Is this graphics card unnecessarily powerful for my build?

Nightman · Mar 18, 2014

I apologize for posting this a second time, but my other one wasn't getting responses, probably because the title wasn't very descriptive. So, here I go again, this time with a better title. I am going to build a PC, and I've pretty much settled on the components:

Processor: Intel Core i5-4670K
Motherboard: Asus Z87-Pro
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Elite 4GBx2 DDR3-1866
SSD: SanDisk Extreme II 240 GB SATA
HDD: Toshiba Desktop 7200 2.0TB 7200RPM SATA
Power Supply: Seasonic SSR-650RM
DVD Drive: LG Electronics Optical DVD Drive
Cooling System: Noctua NH-U14S
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2
Gaming OS: Windows 8.1
General OS: Fedora 20

I was going to go with an EVGA GeForce GTX 780 SC 3GB (because it's truly awesome), but now I'm wondering if it's excessive. I play games like Starcraft II and Diablo III on a 1440p monitor, and I'd like to max out the settings and use AA. I know that these games aren't too GPU intensive, but I would like the option to play other (potentially more demanding) games in the future (at which point I would also like max resolutions and AA). So, I suppose my main question is, should I spend $500 on the GTX 780, or should I get something cheaper like a GTX 760? I know that my cpu will support dual graphics cards, so I suppose I could get a second 760 in the future, but I would rather just get the 780 now if I will need the extra power in the near future. Thank you all in advance, any help is greatly appreciated.

RobCrezz · Mar 18, 2014

Possibly for them games, but if you like to play on 1440p then it will give you the power you need to play the more demanding games at that resolution, so I think its worthwhile.

Nice build by the way, good choices.

Swordkd · Mar 18, 2014

Exactly. The 760 won't be able to max most games at that resolution, while the 770 will do more. The 780 will do the most of those 3 of course, and it is probably the best bet overall.

ubercake · Mar 18, 2014

It would definitely not be overkill. A 780 or 780 ti would be a good pairing with a 1440p monitor. Definitely not excessive if you want to crank the details and AA with good frame rates in every game. Don't get a cheaper graphics card. Get the best card within your budget now and grab another when the price drops in a year or two. 2x780s are much better than 2x760s.

That's a great motherboard. The Z87-A is also an SLI-ready motherboard that can save you some cash.

That's a great PSU. If you every want to go with 2 780s or 780 tis, get something a little beefier such as a 750W or 850W+ if you are going to OC at all. Stick with Seasonic, XFX or Corsair. This way you know the 12V rail will have enough for your setup.

Overall a great system, but keep the 780 in the mix. That 1440p needs the power behind the 780 for full details and AA at good frame rates.

I just picked up a SanDisk Extreme II 240 myself. Solid SSD with great performance, a great price and a 5-year warranty.

maddogfargo · Mar 18, 2014

An i5 4670k + single high end GPU (IE: 770 or 780) is actually a pretty well balanced combo. Plus in the future your upgrade options are an i7 and SLI, which is again, a very balanced combo. Just try to pick a board and RAM now that you can also use in the future if you upgrade like this.

* EDIT * Based on Ubercake's comment, looks like your board and RAM are good.

Nightman · Mar 18, 2014

ubercake :

Thanks for the helpful advice. I guess I'll go with the 780 then, and I'll get the 750W version of the power supply I mentioned so that I can add another gpu later. I have looked at the Z87-A already, but it's only 30 dollars cheaper than the pro, plus the pro comes with wifi/bluetooth, which I would have to buy separately if I got the A.

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Is this graphics card unnecessarily powerful for my build?

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