Help me pick a GPU

T

techtechie

Gawd
Joined
Oct 7, 2013
Messages
571
Guidelines about this thread
1. don't turn this into a Nvidia vs. AMD debate, it wont matter here.
2. don't patronize me (you'll see why)

Things you need to know
1. I'm currently running a radeon 6770
2. My board has pcie 3.0
3. I want to do some casual gaming (3-5 hours a week)
4. I do have budget issues, <$100
5. reason for upgrade GPU: upgrading to 1080p monitor
6. reason for new monitor: old one (Benq 4:3 19") is on it way out, fast and it leaves a lot to be desired
7. will most likely be buying a used one
8. I really dont care about playing on Ultra as long as its doable
9. the money from selling the 6770 is included in the budget

Now here's what i ask from the [H] folks, recommend me a GPU that handles gaming at 1080p resolution, and wont cost over $100. Did i mention that you shouldn't patronize me.
 
Why would anyone patronize you? It's a valid question. If you have a budget you have a budget. That said, what kind of games are you playing? If you're aiming for AAA titles I think you would truly have a difficult time playing modern games with a sub 100$ card unless you went really low on the settings. I'm thinking something along the lines of a 7770. You could do it. But i'm not sure it would be a good gaming experience, the framerate and image quality wouldn't be really acceptable; sub 100 cards really don't do well at 1080p.

If you could up your budget by another 50$, you literally get a WAY better gaming experience, though. So i'm just curious about:

1) what games you're looking at
2) 50$ budget upgrade possible (VERY IDEAL)
 
im currently playing Assassins Creed 4 BF. ive already played through BF4 CoD ghosts. i no 50 doesnt seem much but the damn monitor will have me almost depleted
and thank you i was sorta waiting for someone to say 7770 when making this thread but for some stupid ass reason i got my eyes set on 78xx
i could still bang my head i saw a 7870 on local craigslist for 80 a while ago waited an hour before deciding to pull the trigger and it was gone.
 
In that price range you start relying on huge sales, or buy used.
If you don't want to hunt (or wait for) bargains, hit up Ebay or hardware swapping forums.

Used 7850's should be around $100 these days, your best bet.
 
Here's what I would do. If you're willing to buy used, a GTX 660/750 or 78xx / R9-270 card would do you pretty good with some lower settings. 7770 is aiming a bit low. It does okay at 720p but 1080p is stretching it.

You can usually find the above cards for good prices, used. The FS/T section here is a great resource. If you want new, keep an eye on sales here:

http://www.techbargains.com/

Click on components, and keep an eye on which GPUs are on sale. You can find some great deals there at times. When you find a good GPU in your price range, grab it.

For 1080p, i'd look at the GTX 750, 660, or the AMD R9-270, 265, and be sure to look at benchmarks of these cards. Going lower than that in terms of GPU power may not give you what you want at 1080p. So definitely take your time on the purchase, buy used if you're willing - or you will at some point find a good card on sale. I've seen some incredible GPU bargains. You just need to be patient, and eventually the card you want will be on sale.

The key thing here is be patient. Dont' rush into a purchase - if you don't mind waiting a week or two, like I said, you *will* find something appropriate..
 
Well it's a good thing you're looking to buy used since there's almost nothing that would get you a pleasant gaming experience at 1080 for only $100 new. Your best bet is to look in the FS forum for something like an HD6950/7850 - GTX570/650Ti/Boost/660. Even then, I'm pretty sure you're going to have to up your budget by at least $20-30.
 
jolli said:
I would personally watch for a standard GTX 750 to go on sale. It's happened before: http://slickdeals.net/f/6797750-evg...coupon-in-game-purchases-for-96-fs-no-rebates (note the deal is dead now)

If you're willing to sell that 6770, you might be able to buy one quicker.

Here's a comparison of a 5770 (same card I believe) to a GTX 750: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1078?vs=1131
Click to expand...

i really wonder how much better a gtx 750 would be than my 6770 if you look here link ive sorta been eying the 750 but didnt know if it fit the threshold needed.
which brings forth another question: what is my threshold minimum
 
xoleras said:
Here's what I would do. If you're willing to buy used, a GTX 660/750 or 78xx / R9-270 card would do you pretty good with some lower settings. 7770 is aiming a bit low. It does okay at 720p but 1080p is stretching it.

You can usually find the above cards for good prices, used. The FS/T section here is a great resource. If you want new, keep an eye on sales here:

http://www.techbargains.com/

Click on components, and keep an eye on which GPUs are on sale. You can find some great deals there at times. When you find a good GPU in your price range, grab it.

For 1080p, i'd look at the GTX 750, 660, or the AMD R9-270, 265, and be sure to look at benchmarks of these cards. Going lower than that in terms of GPU power may not give you what you want at 1080p. So definitely take your time on the purchase, buy used if you're willing - or you will at some point find a good card on sale. I've seen some incredible GPU bargains. You just need to be patient, and eventually the card you want will be on sale.

The key thing here is be patient. Dont' rush into a purchase - if you don't mind waiting a week or two, like I said, you *will* find something appropriate..
Click to expand...

if this was facebook id like your post cuz your a fellow techbargains shopper (silent salute goes out to tech bargains for getting me a usb 3.0 case on cyber monday for $7 AR) thanks for the advice i have a thing for not making fast decision. its cost me alot of good deals but as the saying goes "wait it out"
 
If I were you; I would hold off. Your 6770 will support 1080p (it will not produce good frame-rates) but it will get you buy until you can afford to put more money with your $100.00. Do you really want to replace your current card only to turn around and replace six months down the road because you are constantly getting toasted?
Put the money aside and forget about it until you can afford to spend $200-350 then buy a card you will be happy with for the next few years.
If you really want to spend the money now, this is the best I could find: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121710R that MIGHT be able to render a marginally ok appearance at ok frame rates. If you were my customer I would tell you to hold off until you can afford a good gaming card. This article might give you a few ideas: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-2.html

Good luck.
 
iv looked a little more deeply into the GTX 750ti and the fact that is requires no power connection has me wondering "how good can it actually be for gaming"

my board is a MSI z77a g45
 
xoleras said:
Why would anyone patronize you? It's a valid question. If you have a budget you have a budget. That said, what kind of games are you playing? If you're aiming for AAA titles I think you would truly have a difficult time playing modern games with a sub 100$ card unless you went really low on the settings. I'm thinking something along the lines of a 7770. You could do it. But i'm not sure it would be a good gaming experience, the framerate and image quality wouldn't be really acceptable; sub 100 cards really don't do well at 1080p.

If you could up your budget by another 50$, you literally get a WAY better gaming experience, though. So i'm just curious about:

1) what games you're looking at
2) 50$ budget upgrade possible (VERY IDEAL)
Click to expand...

lets say i upped my budget by $50. which card would you buy at brand new price
 
If you don't mind used:

GTX 560 Ti / HD 6950 for ~ $75.
GTX 570 for ~ $100
 
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