• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Need to buy a new GPU exclusively for BF3 & Skyrim

neilpan

Member
I don't play many games but I've been waiting to play these two games. I am looking at GTX560/570 and AMD 6950. I'd like to stay around $300.

I currently have a 8800GT and it can't even run BF3 with low settings smoothly. Suggestions? I play at 1920x1200 res. I am OC friendly 🙂
 
You could go for a 6950 and unlock it to a 6970. They have em on newegg for as little as 240 bucks. If you want to go with nVidia, probably go for a 570 starting at around 300 bucks.
 
What is your CPU and Power Supply?

I would say Sapphire Toxic 2GB 6950 is a good card. It's essentially an HD6950 with a switch that turns it into an HD6970.

There is also this Sapphire HD6950 2GB for $248 - $20 MIR - $15 off with coupon code: SPOOKY = $213 or the Sapphire Dirt3 Edition for almost the same price. With the Dirt 3 Edition, you get Deus Ex and Dirt 3 (so 2 free games instead of 1). Good deal since you can resell those.
 
Last edited:
Hope the Op has a quad core.

Played some Bf3 tonight on a 8800gts/x2 555 both at stock and it delivered a measily 1024x768 low experience.

Played smooth but if Op can't play low period as in any resolution,i would worry about his setup or drivers or both?
 
+1 on a 6950 2GB. I would prefer XFX 6950 for the transferable lifetime warranty, but I'm not sure if it can be unlocked. At nearer to $300, you could get the MSI 6950 Power Edition that will unlock to 6970 and overclock beyond 6970 speed.
 
What CPU and Power Supply do you have?

Until you answer those questions it doesn't make sense to think about the card. You don't want to buy a Video card that will be bottlenecked by your CPU or not have enough power from your Power supply.
 
Not sure you can really top the GTX480 @ 225 at newegg.

Gigabyte 560 Ti 900MHz $205 after rebate. Overclock a bit more and it's nearly as fast as 480 but a lot quieter, cooler and less power hungry.
 
I would agree with the Radeon 6950. Simply it is the best deal right now to play current games. If you really like nVidia you are stuck paying $300 for the 570. I personally would take the $60 I save on the 6950 and get a couple games with it.
 
Buy a used 5770, and wait for 28nm. Seriously... they're skipping 32nm, it has to be a huge jump in performance at every price point.
 
Buy a used 5770, and wait for 28nm. Seriously... they're skipping 32nm, it has to be a huge jump in performance at every price point.

A 5770 would get crushed by that resolution in either game, especially BF3.

And he wants it for his games in a few weeks. Any high performance card now will do him a great favor.
 
Does that Dirt Edition have the overclock switch?

Yes! I just followed this thread and voila! I am at 880/1375 speeds with updated shaders. Hell yes! I test the performance on 3DMark11 and I got X1824 🙂 with i7-2600K @ stock. I say, this is a pretty good deal 🙂

Same performance as 6970 minus $100 😱. Now, I just have to remember to file the $20 rebate D:

I launched BF3 with Ultra settings and OMG. Holyjeezusuberchrist!!!

Details below:

32DAh.jpg
 
Last edited:
wow, thats sweet. glad to see everything worked out well for you. You cant find a better deal, that is tops!!!
 
If AMD cards didn't tank with MSAA I might think about it.

Are you looking for a card too? If so, i would suggest holding out for a couple weeks for the holiday deals to show up. The new gf110 Nvidia GPU should be interesting. o would imagine it would be the best bang for the buck. Regardless, all prices will be good.

If you cant wait there are some GTX480 for 220-250. My friend got one for $235 from a surplus store. I can get the link, but i believe you can find them on google -shopping search.

I never payed the 480 much mind but he has really got me pretty interested myself. Its a lot more powerful than my 460 and its impressive
 
Back
Top