I'm building a new PC, and I've picked the processor for the most part (Xeon E3-1231-v3 3.4GHz), and now, I have to focus on video cards. As from what I can see in my local stores, AMD chipsets are slightly cheaper than nVidia's, and they have better results on benchmarks (for the same price). Still, I've heard that nVidia has better support, better drivers, and more games are optimized for their cards. However, I want to compare specific models and manufacturers. So here's the deal. I plan on spending about $250, but if there is something much better for a little more, I'm willing to pay it. Let me introduce you to the prices at my local stores in Bulgaria:
1. Sapphire R9 270X 2GB - $250
2. MSI R9 270X 2GB - $265
3. Asus R9 270X 2GB - $280
4. Asus R9 270X 4GB - $310
5. Palit GTX 660 2GB - $240
6. Gigabyte GTX 660 3GB - $270
7. Gigabyte GTX 660 2GB - $230
8. Asus GTX 660 2GB - $240
These video cards have similar specifications, but the GTX has a 192-bit bus, while the 270x has a 256-bit. Quite a difference in my opinion. Here is a benchmark including most of these cards: Click
As you can see the 270X has better results than the nVidia, and it is a little more expensive, but I'm definitely willing to spend the extra dollars. Here comes the tricky part - manufacturer! I've heard that Asus, MSI and Gigabyte are the best out there (at least from the ones I listed above). They all have a 36 month (3 years) warranty from the stores. The Sapphire and Palit models have only 2 years, hence the lower price. I've only had experience with Sapphire and Asus. I had a Sapphire ATI HD 4780, and it burned down in a couple of years (something I didn't believe could happen), and I replaced it with the same chipset, but this time made by Asus (I even think I got it second hand, too). I have it for 2-3 years now, and I haven't had any problems. It's even more silent than the Sapphire one. Actually, I've never had any problems with an Asus product whatsoever, and I'm a HUGE fan of the company. However, I've not had any interest in the new video cards since probably 2010, and I don't know what is the "word on the streets" as to which company makes the best graphics cards. So I want to hear you advice/opinion on the cards I listed in terms of both chipset and video card manufacturer. Which companies have the best cooling solutions, and the lowest noise levels? Feel free to mention any other video cards that are worth mentioning in your opinion (better performance, cheaper, etc...) Thanks a lot!!
P.S. I'll use the card on a 1600x1200 4:3 screen.
P.P.S. GTA V is coming people!
1. Sapphire R9 270X 2GB - $250
2. MSI R9 270X 2GB - $265
3. Asus R9 270X 2GB - $280
4. Asus R9 270X 4GB - $310
5. Palit GTX 660 2GB - $240
6. Gigabyte GTX 660 3GB - $270
7. Gigabyte GTX 660 2GB - $230
8. Asus GTX 660 2GB - $240
These video cards have similar specifications, but the GTX has a 192-bit bus, while the 270x has a 256-bit. Quite a difference in my opinion. Here is a benchmark including most of these cards: Click
As you can see the 270X has better results than the nVidia, and it is a little more expensive, but I'm definitely willing to spend the extra dollars. Here comes the tricky part - manufacturer! I've heard that Asus, MSI and Gigabyte are the best out there (at least from the ones I listed above). They all have a 36 month (3 years) warranty from the stores. The Sapphire and Palit models have only 2 years, hence the lower price. I've only had experience with Sapphire and Asus. I had a Sapphire ATI HD 4780, and it burned down in a couple of years (something I didn't believe could happen), and I replaced it with the same chipset, but this time made by Asus (I even think I got it second hand, too). I have it for 2-3 years now, and I haven't had any problems. It's even more silent than the Sapphire one. Actually, I've never had any problems with an Asus product whatsoever, and I'm a HUGE fan of the company. However, I've not had any interest in the new video cards since probably 2010, and I don't know what is the "word on the streets" as to which company makes the best graphics cards. So I want to hear you advice/opinion on the cards I listed in terms of both chipset and video card manufacturer. Which companies have the best cooling solutions, and the lowest noise levels? Feel free to mention any other video cards that are worth mentioning in your opinion (better performance, cheaper, etc...) Thanks a lot!!
P.S. I'll use the card on a 1600x1200 4:3 screen.
P.P.S. GTA V is coming people!