Need a Nice GPU for my Build!

[jjm6799]

Hi everyone, i'm very new to this forum. I'm on a budget to get a new gpu I only do moderate/high gaming and watch 1080p videos on Youtube and such. My resolution is 1680x1050, I would like to max out the games I play mostly GTA IV. I'm on a budget of $285 or less USD (before rebates.) Purchase date: 1-2 weeks. Heres what I've been looking at:

1: EVGA Nvidia GeForce GTX 480 1536MB GDDR5 384-bit 249.99 link: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0386227

2: EVGA Nvidia GeForce GTX 560ti 1024MB GDDR5 227.99 link: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0356463

3: EVGA Nvidia GeForce GTX 570 HD Superclocked 1280MB GDDR5 269.99 link: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0363755

4: Diamond AMD Radeon HD 6970 2048MB GDDR5 200.00 link: it's on craigslist used but 200.00 it has all the boxes manuals etc.

5: XFX AMD Radeon HD 7850 2048MB GDDR5 281.32 link: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0395635

6: EVGA Nvidia GeForce GTX 580 Superclocked 1536 MB GDDR5 285.99 link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004BDOR6U/ref=sr_1_2_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1344277697&sr=8-2&keywords=gtx+580&condition=used

7: Gigabyte AMD Radeon HD 7870 2048MB GDDR5 299.99 link: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0387394

Different suggestions appreciated also!

Current Rig:
Thermaltake Commander MS-I Black Case Mid Tower
AMD Phenom II x4 965 Black Edition 3.4 ghz
Sapphire Radeon HD 6850 1024MB GDDR5
Gigabyte mATX GA-78lmt-s2p Motherboard socket AM3+
Seagate Barricuda 1 TB Sata 3.0 gb HDD
Crucial Ballistix Sport 2 x 4 GB DDR3-1333 Ram
LG MoDisc Super Multi Drive
Kingwin Maximum Power 650w 80 plus platinum certified

 

[Kamen_BG]

I wouldn't even consider a used card but if you dont mind that the GTX 580 is by far the fastest card of the ones listed.
If you insist on buying a card right now than i think this HD 7870 is your best option.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127662

Otherwise if you can wait a bit i suggest you wait for the GTX 660 Ti to come out.If it's as fast or faster than a HD 7950 at your resolution and will also be priced below 300$.In my opinion thats what you should buy.
http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/4869/nvidia_geforce_gtx_660_ti_2gb_reference_video_card_review/index.html
Here's a review of the 660 Ti

 

[bigcyco1]

Wait for 660 TI or if you won't wait get the GTX 580

 

[jjm6799]

Best answer selected by jjm6799.

 

[jjm6799]

I wouldn't even consider a used card but if you dont mind that the GTX 580 is by far the fastest card of the ones listed.
If you insist on buying a card right now than i think this HD 7870 is your best option.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127662

Otherwise if you can wait a bit i suggest you wait for the GTX 660 Ti to come out.If it's as fast or faster than a HD 7950 at your resolution and will also be priced below 300$.In my opinion thats what you should buy.
http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/4869/nvidia_geforce_gtx_660_ti_2gb_reference_video_card_review/index.html
Here's a review of the 660 Ti

Yeah I actually think I want the 660 ti if its actually priced at 299.99 if not ill go with either the GTX 580 or the 6970 or the 7870, Do you know how the 660 ti compares to all these cards, is it worth waiting for? Does it beat the GTX 580 or the 6970 because those are the main 2 i want but if the 660 ti can top those two then i will wait 10 days for it.... But thanks for the quick response

 

[JackNaylorPE]

As far as I know, every one of those cards is based upon the reference PCB .... I really can't see buying any "reference cards" when the non reference versions with beefed up PCB's and VRM's are just $10-20 more. You could argue that the EVGA SC cards are not "reference" because they have a factory OC but since ya can simply OC the card yourself and there are no other physical difference like extra phases VRM's and heat sinks on the PCB as for example on the Gigabyte and Asus TOP cards, I wouldn't bother.

I'd wait for the non reference 660 ot 660 Ti an see how they shake out against the AMD cards

http://videocardz.com/34032/geforce-gtx-650-ti-to-arrive-in-september

GeForce GTX 650 Ti GK107 384 1GB GDDR5 192-bit $150 September
GeForce GTX 660 GK104 1152 1.5 GB GDDR5 192-bit $230 August
GeForce GTX 660 Ti GK104 1344 2GB GDDR5 192-bit $300 August