GPU Upgrade: Around $500

[CrashMan054]

I'm thinking of getting a new GPU. I've got an R9 280X right now, and a 1080p monitor. My monitor's refresh rate is 144Hz.

What GPUs are good around $500? I don't care too much about the brand, AMD or Nvidia. I play games like GTA V and Black Ops 3.

 

[bignastyid]

GTX 980 or the R9 Fury. I'd go with the Sapphire Fury Tri-X.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/sapphire-video-card-100379sr

 

[therealfrankturner]

980, anything more is overkill for 1080 IMO.

 

[CrashMan054]

Would the upgrade be worth it for 1080 then?

 

[envy14tpe]

I saw an insane deal for a 980 for around $400. That's what I'd get. Are you in the US?

This is insanely good:

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 4GB Twin Frozr Video Card ($424.99 @ SuperBiiz)

 

[CrashMan054]

I saw an insane deal for a 980 for around $400. That's what I'd get. Are you in the US?

Yes, I am. Do you have a link to this?

 

[therealfrankturner]

Would the upgrade be worth it for 1080 then?

980, yeah I would say so, very solid card and will last a while at 1080, even 1440. Won't need to upgrade in a good while

970 is also a very good card at 1080 too, and cheaper.

Personally I would go 970 as best bang for buck graphics card for 1080 IMO, but 980 is a solid choice too.

 

[Wisecracker]

Keep your money in your pocket for six months and wait for the new 14/16nm GPUs.

Your R9 280X should have no issues running GTA or COD at 60 FPS --- anything more is just showing off

 

[Joe Gallo]

I saw an insane deal for a 980 for around $400. That's what I'd get. Are you in the US?

This is insanely good:

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 4GB Twin Frozr Video Card ($424.99 @ SuperBiiz)

thats what i would go with.

 

[AreFlame]

I know you said you would go for the GTX 980 but the R9 Fury is actually a bit better in benchmarks than the GTX 980. Its also in the same prizerange.

 

[CrashMan054]

I know you said you would go for the GTX 980 but the R9 Fury is actually a bit better in benchmarks than the GTX 980. Its also in the same prizerange.

I know, but a 980 for $420 is definitely more worth it than a Fury for $500. If I could find the Fury at a price like that, I'd buy it in an instant.

 

[AreFlame]

I know you said you would go for the GTX 980 but the R9 Fury is actually a bit better in benchmarks than the GTX 980. Its also in the same prizerange.

I know, but a 980 for $420 is definitely more worth it than a Fury for $500. If I could find the Fury at a price like that, I'd buy it in an instant.

Oh thats another thing, my bad. In my country the prizes for those two cards sell for the same prize. Oh well, go for the GTX 980 then, you would still be very happy with the performance i assure you.

 

[envy14tpe]

As a former AMD owner, I really wish AMD would regain its glory. But until then I choose performance over allegiance.

btw, who waits half a year for a new GPU? Get what you need now...

 

[Wisecracker]

When it has been 4 years since a node-shrink, upon which the new node in six months actually skips a node at 20/22nm and being at 14/16nm, with new advanced memory technology incorporated, and new cards promising as much as a 50% increase in performance and efficiency . . .

Subsequently turning your $500 investment into crap because you were too impatient to wait . . . even though you had a quality video card that provided respectable FPS . . .

Not including the hospital bills incurred from your buyer's remorse resulting in serious injury from kicking yourself in your own rear end for being such a dolt and listening to a bunch of clowns on the Internet who like nothing more than spending your money . . .

Yeah . . . go ahead and spend that $500.

 

[Joe Gallo]

Although yes it would be smarter to buy a graphics card in 6-8 this user wants increased performance now. And to be completely honest using your ideas y not save the 500$ put it in tax bonds and have $505 dollars in 7 years?

 

[CrashMan054]

When it has been 4 years since a node-shrink, upon which the new node in six months actually skips a node at 20/22nm and being at 14/16nm, with new advanced memory technology incorporated, and new cards promising as much as a 50% increase in performance and efficiency . . .

Subsequently turning your $500 investment into crap because you were too impatient to wait . . . even though you had a quality video card that provided respectable FPS . . .

Not including the hospital bills incurred from your buyer's remorse resulting in serious injury from kicking yourself in your own rear end for being such a dolt and listening to a bunch of clowns on the Internet who like nothing more than spending your money . . .

Yeah . . . go ahead and spend that $500.

Ok, calm down. I'm looking for an upgrade now, yes. But if it really is a %50 performance increase, that would be reason to wait another 6 months. Where did you get that info from?

 

[AreFlame]

When it has been 4 years since a node-shrink, upon which the new node in six months actually skips a node at 20/22nm and being at 14/16nm, with new advanced memory technology incorporated, and new cards promising as much as a 50% increase in performance and efficiency . . .

Subsequently turning your $500 investment into crap because you were too impatient to wait . . . even though you had a quality video card that provided respectable FPS . . .

Not including the hospital bills incurred from your buyer's remorse resulting in serious injury from kicking yourself in your own rear end for being such a dolt and listening to a bunch of clowns on the Internet who like nothing more than spending your money . . .

Yeah . . . go ahead and spend that $500.

Ok, calm down. I'm looking for an upgrade now, yes. But if it really is a %50 performance increase, that would be reason to wait another 6 months. Where did you get that info from?

You will by then probably need more than $500 to buy the card anyway if his information is correct which is most unlikely. We need some sources to even believe..

 

[envy14tpe]

When it...your money[/i] . . .

Yeah . . . go ahead and spend that $500.

Why did you unselect the Best Answer that OP chose? At tomshardware we try to be a community that is helpful and there is no need for your negativity.