GPU Upgrade Recommendation

[QuantumCD]

I have a desktop that I'm looking to upgrade the GPU for. [Newegg Link] http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=83-103-411&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=100&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Keywords=%28keywords%29#scrollFullInfo

I'm looking to keep it below 200 dollars. If possible, lower. I game at 1920x1080 resolution (one monitor). If possible, a Nvidia GPU with CUDA support would be preferable, but I'm willing to go for AMD if the performance/price ratio is just not worth it. Also, the CPU is actually an AMD FX 8120 that I have overclocked to 3.4 GHz (3.9 Turbo).

 

[barto]

If you want to upgrade your GPU, you will also have to upgrade your power supply. That Acer only has a 300w psu. A 650ti or a 7770 are in the $150 range. You may be able to find a 7850 close to $160.

500 PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

Shop around at pcpartpicker.com

 

[omnimodis78]

I'd say go for either a 560Ti, or a 660. The 660 will likely take you over the $200 limit, so depending on how flexible you are with your budget, the 560Ti might be your best option from nVidia.

 

[pete123edgar]

Its on sale now http://ncix.ca/products/?sku=76367&vpn=GTX660-DC2O-2GD5&manufacture=ASUS&promoid=1302 after MIR, I don't know where you live but, gtx 660 is good, 7770,7850 will do great for your build.

 

[QuantumCD]

Thanks for the suggestions. In response to barto, I was originally budgeting about 50 dollars for a PSU. I might wait a month or two and just pick up a GTX 560ti as well as a decent 500W PSU. Would the 560ti be good for 1080p gaming on max settings for most games?

 

[barto]

Thanks for the suggestions. In response to barto, I was originally budgeting about 50 dollars for a PSU. I might wait a month or two and just pick up a GTX 560ti as well as a decent 500W PSU. Would the 560ti be good for 1080p gaming on max settings for most games?

I see how it is... not giving us the whole story. lol

It's good. If you already budgeted the PSU, then I would go with omnimodis78's suggestion and get a 660 (because it's the newer gen). The 660 or the 560ti will get you high settings on most games, but that depends on the game. Some games are CPU based and others are GPU based. If you intend on playing GPU based games like Bf3 or Metro2033, those two cards will most likely struggle to do max at 1080. Other than that, smooth sailing.

 

[QuantumCD]

I see how it is... not giving us the whole story. lol

It's good. If you already budgeted the PSU, then I would go with omnimodis78's suggestion and get a 660 (because it's the newer gen). The 660 or the 560ti will get you high settings on most games, but that depends on the game. Some games are CPU based and others are GPU based. If you intend on playing GPU based games like Bf3 or Metro2033, those two cards will most likely struggle to do max at 1080. Other than that, smooth sailing.

What about on the AMD side? I have heard that the AMD 7870 Ghz is about the same price as a GTX 660 but it can max most games at 1080p. As for CPU based games, I have a pretty decent CPU that serves me well. I chose the AMD FX over the i5 because I do a lot of 3D/media work I use the extra cores. The overclock helps a bit in games still.

 

[barto]

Now, just to clarify, there is a 660 and a 660ti. The 660ti will push Bf3 very well, but the 7870 is better. You'll play BF3 high/max with the 7870.

 

[QuantumCD]

Now, just to clarify, there is a 660 and a 660ti. The 660ti will push Bf3 very well, but the 7870 is better. You'll play BF3 high/max with the 7870.

Yeah, I know about the ti models of the 660. The 660ti breaks 300 dollars though, which I probably won't be going that high. I just meant to ask about the AMD side of things. The AMD cards at that price range seem to be more powerful for the money, however, AMD doesn't support CUDA... I think I will probably go with AMD in the end, simply because my CPU is fast enough to handle most media tasks, save ray-tracing, and my budget is limited. Would an AMD 7770 be any good? They are only 130 or so dollars.

 

[ikaz]

I think no one mentioned 7870's because you stated that you wanted Cuda Cores so 660/7870 are some what close but the 660 has cuda. You also haven't mentioned what you have now (unless I missed it) in your rig.

 

[QuantumCD]

I think no one mentioned 7870's because you stated that you wanted Cuda Cores so 660/7870 are some what close but the 660 has cuda. You also haven't mentioned what you have now (unless I missed it) in your rig.

I have a basic AMD Radeon 7350. It's pretty good, but it lacks for gaming, especially at 1080p. About the CUDA, I would like to have it, but it depends on what kind of price I'm going to have to pay for the same amount of performance in games.

 

[QuantumCD]

Best answer selected by QuantumCD.