AMD vs NVIDIA GPUs for an Intel i7

[seraphyn]

Hello! I'm trying to upgrade my desktop graphics card. It's currently running a Radeon HD 7770. Specs are as follows:

Intel i7 860 @2.80 GHz
RAM 16GB
500GB HDD
180GB SSD
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
500+ Watts PSU (to be honest, I don't know what it is exactly, but the minimum requirement for a 7770 is 500W, I know it's at least that or above)

I'm looking at buying a EVGA Geforce GTX 660 with ACX cooling. Here's a link to the item. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130967&cm_re=geforce_gtx_660-_-14-130-967-_-Product

As well as MSI Geforce GTX 760. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127744

I'm also looking at Radeon R9 270 graphics cards.

My issue with the MSI is that reviews state it overheats quite often. the GTX 660 and the R9 270s seem to be dual fans, which should alleviate that issue somewhat. My other issue is that I've been told by numerous friends/people who build their own computers, is that since I have an intel chipset, I should go for the NVIDIA because it will communicate better with the i7 versus the AMD Radeons which should be paired with AMD chipsets.

Is this true? Honestly, this is the first I've heard of this and my past two GPUs have been Radeons. What do you think is best for a graphics card below $200? Thank you!

 

[modernwar99]

My other issue is that I've been told by numerous friends/people who build their own computers, is that since I have an intel chipset, I should go for the NVIDIA because it will communicate better with the i7 versus the AMD Radeons which should be paired with AMD chipsets.

That statement is not even a little bit true. You can get an R9 270x for $160 at newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121802&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Also what is the exact model of your PSU?

 

[rockie_]

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-r9270xgaming2g
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/sapphire-video-card-1003732l

 

[blacksheep123]

lol, there is no communication issue with amd and intel ..haha you are funny

anyways, since you are upgrading..unless you are buying the gtx970 stick with AMD since they tend to perform better in the rest of the price range

get an r9 270x
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121802&cm_re=r9_270x-_-14-121-802-_-Product

its cheaper and performs the same in games
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1043?vs=1038

 

[Guest]

amd intel is fine , check your powersupply to be sure it is 500w , best gpu for money is amd r9 280 for 184 dollars

 

[zeyuanfu]

I would get the R9 280X, which is better than the GTX 660 and the 760:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Black Edition Double Dissipation Video Card ($219.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $219.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-14 17:29 EST-0500

 

[Guest]

so your options are 270x for 160
280 for 184
280x for 220

 

[blacksheep123]

280x is out of option since it needs atleast a good quality 650w psu

 

[zeyuanfu]

Actually, a quality 550 watt PSU can handle one.

 

[blacksheep123]

Actually, a quality 550 watt PSU can handle one.

but it should be a realy good one with plenty of wats and min 50 amps on 12v rail and there should be no overclocks in the system... everything must be at stock

 

[zeyuanfu]

50 amps? You have to be kidding me. A 280X barely uses 20 amps by itself. A unit with 35-40 amps on the +12 volt rail should be fine.

 

[Marky Benney]

http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/5055203?
One Palit jetstream 970
|Just ran this test. Top 99% ever tested.
Need I say more

 

[zeyuanfu]

If you can get a 200$ GTX 970, please tell me as I would like to pick one up at that price.

 

[blacksheep123]

50 amps? You have to be kidding me. A 280X barely uses 20 amps by itself. A unit with 35-40 amps on the +12 volt rail should be fine.

amps will be shared ofcourse.. the gpu wont use the whole thing.... the system will need it

 

[Marky Benney]

If you can get a 200$ GTX 970, please tell me as I would like to pick one up at that price.

Keep a look out on Ebay they come up. I bought mine new for £260, Could from America for $220 but by the time I paid air mail and costumes would cost a fair bit more.
I run on Corsiar CS550M easily handles a 970 overclocked to max
and i7 4790k overclocked

 

[zeyuanfu]

...
I meant from sites like Newegg, not eBay.

50 amps? You have to be kidding me. A 280X barely uses 20 amps by itself. A unit with 35-40 amps on the +12 volt rail should be fine.

amps will be shared ofcourse.. the gpu wont use the whole thing.... the system will need it

Yes, but a system without a GPU CANNOT use 30 amps.