GTX 780ti vs 290x

[Attic]

How is $525 too much for a new gtx 780 FTW? it also included a $60 copy of watch dogs
they sell elsewhere for even more
I am new to oc' a gpu actually but that does not mean i am not a fast learner!:twisted:
You said you HAD a classified and FTW, what do you use now?
those two are not shit cards

Can you return the card and keep Watch Dogs activation? I'd count WD's as something less than $60 as you evaluate your choices here.

Choices are all pretty solid. So I wouldn't stress having the 780 Evga FTW@525. Great card.

Keep your current card.

Or return it for full refund and go with:

Sapphire R9 290 Tri-x OC:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202080&cm_re=r9_290-_-14-202-080-_-Product

$435
More VRAM.
Roughly even performance with edge going to R9 290 Tri-X OC.

Or
Go with R9 290X:
Powercolor PCS+ is a great card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131548
$529-6% coupon
$500 -$30 rebate

Gets ya a 290x for $470

There's always the 780ti is you're not happy with the GTX780.

I think $525 for the 780 EVGA FTW is overpriced even though that is a good deal given what the card retails for. The card is an excellent card.


Because you're looking at R9 290's i'd reccomend the 290 non x because of cheaper price point and close to 290x performance.

Here's a decent breakdown of the 290 Tri-X OC vs 780 FTW. I don't have a straight head to head of benches but this gives a few.

http://versus.com/en/sapphire-r9-290-tri-x-vs-evga-geforce-gtx-780-ftw-w-acx-cooler

Really where I think the interesting break at these performance levels and asking prices is in going from R9 290 or R9 290x to the 780ti. The 780 doesn't make a lot of sense given it's price vs 290 and/or 290x. The 780ti is beast mode enough at high clocks that I think even though it's overpriced that it can make sense, though then there's the VRAM limitation of 780ti's with 3gb. You can also go beast mode on the clocks with your 780 FTW, which you should do just to see where it will clock to.

The good non reference 290 and 290x (tri-x included) should all do 1100-1200 on core OC's.

 

[rtsurfer]

How is $525 too much for a new gtx 780 FTW? it also included a $60 copy of watch dogs
they sell elsewhere for even more
I am new to oc' a gpu actually but that does not mean i am not a fast learner!:twisted:

I have seen 780s like MSI gaming go on sale for around $475 or less I believe.

The FTW is a not really a good card.
It tries to be a bridge between a SuperClocked & a Classy & it fails.

The switch for switching to 2nd BIOS is really small & delicate.
Nothing like the Classy's easily accessible one.
There is no Water Block available for the FTW. Mine didn't even hold a candle to my Classy in OC, but that might just be lottery.

I paid $500 shipped for my FTW back in January.
I also got my Classy for $500 or $520 something after Rebate in February. They have sales on these cards periodically.

If you pay a $1 more than $500 for a 780 it better be a Classy or a Lightning.

OCing is not that hard as long as you are not scared of pushing volts through the thing.

Edit: Also the FTW's second BIOS doesn't give you as much of increased Power limit as a Classy.
If you were to flash a custom BIOS on it, why not do it on a cheaper SuperClocked edition.
Flashing BIOS is not hard, 2nd BIOS is rarely needed except if you screw up big.

 

[PC_gamer5150]

Can you return the card and keep Watch Dogs activation? I'd count WD's as something less than $60 as you evaluate your choices here.

Choices are all pretty solid. So I wouldn't stress having the 780 Evga FTW@525. Great card.

Keep your current card.

Or return it for full refund and go with:

Sapphire R9 290 Tri-x OC:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202080&cm_re=r9_290-_-14-202-080-_-Product

$435
More VRAM.
Roughly even performance with edge going to R9 290 Tri-X OC.

Or
Go with R9 290X:
Powercolor PCS+ is a great card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131548
$529-6% coupon
$500 -$30 rebate

Gets ya a 290x for $470

There's always the 780ti is you're not happy with the GTX780.

I think $525 for the 780 EVGA FTW is overpriced, but the card is an excellent card.

I think i will return the 780 and go with that 290 for $435 thanks

 

[PC_gamer5150]

I have seen 780s like MSI gaming go on sale for around $475 or less I believe.

The FTW is a not really a good card.
It tries to be a bridge between a SuperClocked & a Classy & it fails.

The switch for switching to 2nd BIOS is really small & delicate.
Nothing like the Classy's easily accessible one.
There is no Water Block available for the FTW. Mine didn't even hold a candle to my Classy in OC, but that might just be lottery.

I paid $500 shipped for my FTW back in January.
I also got my Classy for $500 or $520 something after Rebate in February. They have sales on these cards periodically.

If you pay a $1 more than $500 for a 780 it better be a Classy or a Lightning.

OCing is not that hard as long as you are not scared of pushing volts through the thing.

Edit: Also the FTW's second BIOS doesn't give you as much of increased Power limit as a Classy.
If you were to flash a custom BIOS on it, why not do it on a cheaper SuperClocked edition.
Flashing BIOS is not hard, 2nd BIOS is rarely needed except if you screw up big.

its goin back to evga with some choice words on my part:twisted:

 

[rtsurfer]

its goin back to evga with some choice words on my part:twisted:

Okay.

 

[Attic]

I think i will return the 780 and go with that 290 for $435 thanks

That's where i'd likely land on this were I in your shoes. I really like the cooler and performance area vs price of these cards.


Not to complicate things further but,
Gigabyte 290 OC for $380 w/ free shipping

That's from tigerdirect and they are as solid as newegg from business i've done.

It's got a 1040mhz stock clock on it's core. May want to dig around on that one and see what folks have to say.

 

[SlowSpyder]

Power Color R9 290 for $370 AR.

XFX R9 290 for $360 AR.

And if I really wanted to spend around $500 on a video card, I'd get the Sapphire Vapor X R9 290. :twisted: Beast.

If you were comfortable spending $525 and are planning on spending $435, I'd give the Vapor X a look, $470 @ Newegg.

 

[SlickR12345]

I'd go for the 290x

 

[OCGuy]

Are you sure you wouldn't have to pay a 15% re-stocking fee + shipping back to EVGA? That seems like it would kind of kill any value gain @ 1080p. Performance wise you are slightly downgrading against a stock 290 since you are OC'd:

 

[PC_gamer5150]

Are you sure you wouldn't have to pay a 15% re-stocking fee + shipping back to EVGA? That seems like it would kind of kill any value gain @ 1080p. Performance wise you are slightly downgrading against a stock 290 since you are OC'd:

I checked and you are 100% right!
it would cost me shipping it back and $80.25 for a re-stocking fee!
forget that idea! I am glad you posted this
besides in that chart i see what you mean the ref 780 and ref 290 are neck to neck,
i know my 780 ftw is faster than both of those out of the box.
I will just make due with the 780 for as long as i can and upgrade to the 800 series or even the following series if i can put up with lowered settings:biggrin:

 

[ocre]

The 780 (ftw) is really a nice card. I wouldnt waste my time with sending it back and paying restocking fees if i were you.

Nvidia products usually cost a little more and many people are willing to pay it. Actually, Nvidia GPUs are the most popular despite their premium.

But for those who want to save i few bucks, the there are plenty great deals on the 290. Its a great performer for sure and it is a great option.

But in your case, you already own the 780ftw. The 290 is cheaper but you wont come out with much more money in the long run. Besides, Nvidia is the most popular brand and image. It is debatable as to the reason they are more popular but thats not what i want to get into. I just think that your purchase wasnt so terrible after all.

I mean, I think its a fantastic card myself

 

[PC_gamer5150]

The 780 (ftw) is really a nice card. I wouldnt waste my time with sending it back and paying restocking fees if i were you.

Nvidia products usually cost a little more and many people are willing to pay it. Actually, Nvidia GPUs are the most popular despite their premium.

But for those who want to save i few bucks, the there are plenty great deals on the 290. Its a great performer for sure and it is a great option.

But in your case, you already own the 780ftw. The 290 is cheaper but you wont come out with much more money in the long run. Besides, Nvidia is the most popular brand and image. It is debatable as to the reason they are more popular but thats not what i want to get into. I just think that your purchase wasnt so terrible after all.

I mean, I think its a fantastic card myself

yes everything you just said plus what OCguy said earlier definitely makes
the most sense.
I would wind up with about the same card and a lot of hassle as well.
plus re-sale on a 290 is very sketchy i would be lucky to get half of what i paid.
After i get better at oc'ing i am sure i will love this card.
even stock it is not too shabby

 

[OCGuy]

Plus with EVGA step-up, maybe you'll find a few extra bucks in an old pair of jeans, and apply the entire purchase price towards a Ti on sale....or even a yet to be announced card.

If not, you'll still be glad you have an extra year on your warranty over the 290.

 

[PC_gamer5150]

Plus with EVGA step-up, maybe you'll find a few extra bucks in an old pair of jeans, and apply the entire purchase price towards a Ti on sale....or even a yet to be announced card.

If not, you'll still be glad you have an extra year on your warranty over the 290.

more great reasons! you sure you dont work for evga?:biggrin: JK

 

[OCGuy]

more great reasons! you sure you dont work for evga?:biggrin: JK

I am a EVGA fanboy, can't lie. But l am far more loyal to my need to buy new stuff, as well as get good deals....which is why I have had a PNY 480, 2 XFX 5850s, 3 XFX 7970s, 2 290s, and a MSI 770 since my last EVGA.

But I digress...

 

[PC_gamer5150]

I am a EVGA fanboy, can't lie. But l am far more loyal to my need to buy new stuff, as well as get good deals....which is why I have had a PNY 480, 2 XFX 5850s, 3 XFX 7970s, 2 290s, and a MSI 770 since my last EVGA.

But I digress...

nuthin wrong with that I went evga simply because i nor my buds have ever had a issue with them. they seem to be really good cards overall with great CS.
BTW, i think the next series will be interesting to say the least

 

[tolis626]

I'll have to agree on the EVGA part. These guys are awesome. I bought my PSU from them (The SuperNova 1300G2, overkill done right) and... Well, I never thought I'd be surprised by a PSU as a whole. The unit itself screams quality, its cables are nicely sleeved (Not lutro0 style, but not bad by all means) and it has a 10 year warranty. Like seriously, what the hell?

Anyway, on the topic at hand, since you do have the GPU I'll agree with the guys who told you to keep it. OCguy is right about sticking with your card and then using EVGA's step up program and upgrade to something better. Sometimes (And more often than not) it's a better solution to selling the card and then buying what you want. Plus, the 780 is usually able to overclock balls to the wall if you are comfortable with pushing the voltages up (I think somebody already said that). Believe me when I say that you have enough headroom for at least 1250MHz. And since you don't want to water cool your system (As far as I've understood), you're golden.

 

[SlowSpyder]

It certainly doesn't make sense if you have to pay a 15% restock fee to swap out the card at this point. The 780 is by no means bad, just not as good of a price/performance ratio as some other cards. Enjoy you card OP!

 

[PC_gamer5150]

I'll have to agree on the EVGA part. These guys are awesome. I bought my PSU from them (The SuperNova 1300G2, overkill done right) and... Well, I never thought I'd be surprised by a PSU as a whole. The unit itself screams quality, its cables are nicely sleeved (Not lutro0 style, but not bad by all means) and it has a 10 year warranty. Like seriously, what the hell?

Anyway, on the topic at hand, since you do have the GPU I'll agree with the guys who told you to keep it. OCguy is right about sticking with your card and then using EVGA's step up program and upgrade to something better. Sometimes (And more often than not) it's a better solution to selling the card and then buying what you want. Plus, the 780 is usually able to overclock balls to the wall if you are comfortable with pushing the voltages up (I think somebody already said that). Believe me when I say that you have enough headroom for at least 1250MHz. And since you don't want to water cool your system (As far as I've understood), you're golden.

Oh yeah the super nova G2 is my PSU as well. Got the 750 watt model
I love it!
As far as my 780 i am keeping it and my best bet is to OC to its max for full perfomance from it. milk it for all its worth!
I still have a lot to learn about OC'ing safely/properly so
where is the best place to learn all about oc'ing?

 

[Attic]

For OC'ing, google-fu is your best friend and there's lots of help on this board. Some newegg reviews may give you an idea of what folks are generally getting as far as a reasonable OC goal on that card.

 

[PC_gamer5150]

For OC'ing, google-fu is your best friend and there's lots of help on this board. Some newegg reviews may give you an idea of what folks are generally getting as far as a reasonable OC goal on that card.

thanks, i want to check out some of the results from others so i will take a look
on newegg reviews

 

[tolis626]

Yup, check around for overclocking suggestions, but take them for what they are, suggestions. You only get good at overcloking with experience. At first it's a really tedious process, until you learn what to touch and what not to and so on, but when you get a feel for it, it's quite easy. It just needs a little time is all.

Good luck!