Best GPU for my CPU without breaking the bank

Adampaulso

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Aug 12, 2015
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Alright, so I have this CPU and need an upgrade CLEARLY because my current GPU is 512mb which is very... bad.... Anyways I have a quite bad CPU as well but it does the job I need it to do, so I was wondering what GPU to get for the AMD Athlon X3 II 455 running at 3.3 and 3 cores (I believe). I like to play games such as CS:GO, Diablo 3, Any borderlands game, Tomb Raider, Far Cry (any given number), League of Legends, I would like to play GTA V but I could only wish to play it with that type of CPU. But if by any chance, where the stars align and there's a GPU out there that fits my need for GTA V id be more than happy to hear about it. Just on another note I'm a fps, fast paced, and/or shooter kind of guy so think of games as such.
Full Specs:
Thermaltake 750w PSU
GiGabyte GA m68mt-s
(DDR3)
4gb RAM (2x2 4gb)
ATI Radeon 4600
AMD Athlon X3 II 455
Monitor:
BenQ GL2460 set at 60hz
1080x1920
Price Range:
250 > ###
Preferances:
NVidia
2048mb
But if it comes down to it anything that really works well
 

Adampaulso

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Aug 12, 2015
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Can't complain with that answer cause those seem like half decent cards
 
Damn, Jesus beat me to the punch. I was also going to recommend the GTX 750 Ti. Btw, I used to own the ATI Radeon HD 4670. It's a good card but clearly outclassed for today's titles. I have another suggestion, but it'll be controversial considering your CPU. If you plan on upgrading your CPU + MB within the next six months, then you might consider buying a used GTX 970 on Ebay; many used ones have sold for $250 or so. That way, it'll be a great match after you upgrade your entire system. EVGA had official refurbished b-stock GTX 970's on their site for $259 last week, but I no longer see the listing. If the listing was still there, I'd say you could buy one within a week's time, but without the listing, I'm not so sure.

When you're ready to upgrade your CPU, you could go for a i5-4690K and accompanying motherboard and memory. Micro center has good CPU + MB combo deals if you do a local pickup. That is how I bought my i7-5820K and Asus Sabertooth X99 motherboard.
 

Jesus_In_Adidas

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Sep 9, 2015
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I was also thinking about GTX 950, but into consideration that the OP is quite smart to bullet point the fact to upgrade his system in a reasonably short period. Having in mind he would be going for a new system in a year - the gtx 950 will be outdated by the time, as most probably it would be a decent 1440p gaming system.

That said, i would not even spend that extra for GTX 750 Ti and stick with GT 730/740 or R7 250 - the cheapest deal possible.

 

Jesus_In_Adidas

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Sep 9, 2015
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Why would you buy outdated parts 1 by 1, end up spending large amount of dollars for an outdated inefficient system. There's only one way now - Skylake and what comes afterwards - example: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3Nm4Lk
I can't see any pf the parts mentionted filling the list and the GTX 970 ? Maxwell chipsets will be replaced in May 2016 at the latest. GTX 970 is well known for it's vRam issues.

To sum up - sorry but you need to refresh your knowledge base before advising others.
 

JUICEhunter

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Oct 23, 2013
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I was thinking the 950 is good enough for a i3 type system as that upgrade will give a lot more cpu performance than what OP has for a very low cost.

Yes i5/i7 is the way to go and the way I go but if you're not getting a GPU faster than let's say a 960 you won't see too much of a difference.