New Graphics card for x58 platform.

PunishedSnake

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Dec 8, 2013
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I've been upgrading my current 3-year-old Gaming PC and just added extra storage. One crucial component that I need to upgrade is undoubtedly my GPU. I'm currently running on an old 460 with 786 MB. I'm thinking about getting an GTX 760, as that would be the most balanced option for my system to avoid bottle-necking (although there still will be a little bit I'm sure). I could also wait for Maxwell next year and get the lower end card for that series. However, my plan is to completely upgrade my mobo/CPU/RAM, etc, by the end of next year with Haswell- E. The storage I just ordered can be used for that next platform.

CPU: Intel® Core™ i7 CPU 920 @ 2.67GHz
GRAPHICS CARD: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 768MB
MOTHERBOARD: EVGA X58 SLI LGA1366
RAM: OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1066
DISPLAY: SyncMaster 2233SB,SyncMaster Magic CX2233SB(Digital) 1920 x 1080
HDD: Western Digital WD VelociRaptor 10000 RPM 300GB
SSHD: Seagate 2 TB Hybrid drive <---(New Upgrade)*
SSD: Samsung EVO 250GB <---(New Upgrade)*
OPERATING SYSTEM: Windows 7 64 bit
PSU: Corsair 750TX
 
Solution
I'd say go with as much card as you can since you want to replace the whole system within a year. I've just done exactly the same thing with my x58, I decided to go with a GTX 780 so it will last as long as possible without having to upgrade the card. I'll kick up the CPU/Mobo sometime early 2015. So far I haven't been able to notice any bottlenecking on the card (I'm sure there there is, it's just not noticeable in Skyrim)

deadmaufive

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Feb 5, 2013
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If you plan on upgrading the CPU and Mobo anyway, why not just go for a 770, spend the extra cash now. You'll have a slight bottleneck until you get your new CPU/Mobo but it would be much better in the long run.
 

PunishedSnake

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I could do that. But, with Maxwel launching next year I'll probably go for that as well, and maybe sell the 760 I'd purchase now. Since I don't intend on OCing, I might just get the non-SC 760.
 
I'm also looking at a new GPU in the next week or two... specifically the Superclocked GTX 760 2GB version from EVGA.

It looks juicy, just waiting for the best price point. I have a similar setup in the core of my build and am actually hoping I can run this setup another 2 years. BF4 has exposed my current GTX 560Ti as I need play on Medium settings to get playable frames per second.

My i7 920 is overclocked so I am hoping my additional 2 years is realistic. I think it will be.

edit - I just double checked my purchase/build date on my current rig. I put it together in May of 2009. If the GTX 760 can get me to May of 2015 that would be 6 years on my core build which was originally put together with a GTX 260. I upgraded to the GTX 560Ti in the fall of 2011. Not too shabby if do say so myself.
 

deadmaufive

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Well, even if you don't plan on OCing, buying the SC version would still be beneficial since you won't have to OC anything, and if something is defective in it, it's still under warranty. Plus, every bit of boost in the clock speed helps. But since you plan on buying maxwell, whatever GFX card you buy in the 700 series will bottleneck with your CPU until that upgrade.
 


Ouch!

I take it that is due to the 2.67 stock clock speed? Running my 560Ti with my i7 920 @ 3.8GHz and BF4 on Medium settings, my CPU utilization is around 50-65%. I hope I have some overhead when I get my 760. Is there a chart that exists that has these comparisons?
 

PunishedSnake

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At that rate you'll be all set to upgrade to Skylake, which is supposed to launch sometime in 2015.
 

deadmaufive

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I'm sure there's a chart out there somewhere for what you're looking for. Though, I don't know anywhere in particular, Probably just have to google one. The thing with BF4 though, is it pulls a lot of CPU as it is. It also utilizes multicores, however, hyperthreading has been known to create some issues with it. So, maybe try disabling your threads and only using physical cores. It could help temporarily with that particular game. With the 760 though, you have plenty of overhead to upgrade later for the next couple of years. maybe in 1 or 2 years you could add a 2nd 760 in SLI and keep it going for even longer for games at that particular time.

Basically though, your cpu is outdated, and needs an upgrade. Until then, you're going to bottleneck with that graphics card, but once you do get your new cpu, you'll be good to go and ready to run on high settings without an issue.
 

dragotx

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Sep 15, 2013
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I'd say go with as much card as you can since you want to replace the whole system within a year. I've just done exactly the same thing with my x58, I decided to go with a GTX 780 so it will last as long as possible without having to upgrade the card. I'll kick up the CPU/Mobo sometime early 2015. So far I haven't been able to notice any bottlenecking on the card (I'm sure there there is, it's just not noticeable in Skyrim)
 
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