GTX 770 or GTX 780? (only one monitor, probably 720-1080P)

MrCanEHdian

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So, I want to build a nice, capable rig. I will be playing primarily strategy games, but I will also play online FPSs, like Planetside 2 with my friends. I'm looking to spend anywhere from $1200-$1800 (maybe even $2000).

I'm not sure whether the Nvidia GTX 770 or GTX 780 would be best for me. I'd like to be able to play on high, very high, or highest settings on my games (but high or very high are fine). I will only use one monitor and not have any multitasking, (except maybe Skype), and I'll likely not use anything above 1080p for resolution. Odds are, I'll keep using a 720p monitor for a long time. My graphical needs aren't high, but I'd like to play on high settings.

I'm torn on the 770 and 780, I'm not sure I need the 780, and I don't know if it's worth the extra money. Initially I was leaning towards the GTX 760, but decided the 770 might be a better purchase for the long term. I'm also leaning towards an I5 4670k if that helps at all.

Thank you!
 
Solution
If I recall correctly, Planetside 2 is highly CPU intensive, so that i5-4670k will do you good.

If you never plan on upping the res from 720p as you said, a GTX780 will last you many, many years. While the GTX 770 isn't exactly capable of maxing out most games at 1080p, again, if you plan on only playing at 720p, a 770 will be enough for you.

enemy1g

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If I recall correctly, Planetside 2 is highly CPU intensive, so that i5-4670k will do you good.

If you never plan on upping the res from 720p as you said, a GTX780 will last you many, many years. While the GTX 770 isn't exactly capable of maxing out most games at 1080p, again, if you plan on only playing at 720p, a 770 will be enough for you.
 
Solution


GTX 760 would be overkill on a 720p monitor. The 750 ti would run most games on ultra at that resolution.

 

MrCanEHdian

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Tough call on best answer, but I feel this one applies best to my particular situation. Thank you.
I can't guarantee I'll never go to 1080p, so 770 or 780 will be the ones I look at the most, depending on how much I can afford when I start buying parts, will decide what I get.
 

schau314

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I think given the fact that some of the most demanding games can be maxed with the 770 on the 1080p definition I feel that the 770 is the best bang for your buck and will last a long time. For 720p you will be golden for a long time, but please don;t buy the 780 for one monitor, especially at that resolution.
 

MrCanEHdian

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So one monitor, even at 1080p still doesn't justify the cost of the GTX 780?
 

MrCanEHdian

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Thank you, I will avoid it then. Anything above the GTX 770 for Nvidia GPUs is intended for multiple monitors? What about for the future, will the GTX 780 be superior and more "future proof" (if that even makes sense with technology) than the GTX 770?

 

enemy1g

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If you absolutely have to max out the current gen titles, even at 1080p, the GTX 780 is what you're looking at. But if you're perfectly fine with playing on High, and lower quality as the years progress, then the 770 will do just fine. As with any other series of GPUs, the higher you go, the longer you'll be able to play at a higher setting, for a longer period of time.

I went with two 780s with a single 1080p monitor, and was generally satisfied with the performance. I could easily get great frames, with all of the eye candy on. I've since then moved up to a 1440p monitor, and they still work phenomenally.

I think your choice should be based on how long you actually intend to stick with your current build (including whichever GPU you choose). If you don't plan on upgrading for a good 3-4+ years, I'd go with the most powerful single GPU you can afford. If you're going to be upgrading in 1-2 years, I'd go with the 770.
 

MrCanEHdian

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Interesting idea with those time frames, I would be looking at the 3-4+ years, but ultra settings would be nice, but not necessary for me. 1080p is enough, if not more than enough for me. I will consider your words, depending on my budget at the time, I may get the 780 if I can. Thank you for your help!
 

MrCanEHdian

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Thank you for the input, but I ordered and built the PC a couple weeks ago. I ended up going with an EVGA GTX 760 and an i5 4460.
 

AznGOD

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You dont need a 780 just get a 770. If playing 720-1080p jut get 770. You will max out almost all games on 1080p with 770 but some will have to be put on high . Trust me, only get 780 if you want to max out everything with no concessions.

Another Solution:
Buy an sapphire r9 290 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202080
Same/better performance as 780 for $100 dollars cheaper.

 

MrCanEHdian

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I did consider R9 series AMD GPUs, but ended up just going with the 760. May upgrade or SLI down the road, but it more than meets my needs now.

Thank you for the input though.
 

oxiide

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Good call. Honestly even the GTX 760 may be a bit overkill at 720p. The GTX 770 is the fastest/most expensive card I'd bother with at 1080p, and its even adequate in many games at 1440p. Don't even consider the 780 sub-1440p.
 

MrCanEHdian

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I've been gaming at 1080p, I'm glad I have the ability to downgrade to 720p if I need/want to.

I was looking at the GTX 770 but in Canada it's $100 more for a marginal performance increase... I wasn't sure it was worth it. I did look at the R9 280x but kept seeing very poor reviews.
That's what I was thinking about the 780 too, and by the time games get so advanced that it's only good at 1080p, something about it's architecture might limit it or something, if that even makes sense.