Modernizing computer graphics for upcoming games

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mathmania3

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Jun 29, 2013
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Hi All,

I'm thinking about upgrading the graphics power of my computer for some new games coming out this year, specifically GTA V in March. I want to be able to play on the highest settings so I am guessing I am going to need more than I currently have, a GTX 660. It does meet the recommended requirements but I'm guessing more is better and it won't currently reach the highest settings for 1080p. I was looking into two main options right now, getting another 660 with SLI or getting a whole new 970. With the 970 I wouldn't be able to SLI and it seems like a waste of my current graphics card which still works fine. What are your recommendations for my situation?

Thanks!
 
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AnonymousONIagent

AnonymousONIagent

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Jan 26, 2015
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It's not as good of an option as it used to appear, but the 970 would still be miles better for futureproofing than the 660 would be, even in SLI. But if you want my honest opinion, I think you should wait until AMD releases their new GPUs in a few months.
 
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mathmania3

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Jun 29, 2013
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Thanks for the reply. It does seem like the 970 is a better idea. If I do go with that would it render my current 660 completely useless? Or could I keep it plugged in but not SLI and use it to power my second screen? I don't have a lot of knowledge of GPU workings so I'm not sure if that would work, having one graphics card per monitor.
 
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AnonymousONIagent

AnonymousONIagent

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You can run them together without SLI, but you will run into driver issues, and it will most likely be more headache than it's worth.

A better option would be to give your old 660 to someone who can still get some decent use out of it. This could be a sibling or friend who's looking into building their first custom PC or upgrade an aging one. Another great option is to check if any local high school or college programs will take it. Education systems often don't realize how important up-to-date hardware can be, and many computer-related school programs are poorly funded. Many such programs are using computers with decade-old graphics hardware. Even your old 660 could make a huge difference in what these programs can teach students and enable them to teach much more effectively.
 
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mathmania3

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Jun 29, 2013
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Those are good recommendations and I'll keep them in mind, thanks. Do you think I should upgrade this year? Will the GTX 660 hold up for games this year, like GTA V mentioned in the original post? If it will still work fine I think I might hold off upgrading but if I can't play the newest games this year on high settings I'd rather upgrade.
 
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AnonymousONIagent

AnonymousONIagent

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The GTX 660 should be fine as long as you don't max the settings out and don't use AA (although it might max it out without AA at 1080p). Otherwise, you might want to upgrade sooner rather than later.
 
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AnonymousONIagent

AnonymousONIagent

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I can't recommend one way or another, as it's all dependent on what you want. If you want to completely max out current games, upgrade now. If you don't mind having to turn a couple settings down for the time being, feel free to wait.
 
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