Best Bang for the Buck GTX 660?

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DBComputers

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I am in the process of upgrading to a new graphics card and I have decided on the GTX 660. The only problem is, though, that there are so many models of the 660 and I can't seem to find the best "Bang for the Buck" one out there. I would like it to either be EVGA or ASUS because I have had great luck and support from them in the past. Also I would like to stick with Nvidia because they are also a brand I trust. If you have a valid reason for me to chose a Radeon card or a card other than ASUS or EVGA feel free to say, but I would prefer those over anything else. Thanks!
 
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Novulux

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Assuming you are purchasing from Newegg and not overclocking, the EVGA cards offer higher stock clocks (therefore better performance) at the same price.

Personally, I would go with a Radeon HD 7870 since most models are in the same price range, slightly better performance at stock, comes with free Far Cry 3, and has great overclocking potential. The last two parts may be disregarded depending on you.
 
You get most bang for the buck by buying a GTX 660 with reference cooler. It's also the safest solution, you're sure that it won't be running hot because Nvidia has designed the cooler, so it exactly fits for he GPU.

I disagree with DBComputers. Radeon 7870 doesn't have FXAA, TXAA, PHYSX. Those are some cool Technologies, that is giving you more eye candy and doesn't sacrifice much performance on it.

Oh, and since you won't be overclocking, no problem GTX 660 got boost, which Means it overclocks itself (and you don't need a MOBO that can overclock and it isn't as dangerous as overclocking). My GTX 660 goes from 980 MHz to 1110,5 while I'm gaming, so depending on the game, the GTX 660 will choose the right clock speed, so the performance and power drain fit the game.

So that is why Radeon 7870 may seem faster in some games, because it's working at full clock speed all the time, while the GTX 660 relaxes at the less demanding games and powers on beyond radeon 7870 in the demanding games. :)
 

boyabunda

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The MSI GeForce GTX 660 HAWK has best performance per dollar among these GTX 660s:

MSI GeForce GTX 660 HAWK: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MSI/GTX_660_HAWK/30.html

ASUS GeForce GTX 660 Direct Cu II: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ASUS/GeForce_GTX_660_Direct_Cu_II/29.html

MSI GeForce GTX 660 Twin Frozr : http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MSI/GTX_660_Twin_Frozr_III/29.html

Gigabyte GTX 660 Windforce OC: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Gigabyte/GTX_660_OC/29.html

ZOTAC GeForce GTX 660: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Zotac/GeForce_GTX_660/29.html
 
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Except you can't find the HAWK in U.S. can you ?
 
Go with reference, I owned a non-reference GTX 660 and I went back with it because you need insane air flow to get the heat out of your PC. My CPU temperature dropped 5*C, while GPU temperature dropped 10*C after getting a reference Card and now my system is completely silent and I got no heat problems.

I don't say that some of these non-reference Cards are bad, I just say that it's a risk of buying them, while it's safe to pick the reference Card.
 
hmmm... not sure i don't like either one those cards i think the 7970ghz is faster though
 

boyabunda

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No, I don't lol. I have the Twin Froz OC version. I was merely stating benchmarks, maybe the OP could get one. Haha
 
Your welcome!I don't like the EVGA because my friend has it and it runs hot and kinda loud i don't like the gigabyte 7970ghz because three different friends of mine bought it and it has coil whine example http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=video&cd=9&ved=0CFIQtwIwCA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9AYrfggP7Y0&ei=x6WkUNsn5auIAuq0gNgG&usg=AFQjCNGzoN0XrWlENijfafa8qZaUkukoXA&sig2=ZoJDR7qNzQWHZbvDDD1nog&cad=rja that does not mean all have it just i would not risk buying it.
 

andreas_vak

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sorry for the late answer i was out...i read somewhere that the msi had some problems too....so any suggestions???
 
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