Build upgrade - please help select a GPU

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soulicro

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Feb 17, 2010
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So I'm updating my current rig to:

i7 930 -> i7 4970k
rampage iii formula -> maximus vii hero
3x2gb corsair dominator -> 4x4gb corsair vengeance

And the one thing I've got left to decide on is the GPU. Currently, I have two Sapphire Vapor-X HD5870s in Crossfire. Actually, they're holding on pretty well, but I've got the itch.

So, whats the best bang for my buck when it comes to the current gpu selection?
 
Solution
jay2tall
Agree. GTX 970 is the BEST bang for your buck right now. They run about $330 for mostly stock card and $350 for the "more better" cards. I suggest the MSI GTX970 Gaming 4G. The Gigabyte G1 is also good. I'd stay away from EVGA, they have issues and went with mostly stock everything. ASUS uses a single 8 pin for power which restricts the max boost speed. Which I love ASUS and am very upset about that. The 970 should out perform your cards combines and it also has 4GB of VRAM for those games that require it for high texture settings. I am running 2 of the MSI 970s and they are terrific. I monkeyed with overclocking, but unless I'd upgrade to a 4K monitor or 120Hz+ I don't think i need to run about the stock speeds. They perform terrific.
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frag06

frag06

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Mar 17, 2013
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The 970 is hands down the best when it comes to price and performance.

You should go with 2x8GB sticks rather than 4x4GB. The 4790K only supports dual channel.
 
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jay2tall

jay2tall

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Agree. GTX 970 is the BEST bang for your buck right now. They run about $330 for mostly stock card and $350 for the "more better" cards. I suggest the MSI GTX970 Gaming 4G. The Gigabyte G1 is also good. I'd stay away from EVGA, they have issues and went with mostly stock everything. ASUS uses a single 8 pin for power which restricts the max boost speed. Which I love ASUS and am very upset about that. The 970 should out perform your cards combines and it also has 4GB of VRAM for those games that require it for high texture settings. I am running 2 of the MSI 970s and they are terrific. I monkeyed with overclocking, but unless I'd upgrade to a 4K monitor or 120Hz+ I don't think i need to run about the stock speeds. They perform terrific.
 
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jay2tall

jay2tall

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This will be fine, it just runs 2 sets of 2 in dual channel. No reason to change unless he has a reason to run more than 16GB RAM. Sometimes running 4 stick over 2 can prohibit your max overclock range because the memory controller is on the CPU, but realistically this shouldn't matter unless he is going for gusto.
 
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soulicro

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The 4x4GB are dual channel sticks. They're 1600Mhz and timed at CL9-9-9-24. Going with them over 2x8GB because a) the timings on these are better and b) they're low-profile, which I kinda need thanks to my beast of an NH-D14. Yeah, I played around a bit with overclocking when I got my i7 930 - it was fun, but I didn't try pushing anything too hard and won't be looking to now.

How big of an upgrade am I seeing going from 2xHD5870s to the GTX970? Actually, I'd love to know at how big of a difference I'll feel overall. I game on an 1920x1080 resolution (though I hope that will go up soon), besides that my work is with image and video editing and some front-end work.
 
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frag06

frag06

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That RAM is fine as long as it is at a good price. Many kits are priced higher as they are sold as a quad channel kit. I posted that because there would be no reason to spend more unless you were getting something better out of the deal.

You will probably see a big difference. What games do you currently play? Take a look at the Guru3D review of the MSI 970.

 
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