~$200-230 GPU for my build

[stretchmc]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: this week
BUDGET RANGE: $200-230 after rebates

USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming (WoW, Mass Effect 2, Portal 2, Rift), watching movies, internet browsing

SYSTEM SPECS: I recently purchased this combo at Newegg: Core i5-2500K/Z68/8GB/1TB FUTURE SuperCombo

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg, unless there's a great deal elsewhere

PARTS PREFERENCES: none, but I'm leaning towards ATI after reading the "Best Graphics Cards For The Money: May 2011" article.

OVERCLOCKING: Ideally yes

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Negative

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920 x 1080


I hate to ask a question that's probably been asked numerous times, but I'm having a hell of a time deciding on a graphics card for the computer I'm building.

After that combo pack from newegg, all I need is a good GPU to go with it (and maybe a cooling system?)

What I'm considering:

HIS H695FN2G2M Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

SAPPHIRE 100312-2SR Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

GIGABYTE GV-N560OC-1GI GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

EVGA 01G-P3-1561-AR GeForce GTX 560 Ti FPB (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

Definitely open to other suggestions, but these are the ones that stood out in my price range.

Thanks in advance. These forums have been a ton of help in making my parts decisions so far.

 

[doginpants]

You should get a msi twin frozr III r6950 it can be easily over clocked and is very quiet.

 

[stingstang]

The 6950 2gb would be the best option. If you're looking to unlock it to a 6970 (which is extremely easy. I've done it) then make sure you buy a reference card. That's one with the fan on one side, and the air goes out the other side, out of the case.
You'll also need a psu, dvd/blu ray reader, and a case. I would also suggest an aftermarket cooler. Pretty much anything with high ratings will do the job.

 

[arson94]

I second the motion to buying a reference 6950 that can be unlocked to a 6970. It might run louder while you're gaming, but if it's really a nuisance WHILE you're gaming then I'd say you just aren't gaming hard enough.

 

[stretchmc]

The combo from newegg includes a psu, optical drive, and case. I'm going to get an aftermarket cooler to allow for overclocking.

While I do like the MSI 6950, it's $50 more than what I'm looking to spend. Not sure I can justify the price increase.

 

[arson94]

You can't justify the extra price, don't waste the energy. Get a reference 6950 that can be unlocked to a 6970. Reference cards are as quiet as can be when you're not gaming. They get louder while you're gaming of course but if you game like a man, you'll never know. If you game like a p****, then yea you'll hear it, it'll actually bother you and you should consider getting a Nintendo DS or something instead and swapping your tampons for pads...

 

[stretchmc]

Well I've narrowed it down to three options:

Non-reference HIS 6950

Reference MSI 6950

Non-reference MSI 6950 Twin Frozr II

So, is it worth $25 more for the reference model (or $35 more for the attached cooling)?

 

[arson94]

That sucks, Sapphire's reference model is OOS. If Sapphire's ref model doesn't come back in stock before you buy, get teh MSI ref model. You'll have a 6970 2GB at a $60 discount.