Which Graphics Card should I buy?

Aggron · Jun 30, 2015

I'm building my first Computer and I don't which card is best for me. I am planning on going for SLI/Crossfire in the future. I will also buy a 1440p monitor in the future, therefore I will play a few games in 1440p.

My choices are the:

1. https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/zotac-video-card-zt9010610p

2. https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-video-card-r9290xedfd

3. https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/powercolor-video-card-axr93908gbd5ppdhe

Forgotten031511 · Jun 30, 2015

Without a doubt I would go with the GTX 970. The 290X and the 390 are re-brands of the HD 79XX series, yes that GPU goes that far back!

Benchmarks show the GTX 970 still out performing the 390 in several situations, or neck and neck. If you want to go SLI later on, SLI 970's have out performed the Titan X and 980 Ti many times.

Valid Review and Benchmarks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4RyNNlKbJw

beekermartin · Jun 30, 2015

I feel the Nvidia 970 is the best bang for the buck card at the moment.

UncreativeName · Jun 30, 2015

Even though I love the 970, since you are going to be playing at 1440p the 390 just makes more sense with 8gb of vram. The performance is very similar but the 390 is a worthy card for 1440p on a tighter budget.

Forgotten031511 · Jun 30, 2015

UncreativeName :

Normally I would agree here, but if he is going to SLI the 970's later on and buy a 1440p panel later on...the GTX 970 is an overall better card right now. Unless he wants to game 1440p right now, the GTX 970 is the better card in the long run. Also, the GTX 970 holds it's own on 1440p in most games. Not only that, they are $100-$150 cheaper than the re-branded 390's

UncreativeName · Jun 30, 2015

I have to agree in terms of pairing two cards then nvidia all the way but as a single card in terms of performance generally the 390 seems to perform better except in nvidia optimized titles such as witcher 3. Saying that the 970 overclocks well so you could see big fps gains there.

For OP you could watch this comparison to see which GPU suits you better:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=udXCusTnRsY

NubUser · Jun 30, 2015

Just wait more and get the 980 ti or the fury, 2x cards is nothing but trouble, specially with the 970 that will it the 3.5gb wall prety fast at anything but 1080 p

Aggron · Jun 30, 2015

UncreativeName :

Do you know how far you can upgrade the r9 390, cause I'm leaning towards it atm. If overclocking the 970 can make it faster than a 390, than I will go with a 970.

UncreativeName · Jul 1, 2015

Aggron :

The R9 390 is generally stronger stock for stock so the slightly better overclocking isn't as big of a deal. The bottom line is that the 970 is a more efficient card and runs cooler, but that's not to say the R9 390 runs 'hot'. Both cards have aftermarket non reference boards that improve noise and temperatures and the cards performance is so similar that once it is in the case you'll barely notice a difference. I would say at 1440p though in a SINGLE card setup the 390 is the better card with its more stream processors and 8gb vram. The way I would decide is either toss a coin, buy the one I prefer or which ever is cheapest. My money would be on the 390 at this point. Look at some reviews or wait for some moe video reviews to arrive if you can't decide. Or another deciding factor would be if you definitely plane to SLI/Crossfire because in that case go Nvidia all day, SLI has much less issues.

Aggron · Jul 1, 2015

UncreativeName :

Aggron :

The R9 390 is generally stronger stock for stock so the slightly better overclocking isn't as big of a deal. The bottom line is that the 970 is a more efficient card and runs cooler, but that's not to say the R9 390 runs 'hot'. Both cards have aftermarket non reference boards that improve noise and temperatures and the cards performance is so similar that once it is in the case you'll barely notice a difference. I would say at 1440p though in a SINGLE card setup the 390 is the better card with its more stream processors and 8gb vram. The way I would decide is either toss a coin, buy the one I prefer or which ever is cheapest. My money would be on the 390 at this point. Look at some reviews or wait for some moe video reviews to arrive if you can't decide. Or another deciding factor would be if you definitely plane to SLI/Crossfire because in that case go Nvidia all day, SLI has much less issues.

I want to go with the r9 390 now, but I have one more question. I do plan on doing Crossfire/SLI in the future. Whats the difference between them.

beekermartin · Jul 1, 2015

Crossfire is AMD and SLI Nvidia.

Nvidia tends to be favored in multiple card solution. AMD has improved and is still a great option but if you do some research you will see less complaints with SLI over Crossfire. Neither is perfect but that seems to be the common trend.

beekermartin · Jul 1, 2015

Also, because the 970 uses much less power it also produces a lot less heat. That is very helpful when you have two cards running very close together.

Mousemonkey · Jul 1, 2015

NubUser :

Well I'm running 3 screens (albeit 19 x 10 ones) and I have yet to hit the 3.5GB wall that folk like you keep spreading the FUD about.

UncreativeName · Jul 2, 2015

SLI is for nvidia and is pretty much better in every way. SLI will run cooler and more efficiently and you will run into much less multi card problems generally.

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