Video Card upgrade decision - based on new factors (Freesync/Gsync)

[maniacalpha1-1]

So, I've been considering upgrading for the last few months, and the Titan X/G-sync has me considering getting one plus a ROG Swift. That'd be like $1750-ish, which is within budget technically, but I'm considering all options that would see me spending less (such as ROG Swift + 980, XG270HU + 290X, or R9 390x when it comes out, etc). I'm also considering 4k...

Anyway, here are the things I am wondering :.
1. At 4k, does freesync/gsync make 45-50 FPS feel good enough compared to a GPU that can solidly maintain 60FPS?

2. Does this also work for 1440p? I wonder this because if I go the 980/290x route, it might not be long before multiple new releases can't be maintained at 60FPS at 1440p ultra quality, there are a few even now...

3. I've been reading some of Guru3D's reviews, where they also benchmark framerate experience (like so: http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/nvidia_geforce_gtx_titan_x_review,28.html). I'm assuming that this is an important factor complementing the monitor's input lag/latency, but exactly how important is it? Also, they have been doing the FCAT stuff since before gsync/freesync; does gsync/freesync have any bearing on this?

3b. Any chance Anandtech will ever start benchmarking this and include it in the Bench?

Any thoughts? Comments need not be focused on the exact questions. My actual goal is to:
1. Upgrade to at least 1440p
2. Get better input lag for shooters
3. Upgrade to a sufficiently powerful GPU that I will get better FPS at 1440 than I do at 1080p now (Dragon Age Inquisition Ultra I was getting around 30-40 much of the game)


Current system for reference:
4690k with Hyper212 EVO
Gigabyte GA-297X-SLI
8GB 1600 DDR3
850W Thermaltake SMART PSU (70 amps on 12v rail)
Currently, playing 1080p using a 7970 non-ghz version
Using Samsung 32" TV as monitor. I like the way it looks, except I'm betting the input lag is horrendous...

 

[Kenmitch]

Wait it out is what I'd suggest....At least till the 390x is reviewed. Buyers remorse sucks!

Freesync monitors currently are so so it looks like.

 

[wand3r3r]

If you care about budget or value I would wait to see what the 390x is and what it does to the market. Rumors are rife, but it will undoubtedly be a better value than the titan, whether or not it actually beats it remains to be seen.

Since it's coming in the next couple months, you can see the upcoming 4k freesync monitors.

I think the 390x will probably range from $550-750 but I suspect closer to the $550, and the freesync monitor will likely be ~$150 cheaper than the gsync alternative.

Basically the freesync+390x could be up to $600 cheaper but we don't know the performance. I would consider that worth waiting to see.

If you truly don't care about value, the titanx + rog swift are available today and we don't know where the 390x+freesync 4k monitors will land on the performance spectrum. Basically all of the freesync reviews were positive with the only drawbacks being somewhat high minimums (and potential ghosting on some panels, not really freesyncs problem but noteworthy).

 

[Pandamonia]

Market has never been so messed up

FreeSync/Gsync

Shadowplay/Raptr(which doesnt work but SP does)

Screwed up pricing from nvidia..

Slow releases from AMD

Messed up SLI/CF drivers and profiles which may or may not work

Still on 28nm....

Market has never been so confusing!

 

[Flapdrol1337]

If you're going the gsync route also take a look at the acer predator xb270hu. Should be available soon.

Freesync is promising, but the screens that are currently out have ghosting, seem to turn off overdrive when in freesync mode or something. By the time the new amd flagship is out there might be some solid screens available as well.

If you can't wait and really want a gpu that's faster on 1440p than your current 7970 on 1080p the titan X and swift would be your only option. Not very good value for money though.

 

[rgallant]

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/acer_xb270hu.htm
"Move over Asus ROG Swift PG278Q, in our opinion we've got a new king of gaming monitors!"

Every now and then, a new screen comes along which really excites us. Something new to test, or an interesting new technology or feature always keeps us interested when it comes to reviewing monitors. The Acer Predator XB270HU is one of those screens which really grabs our interest! It offers various World's first claims. It's the first 144Hz high refresh rate compatible IPS-type panel, offering something users have been wishing for. It is the first IPS panel to be paired with NVIDIA's G-sync dynamic refresh rate and ULMB (Ultra Low Motion Blur) technologies. This in itself represents the first time an IPS panel has been provided with a blur reduction mode. Early hype for this screen has been huge since it was announced in January 2015 for CES that it would be the first 144Hz IPS screen on the market. It's not expected to be widely available until mid-April, but we are fortunate to have the first available final sample of this screen with us for an exclusive first review. We know you're all dying to know if this is the ultimate gaming screen, as are we!
have a look at the ULMB test

 

[Annisman*]

Yeah don't go Swift, you can get the xb270hu very soon for like the same price, maybe cheaper. Mine is on pre-order.

 

[3DVagabond]

Market has never been so messed up

FreeSync/Gsync

Shadowplay/Raptr(which doesnt work but SP does)

Screwed up pricing from nvidia..

Slow releases from AMD

Messed up SLI/CF drivers and profiles which may or may not work

Still on 28nm....

Market has never been so confusing!

I think still being on 28nm is the root of the problem. GloFo seems to be getting into the game. Hopefully they are successful competition for TSMC and it drives them both to improve.

 

[lilltesaito]

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/acer_xb270hu.htm
"Move over Asus ROG Swift PG278Q, in our opinion we've got a new king of gaming monitors!"

I want to thank you for sharing this.This might be my next monitor.

 

[maniacalpha1-1]

Yeah don't go Swift, you can get the xb270hu very soon for like the same price, maybe cheaper. Mine is on pre-order.

Where do you have that pre-ordered? It's not that I am ready to pre-order but I can't find the price anywhere...but based on the Overclockers price for UK I would think it would be more than the Swift?

 

[Annisman*]

Where do you have that pre-ordered? It's not that I am ready to pre-order but I can't find the price anywhere...but based on the Overclockers price for UK I would think it would be more than the Swift?

@ ShopBLT.com for 748$

 

[maniacalpha1-1]

I know the Guru3D review of the XG270HU cited some ghosting, any chance that was an eventually to be fixed driver thing, or game specific thing? Any other reviews that said that?

What about the BenQ XL2730Z?

The lower $499 price is tempting...