Gaming Build - R9 290 or GTX 770? (or 280x?) - final dilemma before buying!

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arigold

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Feb 13, 2014
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Purpose: Gaming (1920x1080) on high specs, some Photoshop.
No need for HDD, OS, mouse, keyboard, headphones, monitor..
Don't plan to OC. Hopefully I won't have to upgrade in the next few years...
I'll appreciate any comments.
Thanks

********
FINAL OPTIONS:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/WrHD7P

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty H97 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($115.91 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($83.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Superclocked ACX Video Card ($314.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($88.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $987.86

OR

buying the R9 290:
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X Video Card ($403.98 @ Newegg)

For total amount of: $1076.85

P.S - Do you support choosing the ASRock Fatal1ty H97 Killer board? Will the system run fine?
 
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garl6

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Jul 3, 2014
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Looks good, except for the mobo. You have a Z97 when for your purposes you could get an H97 and save some money.

Also, you may want more than 2GB on your GPU. Consider an R9 280x.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty H97 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($115.91 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.70 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 280X 3GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($88.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $953.57
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-07-22 10:42 EDT-0400
 
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arigold

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Feb 13, 2014
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Regarding the GPU - why is it necessary to have more than 2GB? To my understanding the gtx 770 is better built than the 280x. a bit better performance for a small money gap..
P.S. I don't mind spending a bit more money for the R9 290, but will it be worth the money? I also heard that the R9 290 is a bit loud and heating up.. all of these helped me decide for the GTX 770.
 
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garl6

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From my understanding, games are starting to use more than 2GB. This is from reading around these forums. Someone else may be able to better answer.

If you're set on a GTX 770, consider the 4GB versions. Or... wait for someone more knowledgeable to give you a concrete answer haha. I just didn't want you to go out and buy this without considering.
 
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arigold

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Feb 13, 2014
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Okay thanks for the comment.
So, can anyone offer his opinion on the matter?
 
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garl6

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I did some very cursory searches on VRAM and gaming. Seems like Watch Dogs is one of the first games to require more than 2GB for its higher settings. It seems like the trend is going towards more VRAM, and especially so if you want to have multiple monitors or go to 1440p or 4K.

2GB will be fine. 3GB+ will help future proof for games and multiple monitors. Whether or not you would upgrade your GPU before it becomes an issue, I don't know.
 
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arigold

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Feb 13, 2014
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So if I want to avoid upgrading the pc in the next few years, I should go for a 3GB or higher? If it's worth it I don't mind spending some more for the R9 290. but only if its worth it...
 
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rolli59

rolli59

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Video memory is a function of resolution and as far as I have seen 2GB is fine for 1080P. GTX770 and R9 280X are so equal in performance that it is a personal preference which to get as a sweet spot for 1080P. No question though that R9 290 tops both.
 
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arigold

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Feb 13, 2014
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The question is for how long? will it last at least 3 years on very high settings when running new games?
 
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arigold

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Feb 13, 2014
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I think I should go for the R9 290 - worth the extra 100$ . not only the best performance but also will allow me to play future games on high settings. maybe gigabyte windforce 3x...
maybe someone else can confirm? thanks

 
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rolli59

rolli59

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The higher you go the longer it will last but if you look at GTX580 (roughly 3 and 1/2 years old) and see where it stands today it will give you an indication. http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MSI/R9_280X_Gaming/26.html It will still be a strong mainstream card or upper mid range.
 
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arigold

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Feb 13, 2014
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So which brand should I take for the R9 290? I saw some good reviews on the Sapphire Vapor-x and Tri-x, and also on the Gigabyte WindForce 3x. *** There's a chance I won't be able to get the Vapor-x in my country so if its the recommended one, I'd like another second best option instead...

Also, I saw it requires a 750W PSU. Because I plan to get a SeaSonic 620W and on PcPart the estimated Wattage is around 450W. So is it true it requires 750W?
 
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arigold

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Feb 13, 2014
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so this is the PC:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/LKR8bv

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty H97 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($113.91 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($83.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X Video Card ($379.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($88.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1050.86

Thanks for all the comments!
 
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