Need a new graphics card and/or processor under $200-$300

CoupleOfBalls · Aug 20, 2016

I want to upgrade my graphics card and maybe my processor. What would be the best under a $200 budget?
Graphics card: AMD Radeon R7 200 Series
Processor: Intel Core i3-6100 CPU 3.7 GHZ
Ram: 8GB
System: 64-bit
Note: This is a cyberpower pc and i purchased it off of Newegg. Finding the product page might be easier to determine the size or something needed for the rig. Thanks!

justanotherjose · Aug 20, 2016

Undoubtedly, the better choice is to upgrade your graphics card. The i3-6100 isn't bad, good thing you didn't go with one of the cyberpowers AMD builds, usually the processors are awful. The i3-6100 I think can be comfortable with an RX 480. It would be a great improvement over your current graphics. Also check that your power supply is of high quality, since pre built PC's usually skimp out on power supplies.
http://i.imgur.com/tgrbCnr.jpg

Here are some graphics card's in order that I would get them.

GTX 1060 gaming X, or some variant thats not a founders edition card and has decent out of box overclocking. (might have slight if any bottleneck with an i3-6100. But tbh, I don't know too much about bottlenecks.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127963

RX 480 gaming X, again whichever variant that's not a founders edition and has 8gb of vram.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814137023

RX 470 STRIX OC, I actually think this is a really good deal if you're looking at something under $200. Pretty solid stuff.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16814126124

Chugalug_ · Aug 20, 2016

I recommend something slightly different.
Better value cards, the coolers listed above are a little overpriced.
The RX 480 is what you should go with with an i3 6100, as anything higher like the 1060 will bottleneck.
The 8GB of VRAM is pointless unless you're doing rendering, as it won't be utilized 99% of the time.
Hell, even the RX 480 is slightly bottlenecked by the i3. (5%ish)

GTX 1060: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/QVWrxr/zotac-geforce-gtx-1060-6gb-amp-edition-video-card-zt-p10600b-10m

RX 480 (When it comes back into stock): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202225
RX 470 is the same as above, great deal: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16814126124

CoupleOfBalls · Aug 20, 2016

Chugalug_ :

What does bottleneck mean actually? Sorry, I'm new to this whole computer thing

Chugalug_ · Aug 20, 2016

Bottleneck refers to the point at which your CPU or GPU generally is held back (bottlenecked) by another component.
If your GPU is bottlenecked in this case, it means that the CPU isn't fast enough to take full advantage of the graphics power present in the system.

Trafalgar747 · Aug 21, 2016

Your processor is very nice, it should easily handle the RX 480 or GTX 1060 imo.

Chugalug_ · Aug 21, 2016

Trafalgar747 :

The i3 6100 hits a roughly 5% bottleneck with the RX 480, so it will be fine with that, but a 1060 is a bit pointless.
In OPs case, an RX 480 is essentially the top out mark for the i3 6100, and therefore the better investment.

With a new PC, if one were to go with a 1060 and an i3 that's getting into CPU upgrade range anyway, so I would go an i5 and RX 480 if it were a new build.

CoupleOfBalls · Aug 21, 2016

Okay will the 480 be able to increase my frames on Rust? Currently I get only 15 fps on Rust at the lowest settings. Which 480 should i get there are more options than 1 and I have no clue about computers haha
Also, sorry Chugalug i pressed on the bottom arrow now knowing what it would do but, it disliked your comment. I apologize!

Vic 40 · Aug 21, 2016

CoupleOfBalls :

Under this budget seems the RX 470 to be a good deal.Probably just check to see what's in stock via the shop you want to buy from or the pcpartpicker.

CoupleOfBalls · Aug 21, 2016

Vic 40 :

Would the 470 be a better deal than the 480?

CoupleOfBalls · Aug 22, 2016

Chugalug_ :

Trafalgar747 :

The i3 6100 hits a roughly 5% bottleneck with the RX 480, so it will be fine with that, but a 1060 is a bit pointless.
In OPs case, an RX 480 is essentially the top out mark for the i3 6100, and therefore the better investment.

With a new PC, if one were to go with a 1060 and an i3 that's getting into CPU upgrade range anyway, so I would go an i5 and RX 480 if it were a new build.

Which 480 should i get? On the website there are more than 1 option!

Inkiad · Aug 22, 2016

Anything will be fine. The ones with two coolers would be quieter and cooler.

The i3 6100 hits a roughly 5% bottleneck with the RX 480, so it will be fine with that, but a 1060 is a bit pointless.

I would love to see proof of this

CoupleOfBalls · Aug 22, 2016

Would this be fine? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16814137025

Chugalug_ · Aug 22, 2016

No point getting an 8GB card, the extra VRAM will barely get used at all in 95% of games.
The RX480 is a better deal for only $30 more. Wait till it comes back into stock.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202225

Chugalug_ · Aug 22, 2016

Inkiad :

Sorry, don't know what I was thinking there.

I meant with the 1060 there will be a small bottleneck, but it is a bit pointless given the price gap in this case.
Was suggesting the RX 480 as the card for choice.

Inkiad · Aug 22, 2016

^Price is high of that. You can get a RX 480 for that price.

Wait a week or two, the cheaper ones will be in stock.

CoupleOfBalls · Aug 22, 2016

Inkiad :

Can you post a link please

CoupleOfBalls · Aug 22, 2016

Inkiad :

I've hear rumors that the Radeon graphic cards get really loud and very hot. is that true?

Chugalug_ · Aug 22, 2016

Sure thing.
No, these rumors are not true unless you get the reference design, this is a custom cooler card.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202225&cm_re=RX_480-_-14-202-225-_-Product

CoupleOfBalls · Aug 22, 2016

Chugalug_ :

I've read the reviews and they complain about the heat of the card.

Chugalug_ · Aug 22, 2016

Seems pretty good to me, under stress testing only hitting 75c. I've also had a few come through my shop with no temp problems upon testing one. (I usually do this with one of every model that comes through to get an idea of performance and use them as demo units.)
http://www.eteknix.com/sapphire-nitro-rx-480-oc-8gb-graphics-card-review/11/

CoupleOfBalls · Aug 22, 2016

Chugalug_ :

Okay thanks! You seem pretty knowledgeable in this type of stuff so I'll trust you on this. By any chance would this card go on sale on Cyber monday or on any other 'holidays.'

Chugalug_ · Aug 22, 2016

I doubt it, the RX 480 cards are very high in demand at the moment, and are sold out almost everywhere in the US.
Its already great value as is, i'd place a pre-order and just get it while it's cheap!

R4DIO4CT1VE · Aug 22, 2016

this may not be an issue but i figured i should bring it up. make sure you have a good enough power supply to run a new GPU. its its a little below 500w go with a 1060, if its over 500w you could do either of course.

CoupleOfBalls · Aug 23, 2016

R4DIO4CT1VE :

Thanks for the heads up! But, i plan on purchasing a $50 power supply from Amazon! I'm not sure if I need a specific power supply but, hopefulyl this will do!
https://www.amazon.com/Sentey-XPP725-HS-Computer-Desktop-Bearing/dp/B00SN6VN7W/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Q2SHFZ035VCCTFX9KMRB

Need a new graphics card and/or processor under $200-$300

Reputable

Commendable

Titan

Reputable

Titan

Honorable

Titan

Reputable

Titan

Reputable

Reputable

Distinguished

Reputable

Titan

Titan

Distinguished

Reputable

Reputable

Titan

Reputable

Titan

Reputable

Titan

Honorable

Reputable

Share this page