When should I buy GPU for new build?

[jonsan]

I'm building a new system and am done except for the GPU and PSU. Here's the system so far:

CPU: i5-3570K
Cooler: CM 212 Evo
RAM: 8GB Corsair Vengeance
MOBO: Asus Z77 Extreme4
Case: Fractal Design Define R4
SSD: 120GB Samsung 840
HDD: 1TB WD Black

I'll be running 1920x1080 and playing games like SC2, Bioshock Infinite, and some of the previous gen games like Arkham City. I'd like to stay in the $200 range.

I'm still debating between a 7850, 7870 or looking more into the Nvidia cards. Anyone know when the Tahiti based 7870's will be available again or when the free game promos with the 7800 series are going to end? Newegg has the Sapphire 7850 1GB for $154.99 after MIR and the 7850 2GB for $184.99 after MIR, so now I'm considering picking up one those, getting the free games, and then plan to upgrade in another year or so. I have no experience with AMD GPUs or with the newer line of GPUs so I am not sure how big the performance issues will be between the cards.

Edit: I'll also be watching blu-rays and I don't know if the GPU will impact playback at all.

 

[drinkingcola86]

I would look towards the 7850 2 gig if your trying to stay under $200. Most 7870's are now above $200 which sucks because last week you could find them at about $200 with mir. If your looking at a 7870, your looking at about $230-$240. I'd look at Sapphire or XFX.

For nvidia your looking at a 650Ti Boost or a 660 non-Ti. Both are solid cards. I don't have a lot of experience with them but what i do know is the 650Ti boost performs a little lower than the 7850 on average while costing the same. The 660 performs almost directly inbetween the 7850/70 but closer to the 7870 while priced in between them.

 

[TheBigTroll]

look at a 7870xt. best bang for the buck.

 

[jonsan]

The only 7870xt I can find online is on Ebay for $270, which is a bit over my budget. Is there somewhere else to buy them or is there going to be more available soon?

 

[TheBigTroll]

wait for some stock
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202024&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=