MSI GTX 960 or XFX r9 280x or MSI GTX 970

Ajbros2

Reputable
May 23, 2015
9
0
4,510
So I was gonna do a build for my friend. HIs budget is $800. I created a system for him which is not too bad. Here are the specs

Intel core i5 4590
MSI B85m-G43
Corsair CX500
Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB RAM (2x4GB)
WD 1TB Blue
Corsair Spec 03

Now originally i was gonna pop in a 250GB SSD by Crucial (BX100) and a GTX 960 by MSI and call it a day. But now i heard that the r9 280x is better than the 960 but a bit more expensive and draws more power. But then i realized i could drop the SSD and the 960 or 280x and instead get a GTX 970

Should i go with the 970 and no SSD? or should i get the 960 or 280x with an SSD? idk which option to get b/c i never had an SSD before so i can't say from experience how fast it is.
 
Solution
Saw a deal on a 290 with free DDR3, came up with this.

(Somewhat of a compromise between the 2 but eh.)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($76.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Intel 535 Series 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($42.50 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X OC Video Card ($255.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($43.99 @ SuperBiiz)...

disturbed force

Reputable
Apr 7, 2015
972
1
5,360
If your looking for performance while gaming then grab the 970, if you want fast boot and load times but lower fps go for the 280x or 960 and a ssd, I would suggest the 280x if you go that route. Personality I would go 970 and throw a ssd in when your friend can afford it.
 

holyprof

Distinguished
Dec 16, 2011
566
0
19,360
If it's a gaming-only PC, get the 970. Game load times will be horrible, but they will run smoothly.
If your friend looks to get some work done as well, SSD is the best computer part you can put in a system.
 

kwa-e

Admirable
Saw a deal on a 290 with free DDR3, came up with this.

(Somewhat of a compromise between the 2 but eh.)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($76.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Intel 535 Series 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($42.50 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X OC Video Card ($255.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($43.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Other: FREE DDR3 (see vga, limited offer)
Total: $779.31
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-01 08:23 EDT-0400
 
Solution