Best Graphics Card for 1st Custom PC Build With Budget of CAN$900

[Guest]

I'm soon building my first custom PC with a budget of around CAN$900 (in Canada). I plan to use my computer for gaming, programming and photo and video editing. (The $900 doesn't include Windows 8, which I already own and will use on this computer)

I've been thinking of buying either the MSI R7870 Hawk ($280) or an HD 7950 for around $300. I know that the HD 7950 is better, but I plan on overclocking so the R7870 Hawk might be better. Which one do you think is better? If you suggest the HD 7970, which is the best?

The other parts that I have decided are:

• 
  ■ CPU: Intel Core i5-3570k
  ■ Motherboard: Gigabyte Z77X-UD5H
  ■ RAM: Corsair Vengeance 8GB
  ■ HDD: Seagate Barracuda ST2000DM001 2TB
  ■ PSU: CORSAIR Builder Series CX500M

What do you think? Is this good for me?

Please note that I plan to purchase these parts in the beginning of September 2013.

 

[getbacktosrinu]

If overclocking is what you want, then the 7950 can be overclocked to an enormous extent. In fact, it reaches stock 670 levels when overclocked and surpasses the 670 in some games.

And if you are buying in September, may I suggest that you wait until Haswell hits the market? That way, you can buy Haswell if you like it or Ivy Bridge prices will fall... So either way it would be advantageous for you.

 

[sedativechunk]

^ What he said. I have the 7950 overclock and its AMAZING. But yea, if you're waiting till September, you may want to hold off and see what else comes out in the market.

 

[davidwroxy]

Thank you for your answers. What do you think will be the price of the Hawell i5-4670K in September? And do you think it is better for me to buy a Haswell or stick with an Ivy Bridge, but upgrade to a i7-3770k because the prices will go down? (will the 3770k cost around $220 in September?)

 

[getbacktosrinu]

You are asking us to guess the future. Sorry, but we aren't good at that. You have to wait and watch, patiently.