GPU Choice for a Long Term Build (4-5 Years)

[JThorpe]

Hello All,

I am trying to decide on a GPU for my long term build. I have asked this question before when I narrowed my choice to the GTX 780 (and I thank everyone who helped me the first time), but now with the 290X, the 780 price drop, and the rumored 780 Rev 2 chip (GHz), I am now back to square one.

Here is the background: I only build a new computer every 4-5 years (due to funding reasons). My current GPU is two AMD Radeon 4890’s in crossfire. I will be building a complete new build, and my choice is a 4770K for the CPU, and the Asus Maximus Hero for the MB.

I will want to get two GPU’s in Crossfire/SLI, more for the longevity aspect. I felt that with my current build I was able to play the newer games this year with higher settings because I had the crossfire set up, and I want to continue with that. My current monitor is a 1980x1080, and if I did upgrade my monitor, I would either go 2560x1440 or 120Hz monitor (no 3D), both at 27in. I know that GPU’s that I am looking at are overkill for the resolution I am at (or will be). Based on my experience, they would be overkill now, but as time goes on, and games get more intensive I would be covered the best I can. I know I cannot “future proof” my build, but I can at least mitigate the future requirements.

Here is my choices (SLI/Crossfire):
1) R9 290X non-reference (Asus Direct CU II most likely)
2) EVGA GTX 780 SC
3) GTX 780 (GHz), EVGA SC if it is available (if it is just a rumor, then not an option).

One of the questions that I have for the 290X vs. the GTX 780 is the vram. Does 4Gb make a huge difference vs. 3Gb? I know that games like Battlefield 3 state that the minimum requirements are 3Gb, and also games like Skyrim (which I play), can use a lot of vram if you utilize a lot of Mods (which I do), and I will most likely play any future Skyrim games as well. I also play games like BioShock, Fallout (with Mods), and different MMO’s (not WoW).

In regards to the Power Supply, would a 1000w SeaSonic Platinum be enough?

I am planning to start my build in late December (Christmas).

Also, the GTX 780Ti, would not be an option due to the price. I am looking at a price of $550-$600 per GPU max.

I apologize for the length of the post, but I want to make sure I present all of the information.

Thank you all in advance!!

 

[seitur]

Funding wise it would be cheaper to go for cheaper single GPU and swap every 1,5-2 years.

Additionally now is propably worst time to make long-term build in last few years.

 

[wand3r3r]

Personally I would wait until 290x aftermarket cards land (780 Ghz appears to be a rumor).

Between the 290x aftermarket and 780, I'd (assuming performance lines up) go 290x based on the assumption aftermarkets are ~10% faster while having OC headroom.

If you look at higher resolutions, the 290x lead increases, which I would consider as future proof as it gets (that's just a guess on my part). The extra GB and wider memory bus could be better long term.

Oh and the PSU, [h] shows 780w in crossfire in uber mode so you're fine.
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/11/01/amd_radeon_r9_290x_crossfire_video_card_review/9

 

[Attic]

Wow, that's beast mode.

Option 1:
1) R9 290X non-reference (Asus Direct CU II most likely)

Looks the most sexy to me. The new 290x has improved xFire functionality as well. You also get AMD Mantle.

For higher resolutions, 1440p and 1600p, the 290x is best choice as benchmarks show. That solid 1000w PSU from SeaSonic will be plenty.

 

[paul878]

Just buy the best that is within your budget, most games are console port these days.
And the new console will be the baseline for the next 7 or so years to come.

 

[spat55]

Get a GTX 780 I believe considering the price, and save the rest of the money. If you save your money on getting just one card you can buy another in 3 years time with 50% more performance than the old card for the same price.

There isn't really a point in trying to future proof everything, the PSU and CPU yes, as you want the CPU to last as the chipset/socket gets outdated (Unless you go with AMD) very quickly, but the GPU is easy to replace.

 

[wand3r3r]

I change my recommendation to wait for the 290 to hit. It's the card to watch atm. Probably most of the 290x with a small performance difference but almost certainly cheaper than the 780 while tying it (based on leaks).

 

[Attic]

Thread on [H] review of 290x xFire vs 780SLI and Titan SLI

290x xFire steals the show.

 

[el etro]

Best option is aftermarket 290X, but still is not ready for sale...

If you want the card "for yesterday", pick 780 Lightning.

 

[Erazor51]

For a long term build i would say 290x. You will get to enjoy games that support mantle and all the console ports should run better on amd hardware in my opinion.

 

[CakeMonster]

The best advice I can give you is to save the money and run single GPU and replace every 2-2.5 years. It will save you money, energy (more money), and driver issues. You will also get better performance out of it on average. I don't see any good reason whatsoever for the strategy you are suggesting.

 

[toyota]

yes foolish to go overkill now just to hold on for 5 years. thats the dumbest way of doing things when it comes to computers. the "funding issues" excuse make no sense at all.

 

[Silverforce11]

Some people just CBF to keep upgrading every 1 year with a new GPU just to run games at high settings. They go all out and it stays strong for a long time. Example: SLI OC 480s years ago would still be able to game at 1080p today.

But, a change is coming to PC gaming, 4K monitors are falling in prices and maybe in a years time they may become affordable for the masses. Here, you absolutely need as much grunt as possible and therefore, CF and SLI is a must. There's only 3 sane options currently for such a boss rig:

1. Wait to see how the 780Ti performs, NV is touting better performance at 4K
2. Wait for custom cooled R290X
3. Get water cooling on the reference R290X

Edit: Personally if I were to build such a boss rig now, I would go #3, for 2 reasons: 1) Mantle and its effects on top games using Frostbite 3, could be very useful, and 2) More OC potential to get extra performance later.

 

[Subyman]

yes foolish to go overkill now just to hold on for 5 years. thats the dumbest way of doing things when it comes to computers. the "funding issues" excuse make no sense at all.

I kind of agree. Unless you get some mysterious fat check every 5 years, I don't see how blowing a big wad all at once is doable but small upgrades aren't.

 

[Nintendesert]

At this point you have to wait for the 780ti and after market cooled 290X's.

The price adjustments alone will be worth the wait.

As for features, I'd rather go with G-Sync that works on every game than just mantle that works on Frostbite and we don't really know how well.

 

[SPBHM]

At this point you have to wait for the 780ti and after market cooled 290X's.

The price adjustments alone will be worth the wait.

As for features, I'd rather go with G-Sync that works on every game than just mantle that works on Frostbite and we don't really know how well.

G-Sync doesn't work on every game according to NV (but most), and you are limited to fewer displays and NV cards,

I would have to say the 290x looks more future proof, extra 1GB of vram can be useful and it have better 11.2 support?

but, historically I think NV supported older cards a little better than AMD/ATI!?

but VGA for 4 years? better buy something cheaper now, and another card in 2 years.

 

[blackened23]

Don't ever, ever buy a card and plan to use it for 5 years. That just won't happen. People who did that 5 years ago from today are using 8800s and we all know where they stand.

If anything, buy a mid range card now and buy another mid range card for 200-250$ two years from now. That will get you good performance both now and in two years from now. Four to five years? Not happening.

 

[24601]

Get a (good) 7950 for ~200 USD used and sell it and buy a new card when 20nm comes out (late 2014).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Saphire-Radeon-7950-/291007724030?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item43c16979fe

If your budget is 500-600 USD per 4-5 years on GPU, this is the best way to stretch your dollar.

If you can't afford to upgrade your computer more than every 4-5 years then you can't afford G-sync in the next couple months.

 

[JThorpe]

I kind of agree. Unless you get some mysterious fat check every 5 years, I don't see how blowing a big wad all at once is doable but small upgrades aren't.

Its not a mysterious check, its more a tax refund. I normally get enough every year, but pretty much after this year I have to put it to other things. So I am able to have the funds for a computer every 4-5 years. The other times, I am using those funds for other "important" things.

This is what I was able to do last time. I had the funds (they were not already set aside for something else) 4-5 years ago, so I build my current computer. After December's build I then will have to start to save money for other things.

Also, I have a better chance that my wife will be ok with spending that much, if I go all out (to a point) every 4-5 years then updating every 1-2 years.

 

[Slomo4shO]

Get a (good) 7950 for ~200 USD used and sell it and buy a new card when 20nm comes out (late 2014).

This is somewhat sound advise. The games he currently plays would fair well enough on a 7950/760 at 180P. However, I wouldn't recommend replacing the card down the line until there is a need. It may be also worthwhile to invest in a single 290 or 780 and then adding a second down the line when their prices drop (since both companies seem to now want to rebrand existing cards).

 

[JThorpe]

Don't ever, ever buy a card and plan to use it for 5 years. That just won't happen. People who did that 5 years ago from today are using 8800s and we all know where they stand.

If anything, buy a mid range card now and buy another mid range card for 200-250$ two years from now. That will get you good performance both now and in two years from now. Four to five years? Not happening.

That is actually what I did for my current build. I have 2 HD 4890's and I can say they were doing great until just a few months ago, and a BioShock Infinite later :'(

Had to drop down my settings (without cranking my fans to 100%, my GPU's hit 96c) for the first time in 4 or so years.

 

[24601]

Its not a mysterious check, its more a tax refund. I normally get enough every year, but pretty much after this year I have to put it to other things. So I am able to have the funds for a computer every 4-5 years. The other times, I am using those funds for other "important" things.

This is what I was able to do last time. I had the funds (they were not already set aside for something else) 4-5 years ago, so I build my current computer. After December's build I then will have to start to save money for other things.

Also, I have a better chance that my wife will be ok with spending that much, is I at go all out (to a point) every 4-5 years then updating every 1-2 years.

Explain to your wife that money is fungible, and that you set this trust fund aside for your 5 year upgrade plan .

Spending the money over the 5 years is far more efficient than spending all the money right this moment.

Midrange cards sell for about 50% of their purchase value when they get outclassed, so you can keep this treadmill going for a while.