2560 x 1440...need GPU help

[Chad Ashton]

Trying to throw together a budget gaming system that is based around playing WoW. No other games to be played in the foreseeable future.

So I thought I had a solid plan but never took into consideration that my monitor would be a factor in deciding on a GPU (yeah...I'm computer dumb). Anyways...I'm using a 27" 2560 x 1440 60Hz monitor. My initial plan was a GTX 1050Ti. But now I'm seeing that won't cut it. So since I'm on a tight budget, best I can probably squeeze in will be a GTX1060 6GB or something like an RX 580 8GB. Are one of those options going to get the job done? Is there anything better at the same price point (or less would be nice...lol)? I just can't swing the $350+ price tag for a 1070 right now and the price of a 1080 is as much as I was trying to keep the entire build at. If it helps...I don't object to playing on medium settings. I don't need ultra settings across the board as nice as that would be.

 

[shrapnel_indie]

WoW isn't all that GPU intensive. a RX580 or GTX1060-6GB will do the job at 1440p. It, however, might not allow for the highest of setting at that resolution. WoW probably won't kill frame-rates too badly

 

[AgentLozen]

2560x1440 is usually reserved for really uber video cards. If you're willing to make some concessions to the graphics settings then a GTX 1060 6GB will run 2560x1440 @ 60fps. That's assuming you're only playing WoW though. You'll need to further adjust the settings in more demanding games to keep a respectable frame rate that that resolution.

 

[ARICH5]

ya good 1060 with overclocks would be fine. or you can wait till the new gpu tech comes out this summer and prices will drop.

 

[amdrx480]

Either wait for a price drop or get an rx 580 now.

 

[RonRaxXx]

I have an Acer XB1 (2560x1440) and when I got it I had a GTX 980 - I've since upgraded to the 1080 but I was able to play games like Dota 2, Overwatch, Path of Exile, with no issues. You may have to tweak some settings but you'll be fine with a 1060 6GB if you can swing it price wise.

 

[Yamitime]

If you struggle with the resolution you can always play at 1080p on the same monitor

 

[Chad Ashton]

Thanks for the help. So out of the two...is one better than the other? They are the same price so....

 

[photonboy]

I played WOW at 2560x1440 with a GTX680 2GB (similar to GTX1050Ti) at 60FPS. I may have dropped a couple settings SLIGHTLY.

The GTX1060 6GB is the card you want. The RX-580 is similar performance however it's also more EXPENSIVE.

The RX-580 under load also dumps about 100W more heat into the room (yes, about 230W vs 130W). That's a LOT and it would make my room too hot to play in for a lot of the year. Maybe that's an issue for you.

Examples:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/wz648d/gigabyte-geforce-gtx-1060-6gb-d5-6g-video-card-gv-n1060d5-6gd
and
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/3bL7YJ/asus-geforce-gtx-1060-6gb-strix-video-card-rog-strix-gtx1060-o6g-gaming

The Asus should be quieter under load, and likely able to maintain the max clock speed more accurately but I'm unsure if it's "worth" the $60 or so price difference. Also not sure what the QUALITY OF BUILD difference is though I'd guess the Asus Strix is higher quality based on comments.

Since your budget seems low, AND the GTX1070 starts at $350 it's hard to justify the Asus Strix I guess.

 

[shrapnel_indie]

Thanks for the help. So out of the two...is one better than the other? They are the same price so....

TBH, you'd be happy with either as they trade blows pretty equally. Now, if your monitor supported G-Sync or FreeSync, I'd have to recommend the 1060-6GB or RX-580 respectively. Without it, just go for the best deal.

 

[Phaaze88]

Just throwing this out there, but as shrapnel_indie posted, WoW isn't very graphically demanding... it's pushes the cpu. IF you had the money for it, you would see a larger performance increase upgrading your cpu rather than the gpu for that game. I went from a 680 to 1080ti, and performance didn't improve much at all. Now, if I were to go from an I5 to an I7...
If you can wait and save up some more, replace the cpu, mobo, and ram...
But again, just throwing this out there.

 

[Chad Ashton]

I'm building a whole new computer actually...not just upgrading a GPU on an old system.

 

[king3pj]

1060 is the right choice. The 3GB version should be enough for that game if you are trying to cut the budget. Normally I would recommend a 580 in that price range but WoW and other Blizzard games run better on Nvidia cards.

 

[Phaaze88]

I'm building a whole new computer actually...not just upgrading a GPU on an old system.

Oh, well in that case, get an i7 7700k(WoW will LOVE those extra threads) or ryzen equivalent(if there is one). If this goes above budget, then the fastest i5 or ryzen equivalent you can afford. And a 1060 to go along with it.

 

[Chad Ashton]

Ordered the 1060 6GB. Thanks for all the help!