Help buying a new GTX 960

[watupbro]

To start with, my rig:
CPU: i5 4460 @3.2 GHz
GPU: GTX 750 (Gigabyte)
MB: GA-H97-D3H (Gigabyte)
8GB Ram HyperX
PSU: Gigabyte Hercules 500W
Case: GZ-G1 Plus

I am looking to upgrade my graphics card to a GTX 960, as it is affordable and a solid card, at least that's what I see on youtube. I am looking to play demanding games at 1080p at Ultra to High settings getting a steady frame rate of 50-60 fps. I think this card gets the job done.
I want some advice, of this is a good step or are there any other cards. Also if the GTX 960 is preferable for my system, which brand GTX 960 should I buy (I prefer the EVGA).

Edit: Also will the PSU support the card? The GEFORCE site says the minimum power should be 400W, does it vary along the different brands?

 

[RobCrezz]

I would see if you can push your budget to the GTX 970 if possible, just so you get the performance boost you are looking for.

Your PSU has 426w available on the 12v rail so should be sufficent for the 960 and 970.

 

[LucaFire]

The power consumption varies a little on each card, but not too considerably unless the card has been altered greatly.

Of the best brands for GPU makers, I personally like MSI and EVGA. Both are incredibly reliable for myself.

Another card that is good, if not better, that compares in price is the R9 380.

 

[watupbro]

I think I will be buying a GTX 960, is the 2GB EVGA one good enough?

 

[LucaFire]

The 2GB is good enough for while, although if you're playing on games with high VRAM usage, I'd recommend the 4GB version if you're not using the GTX 970 as Rob recommended.

 

[RobCrezz]

Yep its a good card, get the 4gb if its within budget.

 

[watupbro]

Yeah, I am thinking of getting a 4GB one, it is not a lot more in price than the 2gb version!

 

[LucaFire]

Just $40 if I'm right. I'd recommend the MSI version. Great card

 

[RobCrezz]

Yeah if its not much more, then go for it. Can be useful on games with large textures. Also if you ever plan to SLI two cards, then the 4gb versions are much better.

 

[LucaFire]

As Rob said, the 4GB versions are much better if you plan to SLI because when SLIing, the computer only uses the VRAM from one of the cards, not both, unlike what most people believe.
So when you SLI, its better to have that 4GB to use with two cards instead of two good cards with just 2GB.

 

[watupbro]

So, I kinda think the MSI is better as it looks better 😛 and has better clock speed with 3 different modes.
MSI: http://www.amazon.com/MSI-GTX-960-GAMING-4G/dp/B00V4HY522/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1444042390&sr=8-1&keywords=msi+4gb+gtx+960
EVGA has 4 different 960 cards at 4gb and out of these two, what is the difference?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B012NOWERC/ref=twister_B00UTH4YPG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UOYQ5LA/ref=twister_B00UTH4YPG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[LucaFire]

Although those two 4GB EVGA cards are good, as you saw above, I prefer the MSI GTX 960 above those.
The MSI is better, although it requires slightly more power consumption.

 

[watupbro]

My PSU will be able to handle that power, right? And does it require more power when switched to Gaming or Overclocked mode?
Also, these GPU can be put into my Motherboard, right? I mean they are compatible, aren't they?

 

[LucaFire]

Yes, your PSU should be able to handle the power. You are well in the area needed to run the GTX 960 4GB at the settings that you want.
Your motherboard has a PCIe slot, so you should be able to put that GPU in. All GPUs use the PCIe x16 slot.

 

[watupbro]

Thanks bro! 😀

 

[LucaFire]

No problem!