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Upgrading my GPU: GTX 770? Need advice!

Tags:
  • EVGA
  • Power Supplies
  • Graphics Cards
  • Nvidia
  • Graphics
  • Geforce
  • GPUs
  • Gtx
  • psu
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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May 22, 2014 11:11:20 AM

What GPU would you all suggest I get for gaming (good graphics with good FPS, I don't need everything ultra high though)? Below are my specs and current leading option. I'd also like to make sure the GPU will be good enough for a number of years, not one I have to go upgrade again soon. More expensive perhaps, but an investment. :) 

My current system specs:
CPU: Intel i7-3770 @ 3.40GHz (8 CPUs)
GPU: GeForce GT 620
PSU: Some cheap ~350w one
RAM: 16gb

I'm currently looking at this overclocked GTX 770 for a possibility:
http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=04G-P4-377...

Obviously, my PSU would also need an upgrade. Not as big of a deal (I think...), but I will also love suggestions on a PSU. :) 

No budget in particular, just nothing insanely high. Cheap is good, but high quality is also wanted. Less expensive GPU suggestions are certainly acceptable ;)  College isn't going to pay for itself! :p 

More about : upgrading gpu gtx 770 advice

a b ) Power supply
a b U Graphics card
May 22, 2014 11:17:36 AM

a 770 will handle most games on Ultra at 1080p. so if you have a 1080p monitor, that's a good fit.

to save money, you could always look on ebay for a used 680... the 770 is essentially a rebranded 680 with a few minor improvements
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May 22, 2014 11:18:54 AM

I'd prefer to get a new GPU, but thanks for the suggestion on the 680!
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Related resources
a b ) Power supply
a b U Graphics card
a b Î Nvidia
May 22, 2014 11:19:09 AM

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2hJ4S
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2hJ4S/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2hJ4S/benchmarks/

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 770 2GB DirectCU II Video Card ($319.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($82.99 @ B&H)
Total: $402.98
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-22 14:17 EDT-0400)

The ASUS one is cheaper ATM and just as good as the EVGA, the PSU indeed needs an upgrade you can run a Gtx 770 on 350w
I suggested a very good PSU, all modular and 80+ gold rating so it shouldn't give you any problems.
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Best solution

a b U Graphics card
a b Î Nvidia
May 22, 2014 11:23:39 AM

Like lowriderflow stated, if you are on 1080p, the 770 is a perfect fit, will run almost all games maxed/ultra settings. As getting a 680 to save money, I wouldn't. While it's true that they are the same gpu technically, the 770 does run cooler as well as a little faster. After a quick glance on eBay, 680's are still going for at least $250, a lot close to $300. With the 770 around $300, I'd absolutely pay the small amount of money more for a brand new GPU that's newer, runs cooler and slightly faster.

As for a power supply, if you don't plan on adding another 770 in the future, a good 600W will do. A 500W would probably be okay too, but I'd get 600W. Stick with quality brands such as Corsair(try to avoid the builder Corsair series), Seasonic, and Antec.
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May 22, 2014 11:28:57 AM

@Computersloeber:
I noticed that Asus 770 has a lower boost clock than the EVGA by about 500, is that important? Also it's only 2GB vs 4GB - I have no clue what this means. Someone enlighten me? :p 

@trogdor796:
I do not plan on adding another 770 ever, thanks for the 600w recommendation. I've been looking primarily at Corsair and a few other of the big names, although I'm a bit afraid of the 1-star reviews saying it their's blows up or is DOA repeatedly. Is gold/silver certified important?
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a b ) Power supply
a b U Graphics card
May 22, 2014 11:31:10 AM

What resolution will you be gaming at? If 1080p or lower you really shouldn't need a 4gb card, and there are cheaper options out there if you are interested in saving some money. Here are a couple:

http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=85484&vpn=ZT%2D7030... This one is also a GTX770 4gb card and almost $100 cheaper.

http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=84735&vpn=02G%2DP4%...

http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=84874&vpn=GTX770%2D...

The last 2 cards are 2gb cards, but are similar price as the first card I linked. So I guess it may come down to brand loyalty, and if you think you will need 2gb/4gb of ram on your card or not.
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a b ) Power supply
a b U Graphics card
a b Î Nvidia
May 22, 2014 11:33:13 AM

Hakito said:
@Computersloeber:
I noticed that Asus 770 has a lower boost clock than the EVGA by about 500, is that important? Also it's only 2GB vs 4GB - I have no clue what this means. Someone enlighten me? :p 

@trogdor796:
I do not plan on adding another 770 ever, thanks for the 600w recommendation. I've been looking primarily at Corsair and a few other of the big names, although I'm a bit afraid of the 1-star reviews saying it their's blows up or is DOA repeatedly. Is gold/silver certified important?


4Gb will only be used when in SLI when you are running a single card it gives you no performance increase.
The ASUS has very good cooling and can be OCed easily. Infact all non-reference models can be OCed to about the same speed. And the ASUS cooler is a bit better so that should give ASUS the edge here. Gold/silver rating is not very important the reliable quality is important, it can't be fully judged by the specs but mostly reviews and actual use.
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a b U Graphics card
a b Î Nvidia
May 22, 2014 11:40:49 AM

Yeah for 1080p 2GB of VRAM will be fine. That card will run out of raw power before VRAM is an issue, unless you are doing some crazy mods for like Skyrim that are VRAM hogs.

Computersloeber nailed it on the power supplies. While Gold and Silver rating is nice, it's not necessary. I've been running my 680 off a 500W bronze power supply for nearly 2 years now, no problems. You just need to get a good quality power supply. Use this list and try to stick with Tier 1 or 2:

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1804779/power-su...
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a b U Graphics card
May 22, 2014 11:48:34 AM

trogdor796 said:
Like lowriderflow stated, if you are on 1080p, the 770 is a perfect fit, will run almost all games maxed/ultra settings.


Just keep in mind when people say the above quote, they mean it will run most games at a constant 60-70fps minimum. Do you NEED 70fps, not really unless you just like spending a ton of cash to be able to say you can do 70fps. A constant 50fps is silky smooth and can be achieved with a 760. Then, in a few years throw on another 760 and you will have power beyond a 780...for alot less. I'd go the 760 route if I were you. For example, in Metro: Last Light, the 770 only gets 10fps better than the 760 according to Tom's Hardware testing.
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a b ) Power supply
a b U Graphics card
May 22, 2014 11:51:56 AM

is this a walmart computer your trying to upgrade??
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a b U Graphics card
a b Î Nvidia
May 22, 2014 3:06:05 PM

RCguitarist said:
trogdor796 said:
Like lowriderflow stated, if you are on 1080p, the 770 is a perfect fit, will run almost all games maxed/ultra settings.


Just keep in mind when people say the above quote, they mean it will run most games at a constant 60-70fps minimum. Do you NEED 70fps, not really unless you just like spending a ton of cash to be able to say you can do 70fps. A constant 50fps is silky smooth and can be achieved with a 760. Then, in a few years throw on another 760 and you will have power beyond a 780...for alot less. I'd go the 760 route if I were you. For example, in Metro: Last Light, the 770 only gets 10fps better than the 760 according to Tom's Hardware testing.


Yes but you need to think about the future too. For gaming on 1080p, I would absolutely get a 770 today if you can afford it. A 760 will do good now, but in a year won't be able to run games at ultra with 60fps. A 770 will for the most part. You want to aim for at least 60fps minimum, although no matter what card you have it will drop below 60fps in parts.

That 760's 50fps minimum will be 40 in a year, while the 770's 60-70fps minimum will be 50-60 in a year, so a better investment than the 760. This is what I would do, but everyone has their thoughts. I just think it's better to spend a little more now and not have to replace your card as soon.
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a b ) Power supply
a b U Graphics card
May 22, 2014 3:16:54 PM

what motherboard is it ? did not see that in your spec. list
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May 24, 2014 3:30:26 PM

Sorry for not responding for a few days.

Thank you all so much for your answers and insight, time for a few questions.

1) ncixus.com is a credible site? I don't do a ton of online shopping and I have not heard of it before

2) Any suggestions for PSUs (or should I post a different topic in the corresponding subforum?)? I liked Computersloeber's suggestion of http://www.ncixus.com/products/?usaffiliateid=100003150... but based off the reviews it's not the "quietest" PSU ever xD (not a huge deal but I hate super loud parts)

3) http://www.ncixus.com/products/?usaffiliateid=100003150... seems like an idea card, manufacturer, and price. Recommendations?

By the way, the motherboard is an ASUSTeK CM6870. And I do indeed run a 1080p monitor.
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May 24, 2014 4:40:03 PM

Hakito said:
Sorry for not responding for a few days.

Thank you all so much for your answers and insight, time for a few questions.

1) ncixus.com is a credible site? I don't do a ton of online shopping and I have not heard of it before

2) Any suggestions for PSUs (or should I post a different topic in the corresponding subforum?)? I liked Computersloeber's suggestion of http://www.ncixus.com/products/?usaffiliateid=100003150... but based off the reviews it's not the "quietest" PSU ever xD (not a huge deal but I hate super loud parts)

3) http://www.ncixus.com/products/?usaffiliateid=100003150... seems like an idea card, manufacturer, and price. Recommendations?

By the way, the motherboard is an ASUSTeK CM6870. And I do indeed run a 1080p monitor.


1) A very credible site. They also do youtube videos generally under the name 'LinusTechTips'.
2) PSUs don't tend to be loud so I wouldn't worry. I highly doubt you'd be able to hear it a lot or at least not enough to annoy you.
3) Seems like a decent card :)  No objections.

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a b U Graphics card
May 24, 2014 4:42:09 PM

Hakito said:
Sorry for not responding for a few days.

Thank you all so much for your answers and insight, time for a few questions.

1) ncixus.com is a credible site? I don't do a ton of online shopping and I have not heard of it before

2) Any suggestions for PSUs (or should I post a different topic in the corresponding subforum?)? I liked Computersloeber's suggestion of http://www.ncixus.com/products/?usaffiliateid=100003150... but based off the reviews it's not the "quietest" PSU ever xD (not a huge deal but I hate super loud parts)

3) http://www.ncixus.com/products/?usaffiliateid=100003150... seems like an idea card, manufacturer, and price. Recommendations?

By the way, the motherboard is an ASUSTeK CM6870. And I do indeed run a 1080p monitor.


I'm with Jared, but I would suggest this PSU that is on sale this weekend for $70: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

It is very quiet and extremely reliable. I love mine.
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May 24, 2014 4:53:01 PM

GTX 770 is a nice card. I play all my games at max settings. It really depends if you want to spend more money for a couple more FPS.My PSU has served me well:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... .Modular is nice since you don't have a bunch of cable sitting in your tower unused.
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May 25, 2014 1:55:47 PM

That looks like a great PSU, RCguitarist. Looks like I have a new leading choice :D 

So now I'll probably go with
GPU: http://www.ncixus.com/products/?usaffiliateid=100003150...
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Just want to confirm that they will both fit in my case! I honestly have 0 clue how to figure that kind of thing out besides measuring sizes (when it comes to ports or pins I'm clueless to be honest). Would they both fit in this:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...
Basically I've changed nothing in it (it was a gift from my parents, I'd personally have built my PC from scratch but I'm quite thankful to them still!).

Thanks so much for the help, everybody!
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