What card to buy?

Senhusky

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Sep 28, 2011
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Hello all! I've been in the market for a new GPU for awhile now, and I figured I'd ask your advice. First, some parameters. My current machine has an old Core2Duo E5200 in it. Its also got a 600W PSU. My budget is around 300$. I realize that my CPU will be a bottleneck, but I'm going to upgrade that as well later. All of the cards in the 300 range intrigue me, particularly the 660ti. Going lower wouldn't hurt though if it means a better value. In addition to performance, I'm hoping to get a decent amount of futureproofing out of whatever card I get as it would be going into my next computer somewhere down the line. Any thoughts are appreciated, thanks :)
 

CheesyHotDogPuff

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I would recommend a 7950. With the latest drivers, it performs on-par or better then 660 ti. Combined with it's way better ocing abilities. (The amd 7x50 series are great for ocing in general, with the 7850 and 7950 it's great)
It would be better value for the money if you overclocked IMO.
 

Senhusky

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I forgot to mention that I like to play flight sims. I'm not sure if that really helps anyone, but I'd like to be able to run say, FSX, on full settings. (Not the easiest to do given the age of FSX)
 

CheesyHotDogPuff

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The 7950 plays all games save crysis 3 on max settings. it should top FSX just fine.
 

Senhusky

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What about that compared to the gtx670? Is the 670 worth the slightly higher price tag? Would one have better upgradibility down the line, say by adding a second card?
 

CheesyHotDogPuff

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If you have the extra $60, the 670 is more then worth it.
 

Airm3n-1292454

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yea the 670 is a great card but if you are only interested in the 660ti or the equivalent amd card i would choose amd. Would probably last you longer before needing to switch out cards. The bigger bus on the 670 makes a difference compared to the 660ti but then again if you jumped onto a single amd card equivalent to the 670 you would still be about the same. So if you only want the 660ti or the amd radeon equivalent then go radeon. If considering the 670 or the radeon equivalent i would choose the 670. I could never stand sli or crossfire and swear i will never run that setup again as long as i live :).
 

Senhusky

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My PSU is an Ultra 600W, and my Motherboard is a Gigabyte EP43-UD3L. Keep in mind though that I will eventually be upgrading my entire computer. This card would almost certainly find its way into the new machine. Any further thoughts?
 

trickedout

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So what GPU to buy: References are not including AMD GPU's as I dont use them ever. You ask why well I'll tell you, the architecture is lacking to say the least.
This is how I look at it. first off sli or single? there really is know way to get high performance and some future proofing with out going SLI, unless you go with [Example] GTX 690 or titan, or something in the 1k range.
you will hear well I prefer the single card way. well you must be spending 1k or more, or you just don't want to be future proofed. most people that are looking for a high end GPU are gamers 85% or a film, pic editor 15%. k so you have the 660ti 230$/ 670 400$/ 680 500$/ 690 1k/ titan 1k. prices are give or take. now all these cards are great performers. but none of the first four even stand close to the 1k cards. but you realy need the performance that the 1k cards give to easily!! play the new games in ultra settings and be some what future proofed. so if you cant afford 1k what to do.? well sli is your only option, the 680sli is to much your back to 1k. the 670sli you save 200$ and your right up on performance with the 1k cards. 660ti sli you cut more the have the price 460$ and you are still realy close to the 1k card performance. 660 can be found for 220$ if you really look. I have not based this off of just one benchmark I have studied so many I can't count. This is just one example but it shows what my studies have proven to me. http://benchmarkreviews.com/images/reviews/video_cards/GTX660SLI/Batman-Arkham-City-Benchmark.jpg so point blank if you want not only great performance witch you can get out of any one of these cards we have talked about, but you want some future proofing for the next gen of game you have no choice spend 1k or go sli thats it. well that is how I see it at this point in time:)