I want to buy a new card. Please help

[videoneighor]

I wanted to buy a new video card for my machine. I currently have a AMD Radeon HD 6970 2GB card and it runs good, but I'm looking to pass this card down and get a new, more beefy video card. I've had this for a few years but want to buy a new card and (hope) to get double the performance. I just need some help and to be pointed in the right direction for a new card. This is what my card looks like right now: http://content.hwigroup.net/images/products/xl/114228/3/xfx_radeon_hd_6970_2gb.jpg

My Current Machine Build
Motherboard: Asus P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3
Processor: Intel Core i7 2700K @ 3500MHz (max : 3900)
Chipset: Z68
Ram: 16GB DDR3-SDRAM 1666mhz
Hard drive: 3TB
Power Supply: 1000w
Monitor Type : (2) Dell Computer DELL S2409W - 24 inches
Operating System: Windows 8.1 Pro Professional 6.02.9200 (64-bit)
DirectX: Version 11.00

My budget is between $300-$400. The new card can be either AMD or NVIDIA (no preference). Any help would be amazing; would love to buy a new card first thing in the morning.

 

[James3shin]

I have pretty much the exact same system. Asus P8Z68-V Gen 3 with 2500K and 16GB of RAM. I just replaced my GTX570 with a Sapphire Vapor-X R9 290 - it was a tremendous upgrade.

 

[Shmee]

I have pretty much the exact same system. Asus P8Z68-V Gen 3 with 2500K and 16GB of RAM. I just replaced my GTX570 with a Sapphire Vapor-X R9 290 - it was a tremendous upgrade.

That or the tri-X 290 are both great choices.

 

[MTDEW]

The R9 290 Vapor-X is an awesome card, but will be a bit over your budget.
But it really is worth the extra money over the Tri-X if you can fit it into your budget.

So The R9 290 Tri-X seems like a better fit for your budget.

And as was already said, They're both great GPU's and will be a huge upgrade over your 6970 2gb card.

I don't usually shop there, but it looks like Tiger Direct has the r9 290 Tri-x on sale for $390.00 with a 750w PSU and free shipping. ( $10 rebate too, but I don't count those)
SAPPHIRE RADEON R9 290 4GB TRI-X VIDEO CARD & KINGWIN 750W PSU
I'm not sure how good that PSU is, but to me it's basically free with the card, so why not, plus you get the 3 free game codes too.

 

[videoneighor]

I looked up the card on the page below... Which one is the best? Or should I order online?

http://www.frys.com/search?search_ty...ng=vapor+x+290

 

[Fastx]

At todays current pricing I would go with the Sapphire 290 Vapor X as my first choice, followed by the Sapphire Tri X 290 OC as the second choice. Just so you know, these cards are 12" so make sure your case has the room.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ED&Pagesize=20

EDIT-Oh I see MTDEW posted a better deal link at TD vs. NG so up to you, but the above two cards would be my pick at todays current pricing.

 

[videoneighor]

http://m.tigerdirect.com/products/8883739

Is this card better or worse than the vapor-x?

 

[MTDEW]

http://m.tigerdirect.com/products/8883739

Is this card better or worse than the vapor-x?

The Vapor-X has better VRM cooling than the Asus DirectCU II OC. (which IMO is the most important difference between the two)

The Vapor-X also has Digital Power control, a new Aero6 VRM section delivering 6-phase power with high power Direct-FET technology to the GPU, memory and control circuitry, the latest version of SAPPHIRE Black Diamond chokes, High reliability solid electrolyte capacitors, Intelligent Fan Control and a logo that changes colors to indicate GPU temps (if you're into that kinda bling thing).
So yeah, there is a reason it's more expensive and why everyone says its at the top of the R9 290 heap if you're looking for a card that will give you the best chances at a maximum overclock on air cooling.
Of course, you could buy a Vapor-X and it could still only overclock as high as a Tr-x or any other 290.....you just never know for sure when playing the silicon lottery.

Oh, I just remembered to mention to be sure and check the length and see if whatever card you buy will fit in your case.