EVGA GTX 970 SSC with i5-6600k

[ZEBuckeye81]

Hey guys, I'm about to put together my first build and have been watching for a gpu. This morning I saw Newegg has EVGA GTX 970 SSC for just over $300. The setup I'll be running is i5-6600k, Gigabyte ga-z170x-ud5, 8GB GSkill. I currently only have 1080p 60 hz monitor, however may be looking at a monitor upgrade down the line to 1440 or maybe 4k depending on prices.

I am wanting to know if this is a good card for the money and will give me good bang for my buck now and for a couple of years or so? I have read the R9 390 may be slightly faster, but runs hotter and draws more power. My other option would be to save a hundred bucks and go with a 960 or R9 380.

 

[AdmiralDonut]

The 970 will do you just fine for 1080p, but for 1440 or 4K you'll need something better if you want it to last you a while. My advice would be to hold off for another 2 months if you can, and see what the new offerings from NVIDIA and AMD look like. If you really can't wait, then I'd recommend either the 390X, or the 980Ti (depending entirely on budget) as both of those cards should see you running 1440p ultra for a good few years.

 

[ZEBuckeye81]

The 980 line is definitely out of my budget currently. I can't justify spending that much on a gpu.

Its not a pressing matter to buy a card, as I honestly initially planned on using on board graphics to start out with and watch for a deal on a good card. A new monitor in all reality is a good year or two down the road, will probably just kind of watch for 4k prices to come down a little.

 

[AdmiralDonut]

In that case I'd just wait a few months for the newer cards. Once they are announced you'll see prices on the 900 series cards start to drop. With any luck it'll push one of the higher spec cards in to your budget

 

[ZEBuckeye81]

Yeah I've certainly thought about that option. I'm just not sure even then something like the 980 will be in my budget. For me personally, about $300 is the most I'm willing to dish for a card. Even if that means not doing anything more than 1080 for a while

 

[Vellinious]

Yeah I've certainly thought about that option. I'm just not sure even then something like the 980 will be in my budget. For me personally, about $300 is the most I'm willing to dish for a card. Even if that means not doing anything more than 1080 for a while

For 1440, can't hurt to look at the 390. Price and expected performance fall right in line with what you're looking for.