Best value GPU for the casual gamer

Alpha7 · Mar 4, 2016

I'm really not a big gamer but during the winter I enjoy playing a game or two. Literally I will play a few times a year. Previously, I used an AMD APU with the integrated iGPU. It worked well for my purpose. I would like to get something a bit better now that I have a larger case.

My CPU is a 4690k. My case is a Core 1000. With hard drives installed on the the hard drive plate, the largest card I can fit is about 210mm. *edit

Looking to spend under $150. Don't mind looking at something used.

Not really sure how to judge a GPU.

superninja12 · Mar 4, 2016

msi gtx 950 for sure.

this is only possible if u got 1 hdd installed otherwise u need to downgrade to a 750 ti.

Alpha7 · Mar 4, 2016

superninja12 :

Thanks for the suggestion ninja. I already have three drives installed so the card has to be under 120mm. I need all three drives in there. Two are 3.5".

SBMfromLA · Mar 4, 2016

AMD would give you a better dollar value.. that's something to consider.

Alpha7 · Mar 4, 2016

Since I'm not a huge gamer, per dollar value is my biggest priority. Generally I play older games. The most demanding one I have right now is the first Metro. I also have Hitman Absolution.

This is probably a really dumb question but how much better would an entry level/mid-grade card be compared to my APU iGPU?

I have two 1080p monitors btw.

superninja12 · Mar 4, 2016

are u sure under 120mm website said 210 this makes a huge difference.
http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/core-series/core-1000-usb-30

Alpha7 · Mar 4, 2016

superninja12 :

Lol, yes you are correct. Some dyslexia going on in my head.

superninja12 · Mar 4, 2016

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 950 2GB Superclocked Video Card ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $149.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-03-04 19:17 EST-0500

this one for sure

low power consumption and plenty gaming power , you won't be disappointed

Alpha7 · Mar 4, 2016

superninja12 :

Thanks man.

Will I be able to play most titles on high settings with one of those?

superninja12 · Mar 4, 2016

it requires a 6 min psu connector (4+2 is fine too) if you know your psu brand and model i can make sure it works

Alpha7 · Mar 4, 2016

superninja12 :

I have an EVGA Supernova 750watt gold.

superninja12 · Mar 4, 2016

thats good enough u can power that for sure

and checkout these benchmarks (yes its very accurate for u maybe 2-3fps difference)
http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-950/performance
keep in mind this is on ultra so if u squeeze a bit down u get some very solid gaming experience.

Alpha7 · Mar 4, 2016

Thanks man. Going to read up on it now. Try to sniff out a deal on one.

superninja12 · Mar 4, 2016

ow yeah it doesn't matte ru play on 2 monitors the resolution impacts your fps. (which is 1080p)
the monitor gets its own power from the socket no worries about that.
and amd gives better performance per buck but thats in the 200-250 and the 300-400 dollar range and not even than, it all depends on your needs.
but nothing for you to worry about

Alpha7 · Mar 4, 2016

Hey superninja, got one more question for you. Are there every compatibility issues with these cards? With the MB, etc.

superninja12 · Mar 5, 2016

Alpha7 :

nop

JUICEhunter · Mar 5, 2016

If you're patient and willing to check daily evga b stock has gtx 770s for $150/780tis for $180 but they sell very fast like moments from when they are added.

Other prices to look for new would be 950/$120 & 960/$160.

Alpha7 · Mar 9, 2016

JUICEhunter :

I'm very patient. No problem there.

What is EVGA B stock? Are those refurbished card on their site?

JUICEhunter · Mar 10, 2016

http://www.evga.com/Products/ProductList.aspx?type=8

Check daily and when you see "add to cart" on the gpu you want jump on it asap, "auto notify" = they don't have it.

Alpha7 · Mar 10, 2016

Thanks for the link.

Are these all refurbished cards?

JUICEhunter · Mar 10, 2016

Yes but come with a 1 year warranty from EVGA, my buddy got his 780ti for $180 and it OCs just as well as mine that I got new at launch.

Alpha7 · Mar 10, 2016

JUICEhunter :

Nice.

Do the prices just vary all over the place? I saw a bunch on there but I don't know how to judge them.

JUICEhunter · Mar 10, 2016

Prices are pretty consistent, right now there isn't much to choose from as all the great deals get nabbed up right away hence checking daily and jumping on it when you see a deal, keep an eye out for gtx 950 for $120/960 $150/770 $160/780ti $180. Everything else is very meh.

Alpha7 · Mar 24, 2016

Hey guys, still trying to sniff out a deal on a GPU. Not in a rush; just want to get the best deal I can. I've been checking out the EVGA site once per day but nothing good so far.

I just discovered that I can rearrange my HDDs and SSD and get a 350mm card inside. All I have to do is swap one 3.5" HDD with my SSD in the 5.25" bay. With the SSD on the bottom, I believe it should fit. This opens me up to more options than I originally thought was possible.

Did some research and reading on GPUs. Looking like the 960 is an okay card but is generally viewed as being bad value. The 970 is considered a good value card because it brings good performance at it's price point. The 970 is really more than I want to spend though. However, if I can score a 970 for around $200 I would be all over that.

What is a decent AMD card?

How do people view the 770? Is it too old?

I really would have imagined that GPUs would lose their value quickly. New tech always coming out, the fact that they are fragile. I've been searching on fleabay for a good deal on one and a lot seem to be only $50 less than retail. Not worth buying something used and saving so little.

JUICEhunter · Mar 24, 2016

770 is a bit faster than 960 most of the time but I have seen 960 match or slightly beat in certain situations (rare). I've been checking evga b-stock myself, seems like they only have $300 970s and than it drops to 750s, all their mid tier/old gpus haven't been added for a while but still check they are so random when they add stuff.

If you still can't find a deal and need a GPU PM me as my buddy has an extra 770 around not being used since his last upgrade maybe I could talk him into selling it, he's not against selling it just lazy.

If I were I'd look for a $150ish 960:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00T4BWGBM/ref=sr_1_4_olp?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1458807459&sr=1-4&keywords=gtx+960&condition=used

Here are some 770s from microcenter:

http://www.microcenter.com/product/441660/GeForce_GTX_770_2GB_PCIe_Video_Card_(REFURBISHED)

Best value GPU for the casual gamer

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