GPU for +100fps on 1080p

[protokev1999]

Hi, I'm currently building my first ever gaming PC and I'm having trouble choosing the GPU+monitor.

The main problem is choosing between amd+freesync or Nvidia+g-sync, mainly because of the Nvidia higher performance but also higher price.

Currently my both PC options are the following (both are the same, just different GPU):

EVGA GTX 1070 8gb: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/protokev/saved/XZK7WZ

Radeon Rx 580 8gb:
https://pcpartpicker.com/user/protokev/saved/Dvn299

I'm aware that the 580 is far behind the 1070, but it offers a great-cheaper alternative paired with a freesync monitor.

Possible monitors:
G-sync: https://www.amazon.com/Acer-Predator-XB241H-bmipr-1920x1080/dp/B01C05C1OK/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1536537073&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=acer+xb241h&dpPl=1&dpID=41p-fCBPyxL&ref=plSrch

Freesync:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07794JYLJ/?tag=pcpapi-20

I'm looking for a build that can run most games on high-ultra settings at +90-100 fps at 1080p. What GPU do you guys recommend? Also, any other recommendations regarding the build is welcomed.

 

[justin.m.beauvais]

Generally the RX 580 is going to run newer AAA games at 1080p high settings at around 60-120 FPS depending on the title. It is a very good 1080p card. It should meet your expectations in most games. The 1070 will meet your expectations in many more games, but you pay more. I can't tell you which is the better way to go, but if you are considering the RX 580, have you also considered the 1060 6GB? You could get very comparable performance to the 580 at around the same price. Plus it lessens the pain of that G-Sync tax on your monitor.

My personal choice would be the RX 580 and Freesync monitor, based entirely on price. That said, the 1070 is still a great value being on average 40% faster for 30% more in cost according to your choices... but you pay for it HARD on the monitor... and I can't see how paying that much more for the monitor is worth it.

 

[protokev1999]

Thanks!

Do you think a 1060-gsync is noticeable better than a 580-freesync? I choose the 580 because it's cheaper, but if the price of the 1060 is justifiable I could pick it.

 

[justin.m.beauvais]

Honestly, it is a complete toss up between the 1060 6GB and the 580 8GB. It is too close to call and comes down to individual titles. Most benchmarks give the overall edge, by less than 5%, to the 1060. Also, G-Sync gives a more consistent framerate, not that you can actually tell the difference in the vast majority of cases.

I think I'd go with the more cost effective solution in this case, which is the RX 580.

 

[protokev1999]

I think I may be lowering my CPU for a better GPU. https://pcpartpicker.com/list/8nQNsZ
What do you think?

 

[justin.m.beauvais]

The 2600 is a great CPU and a much better value than the 8600K in terms of stock performance. You aren't as fast as the 8600K, but for $100 less it makes a LOT more sense if you are on a budget. With the 8600K you are paying that $100 more for 17% more performance. Now, you can overclock the i5 to get even more out of it, depending on your luck with the silicon lottery, but I don't think you are going to get your moneys worth as far as dollars for performance out of it. Plus, the 2600 is going to give you everything that the listed GTX 1080 can give, so if you wanted to play at 1440p or even 4k you'd be in good shape.

 

[protokev1999]

Thanks!
Do you think that the 2600 will still be a great CPU in the long run? (4-5 years)

 

[justin.m.beauvais]

Well, given the track record on CPU performance and the speed at which improved CPUs are coming out, I'd say that in 4 years you'd still have a good CPU. Heck, I'm running on an i5 4590 which came out in 2014, and I still don't see a need to upgrade (but I really want a new Ryzen).

The only way that I could see the 2600 not lasting 4-5 years is if there is some quantum shift in computing or if Intel's 10nm chips FINALLY come out and offer 40% performance increases... and I don't see either of those things happening... but who knows. I can't say for certain that the 2600 will last 4 years any more than I can say the 8700K will last for 4 years. It is just unknowable... but chances are pretty good that you'll be fine.

 

[protokev1999]

Well I think the 2600 will be enough overall. Thanks for the well elaborated responses!