Best Vid Card for $200-250

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bscarl88

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Jul 26, 2012
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Here's my specs:

Core i5 3570k
8 gigs Corsair Vengeance
600w Corsair builder series
Hyper 212
ASrock extreme 4 Z77
120 GIG OCZ SSD

I plan on playing BF3, BO2, and any other new game that will be coming out. I'd like to play BF3 at full graphics at 1680X1050 or even 1920x1080 if that's possible

I don't plan on OCing, unless you guys think the hyper 212 would let me safely OC my CPU, and make a big difference in gaming.

I was thinking on a refurbished GTX 570, or Should I wait for the GTX 660 to be released in hopes that the prices will drop?
 
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pacioli
It's true a 7870 overclocked would be an increase over the GTX 570.

Edit: That graph shows the 7870 OCed running BF3 @ 1080P with a min FPS only 1 higher than the stock GTX 570.

It seems like the GTX 570 would surpass the 7870 with an overclock. I'd go for the less expensive card that performs better... the GTX 570.
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helisis

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Jul 20, 2012
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I have a similar build and went with the 7850 however I would have gone with the 570gtx if I had the extra cash but it was about 20ish bucks more and I cheaped out. Additionally, I should note to you I went into the minneapolis microcenter and saw a 7950 for $254.99 which would crush any of those cards for 200-250. I also opted for the hyper 212 just for the added safety just because somehow I feel in the summer time my pc is always getting hot. You should be able to play bf3 on ultra with any of the 3 above mentioned cards. Also the 480gtx is 220 at newegg and is a very strong card I just decided I did not want to deal with the heat problems in the summer. The 480gtx is the best bang for buck if you don't care about the heat issue and cant find the 7950 for 250.

Its always a waiting game with computer hardware. The longer you wait for stuff the cheaper it gets. Its up to you to wait.

I wouldn't buy a refurbed card unless it comes with a lifetime warranty. Besides the price of a 570 is just about 250. Your saving yourself a few bucks for the possibility of having a few issues.
 
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bscarl88

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I would like the 7950. bit I can't find it for under 350. Is the AMD architecture stable? I was told to keep looking into Nvidia because they will have stand through time better since they have better drivers and all?

What do you guys think about a refurbished or used video card? I know it's a gamble but all the past used/refurbished stuff I have bought have worked fine.
 
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helisis

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Both companies are reliable. Honestly gpus are a gamble. Each card is different and responds a little differently. I would side with you in saying nvidia tends to provide better driver support. That being said the ceiling on the AMD cards is higher because most driver updates tend to make the cards a whole lot better. All things considered If two cards were exactly the same I would go nvidia but the cards in that range are vastly different. The power consumption difference between the 7850 and 480gtx is huge and to me that matters.

If you are comfortable going refurbed then you should do it (If your comfortable enough going refurbed I think you would be comfortable enough going with Amds at times dodgy drivers, ;) ). You will get better value by going preowned. I personally am not comfortable enough doing it.
 
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pacioli

pacioli

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On the Nvidia side of things the GTX 570 is the best GPU at between $225 and $250
On the AMD side you should look at the HD 7850

Overall the GTX 570 is the better performer while the HD 7850 wins the efficiency crown.
 
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Gman450

Gman450

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A HD 7870 is a good choice for around $250.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127662
^This one is available for about $10 more from your budget.
The GTX570s are available for the same prices, but the HD 7870 is faster, so I suggest it.

HD 7870 review with benches included from a GTX 570. It also consumes less power than a GTX570.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7870-review-benchmark,3148-6.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7870-review-benchmark,3148-7.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7870-review-benchmark,3148-19.html
 
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bscarl88

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Jul 26, 2012
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hmmmm I'd definitely be interestedi n the 7870 for a few extra bucks to add performance. Between 570, 7850, and 7870 Are all cards decent at overclocking if I decide to?
 
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helisis

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The radeon cards are vastly superior in overclocking potential to the gtx570. The 78xx series is becoming known for being the best overclocking cards since the 8600gt. People have stable overclocked cards up to 40%+ higher than stock.
 
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Gman450

Gman450

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hmmmm I'd definitely be interestedi n the 7870 for a few extra bucks to add performance. Between 570, 7850, and 7870 Are all cards decent at overclocking if I decide to?
Click to expand...
The HD 7870/50s are decent in OCing.
HD7870-63.jpg
 
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pacioli

pacioli

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It's true a 7870 overclocked would be an increase over the GTX 570.

Edit: That graph shows the 7870 OCed running BF3 @ 1080P with a min FPS only 1 higher than the stock GTX 570.

It seems like the GTX 570 would surpass the 7870 with an overclock. I'd go for the less expensive card that performs better... the GTX 570.
 
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loops

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480 is a safe bet to max out Bf3 and be well w/n your budget w/o the need for rebates: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130759

Also, the 480 is a great combo with the ram you picked -11 for the combo:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1002119

If you don't mind the rebate game this card is a nice pick to get close to a gtx 570 for 219. The 480 is still stronger but heat and power issues are the trade off:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127615

After that, rebate games go on to favor the gtx 570 on new egg.

 
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DarkOutlaw

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It would be extremely easy to overclock to 4.0, you could also easily reach 4.2-4.4 without batting an eye. I suggest you read up some, there's a lot of great guides out there that really make overclocking a process as simple as building a computer from components.

 
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mrbeanladen

mrbeanladen

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http://3dmark.com/3dm11/3984803
my score is higher than a stock gtx580's
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/charts/2012-vga-gpgpu/01-3DMark11-B-Performance,2932.html
there's no way a 7870 couldn't get a higher score
 
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