Need help picking a GPU

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notneps

notneps

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Sep 5, 2014
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My current GPU-less setup:

i7-4790K (non-OC'd @ 4.0 GHz)
Asus Z97 Maximus VII HERO motherboard
32GB G.Skill RAM
Corsair TX650 650W Modular PSU

I held off buying a GPU because, unlike the other aspects of my build, I really wasn't sure about which GPU I wanted/needed. I'll be gaming, but I don't "have" to play the newest games at Ultra settings. I play old games, but I want to be able to play new titles too at high settings in case something catches my eye. Not a huge fan of shooters, so I can live with slightly lower framerates, but I don't want to watch a slideshow either. I don't plan on playing at a resolution higher than 1080p. I have two 1080p monitors, but I don't plan on dual monitor-gaming; I just want to use the other monitor to keep an eye on other non-GPU intensive stuff that I've got going on. I don't know if that affects how much video memory I need.

So I need your help. What should I get? I've been looking everywhere, from lower end cards like the GTX 750 Ti up until NVIDIA x70's. Nothing against AMD cards, I've considered R9 270 and 280, as well as their "x" variants. I just don't want to buy something that is more powerful than I need. Actually, scrap that. I don't mind power; I just don't want to buy something that is more expensive than I need.
 
Solution
coozie7
That's a very potent system so you can take two options:
1: Get a reasonable card now and save some money but you'll certainly need to upgrade later.
2: Go for a GTX970 for the long haul and, probably, never need to upgrade.
Both options have merits but I'd go for option 2, just make sure the card you purchase has a long warranty-EVGA or XFX I think offer the longest in the US.
For option 1 I'd go for the R9 280, (not the 'X' version) it's probably too fast for your current needs but the extra memory will come in handy, and the superior performance will extend its useful life. Sapphire, MSI and Asus generally make the best cooled models which is an important part of the purchasing decision with strong AMD cards.
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drkatz42

drkatz42

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Apr 5, 2014
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for good 1080p gaming with decent eye candy levels, get a r7 265.
 
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notneps

notneps

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Sep 5, 2014
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My budget can go as high as needed. Maybe a GTX 970 (I'm pretty sure I don't need a GTX 980) but I don't want to get it if it's overkill for 1080p. Gaming isn't my machine's primary function, so I don't mind having a GPU that costs half the price of my CPU (like the GTX 750 Ti) if that's all I need.
 
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Dunlop0078

Dunlop0078

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Feb 13, 2014
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The 980 is most certainly overkill for 1080p gaming.
 
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Gam3r01

Gam3r01

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Jan 12, 2013
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The 970 is pretty much the max for 1080p, but it goes well with the rest of the system.
I would look into a 270(x) or 760. It will offer good performance, enough to push ultra/high for a few more years and then medium after, while not costing too much.
Under that even more, a 750Ti.
 
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coozie7

coozie7

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Jun 2, 2007
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That's a very potent system so you can take two options:
1: Get a reasonable card now and save some money but you'll certainly need to upgrade later.
2: Go for a GTX970 for the long haul and, probably, never need to upgrade.
Both options have merits but I'd go for option 2, just make sure the card you purchase has a long warranty-EVGA or XFX I think offer the longest in the US.
For option 1 I'd go for the R9 280, (not the 'X' version) it's probably too fast for your current needs but the extra memory will come in handy, and the superior performance will extend its useful life. Sapphire, MSI and Asus generally make the best cooled models which is an important part of the purchasing decision with strong AMD cards.
 
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