What video card to buy for my current configuration? Thanks!

nitsuj3580

Platinum Member
Jun 13, 2001
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I am attempting to do my own research as well, but I have not been up to date on video cards in many years. The last video card I purchased was an ATI 9800 Pro :) Work and family has not left any time for gaming but I'm hoping to change that.

I have an HTPC that I'm wondering will work for some PC gaming assuming I updated the video card from it's current Intel integrated graphics.

My config:
Antec NSK2480 with 80 PLUS Certified EarthWatts 380W power supply

Intel Core i3-3225 Ivy Bridge Dual-Core 3.3GHz LGA 1155 55W Desktop Processor

8gbs RAM (forgot the brand)

Gigabyte GA-B75M-D3H motherboard - http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4150#ov

Crucial 256gb SSD

I'll be running this on my 61" Samsung 1080p DLP most likely with keyboard/mouse or an Xbox 360 controller. I don't need to max out all settings but would like the games to run smooth and look decent.

EDIT: Forgot to mention. Looking for most bang for my buck with probably a max of $200, but if I can keep it closer to $100, that'd be preferable.

Really appreciate any advice from anyone willing to offer it. Thanks!
 
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nurturedhate

Golden Member
Aug 27, 2011
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There have been a lot of 280s on sale recently for around the $150 mark. That would most likely be your best bet at under $200.
 

96Firebird

Diamond Member
Nov 8, 2010
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Thanks for the quick replies. Hoping to buy something today or tomorrow to take advantage of some of the deals.

Would this one play most games well? Asus GeForce® GTX 750 TI Graphics Card - OC Edition, 2 GB GDDR5 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...8okKRiAfre2fSw

If you can stack that extra $40 off $120, and don't mind the rebates, that 750 Ti for $89.99 seems like a great deal. :thumbsup:
 

RussianSensation

Elite Member
Sep 5, 2003
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R9 270 for $130 with lifetime warranty - 31% faster than a 750Ti

R9 270X for $150 with lifetime warranty - 44% faster than 750Ti

R9 280 for $170 with lifetime warranty - 63% faster than 750Ti

R9 280X with lifetime warranty for $200 (after 6% off today and $30 MIR) - 93% faster than 750Ti, 26% faster than 760, trades blows with the much more expensive 770 4GB.

Source for benchmarks:
http://www.computerbase.de/2014-09/...vidia/6/#diagramm-rating-1920-1080-4xaa-16xaf

At all price levels below $300 AMD has the better card.

Proof: http://www.techspot.com/guides/912-best-graphics-cards-2014/

I would not get a 750Ti today unless it was $85-90 at most or you had some other specific requirements (ie., no 6-pin power cable on the PSU). If you are on a sub-$100 budget and can find 750Ti for $85-90, then it's a good buy today if you don't want to wait for a $100 deal on the R9 270. This way you can set aside $100 for a future GPU upgrade. However, at $110-130, 750Ti is a really bad deal as R9 270/270X/280 are all superior in value. Hope this helps.
 
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nitsuj3580

Platinum Member
Jun 13, 2001
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Thanks for all the input! OK, R9 270x. Should my power supply be OK or will I have to swap it out?
 

RussianSensation

Elite Member
Sep 5, 2003
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nitsuj3580

Platinum Member
Jun 13, 2001
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Yeah, I think that's it going by the article you posted. It came with my Antec NSK2480 case a couple years ago.

I decided to go with the Asus GeForce® GTX 750 TI Graphics Card - OC Edition, 2 GB GDDR5.

I got it for $78 after my rebates come back and cashback and after doing a bunch of reading, it seems like it should fit my needs as far as power supply requirements and current configuration. If I really start to get back into gaming more frequently, I'll probably end up just building a new PC at that point.

Thanks for all of the quick feedback!
 
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SteveGrabowski

Diamond Member
Oct 20, 2014
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That power supply should have easily handled an R9 270x. Earthwatts 380 is a great PSU. I ran one in my system 24/7 for 6 1/2 years until I upgraded to the Antec Neo Eco 620C to power an R9 290.
 

ronbo613

Golden Member
Jan 9, 2010
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I decided to go with the Asus GeForce® GTX 750 TI Graphics Card - OC Edition, 2 GB GDDR5.
I just got the same card. It performs very well, better than I expected. It runs most of the games I have at High settings with good frame rates. Even games that have to run on Medium settings look great.
 

tential

Diamond Member
May 13, 2008
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As I play on a setup similar to yours (70 inch HDTV), I would have said go with the 270/x.
The larger your setup, the more medium graphics/low graphics stand out.
But you went with a GTX 750Ti already so good luck with it!