Best GPU for around $300

[bearmace]

I will be building a computer sometime soon but am new to a lot of this. I am looking for a graphics card around $300 max. I have been looking at the Radeon 6950 and at the GeForce GTX 560ti, to go with an intel i7 cpu. What would be a good GPU and what are the best manufacturers?

 

[pell380]

gtx 570 is best you will get the physx also

 

[spentshells]

6970 or that Great Asus gtx 570 card look like the best available deals.

But if waiting for rebates isn't your thing

Have a look at these.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127615
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130739
289 each with free shipping.

 

[bearmace]

Thanks for the help, unfortunately I live in Australia so cannot purchase from NewEgg but i will look for either 6950/560ti or the 6970/570.

 

[monsta]

Yeah unfortunately the prices here is Australia are steep

You coiuld always grab one of these
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193_1193&products_id=17326

 

[bearmace]

Yeah that looks like a good option. What is the difference between a 1GB and a 2GB gpu?

 

[spentshells]

2gb is for when you go beyond 1920x1080

 

[refillable]

Yeah that looks like a good option. What is the difference between a 1GB and a 2GB gpu?

Hello there
Just VRAM (Video Memory) Difference, when you have 1GB it is enough for 560ti or 6950, except you are running in 2 monitor setup or large resolution like 2560x1440.

If you can pay little bit more, you can buy 6850 crossfire (6850x2) Make sure you've got a motherboard that supports it (And the PCI-E is at least x8/x8).

Here is it: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193_1163&products_id=18269 (Buy 2 and set it on crossfire)

Comparison here: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/302?vs=330 , you can see that crossfire smokes 560ti, but I know that the temperature and noise was more. But as long as it is faster at gaming it would be fine.

Otherwise if you can't then 560ti or 6950. What games do you play?

 

[spentshells]

I'm pretty sure the overall experience would be better with a single card.

BUT.... since the OP is in AUZ 2x6850 would be well over the $300 limit.

 

[FtsArTek]

I live in NZ, so I know what kind of prices you're looking at. Really there are a couple options: Wait until the Boxing Day Sales, or get an HD6950/560Ti. Out of those two, I would suggest the AMD card, as each driver update, the card proves itself better. Just as the 6970 is now passing the 570 and catching the 580, 6950 is catching the 570. Neither are quite there yet, but it's a noticable difference.

Otherwise, you could go for GTX460 SLI, which is amazing, and if you're lucky you could find a couple for sub-$160

 

[spentshells]

I'm in canada so this is not an issue for me. I am quite amazed you have boxing day in NZ
since we have it here but it does not exist in the USA. Hmmm I guess I learned something.

 

[bearmace]

Okay so i will only need a 1GB. It all depends on price but I think i will get a 6950 and then a crossfire it later down the track.

Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[refillable]

this is beautiful: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193_1179&products_id=18197

 

[spentshells]

It is actually a really good price.

 

[17seconds]

I would suggest the AMD card, as each driver update, the card proves itself better. Just as the 6970 is now passing the 570 and catching the 580, 6950 is catching the 570. Neither are quite there yet, but it's a noticable difference.

Sorry, I have to call BS on this one.

 

[spentshells]

I can say I've seen the 6970 creep past the 570 in the last year. Even most toms charts show it. 6950 catching the 570 no not so much.

 

[bearmace]

Rather than getting an i7 i have been told to get an i5 and spend more on a gpu. Whats the consensus on either 6970 or gtx570?

 

[dharmenparikh]

If you only have $300 to spend and you aren't expecting to spend more for another 1-2yrs then get Radeon 6870 x 2 in crossfire. They were for $140-$145 ish after rebates by multiple vendors during thanksgiving and they should be for christmas too. They will outperform a GTX 580...and as far as GTX 570 and Radeon 6970 are concerned...this will beat them by 10-15% in almost every game (unless the game inherently favours nvidia)

Most motherboards have 2 8/16x PCIe slots nowadays and you can get these to run with a good 650w-700W powersupply. Or one of those cheap 800-900w powersupplies too.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/301?vs=305

 

[spentshells]

Rather than getting an i7 i have been told to get an i5 and spend more on a gpu. Whats the consensus on either 6970 or gtx570?

You can not go wrong !