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Need help picking a GPU

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  • GPUs
  • Graphics Cards
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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October 11, 2014 10:29:23 AM

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.

More about : picking gpu

a c 428 U Graphics card
October 11, 2014 10:33:22 AM

What is your budget for this?
Just a general recommendation to be even with the rest of your system is a 970, but there are many other options.
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a b U Graphics card
October 11, 2014 10:33:48 AM

The gtx 750 ti is amazing for the price. The gtx 760 would also be a good choice if u want a little more. Here is a video that might sell you on the 750 ti.Like he said the 970 is the best choice but only if you have the money.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxUsGZedLSQ
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a b U Graphics card
October 11, 2014 10:34:21 AM

notneps said:
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.


for good 1080p gaming with decent eye candy levels, get a r7 265.
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October 11, 2014 10:39:16 AM

Gam3r01 said:
What is your budget for this?
Just a general recommendation to be even with the rest of your system is a 970, but there are many other options.


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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a b U Graphics card
October 11, 2014 10:40:38 AM

notneps said:
Gam3r01 said:
What is your budget for this?
Just a general recommendation to be even with the rest of your system is a 970, but there are many other options.


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.


The 980 is most certainly overkill for 1080p gaming.
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a c 428 U Graphics card
October 11, 2014 10:42:36 AM

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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a c 198 U Graphics card
October 11, 2014 10:44:31 AM

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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