Need your expert predictions about a video card upgrade

[cusideabelincoln]

I'm thinking about upgrading my video card.

I can get a new R9 280X (Asus DirectCU) for around $160. But I'm not in a super rush to upgrade, even though some of the games I'm playing and will play could use the extra grunt. Plus I would love to use VSR on some older and less demanding titles. I was really looking into the R9 290, but at this moment I can't get one for even close to that price. I have to pay tax on both Newegg and Amazon, so that right there adds +$20 to the card. So this 280X is by far the best value right now.

However, what does the pipeline look like for the next 6 months? Do any of you expect a card with 280X performance levels for anywhere close to that price? I won't really consider a card that's slower than the 280X because I wouldn't deem it worthy enough of an upgrade. I wonder how the GTX 960 will perform, and importantly, what it's price will be. I mean if that thing comes out, has 4GB of RAM, performs similar to the 280X, and Nvidia whops us with another GTX 460 moment and prices it at $200 then I'll regret getting this 280X... Does anyone think that will be possible?

 

[NTMBK]

NVidia are mid-refresh (GTX 960 should be coming in the next month or two), and AMD are supposedly launching Carribean Islands/Pirate Islands/whatever it is called in the New Year. I wouldn't recommend buying Tahiti right now.

 

[WittyRemark]

$160 for a 280X is awesome value imo, I don't think Nvidia is going to release a similar performing card for $200 ,$250 would be my guess for that card.
I'm assuming GTX960 to be around gtx760's performance and "ti" varient's to be around gtx770.
Of course it's all a speculation, so wait for GTX960 to show up and then make a decision .

 

[kawi6rr]

For $250 I would get the R9 290, to good a price to pass on if you're in the market for a new card. I got the Saphire Tri-X OC for $250 and it's quiet and cool, couldn't be happier.

 

[SlickR12345]

No one knows. Supposedly a GTX 960 is coming in about 2-3 months, but that is going to be $250.

So I'd say that 280x for $160 is amazing value for now. I mean you can't look if that is going to be valuable in 6 months, you have to look at it from the current position.

Chances are in 6 months it won't be the best value, chances are there will be better $160 cards in 6-7 months, are you willing to wait 6-7 months?