Graphics Card Upgrade Help

[Sixsixx]

Hey guys, so it's that time again, time to upgrade my PC.

I've invested in an ASUS Sabertooth Z77, an Intel i7-3770K and 16GB (2x8) of Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz RAM.

Now, it's time to upgrade the GPU, I'm currently running a Gigabyte GTX 550 Ti (dreadful, I know)

I've been looking around for some decent combinations, and I've come up with the following options: [All prices are in AUD]

- 2x PowerColor 7870 2GB MYST Edition ($380 for both)
- 1x PowerColor HD6990 4GB ($370)
- 1x ATI HD7970 Overclocked 3GB [Used] ($250)
- 1x HIS HD7970 3GB [New] ($400)
- 1x XFX R7950 Black Edition 3GB ($250)
- 1 (or 2)x XFX 7970 Black Edition ($400 for 1, $600 for two)

Obviously, price is a factor, so, while obviously the 2x XFX 7970's are going to massivley outperform a single HIS 7970, it's also $200 more.

I could spend that much money if it was going to give me amazing performance, but I want the most efficient power/$ ratio possible, while still having good power (let's use BF3 @1200p full Ultra, 4xAA at at LEAST a consistent 60fps as a minimum benchmark)

Other configurations are more than welcome, but please remember that I won't be spending more than $500 if possible, the 2x XFC 7970's are really only an option if the performance increase is going to be significant compared to it's competitors, as in, don't come here and suggest an ASUS GTX 680 DCII TOP SLI configuration, or a GTX 690, or something stupid.

Thanks a lot for your help guys,
- Ryan

 

[Sixsixx]

The 7870's chew up 250W each, so they're extremely thirsty cards.

I've heard that the 6990 will outperform a 7970 GHz Ed. on some games, is this true?

 

[jessterman21]

The 7870's chew up 250W each, so they're extremely thirsty cards.

:lol: Those cards will not draw more than 150w apiece when gaming.

CrossfireX is a headache you don't want. The best bang-for-buck is definitely the HD 7950, BUT if you want Ultra + 4xMSAA + 60fps @ 1200p, you want an HD 7970. Get the new one, and you can overclock it yourself.