Need help choosing an amazing graphics card

QuestionableUsername · Nov 6, 2014

I'm going to build a computer and I have every single part that I need in mind except the graphics card. I will be gaming (etc.) on 4k display(s), with the new 8-core Haswell - E Intel processor, 32gb ram. (Not finalized at all, might lower to match price range if there are no big sales.)

Anyways, I've found two great graphics cards. The Titan Z (nVidida) and the Radeon R9 295X2 (AMD). I really like the liquid cooling and performance FPS of the AMD graphics card although I also like the nVidia PhysX, G-Sync, and other great software and drivers. Truthfully I want an nVidia card but the Radeon R9 295X2 really catches my eye. (I know this is similar to a previous one of my threads but this time it's a lot more narrowed down to help me choose.)

So my questions: Will nVidia launch something to better compete with or surpass the Radeon R9 295X2 fairly soon (about a month)? Either way I'm probably going to SLI/Crossfire them, if there is another nVidia graphics card (in SLI) that compares well or better to the Crossfire Radeon R9 295X2 (besides the Titan Z), please let me know.

i7Baby · Nov 6, 2014

Nothing new from nVidia expected in the next few weeks.

4K - http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-r9-295x2-crossfire-performance,3808-4.html

r9 295x - $1000 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202108

Proposed build -

CPU: Intel Core i7-5930K 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($549.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock X99 Extreme6 ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($266.13 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws 4 series 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($579.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($154.99 @ Dell Small Business)
Storage: Seagate 4TB 3.5" 5900RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($174.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 295X2 8GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($1569.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 295X2 8GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($1569.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 900D ATX Full Tower Case ($239.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair AX1500i 1500W 80+ Titanium Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($429.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-16D1HT Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($58.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro (OEM) (64-bit) ($128.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus PCE-N53 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($27.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $5841.01

within budget?

kira70591 · Nov 6, 2014

So you want to SLI Titan Zs? Is money literally no issue? What is your intended use for this machine? Just to play games on?

QuestionableUsername · Nov 6, 2014

Kira, I was hoping to get them on Black Friday deals or Cyber Monday deals depends on how much they go for sale. (If not then I get a cheaper GPU, CPU etc.)
i7, thank you very much. So is it not worth getting nVidia for the G-sync, PhysX, etc.? I sort of wanted to stay with nVidia having that be the preference to many people and I thought it would be a safe thing to do.

kira70591 · Nov 6, 2014

You are going to get great performance with either card but I have been tending to stick with nvidia for the last couple generations because of heat output. Nvidia has tended to run much cooler for the last couple gens. There are few titles that take advantage of PhysX such as the new Borderlands games; however, think about how many people have AMD cards. It should probably not be a feature that you exclusively look at. The G-sync is extremely nice. I have used it a couple of times and it is one of the smoothest things you will ever see and you do not need to have v-sync turned on so that is a major feature if you have a monitor that will support it.

If all you are going to be doing is playing games on it then I would recommend just getting 2 GTX 980s. Massive performance with a drastically lower power consumption when compared to the Titan Z and 295x2.

I would also recommend going with a 5930k if you want to stick with the x99 platform as it still gives you access to all 40 pci lanes but is much cheaper and unless you are doing editing you will not need the extra 2 cores along with the extra cost.

anbello262 · Nov 6, 2014

I actually like the 295X2 more, because of it's closed loop cooler. It's great for crossfire, as heat from one won't affect the other (and without voiding warranties).
Performance is not very different.
And I don't believe nVidia will launch anything in the next few months. First, AMD will have to respond to the 970/980 launch (AMD's 390x expected), and after that nVidia will have something. But they will have to shrink their manufacturing process first, so many months down the road.
For gsync, I don't know if there are any good gsync enabled 4k monitors out there...

i7Baby · Nov 6, 2014

To run my build with heavy gaming, you need to make sure your power outlet can handle it.

QuestionableUsername · Nov 6, 2014

Thanks for all the tips, I appreciate it a lot! I don't know why but I feel like going with nVidia even though I know the AMD graphics card is a lot better. I'll look into some benchmark tests.

i7Baby · Nov 6, 2014

Look through http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-r9-295x2-crossfire-performance,3808-4.html

and http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/powercolor-devil-13-dual-amd-r9-290x-review,3853-11.html

and http://www.tomshardware.de/nvidia-geforce-gtx-970-gtx-980-roundup-vergleichstest,testberichte-241658-16.html

QuestionableUsername · Nov 6, 2014

i7Baby :

The last one is in a different language... Thanks a lot though this helps!

17seconds · Nov 7, 2014

You should also check out these trailers of the upcoming Far Cry 4 game. These are technology demos that show off some of the many Nvidia exclusive settings that will be available in that game.
http://www.guru3d.com/news-story/far-cry-4-footage-nvidia-gameworks-trailer.html

QuestionableUsername · Nov 7, 2014

17seconds :

Yes, I really want to go with an nVidia graphics card, but which is the best one performance wise?
I think the Titan Z is the best preforming nVidia graphics card on the market, correct me if I'm wrong. (I probably wouldn't buy it unless it's a big sale or something but I'd still like to know.)
Are there any graphics cards made by nVidia what resembles the Titan Z? I remember someone saying the GTX 980 was a good one.

i7Baby · Nov 7, 2014

See http://www.tomshardware.de/nvidia-geforce-gtx-970-gtx-980-roundup-vergleichstest,testberichte-241658-16.html

QuestionableUsername · Nov 7, 2014

i7Baby :

Also in a different language, the graph is useful though! Thank you!

17seconds · Nov 7, 2014

If you can go for a pair of GTX 980s or 970s in SLI, that will be better and faster than the TitanZ.... and a LOT cheaper!

Mac266 · Nov 7, 2014

17seconds :

Second this.

Remember that both the 295x2 and the Titan Z are Dual GPU cards. So the equivalent is two single cards in SLI/CrossfireX.

17seconds · Nov 8, 2014

Mac266 :

Dual cards on two separate boards are able to dissipate heat a lot better and maintain lower temperatures. Dual GPUs on a single board are really better suited for those who don't have the room for dual boards or they lack the motherboard support for SLI. The Maxwell cards will be faster than either of those last gen cards and will offer full DirectX 12 support, not to mention the lower power requirements.

Mac266 · Nov 8, 2014

17seconds :

Well that's true.

But seeing as he's going X99 with a 5960x, 4-way GTX 980's is probably a better option than two 295x2's or Titan Z's.

17seconds · Nov 8, 2014

Mac266 :

With 4K displays and an unlimited budget, that's pretty much the way to go. Maybe try three of them first, then add a fourth if necessary. Consider 970's if the budget is limited. There will also be 8GB GTX 980s on the way soon.

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