Choosing a GPU and RAM

pledged101

Reputable
Jan 5, 2017
30
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4,535
My budget is $285
I was looking at to buy:

RX 480 4gb - $217.99
Kingston HyperX FURY 8GB Kit (2x4GB) - $55.99
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Is there a different GPU and/or RAM that would coast less and give more performance? I would prefer to stick to AMD for GPU.
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My Current Specs:

Intel Core i5 4670K @ 3.40GHz
8.00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 934MHz
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Z87-K (SOCKET 1150)
2048MB ATI AMD Radeon R7 260 (MSI)
ATX-AP800W Power Supply
 
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Greetings!

I think you have made the best choices for your budget if you are wanting to stick with AMD for the GPU...there's not much better offered by them currently. Kingston is reliable RAM, no need to look elsewhere unless maybe Gskill has a similar priced but faster set? Otherwise, you are good to go!
 

I'd reconsider that card. Some games these days are eclipsing 6GB VRAM usage when high to ultra settings are applied. You may regret only having 4GB. There is a value placed on longevity. While that card may be cheaper its future is also shorter. Obsolescence is actually only 4 letters. Not something I would invest $200+ in. It's akin to having 8GB system RAM. It's fine for right now but a new build or upgrades? Many want their rigs to last at least 3 years. It's simple to add more RAM in the future(usually). VRAM? You're stuck with what's in the card.
 
4gb of VRAM is mostly sufficient for playing at 1080p. If you can get a card that has 6 or 8gb it would be recommended but honestly I know people still playing games with 2gb of VRAM at 1080p.

I think the choices you made are pretty good. I think maybe a 6gb 1060 would be better. You can get them for close to the same price. there are a couple on newegg for 249 right now.

I don't have much experience with the current AMD cards and I am not a fanboy of either. Just saying a 6gb 1060 might fit your needs better.
 


Yeah, I agree. I would have recommended the 1060 as well for the same reasons, but he seems to want to stick with AMD and I can respect that too...but yeah, 6GB would be better (plus the 1060 outperforms the 480 by a pretty good amount depending on the title).
 


I have been using the 2GB R7 260 for 3 years and only 8GB RAM, I played Rust, Insurgency, Arma 3, and alot more games and they ran pretty good! Arma 3 Ultra setting played at constant 60fps! Upgrading to 4GB GPU and 16GB RAM should be more than I could need for the games I play.
 


Yeah, I would say if you are already pretty satisfied and are looking to just upgrade your current rig for better playability down the road, the 4GB RX 480 would suit the bill just fine. It really does come down to the titles that you like and want to play, and the 480 should be great for the ones you listed🙂
 
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