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GPU Upgrade 1070 or Rx 480/470?

foxslink

n00b
Joined
Mar 28, 2016
Messages
50
Hi folks, in less than a week my old man is traveling to the USA, so this is the best chance to get a new GPU , since these are too expensive in my homeland.( I currently have a 7970 that im still trying to sell ) so i was thinking to buy the gtx 1060 or 1070 of nvdia , or the rx 480/ 470 of amd, is 470 enough? the idea is to have a future proof GPU and the most powerful for gaming at 1080p, i have a budget of 500 USD. im using now a dell u2414h monitor so maybe in the future I could sell it and get a 1440p one. I have found these models , could you help me choose one? :
r 390 Amazon.com: r9 390
r 470 ( almost all out of stock) 470 amd - Newegg.com
Rx 480: https://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Rad...ie=UTF8&qid=1471579756&sr=8-5&keywords=rx+480

1070: gtx 1070 - Newegg.com

id appreciate your help and I look forward to your reply
 
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If your budget is 500 and you want a bit of future proof, get a 1070. The one your dad can find and what you like. If international warranty is a must, check Evga and MSI models. Personally don't know of other manufacturers that have int warranty.
 
Since your next ability to buy a card will be hampered by your location, the 1070 is a no brainer. The R390 is a bad idea at this point since the RX480 beats it sometimes and costs alot less.

But step back for a moment. Your running a 7970 a card from 2011. Hell, anything your dad can get his hands on will deliver a big boost to you regardless of the model. I fully suggest the 1070, 1060 6GB model, RX480 8GB model in that order. The RX480/470 4GB and the 1060 3GB should be reserved for the "I can't find anything" type of situation.
 
Hi folks, in less than a week my old man is traveling to the USA, so this is the best chance to get a new GPU , since these are too expensive in my homeland.( I currently have a 7970 that im still trying to sell ) so i was thinking to buy the gtx 1060 or 1070 of nvdia , or the rx 480/ 470 of amd, is 470 enough? the idea is to have a future proof GPU and the most powerful for gaming at 1080p, i have a budget of 500 USD. im using now a dell u2414h monitor so maybe in the future I could sell it and get a 1440p one. I have found these models , could you help me choose one? :
r 390 Amazon.com: r9 390
r 470 ( almost all out of stock) 470 amd - Newegg.com
Rx 480: https://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Rad...ie=UTF8&qid=1471579756&sr=8-5&keywords=rx+480

1070: gtx 1070 - Newegg.com

id appreciate your help and I look forward to your reply

Depends on where he's going. If he's going to the Bay Area (San Francisco), then he can check out "Central Computers" - small computer store chain in the bay and they got a bunch of 1080's, and 1070's in stock (at normal MSRP prices - Pleasanton Store). I saw RX 470's there but no RX 480's..

IMG_20160812_171651_zpsw7vruuji.jpg


IMG_20160812_171531_zpsfedncq1q.jpg
 
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I have the RX 470 in one of my old machines. It's good, but not amazing. It replaced a 280X which I believe is the same card as the 7970.

I mean, it was an upgrade, for sure, and if you only had $200 to spend I would recommend it. But if you have more money, get a better card. 1070 seems like a good choice.
 
If you've got the money and are willing to spend it, GTX 1070. It's going to wipe the floor with the others.
 
I like the xfx rx480 DD's myself (3yr on card 5 on the fans)......as far as warranty its just a matter of shipping and its like old school BFG where you can work directly with the rep;) Put the money you saved on a new display down the road!
(the 480 is perfectly fine with 1440p)
 
Because you don't get many opportunities to buy a card (well as you have your old man buying it whilst here) Id say get the 1070. If AMD had a close competitor to the 1070 I would recommend it over the 1070 just because of the longevity of AMD cards over the past 5 years. But because the 480 is a bit too far behind and most likely wont surpass the 1070 although it may get close in a year or 2, the 1070 is your best bet.
 
Because you don't get many opportunities to buy a card (well as you have your old man buying it whilst here) Id say get the 1070. If AMD had a close competitor to the 1070 I would recommend it over the 1070 just because of the longevity of AMD cards over the past 5 years. But because the 480 is a bit too far behind and most likely wont surpass the 1070 although it may get close in a year or 2, the 1070 is your best bet.

I'd agree with this. At this moment in time 1070 is a real winner.
 
I have the RX 470 in one of my old machines. It's good, but not amazing. It replaced a 280X which I believe is the same card as the 7970.

I mean, it was an upgrade, for sure, and if you only had $200 to spend I would recommend it. But if you have more money, get a better card. 1070 seems like a good choice.

I replaced Crossfire 280xs with a single GTX 1070 and it slaughters them. There is a big performance gap between the Radeon RX 480 and Geforce GTX 1070. If you can afford a GTX 1070, get one, I did.
 
Unless you're willing to wait to see what Vega will be all about, no question, get the 1070. I would only consider the 480 if you're on a tighter budget and even then, I think a 1060 like the EVGA Gaming SC would be a better card.
 
Hi folks, in less than a week my old man is traveling to the USA, so this is the best chance to get a new GPU , since these are too expensive in my homeland.( I currently have a 7970 that im still trying to sell ) so i was thinking to buy the gtx 1060 or 1070 of nvdia , or the rx 480/ 470 of amd, is 470 enough? the idea is to have a future proof GPU and the most powerful for gaming at 1080p, i have a budget of 500 USD. im using now a dell u2414h monitor so maybe in the future I could sell it and get a 1440p one. I have found these models , could you help me choose one? :
r 390 Amazon.com: r9 390
r 470 ( almost all out of stock) 470 amd - Newegg.com
Rx 480: https://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Rad...ie=UTF8&qid=1471579756&sr=8-5&keywords=rx+480

1070: gtx 1070 - Newegg.com

id appreciate your help and I look forward to your reply

I would actually advise against buying and hand-carrying back, just in case you get a card that's DOA. Believe it or not that happens quite often. Will your father be able to actually test the card? Buying a pricey GPU and then being unable to RMA it would be very bad.

Where do you live?
 
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I would actually advise against buying and hand-carrying back, just in case you get a card that's DOA. Believe it or not that happens quite often. Will your father be able to actually test the card? Buying a pricey GPU and then being unable to RMA it would be very bad.

Where do you live?

If the PC shops in the states are anything like they are in my country, you should be able to purchase the card and try it out on the spot to make sure it is working. I have done that in the past with items like monitors to check back light bleed and dead or stuck pixels.
 
Even at 1080p the GTX1070 can be maxed out so I would get at least that, nothing slower if you want the smoothest experience with highest quality.
For higher res than 1080p, well, you get the picture, I wouldnt go slower.
It will matter even more with newer games.

I have a clocked 980ti which is a bit faster than a clocked 1070 and I hit the wall at 1080p.
And thats without using high DSR.
Which brings up another point.

The more power you have, the higher DSR you can use instead of AA.
This gives a slightly more detailed image and very good AA.
 
Even at 1080p the GTX1070 can be maxed out so I would get at least that, nothing slower if you want the smoothest experience with highest quality.
For higher res than 1080p, well, you get the picture, I wouldnt go slower.
It will matter even more with newer games.

I have a clocked 980ti which is a bit faster than a clocked 1070 and I hit the wall at 1080p.
And thats without using high DSR.
Which brings up another point.

The more power you have, the higher DSR you can use instead of AA.
This gives a slightly more detailed image and very good AA.

This. And if by some chance you want to do VR you'll have a GPU capable of it.
 
im back and you guys are the best forum there is , gracias for your support !. So much info to digest, well first im from Chile and here 1070 costs almost 250 usd more than in US, 480 is pricey too and there is shortage, no relatives / friends are travelling to US any time soon so this is a one time chance to get an affordable decent upgrade. International warranty might possibly be an important factor as well, are MSI and EVGA the only ones with it? however if my dad could test the card on the store it would be even better . He is going first to Washington and then he heads to Denver, i think WA has more PC stores, right? another option is i could save a bit on the GPU by going for 480 and put the spare cash on an SSD , monitor or whatnot, but thats not a priority and SSDs can wait, dont you think?

im worried 1070 at 1080p gaming would be overkill and if it hits above 60fps my monitor wont be able to make the most out of it cuz of the 60hz, isnt it useless then? maybe i should get a 144hz mon but thats another story. Seems everyone favors the green side this time and i agree with you . Now its time to choose the 1070 brand, which one would be the safest, best option? Cant wait to hear from you amigos
1070 - Newegg.com
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/152-0267098-0819847?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=1070&rh=i:aps,k:1070

Saludos
 
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im back and you guys are the best forum there is , gracias for your support !. So much info to digest, well first im from Chile and here 1070 costs almost 250 usd more than in US, 480 is pricey too and there is shortage, no relatives / friends are travelling to US any time soon so this is a one time chance to get an affordable decent upgrade. International warranty might possibly be an important factor as well, are MSI and EVGA the only ones with it? however if my dad could test the card on the store it would be even better . He is going first to Washington and then he heads to Denver, i think WA has more PC stores, right? another option is i could save a bit on the GPU by going for 480 and put the spare cash on an SSD , monitor or whatnot, but thats not a priority and SSDs can wait, dont you think?

im worried 1070 at 1080p gaming would be overkill and if it hits above 60fps my monitor wont be able to make the most out of it cuz of the 60hz, isnt it useless then? maybe i should get a 144hz mon but thats another story. Seems everyone favors the green side this time and i agree with you . Now its time to choose the 1070 brand, which one would be the safest, best option? Cant wait to hear from you amigos
1070 - Newegg.com
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/152-0267098-0819847?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=1070&rh=i:aps,k:1070

Saludos

If you have extra power in some games you can use DSR. It basically renders it at a higher resolution and downscales it to 1080P. I didn't know 1080P could look so good until I started using it. So it wouldn't be wasted - you'd just have better image quality because you can crank DSR and AA.

If traveling to the US is a rarity I'd buy the better card IMO. SSDs are nice, but I'd prefer the GPU horsepower over loading a few seconds sooner.
 
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im back and you guys are the best forum there is , gracias for your support !. So much info to digest, well first im from Chile and here 1070 costs almost 250 usd more than in US, 480 is pricey too and there is shortage, no relatives / friends are travelling to US any time soon so this is a one time chance to get an affordable decent upgrade. International warranty might possibly be an important factor as well, are MSI and EVGA the only ones with it? however if my dad could test the card on the store it would be even better . He is going first to Washington and then he heads to Denver, i think WA has more PC stores, right? another option is i could save a bit on the GPU by going for 480 and put the spare cash on an SSD , monitor or whatnot, but thats not a priority and SSDs can wait, dont you think?

im worried 1070 at 1080p gaming would be overkill and if it hits above 60fps my monitor wont be able to make the most out of it cuz of the 60hz, isnt it useless then? maybe i should get a 144hz mon but thats another story. Seems everyone favors the green side this time and i agree with you . Now its time to choose the 1070 brand, which one would be the safest, best option? Cant wait to hear from you amigos
1070 - Newegg.com
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/152-0267098-0819847?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=1070&rh=i:aps,k:1070

Saludos

If the card can render over 60 FPS at 1080P, it just means you have more headroom and a card that should last longer in your system. Also some of the newer games coming out are pushing cards hard at 1080P, so you will have much better performance in those games.
 
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Even at 1080p the GTX1070 can be maxed out so I would get at least that, nothing slower if you want the smoothest experience with highest quality.
For higher res than 1080p, well, you get the picture, I wouldnt go slower.
It will matter even more with newer games.

I have a clocked 980ti which is a bit faster than a clocked 1070 and I hit the wall at 1080p.
And thats without using high DSR.
Which brings up another point.

The more power you have, the higher DSR you can use instead of AA.
This gives a slightly more detailed image and very good AA.

In which games are you having trouble at 1080P though?
 
im back and you guys are the best forum there is , gracias for your support !. So much info to digest, well first im from Chile and here 1070 costs almost 250 usd more than in US, 480 is pricey too and there is shortage, no relatives / friends are travelling to US any time soon so this is a one time chance to get an affordable decent upgrade. International warranty might possibly be an important factor as well, are MSI and EVGA the only ones with it? however if my dad could test the card on the store it would be even better . He is going first to Washington and then he heads to Denver, i think WA has more PC stores, right? another option is i could save a bit on the GPU by going for 480 and put the spare cash on an SSD , monitor or whatnot, but thats not a priority and SSDs can wait, dont you think?

im worried 1070 at 1080p gaming would be overkill and if it hits above 60fps my monitor wont be able to make the most out of it cuz of the 60hz, isnt it useless then? maybe i should get a 144hz mon but thats another story. Seems everyone favors the green side this time and i agree with you . Now its time to choose the 1070 brand, which one would be the safest, best option? Cant wait to hear from you amigos
1070 - Newegg.com
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/152-0267098-0819847?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=1070&rh=i:aps,k:1070

Saludos

AFAIK all warranties are regional. You won't be taking a MSI card bought from the US to a warranty center in Chile and expect them to fix it. Won't happen.

As for the 1070 at 1080p, NVIDIA has FastSync + DSR, which is both used for such a situation. If you want no tearing plus responsive input, FastSync. If you want better graphics, DSR.

Oh wow you're getting fucked up the ass even if you buy in the US. Crazy price gouging.
 
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MSI offers 1 year of international warranty (only problem would be if there is no MSI repair center in Chile, that goes for EVGA as well), if it fails after that you need to take it to the US.

I'm hesitant to believe a representative. However, I found actual source:
MSI Global

There's a caveat, though. The page specifically mentions "Global Warranty Service Locations for the Notebook" so I'm not sure GPUs are covered.

Ah yes, applies only for MSI notebooks.
MSI Global

Over here, you can see that the warranty terms for GPUs are regional.
MSI Global

So I'd still be very hesitant to follow this approach unless you contact MSI customer support and ask them specifically about this issue. And then keep that email as evidence if they do say yes.
 
The 1070 is way way way overkill @ 1080P and that's not debatable. You could max everything out for any game and still have that 1070 sitting around twiddling its thumbs.

If there is no intent whatsoever to move up from 1080P in the forseable future, go with the RX480 or 1060.

Both of those cards are pretty much in a dead heat. Can't go wrong with either.
 
The 1070 is way way way overkill @ 1080P and that's not debatable. You could max everything out for any game and still have that 1070 sitting around twiddling its thumbs.

If there is no intent whatsoever to move up from 1080P in the forseable future, go with the RX480 or 1060.

Both of those cards are pretty much in a dead heat. Can't go wrong with either.

There are so many ways to take advantage of that overkill now. You can DSR, FastSync, or just move up the AA. If this is a once in a while thing, why not settle for the best in the budget and get another year or so out of the hardware. Sure you'll save some money now, but will you be able to upgrade in another year when the RX480/1060 is obsolete and can't max out games at 1080p? With the 1070 you might get another year out of it, maybe more. Why risk it?
 
The 1070 is way way way overkill @ 1080P and that's not debatable. You could max everything out for any game and still have that 1070 sitting around twiddling its thumbs.

If there is no intent whatsoever to move up from 1080P in the forseable future, go with the RX480 or 1060.

Both of those cards are pretty much in a dead heat. Can't go wrong with either.
With DSR there is no such thing as overkill. Plus a 1070 cant max every game at 1440 and get 60 fps anyway. And we will always get newer more demanding games or some unoptimized games every year such as Quantum Break that even a Titan X cant get 60 fps in at just 1920x1080.
 
In which games are you having trouble at 1080P though?
Witcher 3, GTA 5, Project Cars, modded Fallout 4, using DSR in less intense games.
There are more games, some I havent played.
I dont keep a list handy.
Upcoming games will add to the list.

The 1070 is way way way overkill @ 1080P and that's not debatable. You could max everything out for any game and still have that 1070 sitting around twiddling its thumbs.

If there is no intent whatsoever to move up from 1080P in the forseable future, go with the RX480 or 1060.

Both of those cards are pretty much in a dead heat. Can't go wrong with either.
Um, no.
 
The 1070 is way way way overkill @ 1080P and that's not debatable. You could max everything out for any game and still have that 1070 sitting around twiddling its thumbs.

If there is no intent whatsoever to move up from 1080P in the forseable future, go with the RX480 or 1060.

Both of those cards are pretty much in a dead heat. Can't go wrong with either.

1070 can't max out Dues Ex, Quantum Break, or Witcher 3 with everything cranked...
 
1070 can't max out Dues Ex, Quantum Break, or Witcher 3 with everything cranked...

So here's the thing though, certain settings destroy performance but barely add anything. Witcher 3 I'm assuming you're talking about Hairworks? There will always be a difference between maxing out and getting 99% of the visual fidelity at 80% of the performance cost.
 
yea those settings are called Nvidia Game Works....just turn them off and get a huge performance increase! lol:woot:
 
So here's the thing though, certain settings destroy performance but barely add anything. Witcher 3 I'm assuming you're talking about Hairworks? There will always be a difference between maxing out and getting 99% of the visual fidelity at 80% of the performance cost.

So why not just downgrade settings for most games and get a used R9 380 or GTX 960?!? The upper end of graphics settings always have diminishing returns, I would suspect most people wouldn't be able to tell during gameplay if their games were knocked down a setting or two. The PC Master Race community didn't even figure out No Man's Skynwas rendering at 720P and then upscaling it for a few days.
 
So why not just downgrade settings for most games and get a used GTX 960?!? The upper end of graphics settings always have diminishing returns, I would suspect most people wouldn't be able to tell if their games were knocked down a setting or two.

Looks like you missed the point.
 
person A : this card can max every game and get 60 fps

person B : lists games that cant be maxed and get 60 fps

person A : says games has settings that are too demanding so does not count

lol...

And I see both sides but it is so funny as this has gone on for the 13 years I have been into pc gaming.
 
So here's the thing though, certain settings destroy performance but barely add anything. Witcher 3 I'm assuming you're talking about Hairworks? There will always be a difference between maxing out and getting 99% of the visual fidelity at 80% of the performance cost.

Even with hair works off and SSAO it still barely holds 60 FPS. And in that game you REALLY want to use DSR from something like 1440P. Everything shimmers without it. I personally love hairworks. TW3 looks better in all regards today than at launch.

I have a 970 (~390/480, ect.) in my 1080P rig and I constantly crave better settings. Especially AA/DSR but it can't handle it.

OP at the end of the day you won't regret the 1070. Good luck!
 
Depending on budget really. 1070 if you've got the money and want the performance (no shame in the). 480 if you're trying to save money and prioritize other things in life (no shame in that either)
 
Thanks guys, i agree that 1070 can still have its uses in 1080p and get the most out of the games that can be cranked more, the issue is i can’t buy good cards on good prices every year because of availability and cost, so 1070 would last more and it will be easier to sell in my country if I were to upgrade later.
Please help me choose a 1070 model, ive read EVGA SC and ASUS strix are the most recommended, but this MSI looks good too MSI GTX 1070 Gaming X 8 GB Review
What specs do I have to look for ? is 3 fans really necessary?

1070 - Newegg.com
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=1070&rh=i:aps,k:1070

About another thing, would it be a good idea to get a 1440 or 144hz monitor eventually if I go for 1070? is Gsync too expensive compared to Freesync? I suppose they are not really needed.
I look forward to your comments
 
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Where exactly do you live? And exactly why is it so much cheaper for you to purchase it at a brick and mortar store in the us? I see you posting amazon and newegg links.....Are you just window shopping them or are you going to purchase it from Amazon or egg? And if your not, why dont you? here in the us we can buy a fucking card in china, have it shipped here, and if it needs warranty that no problem either.....just a matter of shipping to Ca in most cases. (around 7 bucks)....im just curious really;)
 
I live in Viña del Mar - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia , what is a brick and mortar store? i post links so i can find the best model, my dad could probably buy in a real store in Denver like this one Micro Center - Computers and Electronics .
Shipping to china wont be possible since he is staying for a month, unless it takes less time but why? i dont think there is any need for that. Do you know any good stores in Denver or Washington?
 
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I live in Viña del Mar - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia , what is a brick and mortar store? i post links so i can find the best model, my dad could probably buy in a real store in Denver like this one Micro Center - Computers and Electronics .
Shipping to china wont be possible since he is staying for a month, unless it takes less time but why? i dont think there is any need for that. Do you know any good stores in Denver or Washington?
oh i see your going to have it shipped to his hotel or what ever he staying at.....brick and mortar an actual walk in store as apposed to mail order. When i used china as an example, i was talking more about shipping charges but i guess threes a huge difference shipping to Chile vs the states. (maybe currency exchange doesn't help either?) I was wondering why you couldn't just order stuff direct to your home...but i suspect it complicated.
 
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