Best Graphics Cards For The Money: January 2012 (Archive)

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an ati 4250 hd performs as well as the 9700pro on the later games, but only as well as a radeon 8500 on direct x 8.1 games and before. also, it has the memory bandiwith of a radeon 8500le
 

I'll start with saying you're incorrect about using AMD's video cards with Intel's CPUs - neither the GPU nor CPU directly affect the other, so who made what is of no regard. Now, of your 3 options, the 650 ti is the fastest. However, the 7770 is generally considered a better value - that is, better performance per dollar. As far as stability is concerned, AMD and Nvidia are about on par with their hardware and drivers for the current generations, so prioritize your desired results and choose which best suits those goals. I'd recommend looking into this Galaxy 650 ti, this XFX 7770, and this Sapphire 7770 (if you're interested in overclocking).
 
Thank you for your help.

So I also don't get anything with gigabyte(MB)-gigabyte(GPU) combination? It doesn't really matter?
 

No sir - unless they've got their own software suite that only works with components by that brand (similar to what Corsair does with Corsair Link), then it makes no difference. Every make and model has its own merits, but they're all designed around standards.
 
http://tpucdn.com/reviews/AMD/Catalyst_12.11_Performance/images/perfrel.gif

Why is the 660 ranked the same as the 7850 and lower than the 7870? The 660 is between the 7870 and 7850 but much much closer to the 7870.

Why is the 660 Ti ranked the same as the 7870 and lower than the 7950? The 660 Ti is significantly better than the 7870 and closer to the 7950.

Why is the 670 ranked the same as the 7950 and lower than the 7970? The 670 is between the 7950 and the 7970 and is closer to the 7970.

Why is the 680 ranked the same as the 7970 and below the 7970 GE? The 680 is right in the middle between the 7970 and 7970 GE.
 

Your power supply should be more than enough to handle a 7850, if that's what you want. I checked some reviews on your particular PSU, and it seems it should hold up just fine. As for whether or not you should get the 7770 or 7850, this should give you a good indication of the performance difference. I wouldn't take the numbers as absolute (I don't think those were tested with latest drivers), but the 7850 is significantly faster.
 
[citation][nom]PcUser3930K[/nom]There is nothing better on the market than Radeon HD 7970 for a lower price?[/citation]

Nope.

If there was, the 7970 wouldn't be on the list...
 
Thanks for posting this very informative article. I especially like the reference to the 7750 as the fastest card on the market that needs no additional power than what it receives from the bus. I'd be interested in hearing peoples' opinions about what might be the best nVidia product that meets the same criteria (I'm more comfortable with their Linux support)

Thanks in advance for any ideas!
 
[citation][nom]carpenterdumonde[/nom]I'd be interested in hearing peoples' opinions about what might be the best nVidia product that meets the same criteria (I'm more comfortable with their Linux support)Thanks in advance for any ideas![/citation]

The GeForce GT 640, I believe.

Although I've heard you might be able to find the GTX 650 with no power connector, but I've never seen one personally.
 


List was made a month ago, prices changed a tad.

Nevertheless, the 7870 is faster than the 660. At the same price, or even if the 660 is a bit less, the 7870 gets the recommendation.
 

sorry i did miss that looking back at the price history . . (well! it looks like NCIX just put $20 rebate on the XFX 7870 since last night)

but with all due respect, i'd have to say that a 660 ought to have a mention, its 10% cheaper and does hold its own against a 7870 in some games . like FC3.
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but alas folks will mention overclocking, while neglecting to mention not all chips overclock the same. though for an "out of the box" solution (read: non enthusiasts) for a ~$200 budget, i'd have to suggest someone consider the GTX 660.

thanks for the reply and the effort and work you put in these articles on a regular basis no matter.
 


Specific games will always favor one arch over the other, but on average the 7870 beats it with enough of a margin that it takes the recommendation when pricing is similar.

At best the 660 will tie it on occasion but for the money spent I wouldn't recommend the 660 unless it was significantly cheaper.

Remember, we don't count rebates. Both sides have promotions on a sporadic basis, we base our recommendations on what it costs to get a card in hand.
 
Where is the HD 6750M this is the card on a 2011 iMac. indicating the equivalent is acceptable but info appreciated
 
[citation][nom]newpie[/nom]Where is the HD 6750M this is the card on a 2011 iMac. indicating the equivalent is acceptable but info appreciated[/citation]

The Radeon 6750M should be in the 13th or 14th tier from the top.
 
Definitely going to pick myself a GTX 670 soon. I've had my 6970 for two years now and have squeezed every ounce of juice out of it. Time for an upgrade! Still, that 690 is just beautiful. The day I'll be able to afford a dual GPU solution, I'm sure I'll go crazy.
 
Update: I went for 7770 on the end. When installing drivers my PSU went in airfield mode, when I play games it is noiseless. So I guess I should be happy with my decision, not sure how would my PSU handle 50W (nominal) more for 7850.
 
This is a great chart to have but:

*Each group should have a simple index number to make it easier to know which cards are better if I'm searching through the page for multiple cards.

*Price or at least a rough idea of price. Currently I have to search the web for each GPU to find out whether I can afford it. I appreciate the prices vary and fluctuate but anything is better than none.

*Why not have links on each card to a seller. This would make it easier for a user to find a price and might also earn you guys a little commission on sales.

*Put rankings for cards when in crossfire or SLI mode.

*Is it possible to have filters ie price range. Watts. Ranking. Brand. DX mode supported.
 
When it comes to older cards like the Geforce 8800 or a 9600 they can still perform very well with modern games, far better than many people will lead you to believe. I've run skyrim around 30 FPS on a 9600GT on all high settings just fine. Its performance in WoW was nearly identical to my brothers Radeon 6670. The 8800 is about the same performance as the 9600 from my comparisons with my other brother's computer. I find it odd that I spent ~$90 on a video card three years ago and it matches performance of a card that was about the same price last year, and only now being overshadowed by a card in the same price range.
 
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