Looking for a decent yet capable GPU upgrade

[Oscolli]

Hi

I currently have a XFX GTS 250 512mb GPU. I'm a budget gamer and are looking for something that can play games such as COD ghosts BF4 etc. on high settings with high fps.

My budget that I'm capable of spending is up to $180.

System pecs:

AMD FX-6300 3.5Ghz
8Gig ram
MSI 970A-g46 mobo
600WATT Omega semi modular PSU
Samsung BX2331 23" LED display

Thank you

 

[rad666]

You might be able to find an HD7870 or R9-270X close to your price range, but probably closer to $200. If your $180 is a hard ceiling, a GTX650ti Boost 2GB or HD7850 2GB (depending on manufacturer preference) may suit you better.

 

[Dhampire01]

Go with a 7850 or r9 270x or a geforce gtx 660
Both cards are great and you will be very happy with any of these.
performance wise: r9 270x (7870 rebranded) > geforce gtx 660 > 7850
I prefer gtx 660 just because it is nvidia and I love geforce experience,nvidia exclusive features and of course, GPU-accelerated physx.

 

[Oscolli]

Thank you for the response, if you should recommend a certain brand, which should it be?

 

[rad666]

Thank you for the response, if you should recommend a certain brand, which should it be?

I personally like Sapphire cards.

 

[Oscolli]

Do they have better cooling, or what benefits do you get from a sapphire card?

 

[rad666]

Do they have better cooling, or what benefits do you get from a sapphire card?

If it's a Vapor-X, it will have a GREAT cooler. Otherwise, it will still have a nice cooler and be a quality well built product, just won't run as cool

 

[Oscolli]

haha so i assume that you have a sapphire card with great cooling?

 

[rad666]

haha so i assume that you have a sapphire card with great cooling?

Yep. An HD7970 Vapor-X GHZ Edition. Never gets above 68C, no matter how hard I push it.

 

[Oscolli]

that is a pretty decent temp, my GTS 250 idl temp is around 60C and when playing about 85C. Btw, do you know how important the amount of bits is on a card, for example 192/256 bit?

 

[rad666]

that is a pretty decent temp, my GTS 250 idl temp is around 60C and when playing about 85C. Btw, do you know how important the amount of bits is on a card, for example 192/256 bit?

My Vapor-X idles at 37C.

If it's the memory bandwidth, higher is better. More "room" to push more data through. The higher it is the fewer lag spikes you should have.

 

[Oscolli]

Cool, great stuff. I want to order my GPU from newegg because they have nice prices, but do you have any experience from them for over online purchase? I want a trustworthy company

 

[rad666]

Cool, great stuff. I want to order my GPU from newegg because they have nice prices, but do you have any experience from them for over online purchase? I want a trustworthy company

I love Newegg. The first place I go for hardware. I've never had an issue purchasing or returning with them.

 

[Oscolli]

The reason I ask this, is because I'm from South Africa and GPU prices here are insane.

 

[rad666]

The reason I ask this, is because I'm from South Africa and GPU prices here are insane.

I sympathize, but would Neweggs shipping cost be any better?

 

[Oscolli]

Most of the shipping prices that has to be added will still be in total much less than if i would buy a card here. For example, a 7850 costs around $280 here and at newegg under $180, it is a huge price difference and that is why I think it is worth a shot.

 

[rad666]

Most of the shipping prices that has to be added will still be in total much less than if i would buy a card here. For example, a 7850 costs around $280 here and at newegg under $180, it is a huge price difference and that is why I think it is worth a shot.

If the shipping costs are acceptable, then purchase from Newegg with confidence.

 

[Oscolli]

Thank you so much for you help..
Safe

 

[Dhampire01]

Sapphire is the best AMD card manufacturer.I recommend them.
If you choose an nvidia gpu,Msi twin frozr would be the best deal for you if you cannot find an asus direct cu II