Choosing a new GPU, Freesync or Nvidia...

[nOOky]

The recent purchase of a 4k monitor has me looking to upgrade my graphics card. I have an overclocked 7970 that works for 2d and even does okay for older games, but I want to try out some newer games like Doom or Prey.

It is an LG monitor with Freesync. I am wondering how much stock I should actually put in that when choosing AMD or Nvidia. I am thinking of just getting an Evga GTX 1080 and not worrying about it, but if a Vega 64/56 would offer anything over the Nvidia... I have no experience playing on a PC with Gsync or Freesync so I am not sure if it really matters.

I guess a 3rd distant option would be a cheaper GPU like an R390X and then wait and see what early 2018 brings.

 

[Elfear]

Why not watch for a Vega 56 to hit MSRP or go on sale? You'll get the same performance as a GTX 1070 and can try the Freesync your monitor has to offer.

 

[Crono]

1070Ti should also be coming soon. I'd wait at least until then, and decide between that and Vega 56 depending on availablity and price.

Doom and Prey aren't demanding games, though. They'll run better on a 7970 than most newer triple-A titles would. Might be better to stick with your current card and wait until Volta to upgrade.

 

[Guru]

I'd just go for a GTX 1080 now and not look back. I mean its generally faster in the majority of DX11 titles, wins and loses some in DX12 titles, but consumes a lot less power and is a better overclocker.

1070ti might end up being a good value, but a full on 1080 is different. With overclocks you gain additional 5-10% performance.

Vega 56 or 60 are just not good enough. They seem to be really good at DX12, but even then its not a clear win. They are just too unbalanced and you don't know what you are getting, they are inconsistent. Some games they perform amazing and the Vega 60 closes on 1080ti or even surpasses it, other games it barely holding up with the 1070.

With the 1080 you know what you are getting and you get a consistently great performance across DX11 and DX12.

Do I think in one year or so with optimized drivers and newer DX12 games that Vega 60 is going to overcome the 1080, sure, but you are buying a card to play optimally now, one year for it to get better at newer games and stuff doesn't cut it, especially not when the 1080 is basically one and a half years old now.

If consumer Volta was coming out sooner I'd say to wait for that, but at the earliest we are looking at Q2 2018 launch

 

[nOOky]

Thank you for the suggestions, even more to chew on lol. I guess the question is will Freesync offer enough to overcome not having it, especially as I may want to try more demanding games in the future. Right now I favor the GTX1080 approach, but I'd go AMD if it made sense from that perspective. As stated above I'd like to see the prices on Vega cards come down because that would probably swing the decision the other way.

 

[tential]

The only reason to buy an Nvidia GPU is to pair it with a Gsync monitor. If you don't intend to do that, then don't get an Nvidia GPU.

Vega 56 is your best option unless you change your mind about your monitor.

 

[kawi6rr]

Vega 56 with Freesync!!

 

[Shmee]

Vega for a good price would make sense, especially if you can wait for custom cooled cards. I have a fear the 1070Ti will be price gouged due to I suspect GDDR5 and not GDDR5X, and thus will be bought out by miners for the most part. Time will tell, I would recommend waiting a bit for more options.

 

[Flapdrol1337]

The only reason to buy an Nvidia GPU is to pair it with a Gsync monitor. If you don't intend to do that, then don't get an Nvidia GPU.

Vega 56 is your best option unless you change your mind about your monitor.

Vega 56 costs as much as a 1080 here, so I'd reverse that statement, get amd if you want to pair it with a freesync monitor.

 

[Guru]

AMD cards are not a good value and a freesync monitor doesn't change that. Nvidia is a much better value right now and has been for the past year and a half in the mid to high range.

AMD took over a year and released an inferior product that may improve over one or two years slightly.

I am saying this as an AMD supporter, don't buy Vega. In terms of processors AMD is destroying Intel right now and all of their processors are better value than Intel's offerings, but in terms of mid and high range graphics they are crap and everyone should stay away from Vega and punish them.

Bad performance, terrible power consumption, inconsistent performance, no custom cards, no stock and ultra high prices, etc...

There is ZERO reason to get AMD 56 or 60 right now, Nvidia is the better option.

If you are looking purely at the 1070 and Vega 56, then with freesync the Vega 56 will be a slightly better option, but 1080 will offer much better performance than both of those.

 

[dlerious]

Look for reviews for the games you're interested in where they test multiple graphics cards at different resolutions to get an idea what kind of framerates you'll get. Then decide which card gives the best performance at the price you're willing to pay. I have a 27-inch 1440p 144Hz Freesync monitor on another system. Started with a RX580, upgraded to a GTX1070 and have a GTX1080Ti on the way (all bought at or below MSRP). I'm thinking about grabbing a Vega (56 or 64), but I want the card only - no bundles and I don't know that I'm willing to pay more than $450 for the 56 or $550 for the 64.

 

[Madpacket]

Gsync monitors are a ripoff and a bad value compared to a good Freesync monitor.

Since you already have a 4K Freesync monitor pick up a Vega 56 at MSRP. A tuned VEGA 56 tades blows with the 1080 so will likely be faster than a 1070 Ti, especially as games become more advanced.

Freesync is a game changer and buying a 1080 instead will give you a worse overall gaming experience.

 

[wilds]

I own a Freesync 4k60 panel and Gsync 4k60 panel for each of my builds containing an AMD and Nvidia gpu respectively. You definitely want Freesync enabled!!!

Get an aftermarket Vega 56 when they are available! Freesync is awesome and works a lot like Gsync. I can't tell the two apart.

 

[Ancalagon44]

Wait for Vega 56 AIB cards to be released, then buy a Vega 56 and undervolt it. This will decrease power consumption and temps to be more in line with 1070 levels. Still higher but at least your performance per watt will improve.

 

[nOOky]

Yea the prices on the Vega cards are crazy yet. Perhaps I will wait it out and see what happens before the holidays and the custom coolers come out. I will not pay a premium for the extra heat and power consumption.

 

[nOOky]

Ordered a Saphhire 64 LE from Amazon yesterday. I was excited about playing with it this weekend, but apparently USPS delivered it to an address in West Fargo, ND so I need to file a claim. Grrr.