Upgrade my GTX260 to 960/970 questions.

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
B

Bob Ninja

Reputable
Oct 21, 2015
7
0
4,510
Hey guys!

I would like to get some advice on a new graphic card for my computer.
My computer is 4 years old, here's all the specs:
http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/HP-Pavilion-Elite-HPE-Desktop-PC-series/4269972/model/4343767/document/c02613315#N176

The computer and the GTX260 have served me really well so far, and still do. But I start to sense that a more powerful graphic card could improve my framerate/resolution, especially with the newer games.
I've been looking at the 960 (both 2gb and 4gb versions), and the 970. But I want some opinions before hitting the store.
Buying a new computer is not an option at this moment, so I would like to hear your opinions on what these cards would do for my gaming experience. As an example, I would like to play Fallout 4 with an OK framerate, but I'm not obsessed with "max settings only" - I just want a significant upgrade from what I have now (the GTX260).

I guess my main questions are:
How powerful graphic card can I use before my CPU starts holding it back too much?
And these 3 cards I mentioned, are they all compatible with my computer, regarding PSU etc?

Thankful for all the help!
 
Solution
S
Sort by date Sort by votes
S

sociojeje

Honorable
May 26, 2012
16
0
10,520
Your CPU is good to go. PSU could be doubtful but if it worked well with 260 then it will surely work with 960. For 970, i think you definitely need to buy a new psu. Make sure your PSU has 6pin power (or 8 pin for a brand like evga) cable. I assume your mobo supports pci express 2.0 as you've been using gtx 260. From 260, it will be a world of difference, seriously - not even a match. Probably you can run many games with max settings with 960. I think now great deals are going on for gtx 960 like evga 960 4gb for $160 after rebate on newegg.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
B

Bob Ninja

Reputable
Oct 21, 2015
7
0
4,510


Thanks for the quick reply, sociojeje.

You mentioned 8-pin for a brand like EVGA. The GTX260 I have now uses a 6-pin, so I should stick with a card that has 6-pin. How about this card: https://www.asus.com/Graphics-Cards/STRIXGTX960DC2OC4GD5/specifications/
Would that work in my computer?
Thanks.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
S

sociojeje

Honorable
May 26, 2012
16
0
10,520


ASUS STRIX is one of the best, if not the best. It is relatively shorter than other cards which would give you some relief too because many mid-atx cases have problem with 10 (and over) inch length video cards. I think ASUS STRIX would be the best setup for your existing machine.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
B

Bob Ninja

Reputable
Oct 21, 2015
7
0
4,510
I actually went to the store a few hours ago and picked up a Strix 960 2GB, installed it without any major issues, and it's all working really well. I'm a bit bummed, cause I just saw on the store's page that they are selling the 4GB version for the same price. I've already installed the latest drivers and had time to test some games. They all run really well on max settings.
I'm very thankful for your help!
Happy Gamer :)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
S

sociojeje

Honorable
May 26, 2012
16
0
10,520


Glad it all worked out! It IS a bummer that the store lied! Well for 960, due the memory bandwidth, 4gb one is almost the same as 2gb one (though I have 4gb one :)). Pretty sure you will be fine with the card at least for a few years!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom