EVGA GTX 780 6GB SC worth upgrading to 980 4GB with step up program?

[mikeyp89]

Hi all,

I got the EVGA GTX 780 6GB Superclocked just under 3 months ago and have been impressed by it so far. Now that the 900 series cards are out, I have the option to step up to the 980 ACX 2.0 4GB with EVGA's step up program but am wondering if it is sufficient.

I know most games won't touch the 4GB but with things like Shadow of Mordor using 6GB for the HD pack, do you think it's worth sticking with the 780 for now?

I use 5760 x 1080 triple monitors for a couple of games otherwise I'll just be using standard 1920 x 1080. I understand that vram is important for multi displays so this has me worried as well. I don't do any video editing or anything, the PC is mainly for gaming.

I have about 5 days to decide what to do before the step up offer runs out for me, I'd only have to pay for shipping both ways to Germany so all in it will probably be around £50.

Thanks in advance!

 

[MeteorsRaining]

That's hard. Well, 6GB VRAM is plenty for tri monitor but sadly a single 780 won't be able to utilize that, you'd need to SLI to gain advantage. 4GB VRAM of 980 is not limiting for tri display, as a single 980 will defeat 780 performance wise, on any setup. For a single monitor, 980 is the clear winner, and definately worth the 50 Euros. For tri monitor, you know you need to SLI to get comfortable FPS on high settings, 780 SLI is still not as powerful as 980 SLI, even in surround, so yes here too 980 takes the lead. Feel free to upgrade

 

[unknownofprob]

No 'real' need to go for the GTX 980, stick with your GTX 780 6GB for the meantime. only upgrade your card when it really needs to be.

 

[TheAterix]

i would go for it, even if you want to sell and get dual 970's (i recommend this for triple monitors) you will get much more for your 980

 

[mikeyp89]

Well the original plan was to pick up another 780 to sli them but the EVGA one doesn't seem to be available anywhere at the minute, especially at the price I paid. I mainly use the triples for Iracing which isn't too intensive but I've tried BF4 only mostly high settings and the 780 handles it well surprisingly.

@unknown the only reason I am considering it is because it will only cost me shipping fees through EVGA's step up program.

 

[MeteorsRaining]

If SLI isn't on the cards, I'd go and grab the 980, for obvious reasons

 

[mikeyp89]

Would it make more sense to do what TheAterix said and do the step up, sell the 980 and buy 2 970s? how big of a difference would that make for the hassle?

Or is it better to get a 980 and think about adding another one to sli in a year or so haha

 

[unknownofprob]

Well the original plan was to pick up another 780 to sli them but the EVGA one doesn't seem to be available anywhere at the minute, especially at the price I paid. I mainly use the triples for Iracing which isn't too intensive but I've tried BF4 only mostly high settings and the 780 handles it well surprisingly.

@unknown the only reason I am considering it is because it will only cost me shipping fees through EVGA's step up program.

well, final decision lies in you. Performance wise the GTX 980 is better, and that 6GB Vram is offering you not much help either.

Two GTX 970's would blow the 980 out of the water!

 

[TheAterix]

Would it make more sense to do what TheAterix said and do the step up, sell the 980 and buy 2 970s? how big of a difference would that make for the hassle?

Or is it better to get a 980 and think about adding another one to sli in a year or so haha

i would personally do that, for the hassle involved, its worth it... you can even try the 980 out because, why not lol, and then sell the 980 and get 2 970s and add in the extra cash (probably $50-100 MAX) and have fun

 

[MeteorsRaining]

SLI 970s will kill a single 980 performance wise, MUCH better for surround. Around 20-40% performance increment

 

[mikeyp89]

That is pretty tempting and does make a lot of sense I don't actually think it would cost too much more either in the long run.

The only thing I'm a bit worried about is my other hardware, I've got a Asrock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3 mobo and I5 2500K (oc'd to 4.4ghz), would any of those cause any problems?

 

[MeteorsRaining]

Nope, 4.4Ghz is on par with current gaming CPU's OC, MoBo supports SLI, you're all good hardware wise

 

[mikeyp89]

Well I came here looking for answers and I've only got more choices At least I know to definitely take the step up to the 980, then I'll see what it'll cost to swap it out for 2 970s.

Thanks for the suggestions all, have been stressing over this all day! Much appreciated

 

[unknownofprob]

glad to know you have a greater variety of choices now, and also better ones

 

[MeteorsRaining]

Glad to help