EVGA 770 2GB vs. PNY 770 4GB

[casualphoenix]

Hey everyone,

So I'm buying a video card today. I've found 2 really good options, but I have some questions about my choices.

Choice #1: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB
NewEgg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...D=3938566&SID=

Choice #2: PNY GeForce GTX 770 4GB
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/PNY-GDDR5-Grap...ds=pny+770+4gb
NewEgg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-500-_-Product

So here's my dilemma:
1. From what I can tell, EVGA is a more respected brand, although I've still heard good things online about PNY. Point to EVGA.
2. The PNY has 4GB instead of 2GB, giving me more headroom for the future potential of SLI. Don't know for sure if I'll do it or not, but I do game on multiple displays (3x1680x1050 = 5040x1050), so SLI would be perfect for that. Point to PNY.
3. The PNY doesn't include Watch Dogs. However, I can do the NewEgg Iron Egg Guarantee on the same model and get it for the same price, which will include Watch Dogs. EVGA/PNY tie.
4. Even though I can do the Iron Egg Guarantee, it'll still cost me more up-front to buy the PNY. Point to EVGA.
5. With registering the PNY card I should get equal warranty protection. EVGA/PNY tie.

(Note: I'm running a Core i7-2600 with 16 GB DDR3 on 700W, so the rest of my system can handle either one.)

I'm at a loss, although I'm leaning toward the EVGA. But the 4GB would be nice for the future, especially with multiple displays.

Obviously this is a toughie, so I'd really appreciate any advice. Thanks!

 

[RussianSensation]

If you have to go NV, get the MSI Gaming GTX780 for $450. I cannot recommend a $330 NV GPU with only 2GB of VRAM when you intend to use it for 3 monitors. I can't recommend a $370 4GB 770 when an after-market R9 290 beats it handily it for the same price as the resolution increases.

At least with an overclocked 780, it's a card that will be very close to an overclocked R9 290/X and 780Ti. You are paying a small price premium here but it's also a better bet for SLI. It's generally not a good idea to buy mid-range cards for SLI/CF down the line near the end of a generation - 770 is just a refreshed 680 -- a card that's almost 2.5 years old!

The MSI Gaming cooler is also better than either the EVGA's or PNY's.

 

[casualphoenix]

Wish I could, but I don't quite have enough money to go for a $450 card. And fortunately I can get the PNY card for $309, either through Amazon or price-matched on NewEgg. That's what makes the 4GB card so tempting.

 

[Tweakin]

Not pushing this, but I have a pair of EVGA GTX 760's for sale in the FS/FT forum...just in case. If you can do sli, major difference.

Just trying to give options...

 

[SlowSpyder]

Personally, I wouldn't buy a 2GB card that is over $300, you'll likely be unhappy with it sooner than later when you're not able to use some of the higher settings in future games. Even with some of today's games you'll have to sacrifice, and that's just 1080P, not to mention multiple monitors. So I'd definitely get a 4GB card, but no way I'd spend $370 for a GTX770 when you can get an R9 290 (or this one ) for the same or LESS than the cost of the 2GB GTX770, and you get three games. Kind of a no-brainer in my opinion.

 

[Attic]

If buying nVidia and buying today, and between those two choices, then get the 4 gb PNY. EVGA is top notch brand, but it doesn't overcome the VRAM difference between the cards.

The 770 is a great card and SLI will be nice with 4gb cards. 309$ for the PNY is a decent deal, not great. The 280x can be had for $245 now from newegg and that would be rival.

280x

But I'd recommend waiting and evaluating further, especially if you are $$$ conscious.

 

[toyota]

If you have to go NV, get the MSI Gaming GTX780 for $450. I cannot recommend a $330 NV GPU with only 2GB of VRAM when you intend to use it for 3 monitors. I can't recommend a $370 4GB 770 when an after-market R9 290 beats it handily it for the same price as the resolution increases.

At least with an overclocked 780, it's a card that will be very close to an overclocked R9 290/X and 780Ti. You are paying a small price premium here but it's also a better bet for SLI. It's generally not a good idea to buy mid-range cards for SLI/CF down the line near the end of a generation - 770 is just a refreshed 680 -- a card that's almost 2.5 years old!

The MSI Gaming cooler is also better than either the EVGA's or PNY's.

did you even look at the Amazon price for the 770 4gb he linked to? its only $310 with no rebate and free shipping which is pretty darn good.

 

[casualphoenix]

Thanks everyone for your assistance! Looks like I'll be getting the PNY one from NewEgg and doing their Iron Egg Guarantee. I'll make sure to register it, too, so I can get that extra warranty.

(Also, reason I decided to stick with a NVIDIA card over those other AMDs - although they are solid performers - is because I currently have an AMD card and want to go with NVIDIA this time. I don't hate my card or anything, but I'd like to see if the rumors I've heard of NVIDIA's overall longevity, etc. are true. Thanks again!)

 

[KaRLiToS]

R9 280x

 

[toyota]

R9 280x

why? he says he wants an Nivida card. the 770 4gb is as fast or faster than the 280x and is only about 10-15 bucks more if he sells Watch Dogs.