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Best GPU sub $325?

M

Maddnotez

Limp Gawd
Joined
Nov 28, 2014
Messages
319
PC Hound Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K ($225.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASUS Z97-A ($119.97 @ TigerDirect)
Memory: Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) Ballistix Sport XT ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 960 02G-P4-2966-KR ($199 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: CORSAIR 600W CXM series CX600M ($59.99 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: SAMSUNG 256GB 850 Pro Series MZ-7KE256BW ($143.96 @ TigerDirect)
Storage #2: Western Digital 1TB Black WD1001FALS ($94.3 @ Amazon)
Case: COOLER MASTER HAF series RC-912-KKN1 ($59.99 @ TigerDirect)
Total: $1,028.19
Price may include shipping, rebates, promotions, and tax
Generated by PC Hound

Here's my build so far however a couple of items weren't found on the hound. For example I have the z97-AR and my HD is the WD1003FZEX.

I'm looking for a better GPU as I hear the GTX 960 SSC isn't that great.

I plan to down grade to 8gb of Ram and return the 960. I should end up with about $275 but I can add a bit more if needed (not too much more).

Anyway what do you guys recommend? Eventually running SLI or Crossfire would be cool and Id like to be able to play the most demanding games as long as possible.

Id guess a 970 or an R9 290 would be the type of cards in that range but there are a lot of models to choose from. From whatever reviews I could find the Gigabyte G1 gaming seemed the best but I do like Nvidias idea of running cool and staying quiet and those Zoteks looked really cool.

Tough choice as this is my first build and I'm a noob. What cards would you recommend and why?

Also please link some good places to check reviews, I can only find the mainstream outlets.
 
Maddnotez said:
Sorry I have Acer H233H and I'm pretty sure it's 1080p

I might upgrade in the future but for now 1080p



Also which version and why? I saw quite a few of each.

Thanks
Click to expand...

I personally like the Reference blower cooler from Nvidia directly. It cools as well if not better than models made by vendors. Some aftermarket coolers are worse than reference, which is somewhat crazy. Since the chip is so efficient I bought the reference cooler. It looks better than any other 970 model IMO, and you get a backplate. Although its around $360 mark http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814132038

But any model by major vendor will work, I just prefer the look of the reference card.
 
Even at 1080p the GTX 970 is being exposed in games like Rome Total War Atilla with uneven frametimes. The VRAM partition problem is only going to get worse in 2015 and 2016.

http://www.pcgameshardware.de/Total-War-Attila-PC-259548/Specials/Test-Benchmarks-1151602/

the GTX 970 has massive spikes in the frametime charts while the R9 290X is consistent.

I recommend the R9 290 Vapor-X . the best custom cooler R9 290. runs at 1040 Mhz stock and is on par with R9 290X / GTX 970 .

http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-VAPOR-X-PCI-Express-Graphics-11227-04-40G/dp/B00JJJW4Z2

If you can spend a bit more get the R9 290X Tri-X

http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Version-PCI-Express-Graphics-11226-00-40G/dp/B00HJOKARI/

but if you can wait till May the R9 380 and R9 380 are likely to cause some serious price cuts on GTX 980 and GTX 970. They are also likely to sport High bandwidth memory (HBM)
 
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1. no.
2. Not really.. pretty quiet. I ran them locked at 70% and I really could not hear them. Even at 100% fan it was pretty quiet. Can't say the same for the 980 version as its pretty crazy at 100% but ok at 70%.
 
blingking said:
970 It's your best option for both power and space.G1 seem to be the best for SLI right now, but if you want to OC, you can pick MSI GTX 970 Gaming
g.png
Click to expand...

Thanks.

I think 970 is best as well from what I gather. 290 may be better in some areas but for the money and everything else I like Nvidia I suppose.
 
If your strict about the $325 limit, you'll have an easier time getting an R9-290 at around that price, but if your patient or willing to spend a little more the GTX970 is a better option in that price bracket. I picked up an R9-290 myself primarily because it was $100 less than the GTX970, and only about 5-7% slower. But for $325, spend a little more and get a GTX970.
 
There a few GTX 970s that are around $320-330 after rebate during sales and sitewide promos like VISA Checkout.

Or if you want to go team red, then the recent price drops to the 290x is a nice way to go for cheap, raw power.
 
Ok thanks. Final question.

Do you think I can play Counter Strike with my integrated graphics?

That would allow me time to wait for price drops.
 
search around for a used 970. I am sure the ramgate ordeal caused some to sell them for whatever reason.
 
Maddnotez said:
Yep, Microcenter near me has several open box 970's.
Click to expand...
Yea was there today and saw a couple of EVGAs for $285.

as for integrated, I've tried CS:GO with the integrated on my 4770k and while playable I would not recommend it.
 
R9 290X. Look around and you can find a non reference card in that price range.
 
jschen said:
Might want to look at your first storage option. I think the WD1001FALS is an older version of the black drive. You can save a few bucks by going with the newer faster drive at $69.99.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FJRS6FU/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Click to expand...


Yeah thanks..Someone else pointed that out.

I just picked one from the drop down box because on my phone I can't see the whole description.

The one I have is actually the WD1003FZEX S3.
 
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rc3ilynt said:
Yea was there today and saw a couple of EVGAs for $285.

as for integrated, I've tried CS:GO with the integrated on my 4770k and while playable I would not recommend it.
Click to expand...

Well the way I look at it is since this is my first build I probably won't see any difference.

The PC I have now can not play any games at all. I can play CS:GO in poor quality as long as it plays I don't care.

That will keep me busy until we see the next round of price drops. I could right now potentially buy an open box 970 but after the price drops I could potentially buy a new or a higher end 970 or if I am lucky get a 980.
 
Kaisei said:
There a few GTX 970s that are around $320-330 after rebate during sales and sitewide promos like VISA Checkout.

Or if you want to go team red, then the recent price drops to the 290x is a nice way to go for cheap, raw power.
Click to expand...

Who has the cheapest 290x pricing these days? I'm seeing around $350 on Amazon.
 
Pretty much any non-reference-cooler 970 or 290X. Whichever is cheapest at the time of purchase.

970 will typically run cooler, quieter, and draw much less power.
 
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