New build, recommend a graphics card please

[Linflas]

I have decided I am going to do a new build and so far I have everything selected but the graphics card. My current card is an EVGA GTX 460 SC and I would like to stay with NVidia but not closed to considering AMD. I will be using the machine for some gaming (EQ2, most likely GTA V if released for PC, others unknown at present), occasional video work, and other daily routine stuff. Budget for the card is no more than around $350.00. Here is the rest of the hardware:

ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO
Intel Core i7-4770K
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB)

Thanks.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I would have recommended a 7950 Boost, but prices have risen a bit on those. They were as low as $180 AR. Now, someone mentioned they are around $230.

Another possibility, if your mobo supports SLI, is to pick up a pair of 650Ti Boost cards and SLI them. Someone mentioned that's roughly equal to a GTX680.

 

[Triglet]

Wait a week and ask again - a lot could change with 290/780ti being released.

 

[Stuka87]

The 7950 is still the best bang for the buck card out there. Their price has risen a bit in the last week, but they are still priced well for the performance that they give.

 

[Majcric]

HD 7950. If you want Nvidia than a GTX 760. I wouldn't bother with CFX or SLI unless a single GPU didn't satisfy my needs.

But I'd probably wait a couple of weeks and we should see a price shift.

 

[Fastx]

I been tracking 7950 prices on Newegg for 5 weeks I seen the Sapphire 3L dual fan 7950 5 weeks ago from $189-249-289 after ar in a two week period. Then back to 189-199ar after that and is where I bought it at for to CF my current 3L and it is 249 ar now currently. I would not be surprised to see this card (or other 7950's) go back down to $189-199 again. I been happy with these card (s) and would not consider them loud maybe even one of the quietest dual fans around, no coil whine and nice cooling imo. So if your not in a hurry watch the prices for awhile on the 7950 & 7970 below and/or other 7950's. These prices really change big over time and if they repeat this again as before you could see good deals on the 7950's again if you oc.

If you do not oc or you do oc you might want to also consider the Sapphire model 7970 dual fan 950/1000 Boost below if you can get it for $269.00 with 3 free games (but is worth 70.00 more than a 7950 that is up to you) in the past during price swings per above price swings but right now its $329.00. This 7970 950/1000 boost (3 free games / $40-$50 cheaper vs a ref 280x) will be close to 280x 850/1000 boost reference versions in performance.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814202008

If your not going to oc the below card is close your budget of $350.00 and besides the nice performance the cooling stands out to me is a big plus imo this is the card I would be looking at if going with a 280x and/or you don't oc. But at the same time I'd wait for the R9 290 when looking at $350+. EDIT Ok looks like this 280x card would be over kill for those games listed. And just so you know you will need a 500w PS for the 7950/7970 per AMD min req.
http://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-cards/zardon/sapphire-r9-280x-toxic-edition-oc-3gb-review/

 

[Linflas]

Machine is now built, here is the final build:
ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO
Intel Core i7-4770K
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB)
Seasonic SS-660XP2 660W 80 Plus Platinum PS

Since I first posted prices have indeed dropped as I have waited so now I am trying to finalize on a card. I was looking at the EVGA GTX 770 SC which I can get for $349.00 with 3 games bundle but I am a bit concerned as it says it requires 600W power supply. I am also looking at the Radeon HD 7970's but am a bit confused with all the different variations.

 

[96Firebird]

Your PSU should be sufficient for a 770 SC, it is a quality PSU and that requirement is a bit overstated.

I'd say your main options right now are the 770 and 280X. They are around the same performance wise, with a slight edge going to the 770 (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Powercolor/R9_290X_OC/26.html) looking at 1080p resolution. Guess I should also ask, what resolution do you play games at?

280X is a bit cheaper right now, do you overclock yourself or leave it up to clocks out-of-the-box?

 

[DownTheSky]

7950 won't get any cheaper. I'd say grab one while they're still available.

 

[Linflas]

Your PSU should be sufficient for a 770 SC, it is a quality PSU and that requirement is a bit overstated.

I'd say your main options right now are the 770 and 280X. They are around the same performance wise, with a slight edge going to the 770 (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Powercolor/R9_290X_OC/26.html) looking at 1080p resolution. Guess I should also ask, what resolution do you play games at?

280X is a bit cheaper right now, do you overclock yourself or leave it up to clocks out-of-the-box?

1920x1200 and so far have not tried to overclock.

 

[Teizo]

If you prefer Nvidia, look on Ebay and see if you can get a GTX 770 4GB for under $350. I imagine someone out there has one at that price.

The Asus R9 280X would be a good buy as well though.

-edit-

I just did a quick search on Ebay, and someone indeed has a 4GB for $355 (EVGA w/ACX Cooler). Top of the search. 3hrs left. So, they are definitely out there.

/I can personally attest to the fact that the MSI Gaming 760 is a good card as well, btw

 

[96Firebird]

1920x1200 and so far have not tried to overclock.

Ok. Do you want to overclock whatever card you get, or just stick it in and be on your merry way? That way it tells me if the SC card is worth it over the standard card...

 

[Linflas]

Ok. Do you want to overclock whatever card you get, or just stick it in and be on your merry way? That way it tells me if the SC card is worth it over the standard card...

Most likely just put it in and go on my merry way. The few times I have tried to overclock either CPU's or graphic cards I have not been all that successful and so far have not really run into anything I run that would benefit significantly from it.

 

[96Firebird]

Overclocking is fairly easy nowadays, but I can see the need not to do it.

Because your game of choice is not very demanding (EQ2), you don't need to spend $350 on a video card. But if you want to keep up with more demanding games, go with an R9 280X or GTX 770. The 280X doesn't come with games (yet), but the 770 comes with 3 games until the 26th of this month.

With that said, do you really need a new card just yet? The longer you wait, the more prices can drop and a good deal can be had. You said you have a 460 right now, which should be just fine for EQ2. Honestly, I would wait until a new game comes out that you want to play that the 460 can't handle, and get a card then.

 

[MeldarthX]

Overclocking is fairly easy nowadays, but I can see the need not to do it.

Because your game of choice is not very demanding (EQ2), you don't need to spend $350 on a video card. But if you want to keep up with more demanding games, go with an R9 280X or GTX 770. The 280X doesn't come with games (yet), but the 770 comes with 3 games until the 26th of this month.

With that said, do you really need a new card just yet? The longer you wait, the more prices can drop and a good deal can be had. You said you have a 460 right now, which should be just fine for EQ2. Honestly, I would wait until a new game comes out that you want to play that the 460 can't handle, and get a card then.

honestly that is very good suggestion specially with eq2; but next bang for your buck is 7950.....

That card is just fast. Are you playing anything other than eq2? or I'd suggest waiting for a couple more weeks to see where prices settle in and see if new game bundles come in.....770 imo is still over priced even with the game bundle specially with some of the 280x coming in just around 300....

Hell on new egg - Powercolor 7970 with 3 games is 259.99 after rebate....that's a hell of a deal

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814131468

I'm limited in how I can search being in the UK; and how much I freaking hate way Newegg does their dame website lol

 

[Linflas]

Thanks for all the great info everyone. I ended up going with the EVGA 770 SuperClocked w/ ACX Cooling. Got it for $334.99 after rebate. I was very close to going with the 4GB version but after reading threads here and elsewhere it didn't really seem that I would get any benefit from the additional memory to offset the cost.

 

[OCGuy]

Enjoy the card, EVGA is top notch!

 

[FalseChristian]

You got yourself a monster of a GPU. Cangrats!