Next Logical Upgrade

gobblestzt

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Hello Toms Hardware forums!

First off I am no computer engineer! I am only a tinker-er and have basic knowledge of computers/electronics. However, I am an avid gamer and did successfully build my first PC ~2 years ago.

This is why I am here! I have a little spending money and wanted to upgrade my PC. I am here to ask for some advice on what that upgrade should be. Here are my specs:

OS: Windows 7
CPU: i5-3570K
GUP: ASUS Radeon HD7850-DC2-2GD5
PSU: 750W
Storage: 2 TB Mechanical HD
(Let me know if you need more information!)

I also have a cheaper CPU cooler attached, NO SSD and a pretty basic Samsung optical drive. So the obvious choice is to get an SSD. I have been looking and plan on getting one during the rush of Black Friday sales 'n such. However, recently I have run into some bogging down, low FPS and limitations on newer (and some older) games. I really would like to invest in a new GPU, preferably one that works in parallel with my current GPU. Only having basic computer knowledge, this is where I need help...

What companies/models work with my existing GPU?
Will I need to use the "crossfire" support? (also what is this?)


Thanks ahead of time for any answers! I really appreciate it :D


P.S. there is a microcenter near me if that changes anything.
 
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gobblestzt

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Nov 25, 2014
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Thanks for the answer fkr!

I almost bought the Sapphire R9 290 the other day, unfortunately the deal sold out! But damn is the way they label GPUs confusing or what!?

Do you know if I could still use my older GPU? Or would it just drag down the stronger GPU?
 
crossfiring means dual gpu operation
you have a decent gpu...
crossfiring it with another 7850 will be ALMOST as powerful as a 290... your psu is capable of crossfiring too
crossfiring will also be cheaper than dumping the card and buing a new one


but if you are ready to throw away the card and buy a new one then buy the gtx 970
 

gobblestzt

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I was thinking this may be an option! Thanks for your input blacksheep123.

Now when you say I can crossfiremy PSU as well....how do I crossfire my power supply? I don't have software for it...at least I do not think I do XD
 


by saying "your psu is capable of crossfiring" means your psu is capable of powering two gpus

hey! whats your mobo? you are a noob... gimme your mobo model.. lets see if its crossfire capable
 

fkr

Splendid
i went from CF 7950's that were heavily overclocked to a gtx 970 and the 970 is more powerful than the CF setup. I know that my old 7950's are quite a bit more powerful than the 7850's

according to this benchmark the 7850's in CF are only about 20% better than a single 7970
http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/4798/his_radeon_hd_7850_iceq_x_turbox_2gb_in_crossfire_video_card_review/index4.html

here is a review for a r9 290

it is about 20% better than a 7850, take into consideration that some performance is lost when CF and I would expect to see about a 20-25% better performance from a single card over a double card while using less power and generating allot less heat and noise. overall i think the r9 290 is a better solution for cheap and if you want to spend even more then the gtx 970 from msi gaming

in other words

another 7850 $100
r9 290 $150 (after selling old card)
gtx970 $250 (after selling old card)

this is not also considering that you will be upgrading to 4 GDDR and allot of new games a requiring 3GDDR for good performance.
 

gobblestzt

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r9 295 x2 is two 290 cards on a single board.. it is am awesome overkill card and for 500$ its a loot..get it

it is two times powerful than a single gtx 980
http://www.hwcompare.com/18215/geforce-gtx-980-vs-radeon-r9-295x2/

your psu will defenitely work with that card :)

your cpu might bottleneck it... if it does then overclock your cpu to release the full potential of the r9 295x2
 

gobblestzt

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Nov 25, 2014
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Thanks for the help!

So I am still pondering purchasing this card. However, it only has 1 DVI and 4 mini Display ports, no HDMI. The monitor I have at this time does not have DP connections. Would an adapter loose sacrifice image quality?
 


no, adapters or converter cables will not loose any image quality whatsoever :)
 

gobblestzt

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Nov 25, 2014
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Hello again friends!

So I am about to pull the trigger on a Sapphire R9 290 (or 290x if you guys change my mind!). First off, which should I get? I am leaning toward the 290 to save some cash. Keep in mind I will be selling my old card for ~$100.

But I am also very confused by the warranty programs Newegg offers. They do not offer very clear information. I don't know if you can help but I figured I would ask! They have a $50 3 year "Extended Replacement Service Plan for VGA" or a "Accidental Damage Plan for VGA". Should I invest in one of these plans? Or just skip them?


Here are links to the products:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202080 - R9 290
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202079 - R9 290x
 

gobblestzt

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Any suggestions for the manufacturer? I was leaning toward the 290/x's because I am more familiar with the manufactures and ADM's software.
 

gobblestzt

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Thanks for all the help Blacksheep123!!

I have a few I am looking at. Do you mind giving me your input as to which 970 I should invest in?

Zotac kinda scares me but it looks alright:
http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=ZT-970AMPO&c=CJ

The beautiful NVIDIA exclusive at best buy:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/nvidia-geforce-gtx-970-4gb-gddr5-pci-express-3-0-graphics-card-silver-black/9855169.p?id=1219441201895&ref=199&loc=8BacdVP0GFs&acampID=1&siteID=8BacdVP0GFs-z9MTAlB45w2I0shMiDbAoQ

Gigabyte WINDFORCE x3:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125684&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

EVGA the cooling system scares me a little but it looks nice:
http://www.ncixus.com/products/?usaffiliateid=1000031504&sku=101998&vpn=04G-P4-1972-KR&manufacture=eVGA&promoid=1449

MSI being sold at the microcenter down the road from me:
http://www.microcenter.com/product/439028/GeForce_GTX_970_Overclocked_4GB_Video_Card_-_Armor_2X_Thermal_Design
 


my first choice would be GIGABYTE G1 GAMING..its cooler,silent,great overclocker... but its a very long card

my second choice would be MSI GeForce GTX 970 Overclocked
 

gobblestzt

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I just bought the MSI from Microcenter. Online it said they only had one new for $340 before tax, however, it was actually open box. So I walked out with it for $315 with tax.

I am still not 100% sure it will fit in my case but I have 15 days to return it. For some reason though I just don't feel like I am going to be satisfied with it :/ I think it is just me being selfish and wanting a "sexier" looking card. Or maybe it is because it wasn't "new" but I guess we shall see!

Thanks for all the help so far Blacksheep123!
 


its an excelent card.. i am sure it will be fine
 

gobblestzt

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It does not fit in my case so I returned it. I am to damn indecisive!

So i went back to Newegg and grabbed that Gigabyte gtx 970 windforce for ~$360. I know this card is even bigger than the MSI but there was also a case on sale for $25 after the MIR (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133253&cm_re=thermaltake_case-_-11-133-253-_-Product) that can fit a card up to 16''. I just figured I would sell my old card for about $100 and maybe even my case for like $20. After all the dust settles I think it will come around to a $250-300 upgrade.

7850----->GTX 970 upgrade - Can't wait to play some games on ultra and beyond!

Thanks for the help blacksheep123! Upgrading my system is always so stressful to me XD I need a zanex.....
 


that is a beautiful case.. good luck :)
 
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