Need to buy a new GPU exclusively for BF3 & Skyrim

[neilpan]

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

 

[Masahiro]

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.

 

[RussianSensation]

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.

 

[s44]

$248 is the after-rebate price. $233 is still quite good.

 

[skipsneeky2]

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?

 

[Leyawiin]

It would be helpful if O.P.s would list their system specs before posting once and disappearing.

 

[lehtv]

+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.

 

[bryanW1995]

Lots of deals out there on nice cards. 6950 2gb or gtx 480 for 200-225 looks like the best deal ATM.

 

[Vdubchaos]

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.

 

[goobernoodles]

Not sure you can really top the GTX480 @ 225 at newegg.

 

[lehtv]

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.

 

[Jacky60]

6950 2gb simples!
Best bang for buck and best future proof-2gb memory!

 

[slayernine]

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.

 

[sygyzy]

Wow, great advice here guys. Love that I don't have to do any research - just pick up a 6950

 

[90DegreeMan]

Sorry guys.

I have a i7-2600K with a 650W PSU. /logged in with a different ID.

 

[90DegreeMan]

Ok guys, I pulled the trigger based on the feedback.

Bought this:
http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-DL-DV...9830824&sr=8-1

Will be delivered today $244 after rebate. Not a bad price Thanks everyone!

 

[sygyzy]

Ok guys, I pulled the trigger based on the feedback.

Bought this:
http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-DL-DV...9830824&sr=8-1

Will be delivered today $244 after rebate. Not a bad price Thanks everyone!

Does that Dirt Edition have the overclock switch?

 

[Concillian]

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.

 

[Clinkster]

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.

 

[RussianSensation]

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.

28nm will be a huge jump, but it looks like high-end 28nm cards won't be here until Q1 2012 at the earliest and likely Q2 2012 for NV.

 

[90DegreeMan]

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:

 

[ocre]

wow, thats sweet. glad to see everything worked out well for you. You cant find a better deal, that is tops!!!

 

[cmdrdredd]

If AMD cards didn't tank with MSAA I might think about it.

 

[Silverforce11]

If AMD cards didn't tank with MSAA I might think about it.

If you cared so much for MSAA in deferred rendering games where its ineffective at reducing jagged edges and cause texture blurring.. then you may have a point.

 

[ocre]

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