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Video Card Replacement

Corban227

Corban227

Gawd
2FA
Joined
Dec 2, 2009
Messages
956
Hey Guys,

I am downgrading my video card because I never play video games on my computer anymore. it is just going to waste. I was wondering what a good option for me to move to would be.

I mostly use my computer for Photoshop, lightroom and as a plex machine. The games i usually play (or used to) are Overwatch and Starcraft.

Thanks!

BTW
I currently have a Powercooler R9 290
(it is for sale on the forum) https://hardforum.com/threads/powercooler-amd-r9-290.1939027/
 
Well if you never play video games anymore then something like a 1050 Ti should be decent downgrade and still give you the GPU acceleration in Photoshop/Lightroom work.

You could try just running directly off the Intel iGPU and see if it meets your demands. Skipping a discrete GPU all together. I even think GPU acceleration is possible on the Intel HD graphics as well.
 
I made the same choice in my own rig, went to an GTX 1050Ti more for the modern connectivity and pushing multiple monitors with ease. I do a game a little, but that stuff would play on integrated just fine it's so old.

Should note I have an RX 560 here but didn't like it as much but they're pretty much a coin flip for non gamers.
 
I agree with Skillz, try your IGP before you throw any more money at it. It may be good enough for your purposes. It won't break any records gaming for certain, but you can get most games playable tinkering with resolution and graphics options.

Apart from that, what's the harm in your 290 "going to waste"?
 
Don't do anything... just enjoy what you have.
In 6 months or a year you might have the time or urge to play some games again.

Used R9 290's are $320 (8gb RAM) or $350~400 (4 gb ram) on amazon (weird, eh?)
- minus the cost of a replacement 1050 Ti @ $150 (4GB ram) ~ $160.

$320 minus $150 = $130
$400 minus $160 = $240

Is that really worth the time you will spend listing used parts / collecting $$$ from a stranger / boxing the card / going to UPS or USPS / pay to ship / ordering a new card / paying shipping / uninstalling AMD software / rebooting / running driver cleaner / rebooting / installing nVidia drivers / tweaking, etc.

Don't do anything... just enjoy what you have.
 
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talk2troy said:
Don't do anything... just enjoy what you have.
In 6 months or a year you might have the time or urge to play some games again.

Used R9 290's are $320 (8gb RAM) or $350~400 (4 gb ram) on amazon (weird, eh?)
- minus the cost of a replacement 1050 Ti @ $150 (4GB ram) ~ $160.

$320 minus $150 = $130
$400 minus $160 = $240

Is that really worth the time you will spend listing used parts / collecting $$$ from a stranger / boxing the card / going to UPS or USPS / pay to ship / ordering a new card / paying shipping / uninstalling AMD software / rebooting / running driver cleaner / rebooting / installing nVidia drivers / tweaking, etc.

Don't do anything... just enjoy what you have.
Click to expand...


because I don't like collecting things I might use lol. I am having a kid so my goal is to clear clutter to make room for more clutter. with the 300 ish, i could get a replacement card and then put the other 150 towards building a crib for the kid, so it fills multiple purchases. Obviously if no one wants it, I will store it somewhere, but by the time I want another card I am sure the standards will be much higher.

Do you guys really think the integrated graphics will suffice? I am running 2 monitors.
 
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I would think if you wanted to offload the card now would be the time. As far as igpu maybe it would work but the 1030 GTX or 1050 non ti or even the base Rx 560 cards would probably do 1080p reasonable. Just my 2c though.
 
Flip the 290 while prices are inflated and grab a 1050ti....

(My 960gtx DEVOURS Overwatch at 1080p; and a 1050ti is practically the same thing)
 
Corban227 said:
Do you guys really think the integrated graphics will suffice? I am running 2 monitors.
Click to expand...

For everyday stuff, sure. IGP will treat you well.

BUT, even if all you do is play Blizzard titles, you're going to take a major hit with integrated graphics....

Again, if I were you: I'd sell the 290 before the bubble bursts and split the profits between a new graphics cards and family stuff (a crib etc).

It's def time to sell yo..

-- this mining craze is almost as bad as 2013/14....
 
I still say keep the card (especially if you have the 8GB version). IGP will not save you...

Spend the equivalent time it takes to sell, ship, buy, install a new card on craigslist, fiverr, 99 designs, etc. to score a side gig that's worth $150 you need for a crib.

EDIT: for clarification - I'm saying do nothing to your PC - that card is great - don't sell the 290 & don't buy the 1050 (no clutter / no spare card laying around). Skip selling a $300 card & buying a $150 card & netting $150... just get a few side jobs and make the $150 you need.
 
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Corban227 said:
Hey Guys,

I am downgrading my video card because I never play video games on my computer anymore. it is just going to waste. I was wondering what a good option for me to move to would be.

I mostly use my computer for Photoshop, lightroom and as a plex machine. The games i usually play (or used to) are Overwatch and Starcraft.

Thanks!

BTW
I currently have a Powercooler R9 290
(it is for sale on the forum) https://hardforum.com/threads/powercooler-amd-r9-290.1939027/
Click to expand...
You're just going to waste even more money regardless of whichever downgraded GPU that you're planning to go with. The truth is, money-wise you're never going to get back anywhere close to what you want to get from selling your current GPU. The truth is, at best the buyers will only pay you pennies on the dollar - and most of those would only offer you next to nothing in return. Thus, the least wasteful option for you would be to just go without a discrete GPU, and go with only the CPU's IGP.
 
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talk2troy said:
I still say keep the card (especially if you have the 8GB version). IGP will not save you...

Spend the equivalent time it takes to sell, ship, buy, install a new card on craigslist, fiverr, 99 designs, etc. to score a side gig that's worth $150 you need for a crib.

EDIT: for clarification - I'm saying do nothing to your PC - that card is great - don't sell the 290 & don't buy the 1050 (no clutter / no spare card laying around). Skip selling a $300 card & buying a $150 card & netting $150... just get a few side jobs and make the $150 you need.
Click to expand...


to do side jobs I have to have an outlet willing to pay me, which unless I am advertising wrong, does not come up. not sure why you are trying to talk me out of what I am already planning on doing unless you are planning on paying me to install a card for you? lol. selling a card ime is way easier than trying to find a random side job.
 
Correct me if I'm wrong, but still it takes 9 months to make a baby... ;)
 
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