Need advice, deciding on a new GPU!

Derpy Neko

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Jan 13, 2014
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I need help choosing a GPU for my system. I have a dated 6850 that has lasted me up until this point! I have built a new rig a few months ago, and I think it's about time I updated from my old card. Here is my current set up!

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz
PSU: 850w 80 Plus Silver. (It's quite old, probably five years. But seems to be holding up!)
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws Z Series 32GB (4 x 8GB)
Hard Disks: 125 SSD (OS, and a few games/applications), 500 GB WDC(Main hard drive.), 2 TB (data storage)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme 4
Monitor 1: 1080p, 1920x1080.
Monitor 2: 1440x900 (Mostly used when working on art, or streaming so I can see chat and my application at the same time. Usually it is always turned off.)

If you need more information, I can give! That's the main components however. :3

Right then, I'm a little torn between what GPU to upgrade to. I'm a pretty avid gamer, and also an aspiring 3D modeler (main reason for the 32gbs of RAM). So I'd like to go with something that will last me for a while! I only really use one monitor to game on, the second one is there so I can view chat, or watch videos while I'm working on art! (When I'm not being lazy, of course.) My budget is probably around the 400$ region. Though I would prefer something lower then that, though I'm always willing to spoil my baby, for that extra performance. ^-^

So far, I am leaning towards a GTX770, maybe with 4GB. I know people say the higher gigabytes are not needed, but in a few years I think it will make a difference! Especially for a multitasker.

Or, would it be worth going for a 780? I know the differences aren't that big, especially for $200~ more... I much rather go with the 770, save money, and then upgrade in two or three years!

Then, there are the new Radeon 200 series. Like the R9 280X. It seems comparable to the 770, but the price on those have gone up quite a bit the last few months! Especially the 290X.

Another option would be using two cards, but I don't know much about that, or if my system itself could handle it. Then I might just go with a 770, then buy another one when they are cheaper! Uwah, too many options. '^' Not to mention all the different companies, like Gigabyte and EVGA. I have no idea which one of those to go for either! I'm pretty clueless, even if I did build my rig by myself. XD

So yeah, those are my thoughts. I guess I just need some advice as to what direction to go for!

 
Solution
The GTX 770 4GB is completely WORTHLESS unless you plan on getting another one for SLI. The GTX 770 is not powerful enough to use all 4GB. I think that it was made because 2GB is not really enough for SLI. They also did it to try to make it seem better than the HD 7970 even though 3GB is most likely all you'll need in SLI as well. If you seriously plan on running SLI down the road, get the 4GB. If not, get the 2GB and avoid flushing your money down the toilet.

gustafangus

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Jan 20, 2013
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If you're a 3D modeler, than you'll surely be better off with an Nvida card. Using dual cards won't help you much in your situation, except for turning your PC into an oven.

How much you willing to spend, if you haven't said yet. I didn't actually read all of the text, sorry.
 

Derpy Neko

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Jan 13, 2014
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In the 400$ region, preferably a lil less. :3c But I'm willing to spend a bit more if it's really worth it. I'm kind of iffy about spending 200+ for slightly better clock speeds... ;-;
 

gustafangus

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Jan 20, 2013
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Id get either a 770 4gb or a 780. If you can spend 499$ on a 780 on Amazon, get that, it'll play games REALLY good.

http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-GTX780-SuperClocked-03G-P4-2784-KR/dp/B00CUIVSNS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389640608&sr=8-1&keywords=gtx+780

If you don't want to spend 500$ then buy a GTX 770 4Gb, I'd reccomend the ASUS DirectCU 2. It's 40$ off now, and it's a really good card. So, it's up to you. Both cards will play and render 3d really well.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121837

The choice is yours.
 

Derpy Neko

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Jan 13, 2014
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Those two look really good! I'm not really sure what SuperClocked/OverClocked Editions mean though.. Probably just a bit overclocked by the manufacturer?

I'll most likely go with one of those though.~
 
The GTX 770 4GB is completely WORTHLESS unless you plan on getting another one for SLI. The GTX 770 is not powerful enough to use all 4GB. I think that it was made because 2GB is not really enough for SLI. They also did it to try to make it seem better than the HD 7970 even though 3GB is most likely all you'll need in SLI as well. If you seriously plan on running SLI down the road, get the 4GB. If not, get the 2GB and avoid flushing your money down the toilet.
 
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