GPU Compatibility with Older Motherboard (ASRock P67 Extreme4 B3)

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WaffleStomperX

WaffleStomperX

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Jan 3, 2015
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Hello everybody. Long time reader, first time poster here.

I built my PC about 3.5 years ago, and I think it's about time I upgraded my GPU. I mostly use my computer for gaming, surfing, office work, and some photoshopping. I'd like to run the most recent games at the higher/highest settings (e.g. Far Cry 4, Shadow of Mordor, etc.) I've been looking into new ones, but I realized my motherboard is only equipped with PCI-Express 2.0 x16 slots, whereas most of the newer GPUs come with 3.0.

I did some research and found out that it is GENERALLY okay to put 3.0 into a 2.0 slot, but that you should do some research on the specific mobo you own. I have the ASRock P67 Extreme4 (B3) motherboard, and I wasn't able to find anything that specifically stated I would be okay. I was wondering if anyone had specific experience with this issue, just so I know it'll be okay to only purchase the GPU and not have to replace the mobo as well?

Also, does anyone have any suggestions for a good upgrade for a GPU? I'm willing to spend in the $250-350 right now assuming I don't need to spend money on a new mobo. I've also heard that 4GB GPUs might not be worth it and that I would be fine with 2GB. Is this true? Thank you ladies and gentlemen!

My Build:
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz
Heatsink: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus
Motherboard: ASRock P67 Extreme4 (B3)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1866
Boot Drive: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB SSD
Secondary Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 7200RPM HDD
GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit PCI Express 2.0 x16
PSU: Corsair Professional Series Gold AX750 750W
Case: Cooler Master Storm Sniper ATX Mid Tower
OS: Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit OEM
 
Solution
quilciri
You're good with any single GPU card in that system. The only way you'd need to be concerned about a pci-e 2.0 mobo is if you want to run multiple GPU's in the system.

2GB VRAM is generally good for 1080p, and it's passable for 1440p. If you're gaming (or plan to) across multiple 1080p+ monitors, or on a single 4k/5k monitor., 4GB+ is recommended.

The best cards in that price range are the GTX 970 and the R9 290X. The GTX 970 uses less power; the 290X is $30-50 cheaper.

The 970 generally performs better on a single 1080p monitor. The 290X tends to perform better on a 4k monitor (or 3x1080p monitors). They're about even @1440p.

Here are the lowest prices on each at the moment:

PNY GeForce GTX 970 4GB XLR8 Video Card ($316.99...
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Brillis Wuce

Brillis Wuce

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Your board should have no issues with a new GPU. It was a good, mid-range board when it came out. You also have great PSU, so no problems there.

The best GPU for the best money right now is the GTX 970. I can't recommend it highly enough. It sips power, makes little noise, and handles everything on Ultra.

For being 3.5 years old, your system is still pretty good, but what kind of monitor(s) are you using?
 
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endeavour37a

endeavour37a

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Feb 25, 2013
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quilciri

quilciri

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You're good with any single GPU card in that system. The only way you'd need to be concerned about a pci-e 2.0 mobo is if you want to run multiple GPU's in the system.

2GB VRAM is generally good for 1080p, and it's passable for 1440p. If you're gaming (or plan to) across multiple 1080p+ monitors, or on a single 4k/5k monitor., 4GB+ is recommended.

The best cards in that price range are the GTX 970 and the R9 290X. The GTX 970 uses less power; the 290X is $30-50 cheaper.

The 970 generally performs better on a single 1080p monitor. The 290X tends to perform better on a 4k monitor (or 3x1080p monitors). They're about even @1440p.

Here are the lowest prices on each at the moment:

PNY GeForce GTX 970 4GB XLR8 Video Card ($316.99 @ Amazon)

Asus Radeon R9 290X 4GB DirectCU II Video Card ($279.99 @ NCIX US)

Cheers!
 
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WaffleStomperX

WaffleStomperX

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Jan 3, 2015
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Wow, I appreciate all the responses! And very glad to hear the good news. So I suppose the GTX 970 is probably the way to go, which is fine with me.

I only have a single 1080p monitor - nothing too fancy. It's an ASUS VH238H 23" HDMI LED Backlight monitor. Specifically this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236117. Might upgrade sometime down the road, but that's been fine for now
 
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WaffleStomperX

WaffleStomperX

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Jan 3, 2015
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Thanks for the heads up junkeymonkey! After an initial search, the GTX 970 seems to have worked with other P67's, but I'll be sure to look more into that to double check before buying a specific one. Didn't even think of the chipset, so thank you very much!
 
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junkeymonkey

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Nov 11, 2013
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that 970 is funny and lots of posts on it here ?? if you look around you may see the ''new'' 970 cards to be released and they may have fixes in them to resolve these issues with the first release cards ???
I feel the first batch of cards were rushed out to make the x-mas rush and this is what you get for that???? [opinion]
 
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