GPU on new build?

[thehiddenlotus]

So my new PC is about complete I just need one more thing... the GPU. I don't have all the money in the world and I can't decide on which one I want. Probably a Radeon to get the most out of my money but I am going to be doing a lot of gaming so I need performance. I want a 2GB card and was looking at 2GB Gigabyte 7850 for $190 (USD), but should I spend a little more for something a bit better? A 7870 is about $50 more, is the performance increase worth it? Or do you guys have any other suggestions?

My build so far...

CPU: AMD FX 6300 3.5 GHz 6-Core

CPU Cooler: Delux Infinity DLF-91D CPU Heatsink

MoBo: MSI 970A-G46 AM3+ ATX AMD Motherboard

Memory: Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory

Hard Drive: HGST Deskstar 7K1000.D 500GB 7,200RPM 32MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5"

SSD: Samsung 840-Series MZ-7TD120BW 120GB SATA 6.0Gb/s 2.5"

Case: RAIDMAX SMILODON Extreme Black ATX-612WEB

PSU: CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE

and some random optical drive I had laying around. XD

 

[Azn Cracker]

For $55 more get a 7870 XT. Its a stripped down version of a 7950.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202024

But if you want to save money. I would get a 1 gb version of the 7850 unless you plan on playing games on high resolutions (Above 1080p)

 

[cutebeans]

7870 XT is the best and will really notice the performance.

 

[spawnkiller]

+1 for the 7870XT (it's a cutted down 7950 and it's only like 5% slower than the 7950) If you can afford it...

If you can't spend another 100$ more on the XT version (260 VS 150 for a 7850) then keep the 7850 (it's a good card too)

 

[JeauxBleaux]

With either card at 1680x1050 and 4xAA, your frame rates will be north of 60 for just about any game. The difference between the two cards is generally 3-5 fps at 1680x1050 fps and 4xAA with the HD 7870 being the faster of the two. Of course, minimum frame rates really tell the tale between the two cards with the HD 7870 pounding the HD 7850 in to the sand on some games.

Sources:
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/549?vs=548
http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/2012-vga-gpgpu/compare,2931.html?prod[5453]=on&prod[5618]=on

 

[babernet_1]

If you are after a gaming machine, ditch the luxury of the SSD and spend the difference on a 7950. Gobs of graphics power for fast gaming. So you have to wait a few seconds more for power on and loading the game? The game itself will be much faster and smoother with a mighty 7950 under the hood.

 

[thehiddenlotus]

I'm definitely keeping the SSD, I got it for $80 new from Microcenter

 

[thehiddenlotus]

is the 7870 XT a tahiti card?

I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the Powercolor 7870 MYST as soon as it's back in stock. 13% off with promo code

 

[cutebeans]

Yes. That is it.

 

[packerfanatic]

is the 7870 XT a tahiti card?

I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the Powercolor 7870 MYST as soon as it's back in stock. 13% off with promo code

Yes. That is it.

Not quite.. It's based on tahiti and is therefore called; tahiti le...
Still a good buy though! Definitely bang for your buck! 😉

 

[thehiddenlotus]

Best answer selected by thehiddenlotus.