Need advise on selecting GPU. Switching from console gaming to PC gaming.

Gamer85

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Feb 24, 2014
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I decided to go to pc gaming instead of jumping into the new generation of consoles. I've been doing a lot of reading on GPUs yet I can't seem to figure out which one would be best for me. I plan on connecting the PC to my 55" inch TV, therefore I will occasionally use it for movies as well. I'm looking for a budget GPU that will be up to par with the latest gen of console games if not better. The games I'm used to playing are Borderlands 2, NBA 2K14, Battlefield 3, Halo, Gears of Wars and I am interested in playing Titan Falls and Destiny. On my iMac I also have Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3 (I plan on installing these on PC too). I'm hoping to find a GPU no more than $300 that can run these types of games at their maximum settings. Low noise level and some degree of future proof would be great too . What do you guys recommend?

I'm in the very early stages of building a gaming pc and so far I have only picked up an i5-4670K CPU. Got it on sale for $180 and even though I don't plan to OC right of way, it's nice that I have that option. I don't have any plans in the foreseeable future to run multiple displays. I'm not sure how that plays into the VRAM of the GPU.

Thanks for the help!
 
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Well I don't like the term 'future proof' for pc because you never know what new, amazing technology may render say, 780s or Titans obsolete, but this GPU is a little over your budget but is a good buy and I would always recommend!

The 770, It can run any game really with the minimum of 40+fps when all settings are maxed out whereas most consoles are capped round 30-40fps.

For around $400ish I think (I'm UK) you can pick up a 770, I'm currently running it and it was such a fantastic purchase!
And playing say, bf4 or 3 on multiple displays will put your GPU under more load and it will use more VRAM etc although use if you use multiple displays but only game on one you would still be ok and most likely won't notice any fps difference.

Hope I helped :)
 
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You're kidding me right... A 770 will blow even a PS4 and Xbox one, + with his 4670K CPU you have to be joking, a console doesn't even compare in the slightest.
+ You're recommending a card that is still better than console but closer to console graphics.
 

leeb2013

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doesn't compare in terms of raw horsepower, but they still somehow make the graphics seems exceedingly good, even with low end hardware.

Which is why you've got to go 3 screens, to separate yourself from crappy consoles.
 

Jonathan Cave

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What is your overall budget? the i5 4670k with an EVO 212 HSF will net you an easy 4.2Ghz stable clock ideal for games and fast too.

The GPU is where you need to invest your money ! - if you buy a $300 gfx card you will only achieve 30/40 fps in the latest titles. you need to open that margin in your budget to $500 - $600 for a really good gfx card i'd steer you towards a R9 290 for $550, put it this way if you go for anything less than a 280x or GTX 770 your throwing your money down the drain, unless you want to go for SLI/Crossfire - then make sure you invest in a 850W PSU now so you can upgrade the gfx at a later date.... either way your going to need to spend money!

 

Jonathan Cave

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+1 but i don't think this guy can get 3 screens based on his limitation of $300 for a gfx card.
 
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Agreed, if you want good graphics but only go over by around $100 then I think a 770 is a good choice, it reaches good fps on all titles and runs cool, then in the future if you want you can SLI with another 770 or 780 and get superb performance.

Hope I helped :)
 
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Gamer85

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Feb 24, 2014
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Appreciate all help. I don't have a hard set budget, but I would like to minimize cost as much as possible. I would really like my total cost to be around $700-800. Besides the obvious components (MoBo, PSU), I am also looking to buy an SSD and an HDD. I wasn't planning on buying CPU cooler since I hear it's not needed unless I OC.
 
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a half decent CPU cooler is essential!
 

Jonathan Cave

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You are correct, unless you start over-clocking , the STOC fan which comes with the CPU is adequate.

an after-market cooler such as the EVO 212 - $30 is cheap enough if you DID want to overclock in the future, afterall you have cosidered the "k" haswell chip because it CAN be over-clock yes?

the key point were all making here is you NEED to invest in your GPU, i wouldnt buy anything less than an AMD R9 280x or a GTX 770. - both of these can handle all games currently and can be SLI/Crossfire'd at a later date by buying an additional card, provided you invest in a 850W PSU (give or take). Many motherboards support SL/Crossfire so make sure you have the flexibility here.