Is it worth the extra money to get a stronger gpu?

[AlgoreRhythm]

I was thinking about getting a 4gb GTX 760 but is it really worth it over say a 2gb GTX 660? My current one right now is a 1GB 460 GTX and I'm not entirely happy with the performance.

760: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130944
660: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125443

I'd have to upgrade my 530w RaidMax psu for the 760 probably so I thought I'd get some opinions from people who know more than me before I took the plunge and bought the card and a new psu.

Is it worth it?

(Also I know RaidMax is bad but my psu has been working for 4 years now and it's still going strong)

 

[toyftw]

I was thinking about getting a 4gb GTX 760 but is it really worth it over say a 2gb GTX 660? My current one right now is a 1GB 460 GTX and I'm not entirely happy with the performance.

760: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130944
660: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125443

I'd have to upgrade my 530w RaidMax psu for the 760 probably so I thought I'd get some opinions from people who know more than me before I took the plunge and bought the card and a new psu.

Is it worth it?

(Also I know RaidMax is bad but my psu has been working for 4 years now and it's still going strong)

Hi - Don't know the res you are gaming at, if it's 1080p, then the 4g of
vram will give you no more performance than the 2g version. Don't pay much xtra if you're going to get the 4g.

As for PSU - a quality 530w unit is more than enough for that system.
Problem is Raidmax is junk and I wouldn't risk a system with a mid range
GPU such as the gtx760 with it.

The gtx760 is quite a bit faster than a 660, 20% and more depending on
the game.

 

[AlgoreRhythm]

Hi - Don't know the res you are gaming at, if it's 1080p, then the 4g of
vram will give you no more performance than the 2g version. Don't pay much xtra if you're going to get the 4g.

As for PSU - a quality 530w unit is more than enough for that system.
Problem is Raidmax is junk and I wouldn't risk a system with a mid range
GPU such as the gtx760 with it.

The gtx760 is quite a bit faster than a 660, 20% and more depending on
the game.

So do you think it would be worth it to spend the money on a new PSU and the 760? It's around 400$ for a new psu and gpu and I don't really want to spend that if I wouldn't notice a difference with the 760.

You think I should just get the 660 and upgrade further down the road or bite the bullet?

I'm only playing at 1080p btw

EDIT: And if the 4gb is too much, should i go for a 2gb 760 or does that have the same wattage requirement?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127745

 

[Flightsimluke]

Hi - Don't know the res you are gaming at, if it's 1080p, then the 4g of
vram will give you no more performance than the 2g version. Don't pay much xtra if you're going to get the 4g.

As for PSU - a quality 530w unit is more than enough for that system.
Problem is Raidmax is junk and I wouldn't risk a system with a mid range
GPU such as the gtx760 with it.

The gtx760 is quite a bit faster than a 660, 20% and more depending on
the game.

So do you think it would be worth it to spend the money on a new PSU and the 760? It's around 400$ for a new psu and gpu and I don't really want to spend that if I wouldn't notice a difference with the 760.

You think I should just get the 660 and upgrade further down the road or bite the bullet?

I'm only playing at 1080p btw

In the UK at the moment, GTX670s and HD7970s can be found for the same/less than a GTX760. If you can afford either of those, they're a moderate improvement over the 760, if a little older.

 

[TBC1]

Get the 760 twin frozr 2gb oc card for $260 and a corsair 600cx psu for $57 on amazon (that's only $307 for gpu and psu). Plus, the 760 cools better than the 660 and runs better (win, win!).

 

[toyftw]

Hi - Don't know the res you are gaming at, if it's 1080p, then the 4g of
vram will give you no more performance than the 2g version. Don't pay much xtra if you're going to get the 4g.

As for PSU - a quality 530w unit is more than enough for that system.
Problem is Raidmax is junk and I wouldn't risk a system with a mid range
GPU such as the gtx760 with it.

The gtx760 is quite a bit faster than a 660, 20% and more depending on
the game.

So do you think it would be worth it to spend the money on a new PSU and the 760? It's around 400$ for a new psu and gpu and I don't really want to spend that if I wouldn't notice a difference with the 760.

You think I should just get the 660 and upgrade further down the road or bite the bullet?

I'm only playing at 1080p btw

Personally, I'd bite the bullet. Always go for the strongest GPU you can afford, or you will be kickin yourself afterwards.
As long as you're going to stay at 1080p, then look for a 2g version
of the gtx760 and save some $$. Min you should save is $30, but more likely you'll save ~ $50.

If you are in the US, you could get a 760 and a quality PSU for closer to $300 than $400.

For example:
http://pcpartpicker.com/mr/ncixus/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9 nets to $45

http://pcpartpicker.com/mr/superbiiz/msi-video-card-n760tf2gd5oc nets to $245

Less than $300

 

[Flightsimluke]

Hi - Don't know the res you are gaming at, if it's 1080p, then the 4g of
vram will give you no more performance than the 2g version. Don't pay much xtra if you're going to get the 4g.

As for PSU - a quality 530w unit is more than enough for that system.
Problem is Raidmax is junk and I wouldn't risk a system with a mid range
GPU such as the gtx760 with it.

The gtx760 is quite a bit faster than a 660, 20% and more depending on
the game.

So do you think it would be worth it to spend the money on a new PSU and the 760? It's around 400$ for a new psu and gpu and I don't really want to spend that if I wouldn't notice a difference with the 760.

You think I should just get the 660 and upgrade further down the road or bite the bullet?

I'm only playing at 1080p btw

Personally, I'd bite the bullet. Always go for the strongest GPU you can afford, or you will be kickin yourself afterwards.
As long as you're going to stay at 1080p, then look for a 2g version
of the gtx760 and save some $$. Min you should save is $30, but more likely you'll save ~ $50.

I agree. I bought a cheap 7870 Tahiti a few days ago to replace my 6770, and now it's being sent back because it's loud and hot, and is being replaced by a 7970 DirectCU, which was only £60 more for a GPU that's much faster, cooler and quieter. I wasted time and I wish I'd gone for the 7970 first.

 

[AlgoreRhythm]

In the UK at the moment, GTX670s and HD7970s can be found for the same/less than a GTX760. If you can afford either of those, they're a moderate improvement over the 760, if a little older.

Could you link a good one? I looked on newegg and only found a few that I would consider.

Also I updated my previous response: "EDIT: And if the 4gb is too much, should i go for a 2gb 760 or does that have the same wattage requirement?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... "

Would like to know your opinion on just getting a 2gb one instead of a 4

 

[TBC1]

http://www.amazon.com/MSI-DisplayPort-PCI-Express-N760-2GD5/dp/B00DIH8OW8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1380921676&sr=8-2&keywords=760

 

[toyftw]

In the UK at the moment, GTX670s and HD7970s can be found for the same/less than a GTX760. If you can afford either of those, they're a moderate improvement over the 760, if a little older.

Could you link a good one? I looked on newegg and only found a few that I would consider.

Also I updated my previous response: "EDIT: And if the 4gb is too much, should i go for a 2gb 760 or does that have the same wattage requirement?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... "

Would like to know your opinion on just getting a 2gb one instead of a 4

Hi - Look above to my previous post, I linked a 2g 760 and a quality
550w PSU for less than $300.

For $40-$60 more you could ge an hd7970, which that PSU will also support. But, if you're gonna go that route, make sure a 7970 will
fit in your case. Most of them are 11" or more in length.

 

[Flightsimluke]

In the UK at the moment, GTX670s and HD7970s can be found for the same/less than a GTX760. If you can afford either of those, they're a moderate improvement over the 760, if a little older.

Could you link a good one? I looked on newegg and only found a few that I would consider.

Also I updated my previous response: "EDIT: And if the 4gb is too much, should i go for a 2gb 760 or does that have the same wattage requirement?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... "

Would like to know your opinion on just getting a 2gb one instead of a 4

I would say go for 2GB, unless you have plans for a three-monitor system 4GB is overkill.

Here's a nice HD7970 with what is, in my humble opinion, one of the best coolers out there. ($300)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121560

And here's a good GTX670, which I believe is nearly as good as the 7970. ($280)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121637

Best Regards
Luke

 

[AlgoreRhythm]

Hi - Don't know the res you are gaming at, if it's 1080p, then the 4g of
vram will give you no more performance than the 2g version. Don't pay much xtra if you're going to get the 4g.

As for PSU - a quality 530w unit is more than enough for that system.
Problem is Raidmax is junk and I wouldn't risk a system with a mid range
GPU such as the gtx760 with it.

The gtx760 is quite a bit faster than a 660, 20% and more depending on
the game.

So do you think it would be worth it to spend the money on a new PSU and the 760? It's around 400$ for a new psu and gpu and I don't really want to spend that if I wouldn't notice a difference with the 760.

You think I should just get the 660 and upgrade further down the road or bite the bullet?

I'm only playing at 1080p btw

Personally, I'd bite the bullet. Always go for the strongest GPU you can afford, or you will be kickin yourself afterwards.
As long as you're going to stay at 1080p, then look for a 2g version
of the gtx760 and save some $$. Min you should save is $30, but more likely you'll save ~ $50.

If you are in the US, you could get a 760 and a quality PSU for closer to $300 than $400.

For example:
http://pcpartpicker.com/mr/ncixus/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9 nets to $45

http://pcpartpicker.com/mr/superbiiz/msi-video-card-n760tf2gd5oc nets to $245

Less than $300

In the UK at the moment, GTX670s and HD7970s can be found for the same/less than a GTX760. If you can afford either of those, they're a moderate improvement over the 760, if a little older.

Could you link a good one? I looked on newegg and only found a few that I would consider.

Also I updated my previous response: "EDIT: And if the 4gb is too much, should i go for a 2gb 760 or does that have the same wattage requirement?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... "

Would like to know your opinion on just getting a 2gb one instead of a 4

Hi - Look above to my previous post, I linked a 2g 760 and a quality
550w PSU for less than $300.

For $40-$60 more you could ge an hd7970, which that PSU will also support. But, if you're gonna go that route, make sure a 7970 will
fit in your case. Most of them are 11" or more in length.

I think I'll go with the ones you suggested. I'm not a big fan of radeon and would prefer to stay away from them. The psu looks decent enough for around 50 bucks and the card is good as well. Thank you

Thanks everyone for the quick responses!

 

[toyftw]

Hi - Don't know the res you are gaming at, if it's 1080p, then the 4g of
vram will give you no more performance than the 2g version. Don't pay much xtra if you're going to get the 4g.

As for PSU - a quality 530w unit is more than enough for that system.
Problem is Raidmax is junk and I wouldn't risk a system with a mid range
GPU such as the gtx760 with it.

The gtx760 is quite a bit faster than a 660, 20% and more depending on
the game.

So do you think it would be worth it to spend the money on a new PSU and the 760? It's around 400$ for a new psu and gpu and I don't really want to spend that if I wouldn't notice a difference with the 760.

You think I should just get the 660 and upgrade further down the road or bite the bullet?

I'm only playing at 1080p btw

Personally, I'd bite the bullet. Always go for the strongest GPU you can afford, or you will be kickin yourself afterwards.
As long as you're going to stay at 1080p, then look for a 2g version
of the gtx760 and save some $$. Min you should save is $30, but more likely you'll save ~ $50.

If you are in the US, you could get a 760 and a quality PSU for closer to $300 than $400.

For example:
http://pcpartpicker.com/mr/ncixus/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9 nets to $45

http://pcpartpicker.com/mr/superbiiz/msi-video-card-n760tf2gd5oc nets to $245

Less than $300

In the UK at the moment, GTX670s and HD7970s can be found for the same/less than a GTX760. If you can afford either of those, they're a moderate improvement over the 760, if a little older.

Could you link a good one? I looked on newegg and only found a few that I would consider.

Also I updated my previous response: "EDIT: And if the 4gb is too much, should i go for a 2gb 760 or does that have the same wattage requirement?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... "

Would like to know your opinion on just getting a 2gb one instead of a 4

Hi - Look above to my previous post, I linked a 2g 760 and a quality
550w PSU for less than $300.

For $40-$60 more you could ge an hd7970, which that PSU will also support. But, if you're gonna go that route, make sure a 7970 will
fit in your case. Most of them are 11" or more in length.

I think I'll go with the ones you suggested. I'm not a big fan of radeon and would prefer to stay away from them. The psu looks decent enough for around 50 bucks and the card is good as well. Thank you

Thanks everyone for the quick responses!

Enjoy!

 

[TBC1]

Dude, get a corsair psu. The 600watt is priced almost the exact same price as the 550 seasonic.

 

[toyftw]

Ignore the suggestion on the Corsair. The XFX is a step up in quality over the Corsair CX series. Stay with the better
quality unit. And get the 5yr warranty vs 3yr on CX.

 

[Flightsimluke]

Ignore the suggestion on the Corsair. The XFX is a step up in quality over the Corsair CX series. Stay with the better
quality unit.

Agreed, I have an XFX unit and it's brilliant - 5 year warranty and all!

 

[TBC1]

The 5 year warranty is cool and all, but seriously, in 5 years and you're definitely going to have a new pc...

 

[Flightsimluke]

The 5 year warranty is cool and all, but seriously, in 5 years and your're definitely going to have a new pc...

But why change the PSU? If you continue to rebuild, as components draw less and less power the PSU really shines, as technology advances mean that it could viably be used for this long. I bought an 850W model in 2011, and will I need to change it before 2016? No, no I won't.

 

[TBC1]

Well obviously you won't need to upgrade a 850watt psu, but a 550 down the road might be pushing it if you decide on a better gpu.

 

[Flightsimluke]

Well obviously you won't need to upgrade a 850watt psu, but a 550 down the road might be pushing it if you decide on a better gpu.

Unless you decide to take the SLI route, I can't see the need for anymore than 550W. It's not as if 600 is a big improvement.

 

[TBC1]

well for the pricing on the two you get 50 more watt on the corsiar for about the same price...

 

[toyftw]

well for the pricing on the two you get 50 more watt on the corsiar for about the same price...

The xtra 50w is somewhat meaningless. The difference +12v amps between the two units is 2, or 24watts. The +12v rail(s) is where the GPU & CPU draw their current from.

Given that the CX is a 'budget level' unit, with lower quality capacitors then XFX, To make the switch for the same $$ & less quality, and less life expectancy makes no sense.