphics card offers ultra-efficient Ada Lovelace architecture and full ray tracing capabilities. With the 4th Generation Tensor Cores, enjoy up to 4x performance with DLSS 3, while the 3rd Generation RT Cores provide up to 2x ray tracing performance. The card is integrated with 8GB GDDR6 128-bit memory interface and features the WINDFORCE Cooling System, RGB Fusion, Dual BIOS, and a protective metal backplate. With its exceptional performance and advanced features, this graphics card is a top choice for gamers and tech enthusiasts.
Key Features
- Powered by NVIDIA DLSS 3, ultra-efficient Ada Lovelace architecture, and full ray tracing
- 4th Generation Tensor Cores: Up to 4x performance with DLSS 3
- 3rd Generation RT Cores: Up to 2x ray tracing performance
- Integrated with 8GB GDDR6 128-bit memory interface
- WINDFORCE Cooling System, RGB Fusion, Dual BIOS, Protection metal back plate
Specifications
- Dimension: 10.71Lx4.53Wx1.61H
Pros
- Powerful performance with DLSS 3
- Advanced cooling system for temperature control
- Multiple features for customization and protection
Cons
- Non-OC version may be mistakenly shipped
- Blows air down to the motherboard instead of out the case
- Limited VRAM for certain memory-intensive games
The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Eagle OC 8G Graphics Card is an excellent choice for gamers and tech enthusiasts seeking powerful performance and advanced features. With NVIDIA DLSS 3, Ada Lovelace architecture, and full ray tracing capabilities, this graphics card delivers exceptional visual experiences. The 4th Generation Tensor Cores and 3rd Generation RT Cores further enhance performance, making it an ideal option for gaming at ultra-quality settings. The WINDFORCE Cooling System ensures efficient temperature control, while the RGB Fusion, Dual BIOS, and metal backplate provide customization and protection. Although there may be some minor inconveniences like the possibility of receiving the non-OC version and the cooling system blowing air down to the motherboard, the overall performance and features of this graphics card outweigh any drawbacks. With its competitive price, the GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Eagle OC 8G Graphics Card is definitely a top contender in the market.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
The MSI Gaming GeForce GT 710 Graphics Card is a low-profile, budget-friendly option for basic computer tasks. With a maximum display of 2, this card is suitable for light gaming. It features 2GB DDR3 memory and a 64-bit memory interface. The connectors include VGA, DVI-D dual-link, and HDMI, with a maximum resolution of 4096 x 2160 at 24Hz for HDMI and 2560 x 1600 at 60Hz for DVI. The card is compatible with a PCI express 2.0 x16 interface. It requires a 300W system power supply. Overall, it is a reliable option for users looking to upgrade older computers or perform basic tasks on a limited budget.
Key Features
- Chipset: NVIDIA Ge Force GT 710; Maximum displays: 2
- Video memory: 2GB DDR3/memory clock: 1600 MHz/memory interface: 64 bit
- 300w system power supply requirement; Interface is PCI express 2.0 x16 uses x8
- Connectors: VGA, DVI-D dual-link, HDMI; Form factor: Low profile.Avoid using unofficial software
- HDMI connectors is maximum resolution 4096 x 2160 at 24 hertz; DVI connectors is maximum resolution 2560 x 1600 at 60 hertz
Specifications
- Dimension: 5.75Lx0.75Wx2.72H
- Size: 2GB
Pros
- Affordable option for upgrading older computers
- Supports multiple displays
- Compatible with low-power systems
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
Cons
- Not suitable for high-end gaming
- Limited compatibility with unofficial software
The MSI Gaming GeForce GT 710 Graphics Card is a solid choice for users seeking a budget-friendly upgrade option for their older computers. While it may not be capable of handling demanding gaming tasks, it provides reliable performance for basic tasks such as web browsing and multimedia consumption. The card’s low-profile design and multiple display options make it suitable for various setups. However, it’s important to note that this card has limited compatibility with unofficial software, so users should stick to official drivers to ensure optimal performance. Overall, the GT 710 is a dependable and affordable graphics card that offers decent performance for its price.
Overall Score: 8/10
The GIGABYTE 2GB RAM DDR3 SDRAM Video Graphics Card is a cost-effective option for enhancing your computer's graphics performance. With a core clock speed of 954 MHz, it offers smooth visuals and improved picture quality. The low profile design makes it compatible with a variety of computers, and it features dual-link DVI-D/D-Sub/HDMI for versatile connectivity options. This graphics card has a form factor of low profile, making it suitable for slim or compact systems. It comes with handy utilities for adjusting picture settings and offers a good build quality with a quiet fan. While it may not be ideal for hardcore gaming, it provides excellent value for users looking to upgrade their graphics capabilities. Overall, the GIGABYTE 2GB RAM DDR3 SDRAM Video Graphics Card is a budget-friendly choice that delivers satisfactory performance.
Key Features
- Core Clock: 954 MHz
- Low profile design
- Features Dual-link DVI-D/D-Sub/HDMI
- Form Factor: Low Profile
- Avoid using unofficial software
Specifications
- Dimension: 5.70Lx2.70Wx0.90H
- Size: 2 GB
Pros
- Inexpensive and effective
- Great picture quality
- Quiet fan
- Handy utilities for picture adjustments
- Easy to install
Cons
- May not be suitable for hardcore gaming
- Limited memory capacity
- Issues with some Linux configurations
- Manual type is hard to read
For users looking to improve their computer’s graphics performance without breaking the bank, the GIGABYTE 2GB RAM DDR3 SDRAM Video Graphics Card provides a cost-effective solution. It offers a smooth and enhanced visual experience with a variety of connectivity options. While it may not be the most powerful option for gamers or intensive video editing, it delivers satisfactory performance for general use. The low profile design and easy installation make it compatible with various systems. Overall, this graphics card offers a good balance between affordability and functionality, making it a suitable option for budget-conscious users.
Buyer's Guide: Graphics Card
In the ever-evolving world of technology, graphics cards play a vital role in enhancing the visual experience of gaming, video editing, and even everyday tasks. To help you make an informed decision when purchasing a graphics card, we have compiled a comprehensive buyer's guide. So, let's dive in and explore the world of graphics cards!
Things to Consider
When selecting a graphics card, it is important to consider several factors that will ultimately determine its compatibility and performance. Here are some essential aspects to keep in mind:
- Budget
- Determine how much you are willing to spend on a graphics card while considering your requirements.
- Remember, expensive doesn't always mean better; the choice should align with your needs.
- Purpose
- Identify the primary purpose of your graphics card. Are you a gamer seeking the best gaming experience, or do you require it for professional tasks like video editing or 3D rendering?
- Different purposes may require specific features, capabilities, and performance levels.
- Compatibility
- Ensure your chosen graphics card is compatible with your system's motherboard and power supply.
- Check the required power connectors and physical dimensions to avoid any compatibility issues.
- Performance
- Determine the level of performance you require based on your intended usage.
- Factors like VRAM (Video RAM), clock speed, CUDA cores (for NVIDIA cards), and stream processors (for AMD cards) affect performance.
- Resolution and Refresh Rate
- Consider your display's resolution and refresh rate to select a graphics card that can handle the desired visual experience.
- Higher resolutions, like 4K, and faster refresh rates demand more powerful graphics cards.
- Cooling and Noise
- Take into account the cooling system of the graphics card. Some models come with additional fans or custom cooling solutions to ensure optimal temperatures.
- Consider noise levels, especially if you prefer a quieter environment while gaming or performing intensive tasks.
- Connectivity
- Assess the connectivity options provided by the graphics card, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI.
- Ensure the card supports the required number of monitors and the specific ports your display uses.
- Future Upgradability
- If you plan on upgrading your graphics card in the future, ensure your system's power supply and motherboard can accommodate it.
- Consider factors like available PCIe slots and power requirements for potential future upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions about 11 Best Graphics Card For 2023
NVIDIA and AMD are two major graphics card manufacturers. While both offer competitive products, they differ in terms of architecture, power efficiency, and software features. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference and specific requirements.
Yes, it is possible to use multiple graphics cards for enhanced performance or multiple monitor setups. However, this requires a compatible motherboard with sufficient PCIe slots and adequate power supply.
While brand loyalty exists, the brand of the graphics card does not significantly impact performance. Rather, it influences factors such as customer support, warranty, cooling, and software features. Evaluate brands based on their reputation and after-sales services.
The required VRAM depends on your intended usage. For casual gaming or general tasks, 2-4GB VRAM is usually sufficient. However, for high-end gaming or professional purposes like video editing, consider graphics cards with 6GB or more VRAM for better performance.
Overclocking involves pushing the graphics card beyond its factory-set clock speeds to gain additional performance. While it can boost performance, it may void warranty and potentially reduce overall lifespan. Only attempt overclocking if you are familiar with the process and willing to accept associated risks.