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Have GTX280 - Can Step-up to GTX295 for $70. Should I?

V

Valour

Senior member
I don't want to be just another guy asking a tired question, but I have had a hard time coming up with enough information to make what I feel is a good decision.

I have a Core 2 Duo E8400 @ 3.6 with a PCIE 2.0 mobo. I want all eye candy at 1680, but will shortly be going to 1920. I'm happy with my GTX280 right now, but for only $70 I can step up to a GTX295. Pretending that its a free step up, is this a good decision? I'm not really afraid of having more power than I need. I'm mainly afraid of losing something by going to a dual gpu setup. From everything I have been reading, my CPU is holding me back with a 295. I will probably go to a core i7, but not right away. When I do, I will probably keep whatever video card I have at that time for at least a while. Will I be just as happy with the 295 as I am with the 280? If so, why not spend a little cash now for the benefit down the road? I only have a couple days to make up my mind. Any thoughts? Thanks
 
I'd wait a couple of months for a single GPU to come out. It'll likely outperform the 295 and you won't have to worry about some games being unoptimized for SLI.
 
I'd do it if I were you. Your 8400 @3.6 is about as good as it gets (game performance wise) and I don't think it would be holding a 295 back much if at all. Who knows when the next generation of gpus will be out...could be towards the end of the year. You can play the never ending "waiting for the next best thing" game if you want, but the 295 should be near the top for some time I would imagine. For $70 you can get the best video card around and it will keep you happy for a couple generations.
 
I would do it for $70, especially since you'll be upping the resolution shortly. Have you tried pushing the E8400 more? I bet it could run at 4Ghz+ with no issues.
 
$70? isnt 295 like $150+ better? how could it not be worth it, when you could trade up and sell it and buy another 280 and profit?
 
... do it for 70$. sell it on ebay, use the proceeds to buy another 280 and pocket the difference... or just keep it. This is definitely a good tradeup.
 
Originally posted by: taltamir
... do it for 70$. sell it on ebay, use the proceeds to buy another 280 and pocket the difference... or just keep it. This is definitely a good tradeup.
Click to expand...

I say do it. Then, if you decide it wasn't worth the upgrade sell the 295 for $400+ (retails $500+ so should be a quick sale) and then buy either another GTX 280, or a GTX 285. FWIW in Hot Deals there's a thread about Fry's selling GTX 280 for $250 AR and GTX 260 for $150 AR. You can pocket some money and get to test a faster card.
 
Thanks guys for all the replies. I'm going to take the advice and upgrade for the $70. And like many said, if for some reason I'm not happy, I will sell and get a 280 or 285 instead.

Thanks again! 🙂
 
Heh, silly question. NVIDIA SUCKS AND ATI RULES !!! Oh, shit, forgot to disable ati-fanboy mode 😛

For $70 it would almost be dumb not to step-up. The GTX295 has the same amount of shaders and only a slightly smaller memorybus. If OC-ed the GTX295 could almost equal TWO GTX280's in SLI.

Oh, and if a game doesn't scale, one gpu will still give like 80-90% of your GTX285's performance.
 
I am about to step up from a GTX260, and considering it will costs me about the same as it would be if I would buy another, and from what I've seen (at least at 1920 x 1200), I gain 100% increase stock parts, it is worth it for me. I would definately pay the $70 to step up.
 
Alternately.... shouldn't you be able to Step-Up to a GTX 285 for free? That would be slightly better in all ways than the GTX 280.
 
Originally posted by: Ocguy31
:thumbsup:

Looks like you over-paid for your 280, but now you get to redeem yourself with the 295.
Click to expand...

Considering I bought it for $296 after rebate and MS Cashback, I wouldn't say I over-paid. I waited until the time was perfect. 🙂

I just paid for my step-up, so it shouldn't be too much longer until I get to put it through the paces. Although I could have had it quicker, but was too cheap to expedite the shipping. :laugh:
 
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