Choosing a GPU

[marcelmiro2000]

Recently I've bought the new Asus MG248Q monitor, which supports Adaptive Sync, which is the Free Sync that's offered by the AMD GPUs. So I don't know which GPU to buy being models in my mind such as the RX 480 or the GTX 1060. The advantage of Nvidia, is that the GTX models give a better performance than the AMD GPUs, but I've already bought a monitor that supports the AMD technology, so I don't know through which way I should go. By the way, I have a medium budget PC, and I can only spend around 350€ maximum for a new GPU, which one or which model do you guys recommend me?

My PC specs:
- i5-4590
- Asus Maximus VII Hero
- Asus GTX 750ti 2GB
- HyperX Fury 16GB

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Tom Keenan]

I'd go with a 1060. Well within you're budget and should preform very well.

 

[Jay Santos]

That monitor will still be able to run 144hz with a GeForce card.

 

[marcelmiro2000]

Is this a biased opinion to buy the Nvidia models? Or is it it's just miles better than AMD? XD
The GTX 1070 I thinks it's way out of my budget but the GTX 1060 is around the 350€. If I'm going towards this GPU, do you recommend me a specific model from any brand such as the Asus Strix or the Sapphire?

 

[marcelmiro2000]

Thank you Tom Keenan and Jay Santos for helping me. You're right Jay Santos that it will still run at 144Hz the monitor. The only thing that I'm concerned with is that I would not get benefited of the Adaptive Sync technology with the GTX GPU, although I think I will be able to enable V-Sync in the Asus monitor

 

[Jay Santos]

If adaptive sync prevents tearing and Nvidia gpu doesn't support it, then I'd go with AMD if they do. Oh God I hate screen tearing.

I don't think 480s are a bad choice. I would take the 1060 for pure performance. But if you're after adaptive sync and Nvidia doesn't support it, then I would go AMD.

 

[marcelmiro2000]

If adaptive sync prevents tearing and Nvidia gpu doesn't support it, then I'd go with AMD if they do. Oh God I hate screen tearing.

I don't think 480s are a bad choice. I would take the 1060 for pure performance. But if you're after adaptive sync and Nvidia doesn't support it, then I would go AMD.

I've actually still haven't had the issue involving screen tearing yet, though it's just to have a feature more. Which model of GTX 1060 do you guys recommend me to get, having in mind that I'm trying to achieve to get a black and red PC build, and knowing my little budget.

 

[Jay Santos]

If adaptive sync prevents tearing and Nvidia gpu doesn't support it, then I'd go with AMD if they do. Oh God I hate screen tearing.

I don't think 480s are a bad choice. I would take the 1060 for pure performance. But if you're after adaptive sync and Nvidia doesn't support it, then I would go AMD.

I've actually still haven't had the issue involving screen tearing yet, though it's just to have a feature more. Which model of GTX 1060 do you guys recommend me to get, having in mind that I'm trying to achieve to get a black and red PC build, and knowing my little budget.

It's really hard to go wrong. If you really want to save money Zotac are OK. No back plates will save you $10-$20. If you want the black and red look, I think MSI still have the red and black designs with the scorpion.

This is the cheapest one from Amazon and it's a decent deal at $249
Zotac 1060 6gb

 

[marcelmiro2000]

If adaptive sync prevents tearing and Nvidia gpu doesn't support it, then I'd go with AMD if they do. Oh God I hate screen tearing.

I don't think 480s are a bad choice. I would take the 1060 for pure performance. But if you're after adaptive sync and Nvidia doesn't support it, then I would go AMD.

I've actually still haven't had the issue involving screen tearing yet, though it's just to have a feature more. Which model of GTX 1060 do you guys recommend me to get, having in mind that I'm trying to achieve to get a black and red PC build, and knowing my little budget.

It's really hard to go wrong. If you really want to save money Zotac are OK. No back plates will save you $10-$20. If you want the black and red look, I think MSI still have the red and black designs with the scorpion.

This is the cheapest one from Amazon and it's a decent deal at $249
Zotac 1060 6gb

Do you think that the MSI model is better than the Asus Strix model? Because the Asus model has LEDs preinstalled, and the price is slightly cheaper. In amazon (spain), the MSI 6gb costs 382€, meanwhile the Asus 6gb costs 349€.

 

[Jonathan_106]

I bought a RX 480 to go with my 144hz, freesync monitor. That tech really does help.

Also from what I have seen in DX12 games AMD GPUs are out performing current NVIDIA offerings.

So I would look at it this way. The 1060 out performs the RX 480 in many current games, however both cards can run just about any current game at 1080p on ultra with frames safely over 60 fps. However, going with the AMD may give better performance as more and more DX12 hit the market.

At least that was my logic when choosing between the 2. The fact freesync monitors are more cost friendly was also another factor.

 

[marcelmiro2000]

I bought a RX 480 to go with my 144hz, freesync monitor. That tech really does help.

Also from what I have seen in DX12 games AMD GPUs are out performing current NVIDIA offerings.

So I would look at it this way. The 1060 out performs the RX 480 in many current games, however both cards can run just about any current game at 1080p on ultra with frames safely over 60 fps. However, going with the AMD may give better performance as more and more DX12 hit the market.

At least that was my logic when choosing between the 2. The fact freesync monitors are more cost friendly was also another factor.

Now you've just ended to confuse me more. XD
Before reading this I was tempted to get the Asus GTX 1060 but now im between the two again.

 

[Jay Santos]

Also from what I have seen in DX12 games AMD GPUs are out performing current NVIDIA offerings.

So I would look at it this way. The 1060 out performs the RX 480 in many current games, however both cards can run just about any current game at 1080p on ultra with frames safely over 60 fps. However, going with the AMD may give better performance as more and more DX12 hit the market.

Not at all.

DX12 is no longer a problem for Nvidia.
The only card camp AMD is waving around is Vulkan. Direct X isn't going to be replaced by Vulkan or any other API soon. Open GL still does a good job. Sure AMD cards are getting a 20% boost with Vulkan. Vulkan only benefits one game. But remember you're still giving up DX11 performance. DX11 and down still make up majority of games out there.

 

[Jay Santos]

I bought a RX 480 to go with my 144hz, freesync monitor. That tech really does help.

Also from what I have seen in DX12 games AMD GPUs are out performing current NVIDIA offerings.

So I would look at it this way. The 1060 out performs the RX 480 in many current games, however both cards can run just about any current game at 1080p on ultra with frames safely over 60 fps. However, going with the AMD may give better performance as more and more DX12 hit the market.

At least that was my logic when choosing between the 2. The fact freesync monitors are more cost friendly was also another factor.

Now you've just ended to confuse me more. XD
Before reading this I was tempted to get the Asus GTX 1060 but now im between the two again.

Benchmarked. 1060 over clocks very very well

 

[Jonathan_106]

Also from what I have seen in DX12 games AMD GPUs are out performing current NVIDIA offerings.

So I would look at it this way. The 1060 out performs the RX 480 in many current games, however both cards can run just about any current game at 1080p on ultra with frames safely over 60 fps. However, going with the AMD may give better performance as more and more DX12 hit the market.

Not at all.

DX12 is no longer a problem for Nvidia.
The only card camp AMD is waving around is Vulkan. Direct X isn't going to be replaced by Vulkan or any other API soon. Open GL still does a good job. Sure AMD cards are getting a 20% boost with Vulkan. Vulkan only benefits one game. But remember you're still giving up DX11 performance. DX11 and down still make up majority of games out there.

this is why I get confused about benchmarks...

The one that stands out is GTA 5....

http://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/amd-radeon-r9-rx-480-8gb-review,18.html

I know there can be differences in other components that cause some discrepancy.... but how is the guy who benchmarked GTA 5 you linked only getting 45 fps(at very high settings) but the guy I linked is getting 84 at max?

makes me wonder...

 

[Jay Santos]

Also from what I have seen in DX12 games AMD GPUs are out performing current NVIDIA offerings.

So I would look at it this way. The 1060 out performs the RX 480 in many current games, however both cards can run just about any current game at 1080p on ultra with frames safely over 60 fps. However, going with the AMD may give better performance as more and more DX12 hit the market.

Not at all.

DX12 is no longer a problem for Nvidia.
The only card camp AMD is waving around is Vulkan. Direct X isn't going to be replaced by Vulkan or any other API soon. Open GL still does a good job. Sure AMD cards are getting a 20% boost with Vulkan. Vulkan only benefits one game. But remember you're still giving up DX11 performance. DX11 and down still make up majority of games out there.

this is why I get confused about benchmarks...

The one that stands out is GTA 5....

http://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/amd-radeon-r9-rx-480-8gb-review,18.html

I know there can be differences in other components that cause some discrepancy.... but how is the guy who benchmarked GTA 5 you linked only getting 45 fps(at very high settings) but the guy I linked is getting 84 at max?

makes me wonder...

GTAV has a ton of settings. One person can say he has it set to "high" but has grass and other taxing settings off. I'm afraid unless they disclose the most minute settings of the game then it would be hard to believe just one source. However, taking an average from multiple tests would be more accurate.

GTAV being a DX11 titled and Nvidia put a lot of time and money honing their drivers for the game, it wouldn't surprise me that it does better.

I remember when GTAV launched, AMD fanboys were upset that Nvidia actually sent engineers to work with Rockstar so that their drivers can be polished. GeForce drivers were polished and ready on day one. Rockstar didn't close their doors to AMD. How is that screwing AMD over? Fanboys (from both sides) are most unreasonable.

 

[Jonathan_106]

Also from what I have seen in DX12 games AMD GPUs are out performing current NVIDIA offerings.

So I would look at it this way. The 1060 out performs the RX 480 in many current games, however both cards can run just about any current game at 1080p on ultra with frames safely over 60 fps. However, going with the AMD may give better performance as more and more DX12 hit the market.

Not at all.

DX12 is no longer a problem for Nvidia.
The only card camp AMD is waving around is Vulkan. Direct X isn't going to be replaced by Vulkan or any other API soon. Open GL still does a good job. Sure AMD cards are getting a 20% boost with Vulkan. Vulkan only benefits one game. But remember you're still giving up DX11 performance. DX11 and down still make up majority of games out there.

this is why I get confused about benchmarks...

The one that stands out is GTA 5....

http://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/amd-radeon-r9-rx-480-8gb-review,18.html

I know there can be differences in other components that cause some discrepancy.... but how is the guy who benchmarked GTA 5 you linked only getting 45 fps(at very high settings) but the guy I linked is getting 84 at max?

makes me wonder...

GTAV has a ton of settings. One person can say he has it set to "high" but has grass and other taxing settings off. I'm afraid unless they disclose the most minute settings of the game then it would be hard to believe just one source. However, taking an average from multiple tests would be more accurate.

GTAV being a DX11 titled and Nvidia put a lot of time and money honing their drivers for the game, it wouldn't surprise me that it does better.

I remember when GTAV launched, AMD fanboys were upset that Nvidia actually sent engineers to work with Rockstar so that their drivers can be polished. GeForce drivers were polished and ready on day one. Rockstar didn't close their doors to AMD. How is that screwing AMD over? Fanboys (from both sides) are most unreasonable.

Well I looked though that article I posted and the RX 480 performed better in every test they did. Maybe the one you posted they forgot to install the drivers... lol. Sadly the article I posted is from just before the 1060 released so it is not in there.

In most of the articles I have read (that lead me to purchase the RX480) it is on par with a 970 in most games and 980 in DX in many cases. I however did not read any where a 1060 is compared to a 970 or 980. Honestly when I saw the prices on Freesync versus G-sync I started leaning AMD.

 

[marcelmiro2000]

Wow you guys are confusing me loads xD
Now I don't know which way to go... Nvidia or AMD.

 

[Jonathan_106]

Wow you guys are confusing me loads xD
Now I don't know which way to go... Nvidia or AMD.

The 1060 is probably a little faster but you said you already have a freesync monitor which you could utilize with a RX 480.

 

[marcelmiro2000]

Yeah and this decision is now the one that I'm thinking about. If I should go with pure performance or with extra visual features.

Which one of these would you go for:

ASUS Strix RX 480 OC 8GB (https://www.pccomponentes.com/asus-rog-strix-radeon-rx-480-oc-gaming-8gb-gddr5)

ASUS Strix GTX 1060 OC 6GB (https://www.pccomponentes.com/asus-rog-strix-geforce-gtx-1060-gaming-oc-6gb-gddr5)

 

[Jonathan_106]

Yeah and this decision is now the one that I'm thinking about. If I should go with pure performance or with extra visual features.

Which one of these would you go for:

ASUS Strix RX 480 OC 8GB (https://www.pccomponentes.com/asus-rog-strix-radeon-rx-480-oc-gaming-8gb-gddr5)

ASUS Strix GTX 1060 OC 6GB (https://www.pccomponentes.com/asus-rog-strix-geforce-gtx-1060-gaming-oc-6gb-gddr5)

well you save a few bucks with the RX 480, but not a big enough difference it should affect a major difference.

Here is how you should break the tie. Think of your most graphics intensive games and google which card it runs better on. Some games simply run better on Nvidia or AMD.

Or (this is the decision process part of me coming out, I am a planner so I do this as part of my job) list all the things that are important to you, weight them (say there is 10 things, rank them 1-5, with 2 of each number allowed), then check off each which card wins each, add up the total points and make your decision that way.

 

[Jay Santos]

Honestly when I saw the prices on Freesync versus G-sync I started leaning AMD.

Good point. If *sync is important and Nvidia just wants too much money for their technology, then yes, go with AMD.

 

[Jay Santos]

Yeah and this decision is now the one that I'm thinking about. If I should go with pure performance or with extra visual features.

Which one of these would you go for:

ASUS Strix RX 480 OC 8GB (https://www.pccomponentes.com/asus-rog-strix-radeon-rx-480-oc-gaming-8gb-gddr5)

ASUS Strix GTX 1060 OC 6GB (https://www.pccomponentes.com/asus-rog-strix-geforce-gtx-1060-gaming-oc-6gb-gddr5)

well you save a few bucks with the RX 480, but not a big enough difference it should affect a major difference.

Here is how you should break the tie. Think of your most graphics intensive games and google which card it runs better on. Some games simply run better on Nvidia or AMD.

Or (this is the decision process part of me coming out, I am a planner so I do this as part of my job) list all the things that are important to you, weight them (say there is 10 things, rank them 1-5, with 2 of each number allowed), then check off each which card wins each, add up the total points and make your decision that way.

If he does decide to go with AMD, hopefully he looks into the cooling system of the Asus Strix 480. Asus has been known to treat AMD like a bastard child and give them scraps.

Remember what Asus did with the R9 390? No wonder the card was hot as fu*k.

 

[marcelmiro2000]

Yeah and this decision is now the one that I'm thinking about. If I should go with pure performance or with extra visual features.

Which one of these would you go for:

ASUS Strix RX 480 OC 8GB (https://www.pccomponentes.com/asus-rog-strix-radeon-rx-480-oc-gaming-8gb-gddr5)

ASUS Strix GTX 1060 OC 6GB (https://www.pccomponentes.com/asus-rog-strix-geforce-gtx-1060-gaming-oc-6gb-gddr5)

well you save a few bucks with the RX 480, but not a big enough difference it should affect a major difference.

Here is how you should break the tie. Think of your most graphics intensive games and google which card it runs better on. Some games simply run better on Nvidia or AMD.

Or (this is the decision process part of me coming out, I am a planner so I do this as part of my job) list all the things that are important to you, weight them (say there is 10 things, rank them 1-5, with 2 of each number allowed), then check off each which card wins each, add up the total points and make your decision that way.

Thanks to everyone for your replies.
Focusing on your message Jonathan, since yesterday the price of the Asus Strix GTX 1060 has gone down from 371€ to 353€ which is just amazing as the price difference between the two GPU now are not that much. The problem on choosing the GPU depending on the game I play, is complicated, as I mostly play LOL, so that doesn't require a good GPU. Apart from this, I'm thinking of buying the BF1 for PC, and I want the new GPU for new games that will come out in the future too. Ranking my necessities is complicated too, as I don't video edit and I mainly only play videogames, except the strange time that I use my PC to create documents for college.