GPU for X4 955 - What Would You Do Right Now?

[Leyawiin]

I have a semi-hypothetical question for you guys. I have an Phenom II X4 955 that will OC no higher than 3.6 Ghz (crappy original C2 stepping). I've been playing the heck out of Skyrim and this week Bethesda offered a free DLC for hi-rez textures. Playing with the same Ultra settings I've been using with my GTX 460 1GB pushed the VRAM to the max (and it stuttered). I either have to turn down the quality settings or get a 2GB card (kind of surprising with just a 1680x1050 monitor). I'm kicking around the idea of a 2GB AMD card (HD 6870 or HD 6950). My budget max is about $225. Given my CPU, given the fact neither it nor the monitor will be upgraded for at least another year - maybe two, should I go for an HD 6000 mid-range series, or wait for the mainstream HD 7000s or Keplers? I know the mid-range new cards will have better performance, but given my budget cap and CPU would it even matter? In other words, would a $225 Kepler be that much better than a $225 card I can get right now?

Yeah, I know that other than the VRAM anything I can get right now would be only marginally better than a side-grade over an OC'd GTX 460. I just hate turning down quality settings on a game I love over that one weakness (1GB of VRAM).

 

[rageofthepeon]

If I were you I would probably try saving up for another month or two. In March AMD will release the 7870/7850 2GB and maybe Nvidia will have done something to drive down prices. That or at least released some Kepler specs. From there you can choose 7970/7950 (if you have more money) or 7870/7850 or wait for Kepler.

 

[daveybrat]

Absolutely NOOOO. Makes no sense at all to upgrade your GTX 460 card right now. Not with all of the new AMD and Nvidia cards coming out in the next couple of months.

You'll kick yourself for not waiting. I'm in the same boat as you, just waiting patiently for the new round of cards.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Magical Monkey gazes into crystal ball and sees all......... Keep a close eye on 2gb 6950 prices. When one drops to 180-200 free ship after rebate super de-duper game bundle deal snatch it up.

 

[Barfo]

I'd look for a stolen GTX 580 that fits my budget in Craig's List .

 

[Leyawiin]

I'd look for a stolen GTX 580 that fits my budget in Craig's List .

lol. I guess I better sit tight and be patient a little longer (which is not one of my strong points). The price drop on an HD 6950 2GB hopefully will happen. After reading roadmaps and leaked specs I don't know if I can do substantially better for less than $300 with the new cards (over the HD 6950 for example). Still, I'll wait. Even with lowering the quality settings Skyrim still looks better with the new HD texture DLC than it did maxed out before.

 

[Rhezuss]

My 955 oced at 3.7 + HD 6950 2gb unlocked is a great combo.

If the prices on the 6950 2gb drops to your liking, get one!