Best Bang For Buck GPU for new 2500k StarCraft 2 Rig?

[Morg.]

best bang for the buck = AMD, always.
That alt tab issue is a pain, and SC2 doesn't really need a GPU (my 4850 does quite fine tbh).

So yeah you might need to go nvidia on this one if blizzard doesn't feel like fixing the alttab issue.

 

[MustangSVT]

Just confirmed, the new 11.3 drivers have fixed the issue with ALT - Tab, now its almost instant (there is a .3 second black screen but its nothing).

Ill update with report on any improved/decrease in performance.

but just alt-tab fix is already good

update- alt tab definitely fixed.
Seems like there is no performance gain/loss. It feels same but alt tab fix is a MAJOR fix for me

if you can get 6850 sub $150, I say go for it!
and with sandy bridge you have, you'll have high fps . meet u in diamond xD

 

[Smoolean]

Mustang, that is awesome news!!! Considering the Alt+Tab issue not existing anymore... I've decided on the 6850. Here is my semi-final build if anyone is interested. I'm still looking for any last minute tips, warnings, etc...

CPU: i5 2500k // $225
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Processo...1711484&sr=1-1

GPU: Radeon HD 6850 1 GB // $175
http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-DL-DV...1711462&sr=8-1

Motherboard: ASRock H61M-VS LGA 1155 // $67 (including shipping)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...0H61M-VS%20LGA

Power Supply: Corsair 430CX // $51 (including shipping)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9017&Tpk=430cx

RAM: G.SKILL NS 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1333 // $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&SID=u00000687

Case: Antec Three Hundred // $60
http://www.amazon.com/Antec-Three-Hu...1711556&sr=8-1

Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F3 // $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-181-_-Product

DVD/CD : ASUS Black 24X DVD+R // $27 (including shipping)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...SUS-_-27135204

Before Taxes (but including shipping) this comes to $692.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

Looks fine. My only suggestion is to go with an Antec Earthwatts, but it is also more expensive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-034-_-Product

 

[toyota]

I would spend a little more money and get at least a 500 watt psu. that way some future upgrades and overclocking will never be an issue.

 

[Smoolean]

Thanks for the help guys! cusideabelincoln, am I overlooking something or did you mean to link to another PSU? That is the same price, and also the same (430) watts as the one I chose?

toyota, that sounds like a smart idea. Does this seem like a decent choice?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ab=true&rdm=49

 

[toyota]

Thanks for the help guys! cusideabelincoln, am I overlooking something or did you mean to link to another PSU? That is the same price, and also the same (430) watts as the one I chose?

toyota, that sounds like a smart idea. Does this seem like a decent choice?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ab=true&rdm=49

thats more than I paid for my Earthwatts 650 watt psu but prices may have gone up since then. look around and see if you see something on sale though.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

The Antec Earthwatts 430W > Corsair Builder 430W. It's more efficient and gives more power on +12V.

Look at this Earthwatts Green if you've been convinced to get 500W.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371035

 

[toyota]

The Antec Earthwatts 430W > Corsair Builder 430W. It's more efficient and gives more power on +12V.

Look at this Earthwatts Green if you've been convinced to get 500W.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371035

yes that is a VERY good choice. just make sure you get a power cord since the green series omit those.

 

[taltamir]

Lower resolutions put more strain on the cpu

this is an incorrect reasoning for the phenomenon of increasing CPU dependence at lower resolutions.
Lower resolutions put less strain on the GPU, so that the main determinant of your benchmarked FPS becomes the CPU. However, realistically your 60Hz monitor is only able to display 60FPS max so these extra frames are wasted.
CPU consumption for a game remains about the same (it varies slightly) regardless of resolution, while GPU consumption increases massively with resolution.

best bang for the buck = AMD, always.

Only if you completely ignore power consumption costs in the CPU market, and the myriad sales and deals you can find for nVidia GPUs

 

[OCGuy]

Damn Smoolean I wish you would have posted a day or so earlier. If you were going to go AMD, the XFX 5870 was going for $179 AMIR this week on NE.....what a steal.