Please help with graphics card purchase!!

Towski

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Nov 16, 2011
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My graphics card died on me and I need to get a new one; fortunately, I was thinking of upgrading anyways. I'm definitely noob when it comes to Computer Hardware and would really appreciate any help in my decision.

I'll start with my PC. I have a pre-built desktop, the HP H8-1039, the specs are:

Processor - AMD Phenom II X6 1065T 2.9GHz
Memory - 8GB DDR3 1333
Motherboard - AMD 785G
HD - 1TB
Case - Mid-sized ATX
Power Supply - Internal 460W

The games I play, and plan to play when they come out are:

Bioshock Infinite
Tomb Raider
Far Cry 3 & Blood Dragon
Crysis 3
Skyrim
Sims 3
GTA V
FIFA 14
Watch Dogs

I play games mainly on my 50" Pioneer Plasma but also on my 21" Asus Monitor; both in 1080p.

The 3 different graphics card I found from the research I did, albeit with my minimal knowledge on the topic, are:

AMD Radeon HD 7870
AMD Radeon HD 7950
GeForce GTX 660 Ti

I know these cards come in so many different versions from different companies so I'd prefer some recommendations of specific versions of these cards based off my info. If any more information is needed, please let me know, I listed what I thought would be helpful but am not sure it's enough. Also, I think I may need to upgrade my power supply for one, or all, of these cards but not sure if I'd need to upgrade anything else to work with these. Thanks!
 

xomm

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If you have the money, definitely go for the 7950 if you're planning to play Crysis 3 at 1080p. Generally MSI Twin Frozr cards tend to be the best of the batch. You'll need to upgrade your PSU though. What's your budget?
 

Towski

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Thanks for the responses. My budget for the card is around $300, would love to be under that price point but no problem going a little over it if necessary.

I figured I'd have to upgrade the power supply from what I read, and that probably won't change my graphics card budget. What could I expect to spend on a power supply for these cards?
 

xomm

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See: http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx for a list of good power supplies. You'll want something from Tiers 1-3. Those exact two aren't on this list, but for 600W, you'll want to spend at least $55-ish. Anything cheaper than that is liable to explode in your face, taking your components with it. (Not exaggerating here. Cheap PSUs can and do spontaneously combust.)

 

Towski

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Thanks. Would there be any reason I'd want the upgrade model (link on that newegg page) the CX600M? It does end up being the same price after a $20 rebate card but, in case the rebate doesn't work or I forget to redeem it, is that upgrade model worth the extra $20?
 
G

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The only real difference is that it is modular.If you can get it for the same price great, it could tidy up your case and help airflow.

arrpee
 

Towski

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After more research, I think I've narrowed it down to 3 options

Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB DDR5 w/ Boost (black & red w/ one fan) - $289.99 w/ $20 mail-in-rebate card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202030

Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB DDR5 w/ Boost (black & grey w/ two fans) - $309.99 w/ $20 mail-in-rebate card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202026

Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB DDR5 w/ Boost - $259.99 w/ $15 mail-in-rebate card

http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Radeon-PCI-Express-Graphics-11199-20-20G/dp/B00AWKYB1M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369014563&sr=8-1&keywords=7870+xt



 

xomm

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I would strike the first one right off that list. That one uses the stock AMD cooler - it's loud and doesn't cool well, especially if you overclock.

At those prices, I would go for the 7870 XT.
 
G

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+1

arrpee
 

Towski

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Nov 16, 2011
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Thanks for the help. One last question, I'm definitely interested in future proofing with this purchase, about how long will those two cards last before I have to upgrade? With future proofing in mind, is the 7870 XT still a better deal?
 
G

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Not knowing the future they should last for several years but that depends on how close to the bleeding edge you want to be. My 6950 in my sons rig(my old rig)games right up there with my 7870xt and it is almost 2 years old.
Supposedly the 7870xt is 8% faster than the 7870 and only 2% slower than the 7950. That being said the 7950 has 3GB of ram. You really can't go wrong with either card.

arrpee