GTX 960 and Alternatives.

[SammySam]

Yo -

So my budget allows for something around the 200 pound mark - So a GTX 960 or R9 280x, or R9 285..

Couldn't find a recent reliable comparison of these cards so please forgive me if it's already been covered.

For gaming purposes obviously. Your opinions would be really helpful, what's the best card and why??

Also - I'm aware the AMDs run a little hotter and are less power efficient than the 960 but would a 550w PSU still suffice if I were to chose either R9??

Thanks

 

[oczdude8]

pretty clear the 280x is superior in terms of gaming performance.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nvidia-geforce-gtx-960,4038-4.html

I don't see any reason to get the 960 in your case (550W PSU is enough for 280x)

 

[Nextg_Rival]

The R9 280X is one monster of a card - definitely the mid end champion and crunches all competition for breakfast.

 

[SammySam]

pretty clear the 280x is superior in terms of gaming performance.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nvidia-geforce-gtx-960,4038-4.html

I don't see any reason to get the 960 in your case (550W PSU is enough for 280x)

Thanks for the info and link - I wasn't sure if considering the GTX 960 is new that it'll simply get better with a few updates and such making it a better/more future proof choice -

 

[oczdude8]

Updated GPU drivers may add 1 or 2 more fps but that's about it. The architecture of the 960 is inherently weaker (specifically its 128bit memory bus)compared to the 280x (384 bit memory bus).

The 960 is still amazing, considering it uses LESS THEN HALF (120W) of the power the 280x uses (250W) and is almost as good as the 280x. But most people rather have performance then efficiency.

 

[SammySam]

Thanks dude, you've been a big help