Need Input on graphics cards for MMO Gaming

[EsoMonty]

I am an MMO Gamer, I play Rift, Star Wars: The Old Republic and I am looking to get into Elder Scrolls Online. My laptop recently crashed and I decided that I was done with laptops as I didn't need a mobile platform for work or gaming. I live in the United States and prefer to use newegg.com as a retailer. I'd like to stay under 300 dollars for the price of the GPU but would prefer to spend less if not needed for my gaming needs.

My Current specced out system:

CPU: Intel i5 4590 3.3Hz Haswell Quad-Core
PSU: Seasonic 620 Watts Bronze M12II (have)
RAM: G.Skill Sniper 8(2 x 4) GB (have)
Motherboard: AsRock Fatal1ty H97 Performance
Video Card: EVGA Nividia 750 ti, AMD Raedon R9 280, or Nividia GTX 760 (undecided)
SSD: Samsung Evo 120 GB (have)
HDD: WD 7200RPM 1TB Black Series
HDD2: Old laptop 5400RPM 500 GB to get old files, will become backup drive (have)
DVD drive: Standard DVD burner/drive (have)
Case: NZXT Source 530 (have)
Added 200mm NZZT Case FAN (have)
Monitor: Asus VS Series 23" 1980x1080 (have)
Keyboard: Microsoft Sidewinder (have)
Mouse: Logistic 3 Button mouse (have)


I have read some good reviews about the 750 ti series of cards and how they work well in MMO gaming area. I am just looking for some more feedback on this idea. Also if my specs look good to those of you with more knowledge.

Mark

 

[bignastyid]

The r9 280 is the faster of the 3 options with the 760 a close 2nd and the 750ti a distant 3rd.

 

[EsoMonty]

I am aware of the actual capabilities of each card. I was looking for information into my needs.

 

[bccorrupt]

For MMOs you need to go a little heavier on the CPU than 1 player games, which it looks like you've got that planned with an i5. I was in the beta for Elder Scrolls Online and had no problem maxing it with the setup in my signature and the same with Tera. Rift I haven't played in quite a while but I remember it being on high with an i3 and 6850 so you should have no problem maxing it with an i5 and any of those cards. SWOR I have no personal experience with.

A 750ti is going to put you right where you want maxing all of those with an i5 right now, but it isnt' going to give you much headroom for the future. You have the power supply for it, so even if you don't go with a GTX760, you might as well go with a GTX660, especially since the price on a bunch of them has dropped to $170-$180 in the last week.

 

[Rationale]

The GTX 750 TI should be fine for MMOs. They're mostly just heavy on 2 CPU cores, but as you've got a strong Intel CPU that shouldn't be a problem.
It may not keep 60 fps all the time, but then again, it's ridiculously hard to keep MMOs at 60 fps, annd it's not really the video card's fault. The online focus minimizes the differences between the video cards, to the point where in TESO the GTX 750 TI performs almost as well as the R9 280X.

There is the obvious point though, that a GTX 760 would last longer in MMOs, as the system requirements are always on an upward arc.

The GTX 660 is a nice mid-point between the 750 TI and 760 in price and performance. I wasn't going to mention it at first though, since I have a GTX 660 myself, and I don't want it to look like I'm being a fanboy when recommending parts. However, now that bccorupt has mentioned it, it is a viable option.

Ignoring the fact you're undecided about video card, the rest of the specs are great.

 

[EsoMonty]

Thank you Rationale and bccorupt. I appreciate the time you spent answering my question and helping me figure this out.

Mark