7950/670/7970 with Bonus Games

[Spiker101_15]

Hello,

I am working on building a new computer (http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/371341-31-gaming-time-builder). The last components I am decided is graphics cards, so I thought this place may be a better place for post.

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 2 x 4GB DDR3-1600
Storage: Crucial M4 256GB SSD
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer
Power Supply: SeaSonic G Series 550W 80+G


Here is my price breakdown after factoring in the bonus gift.

7950
290
4-1 Game Pack: Ebay for ~40
Final Price ~250

670
320-350
Borderland 2: $60 (I am actually going to play this one)
Assassin Creed: Ebay for ~15
Final Price: ~245-275

7970
330-360
4-1 Game Pack: Ebay for ~40
Final Price ~290-320

So in the end it seems like 670 is not that expensive in price (and don’t have to risk as much on ebay), and I am getting PhysX without having to mess with installing my 460/getting new PSU. I don’t plan on overclocking too much.

Now there is a very important question:
What do you guys think about the brands?
From what I heard/Past experience:
MSI, Galaxy, asus, evga, asus, gigabytes are bigger brands
PYN HIS XFX POWERCOLOR seems to be cheaper brands.

Which brands are quality and which brand sells a lot of junk?

Now here is a deal. I am professional student who is in school for 80+ hours a week and also most of the weekends. I really need something that is very reliable. I cant spending little free time I get trying to tinker with OC or fixing the computer.

 

[Ironslice]

EVGA is a very reliable brand that has an excellent warranty and customer service in case you have a problem. The only downside that some people see is that they use reference coolers, so the cards run a bit hotter.

Of the other ones I would probably select Asus or MSI; they have great cooling solutions and are also decent brands. I have heard of people having trouble with customer service however so I'm not sure on that.