I know there are lots of threads asking this same question, but I am looking for an updated answer.I have a Dell XPS 8500 with the original AMD Radeon HD 7570 video card. I have an LG Flatron IPS235 monitor. Everything on the PC is stock. i7-3770 processor with 8GB RAM. I just recently got into PC gaming and realized that my current card will not run any modern games like Fallout 4, Witcher 3, or Star Wars Battlefront. Based on the previous threads I will need a bigger PSU. My questions are how much bigger PSU will I need if I get either a GTX 970 or R9 390? Also, are those cards going to last me or should I look at something else while I am upgrading as far as future proofing goes or am I better off getting a sub $200 card now since I will have to upgrade in a few more years?
Dell XPS 8500 video card / psu upgrade 2016
- Thread starter tctuner1
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- Apr 22, 2009
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You will need a high quality 500W PSU for the GTX 970, more if you plan on OC'ing. You will need a high quality 650W for the R9-390, same thing applies for OC'ing. The two cards are pretty evenly matched for performance depending on the game and the screen resolution. http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1595?vs=1594
Your stock PSU I believe is 460w w/2 PCIe 6-Pin Connectors. Correct me if I am wrong. That will allow you to run a GTX 960 if you want to keep the same PSU. The GTX 960 will run any of those games at 1080p with high/very high settings
Your stock PSU I believe is 460w w/2 PCIe 6-Pin Connectors. Correct me if I am wrong. That will allow you to run a GTX 960 if you want to keep the same PSU. The GTX 960 will run any of those games at 1080p with high/very high settings
The GTX 970 and R9-390 seem to be everyones top picks. What would be the real advantage for me to spend the extra money on say the GTX970 over the GTX 960? I know there is no way to know for sure, but will I get say another year or two playing AAA titles at mid to high settings on the GTX 970? If the GTX 960 is just as good then I would consider it for the price savings.
Again I am new to gaming and these are just the two cards I have read the most about. Are there any other cards worth considering? and does the brand of card make a big difference (ie... MSI, XFX, EVGA)?
- Apr 22, 2009
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- 411
- 131,790
There's a big difference in performance between the 970 and 960: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1595?vs=1596
(using the same site for comparison so as to compare apples to apples)
Your processor will have no problem keeping up with any card you decide to use. Just be sure you have an adequate high quality PSU for the card you decide on. In that price range, the 970 and 390 are probably the best choice. As to manufacturer, it can be a tossup sometimes. Withing the same model, I like to look for the one with the highest core clock out-of-the-box. Usually it will be using a higher binned chip.
(using the same site for comparison so as to compare apples to apples)
Your processor will have no problem keeping up with any card you decide to use. Just be sure you have an adequate high quality PSU for the card you decide on. In that price range, the 970 and 390 are probably the best choice. As to manufacturer, it can be a tossup sometimes. Withing the same model, I like to look for the one with the highest core clock out-of-the-box. Usually it will be using a higher binned chip.
Thanks for the reply. The link you sent me to compare cards was really helpful. I can see that there really is a big difference between the 970 and 960. As for the brand i will keep an eye out for the card with the highest clock speed out of the box. I noticed that even on the EVGA website that they had 11 different models of the 970. I was trying to figure out the difference between them and noticed that the only major difference was the clock speed. As for the PSU I assume when you say "high quality" that you are saying to purchase a name brand model that does not cost $39.
- Apr 22, 2009
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Exactly. Seasonic, XFX, most Antec PSUs to name a few. No cheapies.
The various cards within a manufacturer's line will vary by OC speed, cooling, size, VRAM amount, phase power, with/without a backplate, etc.
This was the one I ended up with: http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=04G-P4-3978-KR
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