1300-1400$ build, seeking a gpu, between a 670 and 7970 ghz

[keldarironfist]

Hi everyone, I am building my first desktop since 2004 (long time!) and some things have clearly changed. I am looking at either and ivy i5 or i7. I am learning about SSD drives, and likely will get one of the better 256 ones. The case I am looking at is not known for awesome airflow, but I like everything else about it. It is the corsair 550D found here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139012

I mention the case and what have you for some context, I like everything about it besides the airflow. Basically I have been told that for a case like this you want a rear exhaust GPU to reduce heat in the case. I need some guidance on the heat issue though . I am guessing the cards I am looking at for the most part are not this way. I plan to game on a solid dell 24" IPS at 1920x1200.

Basically I am just trying to determine what the best all around card is at this point, for a while I was considering the GTX 670 (not sure which version is generally the best), and the 7970 Ghz edition, which ive heard generates a whole lot more heat, and draws more power. Any thoughts? I am open to suggestion, ideally I want to keep the card cost under 500 .

 

[antonisrsx]

if you are gaming in 1920*1080 or lower get the cheaper one!
if you are gaming in 2560*1440 or higher get the 7970 because is a little better than gtx 670.
btw 7970 overclocks better than gtx 670.

 

[hodgempls]

if you are gaming in 1920*1080 or lower get the cheaper one!
if you are gaming in 2560*1440 or higher get the 7970 because is a little better than gtx 670.
btw 7970 overclocks better than gtx 670.

This. I was in the same position as you - 670 or 7970. Since my new monitor was 2560 x 1440 I purchased my first ATI/AMD card ever. Could not be happier especially with the overclock and price - 369.99.... Keep an aye on Tiger Direct they have been putting the 7970 on sale fairly often for this price.