[POLL] GTX 670/680 or HD 7970/GHZ Edition For This Gaming Build

[beegeepee]

So, I have been hard at working making a custom gaming PC build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/k3PI

I cannot figure out which video card I should get, but I have narrowed it down to:

#1: Radeon HD 7970

#2: GTX 670

#3: GTX 680

#4: Radeon HD 7970 GHZ edition

I plan on using the computer for all sorts of gaming. Currently, I am only playing Starcraft 2 on my shitty laptop, but I would like to be able to play Civ 5, Battlefield 3, Total War games, etc.

-For the time being only one 23" monitor 1920 x 1080 but would like the potential for extra monitors

-Want this computer to be as future proof as possible

-I have heard Nvidia drivers are better than AMD so even though GTX 670 performs slightly worse in most benchmarks than the HD 7970 GHZ it might still be better

-I have also heard there was a new driver for the HD 7970 GHZ that made it much better

-Please, no fanboyism, I just want the most practical answer for my needs. If I don't need to waste money for something that won't help me much I'd rather not waste it. However, if it is worth it to get the better product I will.

THANKS!

P.S. if there are any other suggestions in general for my build that I could either cut down cost or make the build better please let me know!

 

[beegeepee]

Should I get the GHZ edition? And why is the poll closed I set it to close in November? Do you know if I can open it?

 

[beegeepee]

To be honest ive never actually started a thread myself, id pm a mod to help you out/open it for you.

Lol I just figured out why. It is set up so the poll closes DD-MM-Year instead of MM-DD-Year. I fixed it thanks!

 

[jacknhut]

Get a GTX 670 if you dont plan on going over 1 monitor, if you do plan on going over 1 monitor, get the 7970 Ghz edition.

 

[beegeepee]

Get a GTX 670 if you dont plan on going over 1 monitor, if you do plan on going over 1 monitor, get the 7970 Ghz edition.

Ok, thanks! I can't imagine I won't eventually get another monitor. I haven't gotten one in so long and they are pretty cheap these days. So, you don't think there is a big difference between AMD and Nvidia drivers. I have heard a lot of people just like Nvidia drivers more.

 

[babernet_1]

Though an Nvidia fanboy, if you want to go with multiple monitors, AMD is the way to go (7970). The thing draws a lot of power and can be noisy. Should I get one I'd get the following:

GIGABYTE GV-R797TO-3GD Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125439

The Gigabyte version of the 7970, with three fans, helps tame the normally very loud card.

With upgrading in mind, I'd go for a larger power supply, 850 to 1000 watts. Especially if you envision a pair of overclocked 7970's under the hood.

 

[jacknhut]

It is true that AMD driver is somewhat less polished as compared to the other camp, but they do improve a lot quite recently. It took AMD almost a year to get their driver performance up to the same level as nvida one in games such as BF3, Skyrim (from Cat 12.1 to 12.8) but once it does get there you got a very good performing video card for the price. If AMD got on their feet and get the Cat 12.8 performance right when the HD 7970 is released almost a year ago, Nvidia would be in so much more trouble since Cat 12.8 brings significant performance increased in the HD 7k line of video cards.

 

[beegeepee]

Though an Nvidia fanboy, if you want to go with multiple monitors, AMD is the way to go (7970). The thing draws a lot of power and can be noisy. Should I get one I'd get the following:

GIGABYTE GV-R797TO-3GD Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125439

The Gigabyte version of the 7970, with three fans, helps tame the normally very loud card.

With upgrading in mind, I'd go for a larger power supply, 850 to 1000 watts. Especially if you envision a pair of overclocked 7970's under the hood.

Damn that PSU will cost me ALOT! Not sure I am ready to commit to that yet. But I do think I will go with the video card you mentioned it looks great and for the price it isn't bad. It seems like a $500+ card for $440

 

[babernet_1]

Not really. You can get a nice modular silver 80+ 850 watts for $120. Single 12V rail too.

XFX PRO850W XXX Edition Semi-Modular 80 Plus Silver Certified 850 Watt Active PFC Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207017

 

[beegeepee]

Not really. You can get a nice modular silver 80+ 850 watts for $120. Single 12V rail too.

XFX PRO850W XXX Edition Semi-Modular 80 Plus Silver Certified 850 Watt Active PFC Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207017

ah you're right, I will add that thanks!