GPU for HTPC and medium gaming

[alawadhi3000]

The EVGA is $30 less expensive than that one. And the Asus 760 DCII is only $30 more. So I'm not sure that one hits any particular sweet spot. Anything specific that make it worth the extra money over the EVGA? Even if there were, why not just jump another $30 to the 760 I linked?

If you found the EVGA GTX660 for $159.99 then go for it.
It all depends on your budget, its as follows:-

GTX650 Ti Boost is ~%33 faster than a regular GTX650 Ti (~$150).
GTX660 is ~%13 faster than a GTX650 Ti Boost (~$180).
GTX760 is ~%26 faster than GTX660 (~$250).

If you can find a GTX760 for much less than $250 then go for it, otherwise a the GTX660 have a good price to performance ratio IMO.

 

[cytoSiN]

If you found the EVGA GTX660 for $159.99 then go for it.
It all depends on your budget, its as follows:-

GTX650 Ti Boost is ~%33 faster than a regular GTX650 Ti (~$150).
GTX660 is ~%13 faster than a GTX650 Ti Boost (~$180).
GTX760 is ~%26 faster than GTX660 (~$250).

If you can find a GTX760 for much less than $250 then go for it, otherwise a the GTX660 have a good price to performance ratio IMO.

Yeah so the EVGA 660 Superclock (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130826) is $160 AR.

The Asus 760 DCII OC (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121775) is $221 with NE code AR.

Both come with free AC4.

 

[Termie]

Let's look at it another way. The 660 is just slightly faster than your GTX 570. I know you've been thinking about upgrading that card for a very long time. Have you considered using it in the HTPC? That might make you more comfortable spending the extra money on a 760, which is a significant upgrade from the 570, around 35-40%. Otherwise, I'd go for the less expensive option, because it doesn't seem like this machine is going to be used for extreme gaming.

ACIV can be played on just about any modern card.

 

[cytoSiN]

Let's look at it another way. The 660 is just slightly faster than your GTX 570. I know you've been thinking about upgrading that card for a very long time. Have you considered using it in the HTPC? That might make you more comfortable spending the extra money on a 760, which is a significant upgrade from the 570, around 35-40%. Otherwise, I'd go for the less expensive option, because it doesn't seem like this machine is going to be used for extreme gaming.

ACIV can be played on just about any modern card.

Hrmmmm that's not a bad idea. Gotta think how easily I can fit a three slot card into the htpc case, but that may be a great solution.

 

[cytoSiN]

Sigh, I really need to just decide already. Was browsing some more, and came across this EVGA which is faster and only $8 more expensive (AR) than the Asus. Several of the Asus reviews complain about failures, but the EVGA reviews are solid on that front. And given the choice I'd prefer to deal with EVGA than Asus if the need arises. Decisions, decisions...

 

[Termie]

The Grandia is plenty big for the three slot cooler. Just check the length.

 

[cytoSiN]

The Grandia is plenty big for the three slot cooler. Just check the length.

Yeah its 11.5" long so it'll be close. But I like your idea.

 

[Termie]

Yeah its 11.5" long so it'll be close. But I like your idea.

Product page says "graphics cards up to 13.6 inches long".

So you're in business. Looks like you might need to remove one of the intake fans installed in the case - hard to tell from the photos on the website.

I'd definitely do that in your situation. You've been wanting an upgrade to that card for a while, and the 760 is fast enough to be considered a serious upgrade at a great price.

Just one thought - have you considered something other than the huge Grandia? Like this Fractal Node 605? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811352028

It's much shorter in depth, and actually doesn't have space for graphics cards longer than 11.2", so it wouldn't work for your old card, but maybe you want something smaller.

 

[cytoSiN]

Product page says "graphics cards up to 13.6 inches long".

So you're in business. Looks like you might need to remove one of the intake fans installed in the case - hard to tell from the photos on the website.

I'd definitely do that in your situation. You've been wanting an upgrade to that card for a while, and the 760 is fast enough to be considered a serious upgrade at a great price.

Just one thought - have you considered something other than the huge Grandia? Like this Fractal Node 605? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811352028

It's much shorter in depth, and actually doesn't have space for graphics cards longer than 11.2", so it wouldn't work for your old card, but maybe you want something smaller.

The fans were my concern. I figured I'd have to order it and see. Could always exchange a part here or there if necessary. I wanted the Grandia so I could continue to add more hard drives, and it fits just fine on my A/V console (it's basically the same size as an AVR, about a 17" square). I considered some smaller ones, but once I decided to make it a gaming rig as well, and considering that the Fractal costs the same as the Grandia, it seemed like a good choice. But you've certainly given me something else to think about! Between that and deciding which 760, there's pretty much no chance I'll get any work done tomorrow