MSI Graphics Cards,(bad rep with them in the past) and *want to know what Graphics card is good for my current Build

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scholletech

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Oct 7, 2013
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Background with MSI GPU: I have had bad experiences with MSI in the past as the GPUs bought have put me a position of not trusting anything MSI has released, as you know in the beginning of MSI there were hardware defects and it has scarred me from buying any MSI related product in the future. Big note, is that I do understand that you cannot look at the manufacturer but the hardware model that is brought out is at fault. Just wondering how I could overcome this rut as I have seen a lot of people recommend MSI products?

Two products I have seen recommended:
1. MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G Graphics Cards
2. Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 G1 Gaming GDDR5 Pcie Video Graphics Card, 4GB

I understand:
* I could sell my current system and try to go a different approach with a new build with the money I sold my system for, but I want to know how much I can modify my current build's gaming performance to where I can be sufficient for awhile longer(in other words this is a budget build) and see if I can modify any existing bottlenecks.

My current gaming build main components(I know it's old):
MOBO: M4A88T-M/USB3
CPU: AMD Phenom II X6
Current GPU: XFX Radeon HD 6970
SSD as main drive: Samsung 850 evo 250gb

Sorry for any lack of details, if you need more information please specifically let me know what I need to add and I will add it when asked... Thanks!

Questions based on the information provided:
1. How I can I overcome this rut as I have seen a lot of people recommend MSI products where as MSI has caused me run away from their products?
2. What high-end Graphics card is good for my current Build?


Thanks for your time and attention to my question\inquiry!

Scholletech
 
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graand

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May 14, 2015
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Agree with legokill101, Your cpu will surely bottleneck your 970, Since youre willing to sell your system. I suggest the you get cheapest i3 4th gen which is the i3 4460 and get any H87 or B85 mobo so you can take advantage of youre 970.

1 -> This is ridiculous but to answer that psycologically, buy a product from them and prove yourself wrong, ridiculous but thats my own way, Conquer your fear.

2 -> R9 270x < GTX 960 < R9 280 < R9 280x

Mod edit: I took the liberty of reversing your '>' signs, to correct what was undoubtedly a typo. OP, you could then append "< GTX970" onto the end of it.
 
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Onus

Onus

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Jan 27, 2006
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Although the Asus Strix GT970 I have now has been working well, my past experiences have actually favored MSI over Asus for graphics cards (reverse for motherboards).
While your current system will bottleneck a GTX970, it won't be wasting money to buy one, as you can move it into your new build when you decide to upgrade. By making the CPU into the bottleneck, you will also more clearly see whether or not you need to upgrade, and possibly how much of an improvement you need.
A PSU that can handle a HD6970 should have no trouble with a GTX970, but you might tell us what it is (brand and model, not just wattage please), in case its age might be a concern.
 
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Onus

Onus

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Jan 27, 2006
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Hmmm, Raidmax "enjoys" a particularly bad reputation among PSU vendors. That one is an old, obsolete design (the voltage switch gives it away; very few good PSUs still have that, such as the Antec VP series), that is almost certainly not good for what is on its label. How old is it? Made by Andyson, with a mere two-year warranty, I suspect it may be near-junk, and you will not want to carry it into a new build.
 
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scholletech

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Oct 7, 2013
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Would it be advised to change out this Power supply right away as it could be a danger to my system?
 
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Onus

Onus

Titan
Jan 27, 2006
37,037
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How long have you had it? If only a short time, and you've had marathon gaming sessions without incident, it may not be a disaster in-waiting. Even if it is good for only 70% of its label, it can still run your system.
If, otoh, you've had unexplained stability issues, it may lack filtering and/or other protection circuits, and should indeed be replaced.
A quality 500W-550W PSU is sufficient for your rig (and your likely upgrade). Choose one built by Seasonic (their own, all XFX, some Antec, EVGA GS), Delta (some Antec), or Super Flower (Rosewill Capstone, Kingwin Lazer, EVGA G2 & P2).
 
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scholletech

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Oct 7, 2013
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Had it since: 5/26/2011 , had it installed and working for about 4 Years,

 
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Will Fantom

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Jun 4, 2015
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Your CPU isn't up to running a 970 as other people have said.

If you really don't want to spend on a new system, you should be able to run a NVidia GTX 960. You could go for a more powerful AMD card but more and more games are using NVidia GameWorks and you will get better performance using them with an NVidia GPU.

Your PSU seems okay, decent power output. But like Onus says, Raidmax don't have a great rep. I don't see it being too damaging, but its definitely another thing to think about upgrading in the near future.

Also, if you do ever upgrade your Motherboard, CPU and PSU, you could always get a second 960 and run SLI....
 
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kansasboy001

kansasboy001

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Feb 6, 2013
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I have been using msi cards since the 6970 and have had no trouble what so ever. I can not say the same for HIS. I would go for a r9 280x or 285 used from a vendor like MSI, Asus, or Gigabyte that has transferable warranties. And go for a fx 8320 or 8350. If power is a concern go for the 8330E or 8370E. If nvidia is important to you go for a 770 or 770ti used from one of the above manufactureres
 
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P

Piller

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Mar 28, 2015
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Firstly I have an msi z97 gaming 5 with no issues and love it. I had an msi 2g gtx960 since the 960 was released earlier this year. Had not 1 issue from it, and it overclocked well. But I recently upgraded to a g1 gaming gtx970. Mainly because it was $20 more, has a backplate included, plus an additional fan, and overclocks just slightly higher than the msi 4g. The only downside in my books is the blue led on the g1 compared to white on the msi.

Personally I'd recommend a better cpu first. If thats out of the question as said before stick with a 960. It will get you playing new games on lower settings, or mobas and older games on high settings
 
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