Question NON-Gaming GPU for 2K@60FPS ?

[Sweet'n]

I've used Tomshardware for over a decade, searching articles and forum posts, yet never made an account. But today I need some help. And I'm sorry to say it is a "help me find a GPU" post. But after several hours of research, I can't make sense of the GPU market anymore. The last time I went shopping for a graphics card was circa 2013. I've looked at the "how to ask for advice for a new GPU" sticky'd thread, so I'll try to follow the format.

I have a somewhat older PC (circa 2013), and purchased a new fancy 2K monitor (2560x1440) when I found a deal. Now, prior to my new monitor purchase I did research that my i5-3570 processor, with its integrated Intel HD Graphics 2500, could power 2560x1440 @ 60 fps. However, what I failed to discover is that my motherboard (ASUS P8Z77-V LX) could only push 1920x1200 over HDMI or DVI. There is no DisplayPort on this motherboard. So it's time for a dedicated GPU.

Basically, my needs/wants are straightforward but not common for someone looking at GPUs.

1. I need to be able to run 2560x1440 @ 60 fps for everyday use. I am not a gamer. I am not watching full-length, feature films on my desktop. I am a heavy Office user, and of course internet/Youtube/etc. I purchased the larger 2K display for more monitor "real estate" to pair with my traditional 1080 monitor, but am not really getting the extra "real estate" at 1080 resolution. My older 1080 monitor is 27", my new 2K monitor is 32".
2. I need the GPU to output via DisplayPort 1.2 or better, as this is the main input for the 2K monitor, and to support the 2K resolution.
3. The motherboard has PCIe, PCIe 2.0, and PCIe 3.0 slots. No PCIe 4.0 slots. My 600 watt power supply has extra connectors if needed.
4. I would like the GPU to be fairly quiet. If I do some light gaming, I can live with some fan noise. If not, then I'd like it to be pretty quiet. And by light gaming, I mean less than 1% of my computer usage, and would not mind if 2K @ 60 fps at medium-ish settings is the max I can do. Less is even doable if that's what it boils down to. I would prefer the card to be more quiet than suitable for gaming.
5. I'd like to keep it under $200 if possible. If a little more is needed, then so be it. But I don't see a need to spend $500+ in this case.

I did come across this thread (https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/cheapest-1440p-gpus-but-its-not-for-gaming.3737463) from a year ago, in which someone mentioned professional graphics cards. I'm very intrigued by these, but I know nothing about them. Would these work well for my application? What about light gaming? Are they quiet?

Ok, some clean up questions from the "how to ask for a new GPU" thread that I may not have already covered:
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: ASAP
BUDGET RANGE: ~$200. Less is better. More if necessary.
USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Productivity. Screen "real estate". Occasional light gaming. I don't think that I've purchased a desktop computer game in over a decade.
CURRENT GPU AND POWER SUPPLY: Intel Integrated HD2500 graphics. 600W power supply.
OTHER RELEVANT SYSTEM SPECS: CPU: i5-2570. 4x8 GB DDR3 RAM (32 GB total)
PARTS PREFERENCES: None
OVERCLOCKING: No
MONITOR RESOLUTION: One 32" 2560x1440 (works with AMD FreeSync Premium, up to 165 Hz), One 27" 1920x1020 (which can continue to be fed by the integrated graphics if needed).

I have looked into GTX1050, GTX1080, GTX1650, RX550. I've also looked at the professional series mentioned in the link above, the Radeon Pro WX2100 and WX3100.
I have no preference for AMD over Nvidia, etc. It just needs to work, reliably, preferably quietly.

If you have read through this entire post, THANK YOU! Trying to get all the information out there up front. I look forward to any and all inputs!

Cheers!

 

[Aeacus]

in which someone mentioned professional graphics cards. I'm very intrigued by these, but I know nothing about them. Would these work well for my application?

These, professional GPUs [Nvidia Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro (FirePro)], would be ideal for your use. Because those are designed and built for workstation use, including running multiple monitors at the same time. While Nvidia GeForce and AMD Radeon GPUs are designed and built for gaming use.

In a nutshell:
GeForce/Radeon - jack of all trades, master of one (gaming).
Quadro/Radeon Pro (FirePro) - jack of all trades, master of all but one (everything else, except gaming).

Further reading and to help you decide between workstation or gamer GPU,
link: https://www.gpumag.com/nvidia-quadro-vs-geforce/

I'd like to keep it under $200 if possible.

In this small budget segment, these 4 GPUs (3 workstation, 1 gamer) would be what i'd suggest,
pcpp: https://pcpartpicker.com/products/compare/86H48d,h8MTwP,nqVG3C,Z6wypg/

Noise wise, MSI GTX 1650 Gaming X is quietest of them all. Especially since it has Zero Frozr technology, whereby when GPU temp is below 60C, fans won't turn at all, making GPU noise output 0dB(A),
specs: https://www.msi.com/Graphics-Card/GeForce-GTX-1650-D6-GAMING-X/

Other three, workstation GPUs, all have blower-type cooler on them. And while they all are much less power consumption GPUs than GTX 1650, their fan would be constantly spinning. And when GPU may get too hot, you may hear a nice "whoosh" sound out of them. But your utilization wise, they would be better.

nd would not mind if 2K @ 60 fps at medium-ish settings is the max I can do

None of the 4 GPUs, especially 3 workstation GPUs come even close to gaming at 2K with ~60 FPS.
GTX 1650, at best, can do 1080p with ~60FPS at medium settings. Workstation GPUs aren't built for gaming and most of the times, don't even have drivers for gaming use.

If you want 2K with ~60FPS on medium settings, you need to look towards GTX 1660 Ti.
I have GTX 1660 Ti and i use mine for 1080p gaming with ~144 FPS and high/ultra settings. So, reducing quality, it can do 2K with ~60 FPS.

Found GTX 1660 Ti on holiday sale with ~230 bucks (else-ways, it costs ~400 bucks),
link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...ti_o6g_evo_gaming_tuf_gaming_geforce_gtx.html

It does the gaming as you like it. But is it quiet? Well, review said it should be,
link: https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/04/25/asus-geforce-gtx-1660-tuf-edition-review

Though, do note that my GTX 1660 Ti is MSI Gaming X version, with Zero Frozr technology and 0dB(A) noise output on low-medium loads. (This is also why i prefer MSI Gaming X or Z versions, since they have very good cooling and one of the very few GPU series that offer 0dB(A) noise output when on idle. My GTX 1660 Ti is 2nd MSI Gaming X GPU i have. 1st one was GTX 1060 3GB, with the same Zero Frozr feature and superb cooling solution.)

So, if you want it ASAP, the Asus GTX 1660 Ti has nice sale, until the end of this year. Else-ways, look either towards MSI Gaming X series (GTX 1650 or 1660 Ti), or workstation GPUs.

 

[Sweet'n]

These, professional GPUs [Nvidia Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro (FirePro)], would be ideal for your use. Because those are designed and built for workstation use, including running multiple monitors at the same time. While Nvidia GeForce and AMD Radeon GPUs are designed and built for gaming use.

In a nutshell:
GeForce/Radeon - jack of all trades, master of one (gaming).
Quadro/Radeon Pro (FirePro) - jack of all trades, master of all but one (everything else, except gaming).

Further reading and to help you decide between workstation or gamer GPU,
link: https://www.gpumag.com/nvidia-quadro-vs-geforce/

Thank you for the link. It appears as if the workstation ones might be overkill for me as well. I don't really do much CAD anymore. The wife has a separate computer for photoshop. The article didn't address noise from the professional GPUs. I can't imagine they'd be super loud, but would they be louder than typical case fans at nominal usage?

In this small budget segment, these 4 GPUs (3 workstation, 1 gamer) would be what i'd suggest,
pcpp: https://pcpartpicker.com/products/compare/86H48d,h8MTwP,nqVG3C,Z6wypg/

Noise wise, MSI GTX 1650 Gaming X is quietest of them all. Especially since it has Zero Frozr technology, whereby when GPU temp is below 60C, fans won't turn at all, making GPU noise output 0dB(A),
specs: https://www.msi.com/Graphics-Card/GeForce-GTX-1650-D6-GAMING-X/

Other three, workstation GPUs, all have blower-type cooler on them. And while they all are much less power consumption GPUs than GTX 1650, their fan would be constantly spinning. And when GPU may get too hot, you may hear a nice "whoosh" sound out of them. But your utilization wise, they would be better.

None of the 4 GPUs, especially 3 workstation GPUs come even close to gaming at 2K with ~60 FPS.
GTX 1650, at best, can do 1080p with ~60FPS at medium settings. Workstation GPUs aren't built for gaming and most of the times, don't even have drivers for gaming use.

If you want 2K with ~60FPS on medium settings, you need to look towards GTX 1660 Ti.
I have GTX 1660 Ti and i use mine for 1080p gaming with ~144 FPS and high/ultra settings. So, reducing quality, it can do 2K with ~60 FPS.

Found GTX 1660 Ti on holiday sale with ~230 bucks (else-ways, it costs ~400 bucks),
link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...ti_o6g_evo_gaming_tuf_gaming_geforce_gtx.html

It does the gaming as you like it. But is it quiet? Well, review said it should be,
link: https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/04/25/asus-geforce-gtx-1660-tuf-edition-review

Though, do note that my GTX 1660 Ti is MSI Gaming X version, with Zero Frozr technology and 0dB(A) noise output on low-medium loads. (This is also why i prefer MSI Gaming X or Z versions, since they have very good cooling and one of the very few GPU series that offer 0dB(A) noise output when on idle. My GTX 1660 Ti is 2nd MSI Gaming X GPU i have. 1st one was GTX 1060 3GB, with the same Zero Frozr feature and superb cooling solution.)

So, if you want it ASAP, the Asus GTX 1660 Ti has nice sale, until the end of this year. Else-ways, look either towards MSI Gaming X series (GTX 1650 or 1660 Ti), or workstation GPUs.

Wow, that is a nice sale on the 1660. But you've kinda sold me on the Zero Frozr fan speed bit. With a 1650, even if I had to turn the settings down some it'd probably be ok. As I mentioned, gaming is less than 1% of my usage on this computer and I'm not playing any game that came out in the last several years. Future proofing is always nice though. You mention your FTX 1660 Ti is the MSI Gaming X version with Zero Frozr. Do you have a link to one of those for sale, as I couldn't find one. Maybe I did, and just didn't see the exact verbiage I was looking for on the sale page (ex: Frozr). Would a non MSI Gaming X version be louder than typical case fans during nominal usage?

Thank you again for the help and for narrowing this down for me.

 

[Aeacus]

I can't imagine they'd be super loud, but would they be louder than typical case fans at nominal usage?

Since GPU sits in the middle of PC, it would be surrounded by case fans (given that you have front intake and rear exhaust fans), and noise from it would be masked by other noise. That is, until GPU fan goes 100%.

With those workstation GPUs and their noise, i actually don't know how loud they would be. Since when it comes to workstation builds, noise is often irrelevant. What is relevant, is performance.

Maybe I did, and just didn't see the exact verbiage I was looking for on the sale page (ex: Frozr).

Official specs of MSI GTX 1660 Ti Gaming X,
link: https://www.msi.com/Graphics-Card/GeForce-GTX-1660-Ti-GAMING-X-6G
One of the main bulletins is:

Zero Frozr technology: Stopping the fan in low-load situations, keeping a noise-free environment.

You mention your FTX 1660 Ti is the MSI Gaming X version with Zero Frozr. Do you have a link to one of those for sale, as I couldn't find one.

Found amazon listing but it is used,
link: https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GeForce-GTX-1660-Ti/dp/B07N825Y1L/

I figured as much, since finding one brand new is difficult due to how good of a GPU it is (well, GTX 1660 Ti chip itself is good, but cooling solution on it is superb). Gaming X is flagship line of MSI.

Still, other options and brand new, include;
MSI GTX 1660 Super Gaming X: https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GeForce-192-bit-Support-Graphics/dp/B07ZK69HDK
MSI GTX 1650 Gaming X: https://www.amazon.com/MSI-Gaming-GTX-1650-D6/dp/B086VQPW2T

1660 Super is slightly weaker than 1660 Ti,
comparison: https://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-GTX-1660S-Super-vs-Nvidia-GTX-1660-Ti/4056vs4037

Here, i'd go with 1660 Super Gaming X, since that is brand new, with long warranty. And only negligible diff compared to 1660 Ti.
MSI GTX 1660 Super Gaming X specs: https://www.msi.com/Graphics-Card/GeForce-GTX-1660-SUPER-GAMING-X
(To see that it too has Zero Frozr technology.)

Would a non MSI Gaming X version be louder than typical case fans during nominal usage?

Since i don't know at what speeds you're using your case fans and which case fans you even have, it's hard to tell. Noise is either masked in, or slightly amplified.

Since fan noise is annoying to me, hence why i'm using Gaming X versions of GPUs, with 0 dB(A) when i'm browsing the web. And this (noise) is also a reason why i have 6x 140mm and 1x 120mm high-end case fans in my PC (Skylake build, full specs with pics in my sig). Because having so many high-end fans, gives me unique setup, where i can run my high-end fans at the barely audible threshold (~1000RPM), while still keeping good airflow inside my PC.

 

[Sweet'n]

Thank you for the help, and the helpful comparison links. I bought the MSI GTX 1660 Super Gaming X. I like the quietness of the Frozr idea, and for ~$60 bucks more than the 1650 it was worth a little future proofing for me. This card will likely still be a little overkill for my current needs, but this way I don't need to find another one in a couple of years either. It arrives on Monday, looking forward to installing it! Thanks for the info!