Looking to upgrade to play Next Gen Games at high fps

[aesthetiques]

I've been trying to figure out what I should upgrade to get my pc to run new games at 30-60 fps [or higher] at high settings. These are my comp specs:
radeon HD 6850
i7 2600k cpu
8gb of RAM ddr3
1tb hdd
40gb ssd

So far I've played things like sleeping dogs, skyrim [with mods to improve graphics], Sleeping Dogs, Rift, Crysis 3[on High; only sometimes slow], and Far Cry 3. It seems like I can play most things on high, with decent FPS.

 

[JakeM7926]

upgrade the GPU, the GPU is the bottleneck in your system, you could get something like a GTX 770 for 300$ which is a great card

 

[Anub1s]

Definitely the GPU. That 2600k is still more than enough for any game out there right now.

 

[aesthetiques]

upgrade the GPU, the GPU is the bottleneck in your system, you could get something like a GTX 770 for 300$ which is a great card

I was looking at a few cards:
r9 270x/280x
gtx 760/770

but one big thing would be figuring out which version of the cards I should get. I'm educated enough to figure out the models, but not enough to know which version to purchase on amazon/newegg/etc. I have a Gigabyte z68a-d3-b3 motherboard, and I want to be sure i can use certain gpus with my rig.

 

[JakeM7926]

Your processor is pretty powerful, what are you willing to spend on a new GPU?

 

[aesthetiques]

I'm trying to spend under 400 [preferrably 2-300].

 

[JakeM7926]

I'm trying to spend under 400 [preferrably 2-300].

If i were you i would go with a GTX 770 2GB version, MSI TF is my favorite brand, they have good stock coolers and are a pretty reputable brand, i've never had any problems with them.. Or you could go with a 280x which is a bit more expensive, but is a head to head competitor with the 770..

 

[Anub1s]

I was looking at a few cards:
r9 270x/280x
gtx 760/770

but one big thing would be figuring out which version of the cards I should get. I'm educated enough to figure out the models, but not enough to know which version to purchase on amazon/newegg/etc. I have a Gigabyte z68a-d3-b3 motherboard, and I want to be sure i can use certain gpus with my rig.

Of those options, the 770 will be your best bet. If gaming at 1080p or less, and not planning to SLI or move to a higher resolution, the MSI N770 Lightning or the ASUS GTX770 DC2-OC 2GB would be great choices. If you're thinking SLI may be in your future, along with an increase in resolution, opt for a 4GB model.

 

[aesthetiques]

I was looking at a few cards:
r9 270x/280x
gtx 760/770

but one big thing would be figuring out which version of the cards I should get. I'm educated enough to figure out the models, but not enough to know which version to purchase on amazon/newegg/etc. I have a Gigabyte z68a-d3-b3 motherboard, and I want to be sure i can use certain gpus with my rig.

Of those options, the 770 will be your best bet. If gaming at 1080p or less, and not planning to SLI or move to a higher resolution, the MSI N770 Lightning or the ASUS GTX770 DC2-OC 2GB would be great choices. If you're thinking SLI may be in your future, along with an increase in resolution, opt for a 4GB model.

I read somewhere that some games don't allow you to use multiple cards. Is that changed now? I am playing at 1080p, on my 120ghz 42'' Samsung LED.

 

[JakeM7926]

I was looking at a few cards:
r9 270x/280x
gtx 760/770

but one big thing would be figuring out which version of the cards I should get. I'm educated enough to figure out the models, but not enough to know which version to purchase on amazon/newegg/etc. I have a Gigabyte z68a-d3-b3 motherboard, and I want to be sure i can use certain gpus with my rig.

Of those options, the 770 will be your best bet. If gaming at 1080p or less, and not planning to SLI or move to a higher resolution, the MSI N770 Lightning or the ASUS GTX770 DC2-OC 2GB would be great choices. If you're thinking SLI may be in your future, along with an increase in resolution, opt for a 4GB model.

I read somewhere that some games don't allow you to use multiple cards. Is that changed now? I am playing at 1080p, on my 120ghz 42'' Samsung LED.

What kind of Motherboard do you have? is it crossfire/Sli compatible?? that could be a deciding factor as well, if you plan to add another graphics card and your mobo only supported crossfire an AMD card might be a better choice, where as if you bought an Nvidia card you would need to replace your mobo to run two cards.NVM im an idiot i missed it earlier its past 1am leave me alone

 

[aesthetiques]

I have a Gigabyte z68a-d3-b3

 

[Anub1s]

I read somewhere that some games don't allow you to use multiple cards. Is that changed now? I am playing at 1080p, on my 120ghz 42'' Samsung LED.

Most games work well with SLI and Crossfire these days as those setups are becoming more common place, though admittedly not every game will. Those configurations don't come without their issues, but they're rarely needed in most casual gaming builds.

 

[Anub1s]

I have a Gigabyte z68a-d3-b3

Crossfire support only, so IF you decide (and for you that should be a big if) to go with a multiple card solution, you'd want to purchase an AMD card.

 

[JakeM7926]

Yeah, i looked at some of the benchmark's and for most games the 770 out performs the r9 280x but just slightly.. If i were in your position i would save a few bucks and get a 770, unless you plan on running two cards in the future without upgrading your mobo then the AMD would be a better choice..

 

[aesthetiques]

I was looking at a few cards:
r9 270x/280x
gtx 760/770

but one big thing would be figuring out which version of the cards I should get. I'm educated enough to figure out the models, but not enough to know which version to purchase on amazon/newegg/etc. I have a Gigabyte z68a-d3-b3 motherboard, and I want to be sure i can use certain gpus with my rig.

Of those options, the 770 will be your best bet. If gaming at 1080p or less, and not planning to SLI or move to a higher resolution, the MSI N770 Lightning or the ASUS GTX770 DC2-OC 2GB would be great choices. If you're thinking SLI may be in your future, along with an increase in resolution, opt for a 4GB model.

I read somewhere that some games don't allow you to use multiple cards. Is that changed now? I am playing at 1080p, on my 120ghz 42'' Samsung LED.

What kind of Motherboard do you have? is it crossfire/Sli compatible?? that could be a deciding factor as well, if you plan to add another graphics card and your mobo only supported crossfire an AMD card might be a better choice, where as if you bought an Nvidia card you would need to replace your mobo to run two cards.NVM im an idiot i missed it earlier its past 1am leave me alone

I have a Gigabyte z68a-d3-b3

Crossfire support only, so IF you decide (and for you that should be a big if) to go with a multiple card solution, you'd want to purchase an AMD card.

So if I buy an r9 280x I could crossfire it with my hd 6850? Or does it need to be the same card/card generation?

 

[Anub1s]

So if I buy an r9 280x I could crossfire it with my hd 6850? Or does it need to be the same card/card generation?

Nope, not compatible in any way. The 280x can crossfire with another 280x or a 7970. But definitely NOT the 6850.

 

[JakeM7926]

I believe so, yeah they have to be same gen i just wiki-ed it.."rossFire can be implemented with varying-GPU cards of the same generation (this is in contrast to Nvidia's SLI, which generally only works if all cards have the same GPU). This allows buyers who have varying budgets over time to purchase different cards and still get the benefits of increased performance. With the latest generation cards, they will only crossfire with other cards in their sub series. For example, GPU in the same series can be crossfired with each other. So a 5800 series GPU (e.g. a 5830) can run together with another 5800 series GPU (e.g. 5870). However GPUs not in the same hundred series cannot be crossfired successfully (e.g. a 5770 cannot run with a 5870)."

 

[aesthetiques]

So if I buy an r9 280x I could crossfire it with my hd 6850? Or does it need to be the same card/card generation?

Nope, not compatible in any way. The 280x can crossfire with another 280x or a 7970. But definitely NOT the 6850.

So in this particular situation..I'm trying to play games like The Witcher 2 at High graphics [which for whatever reason is soooo much harder to play than Crysis 3 on High;] as well as upcoming titles like Titanfall, Castlevania LoS 2, ESO, and probably more on High, without the noticeable lag/choppiness that I notice on the Witcher 2. If I buy an nVidia do you think I'll need to also change my motherboard[which I'm guessing will require me to re-install my OS and such due to different chipsets], to accomodate the games, or will just a single gtx 770 do it?

 

[JakeM7926]

Your current system wasnt able to handle these very well because your graphics card is holding you back a lot. Once you get a new GPU you should be able to run everything on High without any fps spikes..
770 or 280x, your call if you plan on grabbing two cards go for the AMD else the 770

 

[Anub1s]

So in this particular situation..I'm trying to play games like The Witcher 2 at High graphics [which for whatever reason is soooo much harder to play than Crysis 3 on High;] as well as upcoming titles like Titanfall, Castlevania LoS 2, ESO, and probably more on High, without the noticeable lag/choppiness that I notice on the Witcher 2

The 770 should be more than enough at 1080p for those titles. Especially when you're coming from a 6850 which has started showing its age even at 1080p. A 280X should also be fine, as well.

 

[aesthetiques]

So in this particular situation..I'm trying to play games like The Witcher 2 at High graphics [which for whatever reason is soooo much harder to play than Crysis 3 on High;] as well as upcoming titles like Titanfall, Castlevania LoS 2, ESO, and probably more on High, without the noticeable lag/choppiness that I notice on the Witcher 2

The 770 should be more than enough at 1080p for those titles. Especially when you're coming from a 6850 which has started showing its age even at 1080p. A 280X should also be fine, as well.

A final few questions, then...

1. Installation of a new video card would include me uninstalling the 6850 drivers I have, pulling the card out, and booting the PC with the new card and installing drivers from the disc?

2. Which particular manufacturers do you recommend for the 280x? The 770?

3. Are there any particular places online you've noticed cheaper component prices? I've looked at New Egg and Amazon so far, and they seem pretty similar.

Thanks for all the help, guys.

 

[JakeM7926]

Yes, and I prefer MSI, go to pcpartpicker.com they compare all the prices!

 

[Anub1s]

A final few questions, then...

1. Installation of a new video card would include me uninstalling the 6850 drivers I have, pulling the card out, and booting the PC with the new card and installing drivers from the disc?

2. Which particular manufacturers do you recommend for the 280x? The 770?

3. Are there any particular places online you've noticed cheaper component prices? I've looked at New Egg and Amazon so far, and they seem pretty similar.

Thanks for all the help, guys.

1) Essentially, yeah. Make sure you're removing the catalyst software and remove whatever drivers you can. UNLESS you're replacing it with another AMD card. In that case I'd just shut it down and replace the hardware.

2) MSI, EVGA, Asus, and Sapphire have all been good to me.

3) www.pcpartpicker.com as mentioned above. http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/video-card/#c=137,148 That'll link you straight to GTX 770 and 280X pricing.

 

[aesthetiques]

A final few questions, then...

1. Installation of a new video card would include me uninstalling the 6850 drivers I have, pulling the card out, and booting the PC with the new card and installing drivers from the disc?

2. Which particular manufacturers do you recommend for the 280x? The 770?

3. Are there any particular places online you've noticed cheaper component prices? I've looked at New Egg and Amazon so far, and they seem pretty similar.

Thanks for all the help, guys.

1) Essentially, yeah. Make sure you're removing the catalyst software and remove whatever drivers you can. UNLESS you're replacing it with another AMD card. In that case I'd just shut it down and replace the hardware.

2) MSI, EVGA, Asus, and Sapphire have all been good to me.

3) www.pcpartpicker.com as mentioned above. http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/video-card/#c=137,148 That'll link you straight to GTX 770 and 280X pricing.

Just ordered my http://www.amazon.com/MSI-GeForce-PCI-Express-N770-2GD5-OC/dp/B00ENU2K7O/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1390206006&sr=1-3&keywords=msi+gtx+770

 

[JakeM7926]

A final few questions, then...

1. Installation of a new video card would include me uninstalling the 6850 drivers I have, pulling the card out, and booting the PC with the new card and installing drivers from the disc?

2. Which particular manufacturers do you recommend for the 280x? The 770?

3. Are there any particular places online you've noticed cheaper component prices? I've looked at New Egg and Amazon so far, and they seem pretty similar.

Thanks for all the help, guys.

1) Essentially, yeah. Make sure you're removing the catalyst software and remove whatever drivers you can. UNLESS you're replacing it with another AMD card. In that case I'd just shut it down and replace the hardware.

2) MSI, EVGA, Asus, and Sapphire have all been good to me.

3) www.pcpartpicker.com as mentioned above. http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/video-card/#c=137,148 That'll link you straight to GTX 770 and 280X pricing.

Just ordered my http://www.amazon.com/MSI-GeForce-PCI-Express-N770-2GD5-OC/dp/B00ENU2K7O/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1390206006&sr=1-3&keywords=msi+gtx+770

Nice!, enjoy your system, you should see a huge increase in FPS..