Best GPU for $150

[lalo64]

Hello. I am currently looking to upgrade my PC. I would like to get a GPU for $150 or less. I will be doing some gaming, video editing, and Photoshop. I want to also improve overall PC performance. I am currently running a 1366x768 monitor, but planning on moving to 1080p monitor.

These are my specs currently:
•CPU - AMD FX-6300 @ 3.5 GHz
•GPU - nVidia GeForce GT 545
•RAM - Crutial Ballistix 4GB DDR3 @ 1600MHz
•Motherboard - ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 ATX
•HDD - Western Digital RED 640 GB
•PSU - LEPA N500 500W
•OS - Windows 8.1

 

[Matt Dobe]

Definitely a r9 270X similar performance to a GTX 960 but cheaper http://pcpartpicker.com/part/powercolor-video-card-axr9270x2gbd5ppdhe

 

[TNT27]

Or save some money and get a r9 270 and oc to same speed as 270x. They are essentially the same gpu, but at different clocks.
If you can find a r9 280 discounted it will definitely be worth it.

 

[TheConsiderateIlliterate]

According to the Gurus at Tomshardware, the Gtx 750 Ti is the best card for $150.. and I would have to agree. Fantastic card.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-3.html

(Scoll down a little bit)

 

[TNT27]

According to the Gurus at Tomshardware, the Gtx 750 Ti is the best card for $150.. and I would have to agree. Fantastic card.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-3.html

(Scoll down a little bit)

You should only consider the 750ti if your psu is crap. Any AMD in that price range is much better for gaming

 

[Nikola Aslanov-1338074]

R9 270 is the best for $150.
Also you can get this 750ti: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500348&cm_re=750_ti-_-14-500-348-_-Product&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=12087162&PID=3899435&SID=skim1402X558040X7ce9b00812fea6ae6a29924029d76737&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-Skimlinks
nice deal for $123.

 

[lalo64]

So I take it it all comes down to a GTX 750Ti and R9 270.

Problem is that I'm having a hard time finding an R9 270 for $150 (Fry's, Newegg, Amazon, Best buy, act.) And I'm finding an abundance of GTX 750 Ti for around $130 to $150.

Full Discloser: I'm bias towards nVidia slightly; I've had a GT 545 (while not great, also not terrible) and I've used the nVidia Shield Tablet. I just appreciate the efficiency that nVidia delivers. I also appreciate Maxwell and am a bit concerned about the age of the R9 270 (HD 7870, 2-3 years ago) as well as the power consumption and heat it produces.

That being said, is the R9 270 worth the $20-$40 more (plus increased energy consumption cost) than the 750Ti? As a broke college student, I really just want the best value for money.

 

[NightAntilli]

Here's a comparison:
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1080?vs=1130

 

[lalo64]

Thanks. I ended up getting MSi GTX 750Ti. I got it for $123. So far, I've not been disappointed.