Cheapest card that can do 4k gaming on low settings?

My gtx 970 seems to be inadequate

12GB+ of dedicated VRAM is recommended for 4K gaming but some games can run on less even with higher settings. i guess it may depend on what you want to play and how much future proofing you want.

Whats the point of 4k and having to go low settings?

My work computer now has 2 4k monitors that I use with my MacBook

Moving my desktop over to these new monitors so need to upgrade the video card, league of legends struggled on 4k on these monitors so that's what im trying to sort out as cheaply as possible since that's only pc game I would play as of late.

expect to drop $1000+ for 4k 60 fps gaming, the tariffs aren't helping gpu prices, which were already high to begin with, even pre 2016 china tariff.

i think league is more cpu intensive you would end up having to build a new pc cuz for 4k need better video card better cpu psu to run those and prolly a new mobo for newer gen support. a 3080 and i9 would probably work idk tho 144hz at 1080p would prolly have less input delays then 4k 60

on the note of cpus,
make sure, if you do buy a cpu, that it's in line with the gpu's capabilities.
You will run into bottleneck issues on many games otherwise.

just like 4nt suggested.
LOL may be a cpu based game, upgrading your gpu won't fix the cpu bottleneck.

also... https://forums.d2jsp.org/forum.php?f=188

4K video and pictures 60fps
gaming on 1080

cousin says he needs 144fps for gaming

I got a 2070 super it does well on lower end games in 4k and higher end games in 1080

Why is there a $300 and $1600 version of the same card? I am so confused with this current market

https://a.co/d/3vBYU2A