GTX 280 v. GTX 650 v. Radeon 7770

[tripperdude]

My concern is speed, bandwidth and power drain. I came from a 9800 with 256-bit ddr3, pulling over 60 Gb/sec on a 550W PSU. The 650 and 7770 come in around 80 Gb/sec on their 128-bit ddr5 and pull half of the juice the 280 needs, but my 550W handles it just fine. The 280 doubles the bandwidth at over 150 Gb/sec and I see a HUGE difference.

So I really have four questions: 1) Is the 128-bit DDR5 a bottleneck on a multiple monitor system? 2) Will the number of Cuda cores and Radeon cores offset their lower memory bit-rate? And 3) Is the double power draw of the GTX 280 worth the gains, considering my alternatives? Or... 4) Do I just wait for Xmas season price wars?

The cheapee 650's and 7770's are between $100-$120 now, however I bought the 280 for $75. Not that $40-$50 is a big expense but I'd rather not spend it if I don't have too.

Thanks to all for taking the time to read and consider...🙂^D

 

[rolli59]

Well for gaming HD7770 performs better than the 280 and the 650 is close to the 280. The 280 used to be high end card but is getting beat by the current mid range regardless of bandwidth because of better architecture. That is called progress.

 

[renz496]

Did you already have that 280?

 

[spentshells]

If this is for gaming then 7770 but for productivity the 280 is the better choice.

7770>280>650 for gaming

 

[tripperdude]

Did you already have that 280?

If this is for gaming then 7770 but for productivity the 280 is the better choice.

I'll use it for Video Editing, DVD & HD mostly. So why you say better for productivity? I believe it, but is it worth doubling the powerdraw (nVidia says 230W for the 280)? I've had my Antec 550W several years now and its still going strong but I hate to think I'm taxing it to a shorter life. Now for what its worth my normal use doesn't push the 280 temp over 50F, fan@70%...a little loud but no airplane, livable.

 

[renz496]

So you already own that 280. If you're satisfied with it then there is no reason to replace it. You did not mention gaming as your concern. If you do maybe it's worth getting dx11 class gpu for your need.

 

[tripperdude]

So you already own that 280. If you're satisfied with it then there is no reason to replace it. You did not mention gaming as your concern. If you do maybe it's worth getting dx11 class gpu for your need.

I am concerned about the power draw on the 280, I mean if it will put my PSU to extinction. My Antec 550W runs a GA-870A and Zosma 4-core, Phenom Msr Tweaker controls the steppings between 2 and 4 Ghz. I bought the GA board on release, that's how long I've had this config and built around it...quite rock solid (knock-on-wood).

Do you know of any programs that can step GPU core like the Msr Tweaker can? I also run two Seagate SATA3's of 2 TB's ea. Think I'll need to upgrade the PSU to add a third HDD if I keep the 280?

 

[rolli59]

GTX 280 calls for a 550watt PSU in the system so you will be fine with a quality unit, even adding HDD's they do not pull much. They always call for more than is needed because of how many crappy PSU's are on the market.