Can't decide on a graphics card for gaming on 1440x900 resolution.

[cheroz]

Hello,

I'm trying to decide on a graphics card to go with my 19" 1440x900 monitor. I'm getting a new rig and can't decide on the graphics card.

My options are Nvidia GTX 960 2GB, R9 280, R9 280X

I know all these are very capable for that resolution but I'm constantly changing my mind. I like the 3GB VRAM both the 280 and 280X offer but I can find the 960 for a cheaper price and the lower power consumption is a nice feature.

My rig consist of:

CPU: AMD FX 6300
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB DDR3 kit
MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-970A-UD3P
USP: Corsair VS550
STORAGE: 1 Samsung 850 Evo 120GB SSD, 1 WD Caviar Blue 500GB
HEATSINK: Cooler Master Hyper 212

 

[popatim]

Grab the 4gb version of the 960 esp if you play heavily mod'd games like Skyrim that can eat up your vram. They are about $20 more.

 

[cheroz]

Grab the 4gb version of the 960 esp if you play heavily mod'd games like Skyrim that can eat up your vram. They are about $20 more.

I'm a bit worried about the 128 bit bus that the GTX 960 has, I've read that it can't push 4GB, I've read that it can so I don't really know, might it be safer to go with the 280 or 280X ? And yeah I do use mods for my games but not so many as to push these cards to their limits.

 

[Tollman]

1440x900 monitor
At that resolution I would think the 128 bit bus would not be a bottleneck. I also do not think it is really powerful enough to use those 4gig VRAM but at least it would mean you wouldn't have to worry about that aspect I guess. I think the 280x is more powerful than the 960 but it is older and less efficient etc.

Have you considered the 380? Or soon to be available 380X? More modern architecture than the 280s, more efficient and more powerful respectively (380 > 280, 380X > 280X). Depends on your budget I guess. Personally I don't like the 960, I think it is a bit weak. Relatively speaking it is not as powerful as the 760 was in its day.

 

[cheroz]

1440x900 monitor
At that resolution I would think the 128 bit bus would not be a bottleneck. I also do not think it is really powerful enough to use those 4gig VRAM but at least it would mean you wouldn't have to worry about that aspect I guess. I think the 280x is more powerful than the 960 but it is older and less efficient etc.

Have you considered the 380? Or soon to be available 380X? More modern architecture than the 280s, more efficient and more powerful respectively (380 > 280, 380X > 280X). Depends on your budget I guess. Personally I don't like the 960, I think it is a bit weak. Relatively speaking it is not as powerful as the 760 was in its day.

Hahaha well I was just looking into this card, yeah I can say I made my mind I'm getting the Sapphire R9 380 Nitro 4GB, I found it at a very good price 210$. Thanks for the suggestion