GPU Choice for a Long Term Build (4-5 Years)

Jonathon Thorpe

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Mar 11, 2013
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I am trying to decide on a GPU for my long term build. I have asked this question before when I narrowed my choice to the GTX 780 (and I thank everyone who helped me the first time), but now with the 290X, the 780 price drop, and the rumored 780 Rev 2 chip (GHz), I am now back to square one.

Here is the background: I only build a new computer every 4-5 years (due to funding reasons). My current GPU is two AMD Radeon 4890’s in crossfire. I will be building a complete new build, and my choice is a 4770K for the CPU, and the Asus Maximus Hero for the MB.

I will want to get two GPU’s in Crossfire/SLI, more for the longevity aspect. I felt that with my current build I was able to play the newer games this year with higher settings because I had the crossfire set up, and I want to continue with that. My current monitor is a 1980x1080, and if I did upgrade my monitor, I would either go 2560x1440 or 120Hz monitor (no 3D), both at 27in. I know that GPU’s that I am looking at are overkill for the resolution I am at (or will be). Based on my experience, they would be overkill now, but as time goes on, and games get more intensive I would be covered the best I can. I know I cannot “future proof” my build, but I can at least mitigate the future requirements.

Here is my choices (SLI/Crossfire):
1) R9 290X non-reference (Asus Direct CU II most likely)
2) EVGA GTX 780 SC
3) GTX 780 (GHz), EVGA SC if it is available (if it is just a rumor, then not an option).

One of the questions that I have for the 290X vs. the GTX 780 is the vram. Does 4Gb make a huge difference vs. 3Gb? I know that games like Battlefield 3 state that the minimum requirements are 3Gb, and also games like Skyrim (which I play), can use a lot of vram if you utilize a lot of Mods (which I do), and I will most likely play any future Skyrim games as well. I also play games like BioShock, Fallout (with Mods), and different MMO’s (not WoW).

In regards to the Power Supply, would a 1000w SeaSonic Platinum be enough?

I am planning to start my build in late December (Christmas).

Also, the GTX 780Ti, would not be an option due to the price. I am looking at a price of $550-$600 per GPU max.

I apologize for the length of the post, but I want to make sure I present all of the information.

Thank you all in advance!!
 
Solution
Personally I would go with a 290x for a couple of reasons. 1. The card just came out, so driver improvements should add more performance as time goes on. Nvidia has had months already to optimize performance improvements with the 700 series GPUs. 2. The reference 290x is running hotter than what the after market cooling versions will. The reference 290x is throttling when they reach 95c, holding back there overall performance. The after market 290x should cool alot better and not throttle at all. 3. AMD's cards usually drop in price faster than Nvidia's cards, so you may be able to grab a second card for a lot cheaper when the time comes. 4. The 290x usually meets or beats a GTX 780 and in some cases even the Nvidia Titan.

Some people...

ConnorJ177

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Oct 22, 2013
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1. 4gb vs. 3gb isn't much of a difference, but it counts when playing bf4 and skyrim (I would know)
2. In games where vram counts (BF4, Skyrim, Bioshock Infinate, ect...) 4gb is king, but the games like Batman Origins and Dirt Showdown ect.. R9 290x (Its really just preference)
my answer: i would go with the EVGA GTX 780 SC. to me it seems like the best choice here.
 
Personally I would go with a 290x for a couple of reasons. 1. The card just came out, so driver improvements should add more performance as time goes on. Nvidia has had months already to optimize performance improvements with the 700 series GPUs. 2. The reference 290x is running hotter than what the after market cooling versions will. The reference 290x is throttling when they reach 95c, holding back there overall performance. The after market 290x should cool alot better and not throttle at all. 3. AMD's cards usually drop in price faster than Nvidia's cards, so you may be able to grab a second card for a lot cheaper when the time comes. 4. The 290x usually meets or beats a GTX 780 and in some cases even the Nvidia Titan.

Some people will talk about things such as AMD mantle, or Nvidia Physx. Until these technologies become a standard across both manufacturers for all future games, they should not be weighed as buying points in my opinion. More marketing tools is all I see honestly...
 
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