NVIDIA vs. AMD for first build

atarisafari

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May 21, 2013
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Hi,

As mentioned in the title this is my first pc build and I am a little bit nervous about picking the right graphics card.

Before I go on further here are some specs of my build that might assist you:

CPU: i5-3570k
Mobo: Gigabyte Z77x UD4H

My budget for a graphics card is pretty lenient I am really just looking for something that will give me adequate 1080p performance on games like Planetside 2, BF3, and also allow me to play some of the newer games coming out like Crysis 3.

I would say that my comfort zone for a budget would be $200-300

For awhile I was following the Sapphire 7870xt and in awe at the reviews it was getting but after more and more research into graphics cards I saw several horror stories about AMD cards and pesky drivers.

This led me to cling onto NVIDIA when searching for a graphics card. The problem with that is that in my budget range I don't have many options seeing as I've read that the 660ti is absolutely not worth the money and I'm afraid that the 660 won't be powerful enough.

I'm rambling a bit but my real question is, will a GTX 660 be enough for what I want and if not, should I trust AMD and buy the 7870 XT?

 
I don't want to get into an AMD vs Nvidia debate but, the issues with AMD cards are largely overplayed.

Driver issues are mostly all fixed. Generally there isn't any particular problems.

There is still an issue with microstutter when crossfiring but if you don't plan on running multi-GPU, then you are fine.

Hint: Neither brand is immune to issues.
 

atarisafari

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May 21, 2013
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yeah i'm not trying to instigate an amd vs. nvidia argument really i just wanted some assurance that the issues i've heard of aren't as drastic as people make them out to be
 
Since you play Planetside 2, you better go for a GTX 660 Ti in order to enable the PhysX effects. BF3 and Crysis 3 play better on Nvidia as well.

For your first build, why not go for the one that has a long, l-o-n-g history of providing better drivers that are more stable for new games and the one that comes out with more innovative technologies like Adaptive VSync and PhysX. So much better than going for the one that is always trying to play catch up. In general, since Nvidia outsells AMD by more than 2 to 1, you're going to be better off going with the stronger manufacturer over the long run.
 
Your post seems a bit - fanboyish.


I believe you are correct that Planetside 2 has Physx so if you want GPU accelerated Physx then go with the NVidia.
It is certainly not necessary though.
For your first build, why not go for the one that has a long, l-o-n-g history of providing better drivers that are more stable for new games and the one that comes out with more innovative technologies like Adaptive VSync and PhysX. So much better than going for the one that is always trying to play catch up. In general, since Nvidia outsells AMD by more than 2 to 1, you're going to be better off going with the stronger manufacturer over the long run.
This is pushing it at best. True AMD and before that ATI used to have driver issues, this is virtually completely solved now.

Adaptive V-Sync is nice but can be achieved by the free RadeonPro. And calling PhysX innovative is really stretching it.
It is true NVidia outsells AMD but that isn't something uncommon in the tech world.

Going with the strongest will often not get you the best deal IMO.
 

MasterMace

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Oct 12, 2010
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With a 3570k I'd recommend either the Radeon 7970 ($400) or the GTX 680 ($420). Going with graphics cards below this will reduce your performance significantly, and would warrant you using a lower CPU as well.
 

Good point. Here's is the latest "Performance per Dollar" chart from today's TechPowerUp review.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Zotac/GeForce_GTX_Titan_Amp_Edition/28.html
perfdollar_1920.gif
 

caydn12

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Mar 8, 2013
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Well, if you want good performance, and good frame rates.. Get a 7950 (Sell for around $270-$300)
If you want okay performance (under 30fps with 4xmsaa on ultra) but care so much about phys x that you just gotta have it (A.K.A fanboyism) then get the 660ti
If you want the same performance as the 660ti for a better price get a 7870xt

Those are the 3 cards that fit your budget.
 

caydn12

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Mar 8, 2013
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Ya but if you are willing to spend $330 on a 7950 might as well put in the extra $10 and get the vapor-X for a great cooling solution.
I have an older Dual-x version from sapphire that i got for $270. It overclocks like a champ and gets better scores in 3D Mark 11 than a stock gtx 680.
Sure its a stock 680, but cmon.. Its still a 680!!! Lol:p