Upgrading My System

[Taylore12]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

My current build.
CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($139.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($25.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($51.78 @ OutletPC)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($58.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Toshiba 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($71.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 270X 2GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($169.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX XTR 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($106.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($86.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $778.57
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-12 22:12 EDT-0400

So I was looking to upgrade my GPU. I have a few questions.

1) What kind of performance difference am i looking at when i upgrade.
2) Is the 970 and the 980 compatitble with my motherboard
3) What kind of steps in installing a uninstalling software will i need to make. (in otherwords how do i do it and is it too much of a hassle. I'm going to guess there are guides on how to do it as well)
4) i've read a few people getting a gpu B Stock from EVGA and saying it's not a bad option and plus if i do upgrade the 1 year warrenty won't scare me because 100 percent in the future ill be upgrading again. So is there any other concerns i should be looking @ with buiyng a b stock product.


GPU im looking at:

970: http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=04G-P4-2974-RX
I hear a lot of people talking about the heatpipes on this card and how there's only 2? Is that a big deal?

 

[Taylore12]

does anyone have any advice?

 

[DonkeyOatie]

OK

Here's some comparison data. http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-GTX-970-vs-AMD-R9-270X/2577vs2188

The GTX 970 is about 80% faster.

Yes, the 970 and 980 will fit in your motherboard. I would not be overclocking that CPU on that motherboard.

If you want, you can leave the old drivers there. the XFX management software can be uninstalled like anything else.
The new software will install from a CD/DVD and give you all the tools you need. The computer I'm using has MSI, EVGA, and ASUS software on it for different GPUs. Did I understand what you meant correctly?

I look for bargains. Refurbished or open-box from the manufacturer or reputable dealer has worked for me many times, although I have never bought something from EVGA.

 

[Taylore12]

OK

Here's some comparison data. http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-GTX-970-vs-AMD-R9-270X/2577vs2188

The GTX 970 is about 80% faster.

Yes, the 970 and 980 will fit in your motherboard. I would not be overclocking that CPU on that motherboard.

If you want, you can leave the old drivers there. the XFX management software can be uninstalled like anything else.
The new software will install from a CD/DVD and give you all the tools you need. The computer I'm using has MSI, EVGA, and ASUS software on it for different GPUs. Did I understand what you meant correctly?

I look for bargains. Refurbished or open-box from the manufacturer or reputable dealer has worked for me many times, although I have never bought something from EVGA.

Thank you so much for the help

 

[DonkeyOatie]

I don't think that the extra cost of the GTX 980 is worth what you get.