Refurbished GTX 780, worth the buy?

[RaVakin]

I have been looking at GTX 780's and came across a 399.99 one after mail-in rebate. Whats the difference between this card and a new GTX 780? Will it perform just as well?
Here is a link for the refurbished 780 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?gclid=COyJo8j9778CFYVDMgodQRIA6w&Item=N82E16814487033&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-Desktop+Graphics+Cards-_-N82E16814487033&ef_id=U9pDowAABNVp7WXq:20140731163434:s).

 

[Shadowblade2652]

it's refurbished, which means it's used, and then guaranteed to work after that by the manufacturer. It should be fine, but be warned it may have a slightly decreased lifespan since it's already been used.

 

[RaVakin]

So would you recommend it? or no? I know its hard to say but its a really good price for a 780.

 

[Shadowblade2652]

So would you recommend it? or no? I know its hard to say but its a really good price for a 780.

It's your call. If you don't feel comfortable with a refurb then get a brand new 770.

 

[RaVakin]

Are the 770's just as good? I haven't looked at benchmarks or prices for them

 

[Shadowblade2652]

Are the 770's just as good? I haven't looked at benchmarks or prices for them

No they are a step down so they are not as good. Go with the refurb 780 if you think it's a good deal. I see no reason why not.

 

[RaVakin]

I can tell you have your doubts, what would be your ideal card in the $350-425 range?

 

[Shadowblade2652]

No it's not that I have doubts, it's just that if you don't know what you're getting into with a refurb card (that is, different warranty policies and such), it's probably in your best interest to get a different card. The R9 290 is $400 which could be something you'd want?

 

[RaVakin]

Yeah i was looking at the 290's, the only thing i keep reading about are the temps they can get up to. Thats the only thing keeping me from the 290

 

[Shadowblade2652]

Yeah i was looking at the 290's, the only thing i keep reading about are the temps they can get up to. Thats the only thing keeping me from the 290

Get something like the Sapphire vapor X version (if there is one, I don't follow radeon cards very well because of the awkward naming scheme). Sapphire has great cooling on their cards, so temps should not be an issue. Just be sure to have adequate airflow throughout your case, and make sure you have a large case for it. If it is too small, you may not get the best airflow through your system.

 

[RaVakin]

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/sapphire-video-card-1003622sr something along the lines of this?

 

[Shadowblade2652]

Should be good

 

[RaVakin]

Alright, thanks for your help, gonna go with the R9 290!

 

[RaVakin]

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/RaVakin/saved/#savedbuild_1323843 here's a build i've been looking at, let me know what you think. I know i need a case and was hoping you'd be able to help with that as you were saying airflow is important. I've got a $1000 budget to work with

 

[Shadowblade2652]

The NZXT H440 is a great case and has lots of airflow, and is only around $100 I believe. And it has a sexy window + LED logo which makes it great.